Marriage and Civil Union Court

Marriage and Civil Union

For procedures during COVID-19 restrictions, please click here.

For information on scheduling a marriage or civil union ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic, please click here.

First Municipal District (Chicago)
Marriage and Civil Union Court
119 West Randolph Street, Lower Level
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone: (312) 603-5660
Hours: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday through Friday
2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday
Closed on Sunday and court holidays

At Marriage and Civil Union Court, couples are joined in marriage or civil union by a Cook County judge. A valid marriage or civil union license and a $10.00 administrative fee are required.

Couples should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to closing.

Marriages and civil unions are also performed at the suburban municipal district courthouses. Times and restrictions vary so call in advance. Please select from below for details:

Second Municipal District (Skokie, IL)
Fourth Municipal District (Maywood, IL)
Fifth Municipal District (Bridgeview, IL)
Sixth Municipal District (Markham, IL)

Licenses
Requirements
Who can attend

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I obtain a marriage or civil union license?

Marriage and civil union licenses may be purchased at the Cook County Clerk’s Bureau of Vital Records, Marriage Division.

Call (312) 603-5664 or go to www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/marriagelicenses for office locations.

Where can I obtain an official marriage or civil union certificate?

You may purchase a certified copy of your certificate from the Cook County Clerk’s Bureau of Vital Records.

Call (312) 603-7793 or visit www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/marriagecertificates for office locations.

Can I make an appointment for my marriage or civil union?

Appointments are required for ceremonies performed at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Appointments also are accepted at any of the following suburban courthouses:

- Second Municipal District (Skokie), (847) 470-7200
- Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows), (847) 818-2286
- Fourth Municipal District (Maywood), (708) 865-6060
- Fifth Municipal District (Bridgeview), (708) 974-6286
- Sixth Municipal District (Markham), (708) 232-4170

Do I need a witness or witnesses for the ceremony?

No, witnesses are not necessary. However, you may bring up to 15 guests to view your ceremony. Couples joined at the Cultural Center may only bring 20 guests due to time constraints.

What are the hours for Marriage and Civil Union Court?

Hours at 119 West Randolph are:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon, then 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Closed on Sunday.

We ask that couples arrive no later than one half hour (30 minutes) prior to closing.