Marriage License and Certificates

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Where to Apply Marriage licenses are issued at the office of the Montgomery County Clerk, Historic Courthouse, Hillsboro. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is important to note that a marriage license is valid only in the county in which it is issued. Age requirements In order to be married in Illinois, a person must be at least 18 years of age. Persons 16 or 17 years of age may marry only with the consent of both parents. Contact the County Clerk's office for details. When applying for a marriage license, it will be necessary to show proof of age. If you are less than 18 years of age, you must have a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are 18 years of age or older, a driver's license or legal photo ID is required. Marriage license fees The fee for a marriage license is $45, which must be paid at the time the license is issued. Certified copies of the license may be obtained for a fee of $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Procedure A couple may NOT be married until one day after the license is issued and must be married within 60 days from the date of issuance and only in Montgomery County. Marriage in Illinois may be performed by either a person of the clergy or a judge. Witnesses are not required by Illinois law. If you wish to be married by a judge, contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (217) 532-9546. After the marriage, the officiant performing the ceremony must return the completed license to the County Clerk's office within 10 days. If, for any reason, you are not married, 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. Certified Copy Marriage records have been recorded in Montgomery County, Illinois, since 1821. A certified copy of your marriage license issued by Montgomery County may be obtained from the County Clerk's office. Requests should include the maiden name of the bride, the name of the groom, the date of the marriage, and a fee of $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Please note: Absolutely no information can be given over the telephone regarding Vital Records. In addition, under Illinois State Law (410 ILCS 535-Vital Records Act) only specific individuals have legal access to birth, death, or marriage certificates. The Montgomery County Clerk's Office will issue certificates to authorized individuals only. To do otherwise is a violation of Illinois Law. Vital Records are not considered public information, nor are they subject to the Freedom of Information Act. >> Marriage License Request Form - PDF