Illinois Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In Illinois, the cost of a marriage license varies by county and is set by each County Clerk's office, typically ranging from approximately $15 to $60. Applicants should confirm the exact fee amount with the specific county clerk's office where they plan to apply, as rates differ across jurisdictions.

Illinois imposes a one-day waiting period before a marriage license becomes effective; the license is valid beginning the day after it is issued. In emergency circumstances, a court order may allow the license to be used on the same day of issuance. Once effective, the license remains valid for 60 days and may be used only in the county where it was issued. The marriage ceremony must take place within that issuing county during the validity period.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full Illinois license guide → · Compare fee models by state →