Getting Married?

Please read the following information below on How to Apply for a Marriage License.

Marriage Licenses are issued Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. (Closed on Holidays)

When To Apply:
Both parties must appear at the Office of the County Clerk. The license must be obtained at least 1 day prior to being used. The license is void 60 days after the effective date. The license must be used in Christian County, Illinois.

Fee:
The fee for a marriage license is $75.00, CASH ONLY.

Qualifications For Receiving a Marriage License:

REQUIRED INFORMATION:
Please review the sample application at the end of the instruction brochure. Knowing all of this information in advance of your visit will greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to process your application. (Important information to know includes: the date your most recent divorce or civil union dissolution was finalized, the spelling of your parents full names, and the place of birth for yourself and your parents.)

AGE REQUIREMENT:
In order to be married in Illinois without parental consent, you must be at least 18 years of age. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, both parents must sign a parental consent form in the County Clerk’s Office and have a valid Driver’s License or State ID for identification at the time you apply for your license. If it is not possible for your parents to sign in this office, it may be done before the County Clerk in your parent’s County. If a parent is deceased, a death certificate, proof of guardianship or court order waiving consent must be presented.

PROOF OF AGE:
It will be necessary to show proof of age when applying for a marriage license. A valid Driver’s License or State Photo ID is acceptable. For those under the age of 18, a certified copy of their birth record is necessary.

NON-RESIDENTS:
Non-residents should not obtain a marriage license if the said marriage would be void in their state.

RETURN OF LICENSE:
The Officiant to the ceremony must return the license to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days after the date of the marriage. An envelope is provided for the license’s return. If, for any reason, you are not married, it is your responsibility to return the license to the County Clerk’s office to be filed. Under no circumstances should a license be destroyed after it is issued.

USE OF MARRIAGE LICENSE:
Your marriage license must be obtained in the County in Illinois where the marriage will take place. The licenses are not transferable to any other county or state. If you are not sure as to what county the particular city of marriage is located, contact this office for assistance. Marriage in Illinois may be performed by either a person of the clergy or a judge. Witnesses are not required by Illinois law. The license becomes valid the day AFTER it is issued and is valid for 60 days.

MARRIAGE BY A JUDGE:
If you wish to be married by a Judge, please contact the Christian County Circuit Clerk at: 217-824-4966 for more information.

PUBLISHING NAMES IN NEWSPAPERS:
Generally, the names of couples who apply for a marriage license are published in area newspapers. The list is sent weekly to the newspapers, and the names are published at their discretion. If you do not want your name to appear in the newspaper, please let the County Clerk staff know this request at the time of license issuance. Since this information is of public record, we can not guarantee your request for privacy will be granted.

*Click here for the Marriage or Civil Union License Application Online*
The online form will help speed up the application process!

You may also apply in person at:

The office of the Christian County Clerk & Recorder
101 S Main Street
Taylorville, IL  62568
Our office is located on the second floor of the Historic Christian County Courthouse.

** Both parties are still required to visit the County Clerk’s Office
to complete the application process! (Photo ID is Required)

Need A Certified Copy of A Marriage Certificate?

The Clerk provides same day issuance of certifications of all vital records to qualified applicants. The marriages date back to 1839. 

The Clerk’s office will only have the vital records on file for events that occur within Christian County. All vital records for events from 1916 forward are also on file with the State Department of Public Health’s Division of Vital Records. For general information on the availability of records and for frequently asked questions, click here to access the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.

You can do a preliminary search of records to verify that we have the record before you call or go online by Clicking Here. 

ONLINE REQUESTS:

You can make a request online through the ORO (Official Records Online) portal by Clicking Here.  Online payment methods include debit card or credit card and will include a one-time service fee of $10.00

IN PERSON REQUESTS:

The office of the Christian County Clerk & Recorder
101 S Main Street
Taylorville, IL  62568
Our office is located on the second floor of the Historic Christian County Courthouse.

Fees:

• $18.00 – 1st Certified Copy
• $  6.00 – Each Additional Certified Copy