How to get your marriage license in Springfield, Illinois!
Getting your marriage license is such an exciting time! Not only does it mean that it’s real, but that it’s real close now, too!
I distinctly remember driving to the courthouse, parking and walking into the courthouse to get my marriage license. I remember what the clerk looked like. I remember the outfit I wore. I don’t know why, but it made it all seem truly official. All the work, the planning, the dreaming – doing this one single action item made it seem like the finish line was finally in sight!
You will have already picked the dress at this point, decided catering and know what your first dance will be.
The invitations have been sent out and there is truly only one thing left to do: Get married. It’s bittersweet, really. There’s still plenty of time left for excitement, but at this point there really shouldn’t be left to do but wait.
One thing you will need to think about (after you sign the marriage certificate), it must be sent back and registered (in the county you got married in) within 10 days. This is normally the couple’s responsibility. However, discuss this with your officiant. Some of them, such as Nick, handle all of the paperwork himself as part of his duties, so that it’s one less thing the couple needs to handle the night of their wedding.
Don’t forget, when you get married, you will need to get copies of your marriage license. It is fastest, easiest and cheapest to get all your copies at once. Usually, the first copy will be the more expensive one(roughly $25) and the remaining copies will be significantly cheaper (about $15). This is the time to stock up and get at least 5-7 if possible.
If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to call us and we can help!
Here’s a Sangamon County-specific step-by-step guide to getting your marriage license in Illinois — tailored to the latest local procedures and requirements:
📍 Where the Marriage License Is Issued in Springfield, IL.
Sangamon County Clerk – Vital Records Office
Sangamon County Complex
200 S. Ninth Street, Room 101
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 753-6700
📆 Timing: When to Apply
You must apply at least 1 day before your wedding date and no more than 60 days before it.
Plan ahead — especially in spring/summer — to ensure there’s time to complete all steps before your ceremony.
📝 Step-by-Step: Applying for Your License
1. Start Your Application Online
You and your partner can begin the process online via Sangamon County’s marriage license system. This lets you submit all required information in advance.
Typical info you’ll enter online includes:
Full names (including maiden names if any)
Birthdates and places of birth
Addresses
Social Security numbers
Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
Relationship information and basic stats like prior marriages
You’ll also pay the $75 license fee online (or pay later in person if directed).
2. Finish in Person at the Clerk’s Office
After submitting your online application and payment:
✔️ The Clerk’s staff will call you when the application is processed.
✔️ Both partners must come in person to the Clerk’s Office to pick up the physical license and show acceptable ID.
Acceptable IDs include:
Valid driver’s license
Valid state-issued ID
Valid U.S. passport
Valid military ID
(Non-U.S. citizens should bring a valid passport.)
💵 Fees
Marriage license fee: $75 — payable by cash, check, money order, or most major cards.
Judge ceremony fee: If you choose a courthouse wedding, there is an additional $10 fee paid to the Circuit Clerk.
💍 Special Situations
👩❤️👨 Out-of-State Residents
You may obtain a Sangamon County license as long as your ceremony happens in Sangamon County within 60 days.
👰🏻♂️ Ceremony Options
🤵 Civil Judge Wedding at the County Courthouse
The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court performs ceremonies in Room 404 at the Sangamon County Complex.
Key details:
Schedule your date by calling (217) 535-3186 at least two weeks ahead.
Ceremonies are typically Monday–Friday (times vary).
Must have your marriage license before scheduling.
No witness is required, though guests may attend.
You can also marry elsewhere (church, officiant, etc.) — as long as the license is valid for Sangamon County and the officiant returns it after the ceremony.
💡 After the Wedding
Once your ceremony is complete and the bottom part of your license is signed by the officiant, it must be returned to the Clerk’s Office to be recorded. After that:
📄 You can order certified copies of your marriage record (great for name changes, insurance, etc.) for a separate fee — usually via mail or online.
🛑 Important Reminders
No blood test is required.
Both parties must appear in person to pick up the license.
The license is only valid for 60 days in the county where it’s issued.
Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:
Irish Hills Wedding Barn: www.irishhissweddingbarn.com
Vineyard at St. Charles: www.vineyardsatstcharles.com
Century Farms: www.centuryfarmsohio.com
The Gathering Place: www.thegatheringplaceil.com
The Ballroom at Parklane: www.thebarllroomatparklane.com