Marriage and Civil Union (2024)

Couples interested in being joined in marriage or civil union may obtain a valid marriage or civil union license from the Cook County Clerk.

Marriages and civil unions are performed in Chicago and all of the suburban municipal district courthouses.

A valid marriage or civil union license and a $10 administrative fee are required. Couplesmust obtain a marriage or civil union license at least one (1) day, but no longer than 60 days,prior tothe ceremony.

Couples should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to closing. Times and restrictions vary by location, so it is recommended that couples call in advance to confirm location details.

Courthouse Information

    1st District - Chicago

    1st District - Chicago

    In-person and virtual (Zoom) marriage and civil union ceremonies are available for couples in Chicago.

    For those interested in an in-person marriage or civil union, no prior scheduling is required. Ceremonies are held Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. In-person ceremonies are held at 119 W. Randolph St. (Lower Level).

    For couples who would prefer a virtual ceremony (Zoom), please call (312) 603-5660 to schedule a ceremony.

    Parties are required to have a license from the Cook County Clerk, a valid form of identification and the $10 administrative fee.Additional information is available in General Administrative Order 2023-03.

    DayHoursScheduling
    Mondays9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Virtual (Zoom) - Call for Appointment
    Tuesday - Friday

    9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

    2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

    In-Person - No Appointment Needed
    Saturdays9 a.m. - 12 p.m.By Appointment Only
    Sundays and
    Court Holidays
    Closed

    2nd District - Skokie

    2nd District - Skokie

    Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Skokie Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (847) 470-7200 or visit the Skokie Courthouse in person.

    Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Couples must check in no later than 2:30 p.m. on the day of their ceremony. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

    Parties should check into Room 219 of the Skokie Courthouse and then are assigned an available courtroom for the ceremony. Licenses may be obtained from the Clerk in Room 149.

    Up to 15 guests are permitted to attend. Picture taking is allowed only in the room where the ceremony is performed.

    Special Requests

    • Forcouples requesting to have a ceremony performed by a judge at a location other than theSecond Municipal District courthouse, the court can provide the phone number for the Illinois Judge's Association for retired judge contact information.
    • Formilitary weddings, the Office of the Presiding Judge will facilitate the paperwork required bythe County Clerk’s Office to have it completed on the same day.

    3rd District - Rolling Meadows

    Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse.

    Scheduled Monday through Friday at 3 p.m., check in by 2:30 p.m. in Room 205L

    Closed Saturday, Sunday and court holidays.

    At Marriage and Civil Union Court, couples are joined in marriage or civil union by a Cook County judge.

    A valid marriage or civil union license and a $10 (cash only) administrative fee are required.

    There is no Cook County Clerk's office at the Third Municipal Courthouse. Marriage and civil union licenses may be obtained at the Cook County Clerk's offices at courthouses in Skokie, Maywood or downtown. After the ceremony, the license is returned to the couple, and they can bring it back to the courthouse where it was obtained to be recorded.

    After couples have obtained their license, they may schedule an appointment through the Presiding Judge’s Office. To make an appointment, call (847) 818-2286.

    Picture taking is allowed ONLY in the courtroom where the ceremony is being performed.No video cameras are allowed.

    4th District - Maywood

    4th District - Maywood

    Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Maywood Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (708) 865-6060.

    Appointments are available Monday through Friday. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

    Appointments will only be accepted for couples with their license. A marriage and civil union license may be obtained at the Whitcomb Building, 1311 Maybrook Drive, Maywood.

    Ceremonies are held in the Maywood Courthouse. Picture taking and videotaping are allowed only in the courtroom in which the ceremony is being performed.

    Certified copies of the license or certificate are available from the Whitcomb Building 10 to 14 business days after the date of the ceremony.

    5th District - Bridgeview

    5th District - Bridgeview

    Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Bridgeview Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (708) 974-6290.

    Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Couples must check in no later than 2:30 p.m. on the day of their ceremony. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

    Appointments will only be accepted for couples with their license. Couples are responsible for bringing their marriage or civil union license and a $10 (cash only) fee on the day of the ceremony.

    Ceremonies are held in the Bridgeview Courthouse. Picture taking is allowed only in the courtroom in which the ceremony is being performed. No video cameras allowed.

    6th District - Markham

    6th District - Markham

    Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Markham Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (708) 232-4169.

    Appointments are available Monday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

    Appointments will only be accepted for couples with their license. Couples are responsible for bringing their marriage or civil union license on the day of the ceremony.

    Licenses may be obtained through the Cook County Clerk's Office located in Room 238 of the Markham Courthouse.

