Learn How to Find an Illinois Marriage Certificate

If you are looking for Illinois marriage records, you may have some challenges ahead of you. This state's territory may have been among the earliest settled in the Midwest, but Illinois marriages had never been too well documented. Among its vital records, births and deaths have been registered on a fairly consolidated, statewide basis from January 1st, 1916. In individual counties, some records may have been kept from as early as 1871, and occasionally even earlier for other territories such as those holding Chicago marriage certificates.

Illinois marriage records mostly continue to be maintained at the county level even today. The state government has only kept an index to them since 1962.

In order to obtain these records, you must write to the clerk in the relevant county for Illinois marriage certificates dated prior to 1962. For birth and death records after 1916, and marriages after 1962, you must write to the Illinois State Vital Records Office, Division of Vital Records, 605 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62702-5097.

How to Write Effective Request Letters for Your Illinois Marriage Certificate

•    Keep your letters brief and topical. Do not be long-winded. People who know say to make no more than two requests in one letter about Illinois marriage data. The letter may simply bounce back and forth between departments, causing avoidable delay.
•    Submit all possible data about the marriage.
•    Where people go by more than one name, mention all of them, including nicknames and alternate spellings.
•    Be accurate about the Illinois marriage date. If you are less than sure, you will need to specify a time span for searching. Try to keep that narrow – you will have to pay for the period under search.
•    Do not send payments in advance. Not knowing how many pages the Illinois marriage deed will fill, you may end up paying more or less than needed. Making adjustments later may cause avoidable confusion and delay.
•    Instead, send a blank check. Under the "$__________" line of the check, write, ideally in red ink, "Not to exceed $__.00", the maximum likely amount. Then remember to sign it!
•    It is safest to write two letters. The first should state your needs, plus all relevant information, plus a request for charges payable.  The second should include your check.
•    Remember to enclose a stamped and self-addressed envelope.
•    State and county offices are often under-staffed, and genealogical research is not part of their job! They would appreciate all the patience and courtesy you can extend.

Applying for an Illinois Marriage Certificate Copy

If you are requesting a copy of an Illinois marriage certificate, make sure you include the following:
 
•    Husband’s full name (last name in caps)
•    Wife’s full maiden name (last name in caps)
•    Marriage date 
•    Marriage location 
•    Relationship to you 
•    Why the record is needed
•    Your name & address
•    Your driver's license number & state (some counties require it)
•    Your signature

You Must be Granted an Illinois Marriage Certificate Request

Did you know that the state and the county administrations in the US are legally bound to maintain vital statistics including birth, death and marriage records? Did you also know that they are legally bound to provide you with a copy when you place the request?

This means that when you place an application, you are sure to get your copy. All you need to do is ensure that you send a complete request to the right place.