• Age
• Identification Requirements
• Previous Marriages / Civil Unions
• Social Security Number
• Non-Residents
• Effective Date
• Fee
• Medical Examination
• Ceremony Performed by a Judge
• Requesting Copies of Marriage Record
• Map and Directions to Office

Marriage licenses obtained in Lake County, Illinois may not be used in any other county. Both applicants must apply in person at the Lake County Clerk's office for the marriage license. A license to marry becomes effective in the county where it was issued one (1) day after the date of issuance (unless the court orders the license is effective when issued) and expires sixty (60) days after it becomes effective. Applicants who do not speak or understand English must provide their own third-party interpreter. The marriage license application process takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.

Age
Both applicants must be present to obtain a license and be 18 years of age. Marriage applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age may marry in Illinois only when both parents or legal guardians complete a consent form at the time of the license application. Parental consent forms are available from the Lake County Clerk's office. Valid identification and the original birth record are required for applicants under the age of 18.

Identification Requirements
Both applicants must present identification and proof of age. A valid U.S. driver’s license, valid U.S. state identification card, valid U.S. passport, or valid U.S. military identification card are accepted.

Applicants must present valid identification displaying the exact name as it will appear on the license. For example, if it's desired to have the full middle name appear on the marriage license, then identification provided must display the full middle name.

If you do not have the above forms of identification, alternative identification accepted includes any two (2) pieces: a certified copy of a birth certificate (certified English translation required for foreign certificates), a valid foreign passport, U.S. naturalization papers, a valid U.S. resident alien card or an official consulate identification card. Personal affidavits are not acceptable.

Previous Marriages / Civil Unions
We must know how a previous marriage or civil union ended, including the date, county and state in which it ended. If a prior marriage or civil union ended within the last six months, the Lake County Clerk's office must see a certified copy (a photocopy is not sufficient) of the death record, dissolution, or annulment decree.

Social Security Number (if applicable)
If a Social Security number has been issued to you, you will be asked to provide the number on your marriage application.

Non-Residents
If either applicant resides in another state, a license will be issued only if the marriage would not be prohibited by the state of residency.

Effective Date
Marriage licenses must be obtained at least one day prior to the marriage. The marriage must take place in Lake County, Illinois and occur within 60 days of the date the license is issued. After 60 days, any license not completed (no marriage performed), is invalid.

Fee
$35 for marriage license application 
$10 for first certified copy
  $4 for each additional certified copy

Payment may be made in cash or by check/money order payable to the Lake County Clerk. Some credit and debit cards are accepted and include an additional processing fee. Certified copies of the completed Marriage License may be ordered and pre-paid at the time the license is issued. Certificates are mailed once the completed license is returned by the officiant.

Medical Examination
No medical tests are required in Illinois.

Clergy
The Lake County Clerk’s office is not an agent for any clergy or ministers and cannot provide contact information for those who perform non-sectarian services.

Ceremony Performed by a Judge

Judges for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court are available to perform ceremonies after regular court business is completed. No appointment is needed.
 
Requirements for the ceremony

• Valid marriage license issued by the Lake County Clerk at least one day prior
• $10 ceremony fee (cash only)
• Identification documents presented to the Lake County Clerk's office at time of license application
• Third-party interpreter if either person does not speak or understand English.  

Optional items for the ceremony

• Witnesses
• Rings
• Small group of family or friends

Available Hours and Locations
Check the court calendar or contact the Court Administration office by calling 847-377-3600  to confirm available hours and ceremony location.

	Days and times	Location	Special Instructions
Weekday ceremonies	Monday - Friday   2:30 PM to 4 PM	Lake County Main Courthouse and Administrative Complex, 18 North County Street, Waukegan, Illinois	Begin at the Circuit Court Clerk's office located at 18 North County Street, Waukegan, lower level of the Annex Building to pay the $10 ceremony fee. The Circuit Court Clerk will then direct you and your marriage party to the courtroom for the ceremony
Weekend ceremonies	Saturday 9:30 AM to 11 AM	Lake County Court Tower,  301 Washington Street, Waukegan, Illinois Building entrance is near the corner of County and Washington Streets.	Arrive close to starting time and check in with the deputy at the security desk. $10 ceremony fee (cash only) is then collected.
	Sunday 9 AM ONLY	Lake County Court Tower, 301 Washington Street, Waukegan, Illinois Building entrance is near the corner of County and Washington Streets.	Arrive close to starting time and check in with the deputy at the security desk. $10 ceremony fee (cash only) is then collected. On Sunday, the judge will leave once all court business and any known marriages are completed.

   
Ceremony Information Line

The court sponsors a Marriage Information Line (847-377-3999) to assist in answering questions concerning marriage by a judge. Selections are recorded in both English and Spanish.