    Ceremonies are held in the Markham Courthouse, Room 299. Picture taking is allowed only in the courtroom in which the ceremony is being performed. No video cameras allowed.

      1st District - Chicago

      1st District - Chicago

      In-person and virtual (Zoom) marriage and civil union ceremonies are available for couples in Chicago.

      For those interested in an in-person marriage or civil union, no prior scheduling is required. Ceremonies are held Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. In-person ceremonies are held at 119 W. Randolph St. (Lower Level).

      For couples who would prefer a virtual ceremony (Zoom), please call (312) 603-5660 to schedule a ceremony.

      Parties are required to have a license from the Cook County Clerk, a valid form of identification and the $10 administrative fee.Additional information is available in General Administrative Order 2023-03.

      DayHoursScheduling
      Mondays9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Virtual (Zoom) - Call for Appointment
      Tuesday - Friday

      9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

      2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

      In-Person - No Appointment Needed
      Saturdays9 a.m. - 12 p.m.By Appointment Only
      Sundays and
      Court Holidays
      Closed

      2nd District - Skokie

      2nd District - Skokie

      Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Skokie Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (847) 470-7200 or visit the Skokie Courthouse in person.

      Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Couples must check in no later than 2:30 p.m. on the day of their ceremony. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

      Parties should check into Room 219 of the Skokie Courthouse and then are assigned an available courtroom for the ceremony. Licenses may be obtained from the Clerk in Room 149.

      Up to 15 guests are permitted to attend. Picture taking is allowed only in the room where the ceremony is performed.

      Special Requests

      • Forcouples requesting to have a ceremony performed by a judge at a location other than theSecond Municipal District courthouse, the court can provide the phone number for the Illinois Judge's Association for retired judge contact information.
      • Formilitary weddings, the Office of the Presiding Judge will facilitate the paperwork required bythe County Clerk’s Office to have it completed on the same day.

      3rd District - Rolling Meadows

      3rd District - Rolling Meadows

      Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse.

      Scheduled Monday through Friday at 3 p.m., check in by 2:30 p.m. in Room 205L

      Closed Saturday, Sunday and court holidays.

      At Marriage and Civil Union Court, couples are joined in marriage or civil union by a Cook County judge.

      A valid marriage or civil union license and a $10 (cash only) administrative fee are required.

      There is no Cook County Clerk's office at the Third Municipal Courthouse. Marriage and civil union licenses may be obtained at the Cook County Clerk's offices at courthouses in Skokie, Maywood or downtown. After the ceremony, the license is returned to the couple, and they can bring it back to the courthouse where it was obtained to be recorded.

      After couples have obtained their license, they may schedule an appointment through the Presiding Judge’s Office. To make an appointment, call (847) 818-2286.

      Picture taking is allowed ONLY in the courtroom where the ceremony is being performed.No video cameras are allowed.

      4th District - Maywood

      4th District - Maywood

      Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Maywood Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (708) 865-6060.

      Appointments are available Monday through Friday. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

      Appointments will only be accepted for couples with their license. A marriage and civil union license may be obtained at the Whitcomb Building, 1311 Maybrook Drive, Maywood.

      Ceremonies are held in the Maywood Courthouse. Picture taking and videotaping are allowed only in the courtroom in which the ceremony is being performed.

      Certified copies of the license or certificate are available from the Whitcomb Building 10 to 14 business days after the date of the ceremony.

      5th District - Bridgeview

      5th District - Bridgeview

      Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Bridgeview Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (708) 974-6290.

      Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Couples must check in no later than 2:30 p.m. on the day of their ceremony. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

      Appointments will only be accepted for couples with their license. Couples are responsible for bringing their marriage or civil union license and a $10 (cash only) fee on the day of the ceremony.

      Ceremonies are held in the Bridgeview Courthouse. Picture taking is allowed only in the courtroom in which the ceremony is being performed. No video cameras allowed.

      6th District - Markham

      6th District - Markham

      Marriage and civil union ceremonies are available by appointment only at the Markham Courthouse. To make an appointment, call the Office of the Presiding Judge at (708) 232-4169.

      Appointments are available Monday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. No appointments are available on Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays.

      Appointments will only be accepted for couples with their license. Couples are responsible for bringing their marriage or civil union license on the day of the ceremony.

      Licenses may be obtained through the Cook County Clerk's Office located in Room 238 of the Markham Courthouse.

      Ceremonies are held in the Markham Courthouse, Room 299. Picture taking is allowed only in the courtroom in which the ceremony is being performed. No video cameras allowed.

