Applying For A Marriage License

Couples getting married in Kane County must obtain a marriage license from the Kane County Clerk's office.

Timelines and restrictions

Marriage licenses are:

• effective only in Kane County
• issued while you wait
• effective the following calendar day after they are issued
• valid for 60 days

Eligibility

Under Illinois law, only eligible persons can marry. Both the bride and groom must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• be of opposite sex
• not be blood relatives
• Individuals who reside out of state may not apply for a marriage license in Illinois if such a marriage would not be legal in their home state.

Exceptions

• Under state law, first cousins older than 50 years of age may marry.
• Under state law, applicants who are 16 and 17 years old may obtain a marriage license with parental consent.

  Both parents or legal guardians must:

  • appear in person
  • provide sworn consent of the marriage at that time
  • provide valid identification
  • If a court-appointed legal guardian is providing consent, a certified copy of the appointment is required.

  Applicants who are 16 or 17 must present the following:

  • a certified copy of their birth certificate
  • a second form of identification showing their date of birth

Applying

Couples must appear together at:

Kane County Clerk
719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B
Geneva, IL 60134
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am-8:00pm
(630) 232-5950

They must:

• Fill out and sign a marriage license application.
• Present valid identification with proof of age.
• Pay a $27 fee (cash only).
• Applicants who have divorced within the last six weeks must provide a certified copy of their divorce decree upon applying for a marriage license.

Marriage

• Marriage in Illinois may be performed by either a person of the clergy or a judge.
• Witnesses are not required by Illinois law.
• Judges are available during the hours of 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
• Persons wishing to be married by a judge at other times must make special arrangements in advance.

After the marriage ceremony occurs

• The individual(s) performing the ceremony must complete the bottom portion of the marriage license and mail or deliver it within 10 days of the date of marriage to:

Kane County Clerk
719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B
Geneva, IL 60134
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am-8:00pm
(630) 232-5950

• If, for any reason, you do not get married within the 60 day time period, it is your responsibility to return the license to the Clerk's office to be filed.
• Under no circumstances should a license be destroyed after it is issued.
• You may obtain a copy of your marriage certificate upon request.

For more information call: (630) 232-5950

(*) = Documents Require Adobe Acrobat Reader

Kane County Clerk's Office, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B, P.O. Box 70, Geneva, IL 60134
For information call: (630) 232-5950 | En Espaņol llama: (630) 232-5991 | CountyClerk@co.kane.il.us