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Marriage Licenses
Vital Records Office Hours
Monday to Thursday
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
See calendar to the right for exceptions to these hours.
- 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
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.
- 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.
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County Clerk
Physical Address
18 N County Street
Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-377-2400Fax: 847-984-5822