      Marriage and Civil Union (2024)

      FAQs

      What's the difference between a civil union and marriage? ›

      A civil union (also known as a civil partnership) is a legal arrangement between two people that provides state-level legal protections. Though they have many of the same legal protections as a marriage, civil unions are recognized only by individual states rather than by federal law, unlike with a marriage.

      What are the disadvantages of a civil union? ›

      While civil unions provide legal recognition at the state level, they are not recognized federally. This means that couples in civil unions may not be entitled to certain federal benefits and protections that married couples enjoy, such as access to federal tax benefits and immigration benefits.

      What are the benefits of a civil union over marriage? ›

      If a couple is in a civil union, they get inheritance rights, employment benefits, property, parental rights, and more. These rights, however, vary by state—and not every state recognizes civil unions.

      What is the difference between marriage and domestic union? ›

      Married partners can share property and make decisions about each other's health care, children, and finances; domestic partners cannot make any of those decisions on behalf of their partner.

      What is the difference between a civil union and a sacramental marriage? ›

      As a sacrament, then, matrimony differs enormously from a civil ceremony, which is a state-sanctioned contract. Matrimony alone establishes and sanctifies a three-way bond: husband, wife and God. Such a partnership, infused with God's presence and grace, is built to last for a lifetime, not for the wedding day alone.

      What are the federal benefits of marriage? ›

      Government Benefits

      Receiving Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits for spouses. Receiving veterans' and military benefits for spouses, such as those for education, medical care, or special loans. Receiving public assistance benefits.

      What is a union between a man and a woman called? ›

      marriage, a legally and socially sanctioned union, usually between a man and a woman, that is regulated by laws, rules, customs, beliefs, and attitudes that prescribe the rights and duties of the partners and accords status to their offspring (if any).

      Is civil union the same as common law? ›

      Unlike a common law marriage, couples seeking a civil union must apply for a license, similar to a traditional marriage. Civil union provides couples all the same rights and protections as a marriage, only on a state level rather than a national level.

      What are the cons of civil law? ›

      Rigidity: Civil law's reliance on codified laws can sometimes result in inflexibility when addressing unique or novel situations. The strict interpretation of laws may limit the ability to adapt to emerging societal issues.

      How does civil partnership affect marriage? ›

      A civil union or comprehensive domestic partnership is a separate legal status available in some states that provides all or nearly all the specific rights and responsibilities provided to married persons under state law. However, they do not provide most of the federal benefits of marriage.

      What is the difference between a wedding and a marriage? ›

      What's the difference between a marriage and a wedding? Marriage is a legal contract usually comprising 40 words plus your names and your signatures witnessed in a register. A wedding is the ceremonial celebration. The marriage and the wedding can be together, or at different times… that's when it gets exciting!

      Does Florida recognize civil unions? ›

      Also, opposite-sex couples can register if at least one party is 62 years of age or older. In states like Florida, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Ohio, there are no statewide domestic partner benefits. There is no statewide legal recognition of civil unions.

      What does civil union mean married? ›

      A civil union is a legal relationship between two people that provides legal protections only at the state level. A civil union is not a marriage. They do not provide federal protections, benefits, or responsibilities to couples. Civil unions are not recognized by all states.

      What states do not recognize domestic partnerships? ›

      Some states, such as Florida, New York, and Texas, do not provide for domestic partnerships at the state level. However, exceptions do exist. The same is true in Florida, where state-wide provisions for registering domestic partnerships do not exist.

      What is the union between husband and wife? ›

      The spouses' union achieves the twofold end of marriage: the good of the spouses themselves and the transmission of life. The bond between husband and wife is both conjugal and procreative. Conjugal mutual love and fidelity is the unitive aspect of marriage.

      What qualifies as a civil union in Illinois? ›

      Illinois has had civil unions since 2011. A civil union is between 2 people of either the same or opposite sex who are 18 years of age and not blood relatives. A civil union can be converted into a marriage, a marriage cannot be converted into a civil union.

      Is a civil union the same as marriage in New Jersey? ›

      Civil union couples receive the legal benefits and protections and are subject to the legal responsibilities provided under New Jersey law to married couples. But a civil union is not a marriage. The legislature reserved the status of a marriage for different-sex couples.

      Is the civil union recognized in Florida? ›

      Florida does not allow civil unions under any circ*mstances. The only states that recognize civil unions are Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, and New Jersey.

      What is a marital union? ›

      USCIS considers an applicant to “live in marital union” with his or her citizen spouse if the applicant and the citizen actually reside together.

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