Marriage records in Cook County, Illinois, can be accessed through several channels. CookCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Cook County. You can also request records directly from the Cook County Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. Records are available online through the county's vital records portal, in person at the Clerk's downtown Chicago office, or by mail. The Illinois Department of Public Health also maintains statewide marriage indexes.
Cook County Marriage Records Search
The Cook County Clerk's office is the issuing authority for marriage licenses and the custodian of marriage records in Cook County. Under Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/209), the county clerk of the county where the marriage license was issued files and maintains the official record.
Cook County's marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage license applications
- Issued marriage licenses
- Returned and recorded marriage certificates
- Historical marriage records dating back to 1871 (earlier records were largely destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire)
The Clerk's office can search records by the names of either spouse and the approximate date of the marriage. For older or historical records, the Illinois State Archives may also hold indexes.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Cook County
Fees for marriage record services at the Cook County Clerk's office are set by county ordinance. The following table reflects current fees as published by the office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $15.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order) | $4.00 |
| Marriage license search/verification | No separate fee when ordering a copy |
Payment methods accepted in person include cash, money order, and certified check. For mail requests, send a money order or certified check payable to the Cook County Clerk. Processing times for mail requests typically range from four to six weeks. In-person requests are usually processed the same day if the record is located.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Cook County
There are three ways to obtain a marriage certificate from Cook County:
Online
The Cook County Clerk's office offers online ordering for vital records, including marriage certificates, through its vital records portal. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses and the date of the marriage. Third-party vendor processing fees may apply in addition to the standard copy fee. The state of Illinois also provides a public records search that can point you toward the correct office for older records.
In Person
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Cook County Clerk's downtown office during regular business hours. No appointment is required. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. If you are requesting a record for someone else, you may need to show proof of your relationship or a signed authorization.
By Mail
To order by mail, send the following to the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the marriage, and the purpose of the request
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A money order or certified check for the applicable fee, payable to the Cook County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Allow four to six weeks for processing. If the Clerk's office cannot locate the record, the fee is typically refunded or a "no record found" letter is issued.
For marriages that ended in divorce, the Domestic Relations Division of the Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains dissolution records separately. The Illinois Department of Public Health also keeps statewide dissolution of marriage indexes. Contact the Circuit Court of Cook County for certified copies of divorce decrees.