{"id":373122,"date":"2018-05-08T15:27:41","date_gmt":"2018-05-08T20:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-marriage-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-05-11T00:30:16","modified_gmt":"2018-05-11T05:30:16","slug":"illinois-marriage-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-marriage-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Marriage Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois Marriage Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Although marriage is a common procedure, and technically is a contract between two individuals, the process typically doesn't require much intervention by legal professionals. Still, it's important to understand the basic laws governing marriage<\/a> before tying the knot. The following information will give you a snapshot of Illinois' marriage laws, including the basics of marriage licenses and how to change your name if you choose to do so.<\/p>\r\n

Illinois Marriage Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

If you're planning on getting married, you'd probably rather spend more time on your guest list and honeymoon plans than trying to decipher stuffy legal codes. We've made it easy for you by listing the pertinent details of Illinois marriage laws in the table below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Illinois Statutes Chapter 750, Section 5\/201<\/a>, et seq.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Marriage License<\/b><\/td>\r\n

In order to get a marriage license in Illinois<\/a>, you must meet the following requirements:<\/p>\r\n

Validity of Marriage<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Certain marriages are prohibited<\/a> in the state of Illinois, including:<\/p>\r\n

Marriage Age<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

As in other states, those wishing to marry in Illinois must meet minimum age requirements<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n

Ceremony and Solemnification of Marriage<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

In addition to having a valid marriage license, marriage in Illinois requires solemnification in order to be official. Once the ceremony takes place (i.e., the marriage is "solemnified"), the County Clerk's office will register the marriage.<\/p>\r\n

Those Authorized to Perform Weddings<\/i><\/p>\r\n

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  • State or federal judges (active or retired, although retired judges may not be paid);<\/li>\r\n
  • Illinois Court of Claims judges; or<\/li>\r\n
  • "in accordance with the prescriptions of any religious denomination, Indian Nation or Tribe, or Native Group."<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Illinois does not regulate the qualifications of the officiant. So as long as either party believes the officiant is qualified, the validity of the marriage generally will be upheld.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Changing Your Name<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

It's not necessary to change take your spouse's last name when getting married, but the practice remains quite common. If you choose to do so in Illinois, it's as easy as changing your name<\/a> while filling out your marriage certificate.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note<\/b>: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\r\n