Marriage Certificates

A marriage license is filed with the Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records after the marriage ceremony takes place. The officiant performing the ceremony completes and signs the marriage license and returns it to the Clerk's office, where it is recorded.

After that occurs, the Clerk's office can issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate upon request. Marriage certificates are not automatically sent to couples.

Three types of marriage certificates

Standard Certificates

Certified legal copies of marriage records are $15 and $4 for each additional copy. Five ways to order are shown below.

$15

Wallet Certificates

A set of (2) wallet-sized marriage or civil union records are $15 and $4 for each additional copy. Although smaller, these records are also certified legal copies of your marriage or civil union and perfect for carrying in your pocket. Order in person at one of our four office locations (same-day service available only at our downtown office) or fill out a Request Form and apply by mail. Not available online.

$15

Commemorative Certificates

Art-quality commemorative certificates of a marriage or civil union make an ideal keepsake or gift. Choose from ten original designs by local artists. Ready to frame and printed on canvas, commemorative certificates are $65 and include a free certified legal record. Order online at our commemorative certificate store or visit one of our six office locations.

$65

Requesting a standard marriage certificate

Order one of five ways:

• You will need to know the place of marriage or civil union (City, Town, or Village in Cook County), the partners’ names (maiden name if applicable), and the date of marriage or civil union.
• In addition to the standard record fees, VitalChek online orders charge $13.45 for processing and standard postage.
• After the order has been approved, processing time averages 10-15 business days for regular mail orders and 5-10 business days for UPS orders.
• Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover) and checks are accepted.

4. Order by Mail

Mail your request to:
Cook County Clerk's Office
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070

a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk for $15 (additional copies of the same record cost $4 each at the time of request)

• Call (847) 759-8905 for Currency Exchange hours and locations in Chicago and suburban Cook County, or visit www.mycurrencyexchange.com .
• There is a $5 surcharge for records obtained at Currency Exchanges.

Requesting a WALLET marriage certificate

Order one of two ways (NOT available online):

Visit us in person at one of the Clerk's four locations.

• Same-day delivery available only at our downtown office.

Mail your request to:
Cook County Clerk's Office
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070

• Same-day delivery available only at our downtown office.
• Include the following items:

- a completed Marriage Certificate Request Form*
- a photocopy of your photo identification
- a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk for $15
(additional copies of the same record cost $4 each)
- a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Note: Be sure to include your phone number with your mail request.

Requesting a COMMEMORATIVE marriage certificate

Order one of two ways:

Visit us in person at one of the Clerk's locations.

Same-day delivery available only at our downtown office.