Marriage Certificates

The Cook County Clerk's office keeps official records of marriages that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

A marriage license is filed with the Clerk's office after the marriage ceremony takes place. The officiant performing the ceremony completes and signs your marriage license and returns it to the Clerk's office, where it is recorded.

After that occurs, the Clerk's office can issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate upon request. Marriage certificates are not automatically sent to couples.

 Are you a bargain hunter?

If you would like a keepsake or gift as well as a certified marriage certificate, our beautiful, art-quality commemorative certificates come with a FREE certified copy. To view commemorative certificate designs, visit our commemorative certificate store.

Requesting a marriage certificate

If you are purchasing a commemorative certificate, which comes with a FREE certified marriage certificate, you must order online at our commemorative certificate store or visit us at one of our six office locations.

For just a certified marriage certificate, you may order in one of five ways:

1. Order Online
2. Order By Phone
• Call Toll-Free: (866) 252-8974
3. Write us
• Mail your request to:
  Cook County Clerk David Orr
  Bureau of Vital Records
  P.O. Box 641070
  Chicago, IL 60664-1070
• Include the following items:
• a completed Marriage Certificate Request Form*
• a photocopy of your photo identification
• a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk for $15 (additional copies of the same record cost $4 each)
• a self-addressed stamped envelope
• Note: Be sure to include your phone number with your mail request.
4. Go to a local Currency Exchange
• Call (847) 759-8905 for Currency Exchange hours and locations in Chicago and suburban Cook County, or visit www.mycurrencyexchange.com.
• There is a $5 surcharge for records obtained at Currency Exchanges.
5. Visit us in person at one of the Clerk's six locations