The Cook County Clerk's office is the official record keeper for marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Cook County Vital Records provides copies of these documents to eligible individuals upon request.
Visitors can find more information on each topic by selecting the corresponding topic to the right.
Getting married? Begin your Marriage License application online here!
Marriage Licenses ($60)Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, a couple must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office within 60 days of the ceremony. |
Civil Union Licenses ($60)Before formalizing a union in Chicago or suburban Cook County, a couple must obtain a civil union license from the Cook County Clerk's office within 60 days of the ceremony. |
|
Marriage Certificates ($15)After a marriage ceremony takes place, the officiant files the license with Cook County Vital Records, and then a copy of the marriage certificate may be purchased. Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each at the time of request. |
Civil Union Certificates ($15)After a civil union ceremony takes place, the officiant files the license with Cook County Vital Records, and then a copy of the civil union certificate may be purchased. Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each at the time of request. |
|
Gender-Updated or Nongendered Certificates ($15)A person who is currently married may receive a nongendered copy of their marriage certificate. Additionally, a married couple may change their gender identifiers on their marriage certificate. Both affidavits and instructions can be found here. |
Cook County Vital Records also offers specialty certificates for marriages and civil unions. Commemorative Certificates are art-quality canvas certificates in a frame-ready size. Wallet certificates are ideal for carrying in your wallet or pocket as proof of your union.
Note: No new domestic partnerships have been issued since May 31, 2011. Rather, same-sex couples may now apply for a marriage license or a civil union license.