Learn How to Find a Chicago Marriage Certificate

If you are looking for a Chicago marriage certificate, there are a few points to note. In the State of Illinois as a whole, marriages have never been too well documented by the state. Parish churches have likely made a better job of it. In fact, despite the long history of settlement in the territory, the state began to maintain birth and death records only since 1916. Marriage records have fared worse.

Like the rest of the State of Illinois, marriage records in the Windy City are maintained only at the county level, though other vital records are registered at state level. Even these records are for marriages dating after 1962. To access them, you have to write to the Illinois State Vital Records Office, Division of Vital Records, 605 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62702-5097.

Alternatively, for Chicago’s marriages, as well as for births and deaths, you have to contact the Cook County Clerk's office, and obtain copies of all related documents from the Clerk's Bureau of Vital Statistics division. The same Clerk's office also issues marriage licenses to couples getting married and administers the county's domestic partnership registry for same-sex couples.

Your first step, whichever route you take, is to write to the designated authority.

What Makes an Effective Request?

Your letter should be brief and topical. Make no more than two requests in one letter. Otherwise it may simply bounce back and forth between departments, causing avoidable delay. 

Submit all possible data about the marriage. If a person goes by more than one name, mention all of them, including nicknames and alternate spellings. Be accurate about the marriage date. If unsure, specify a time span for searching. Keep it narrow – the wider the search, the more it will cost you.

Don’t pay in advance, unless you know for sure how much the document/s will cost. Guesswork could leave you paying unnecessary funds. Consider sending a signed blank check with "Not to exceed $__.00" (the maximum likely amount) written in red ink under the check's "$____" line.

For best results, you should write two letters. The first should state your requirements and provide all relevant information. It should also ask about the charges payable. The second should carry your check. Remember to enclose a stamped and self-addressed envelope.

Also, remember to be nice to the state or county office: it’s under-staffed, and genealogical research is not really part of their job!

Details Not to be Missed

If you request a copy of a marriage certificate in Chicago, make sure to 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

Online Search Options

Many online archives keep official marriage certificates, including those for Chicago. You face no red tape, no travel and no hassle. Using these resources, you can easily place your request for the marriage certificate and receive what you need quickly.