Marriage Certificate Question

Sparkette19 · June 2010

We haven't gotten ours yet and I'm starting to freak out. I don't want waste a whole vacation day to get this stupid thing and they don't have the most convenient hours either.

Is it just like waiting in line for the certificate? Would it be ok to wait until a few days before the wedding to get or should we get it now? I don't want to push it back but I would rather take an additional day off closer to the wedding than a random day right now.

seventiespop · June 2010

We went on a Wed at 3pm and there was no line (downtown Chicago location). It took less than 10 minutes. Instead of taking a whole day off, maybe you and FI could both leave work a little early?

Sparkette19 · June 2010

Is it just an application or do you get something to take with you?

I'm nervous b/c my coworker said that when she got married 4 years ago, they made her make an appointment to come back. I just hope it doesn't take forever.

sgylling · June 2010

Where do you have to go? I went downtown, there was no line and it literally took 10 minutes, if that. They just ask you your name, birth place, parents names and give you the certificate right there. Not sure about other counties though.

ms.n.0906 · June 2010

Are you talking about your marriage LICENSE (which is the one you get before you get married that the judge/priest/officiant signs during the actual ceremony)?

If so, I agree that the downtown location took mere minutes. FI and I went last Wednesday because they are open later until 7 pm. We waited for all of 20 seconds to be called to the desk, and the process itself took 10 minutes. It was absolutely no big deal.

The licenses become valid one day after they are issued and are good for 60 days.

Hope that helps!

lunacydress · June 2010

We got ours in Lake County, since that's where our ceremony took place and we went about 2 weeks before the wedding, on a Friday evening. It took about 35 minutes. but mostly because Friday evening's their only late day, so there were a bunch of couples there.

I wouldn't wait until the last minute to get it. When we finally got it, it was our third trip because I was dumb and forgot my wallet the first time, turned around and went back, only to get there and realize my drivers license had been expired for a month. We had to go back the following Friday, when we were finally successful!

I can't imagine what would take hours and hours and what would require another appointment- as long as you've got all your paperwork ready. it should take no time.

I just got the real one in the mail yesterday!

jbll326 · June 2010

Depends on where you need to go. We were married in Will County and luckily the office took Saturday appointments so we didn't have to take any time off. We were literally there for 10 minutes.
I'm assuming you're getting married in Cook County, since your reception is in BG. t's worth calling the closest County Clerk's office (there are 6) to see what time is the slowest for them. Also, they're all open until 7pm on Wednesdays, so you could go right after work.
I can't imagine that you would wait too long as it's a very quick process. I would go asap (it's good for 60 days) on a wed night so you can get it out of the way and don't have to worry about it and just in case they do make you come back.

njohnson0330 · June 2010

I just started looking at the info...in cook county the offices seem to be open on Wednesday until 7pm.

coreysmomma · June 2010

It took us no time at all in Cook County (Rolling Meadows Courthouse). We went like a week and a half before the wedding. I was worried waiting until then, but it was fine.
You don't need to take a day off for it. Ours was open later on Wednesdays too, but we went on a Tuesday at 4.

GL!!

Danielle

ewenner · June 2010

We also went to the downtown location on a Wednesday after work. We waited in line for about 15 minutes, not too painful at all. The only thing you need to bring with you is your driver's license or passport, and be prepared to pay the $40 fee. The take cash or credit card (but NOT Visa for some reason). They don't take checks. Hope this helps!

kthame · June 2010

We went yesterday and it took 10 minutes, after about a 10minute wait. We went at 1pm. Easy peasy!

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