The following information is provided to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding marriage and civil  union ceremonies.

Do we need a marriage or civil union license?

Yes, you must obtain a marriage or civil union license at least one day and no more than 60 days prior to your planned ceremony date.

How do we obtain a marriage or civil union license?

For a marriage or civil union to be performed in Winnebago County, you need to obtain a Winnebago County marriage or civil union license from the Winnebago County Clerk, 404 Elm Street, Suite 104, Rockford, IL 61101, Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m.  The fee for a Winnebago County license is $40 and must be paid in cash.  For additional information please visit the Winnebago County Clerk Webpage.

For a marriage or civil union to be performed in Boone County, you need to obtain a Boone County marriage or civil union license from the Boone County Clerk, 1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103 Belvidere, IL 61008, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee for a Boone County license is $20 and must be paid in cash.  For additional information please visit the Boone County Clerk Webpage.

Where are marriages and civil union ceremonies performed?

Marriages and civil unions are performed at the Winnebago County Courthouse, 400 West State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61101 and at the Boone County Courthouse, 601 North Main Street, Belvidere, Illinois 61008. 

When are marriages and civil unions performed?

Winnebago County marriage and civil union ceremonies are performed every day of the week (except for court holidays) at 3:00 p.m.   Boone County marriage and civil union ceremonies are performed every day of the week (except for court holidays) at 1:00 p.m. Ceremonies in both locations begin as promptly as a judge can be made available.

Is there a fee?

Yes, in both counties there is a $10.00 fee payable at the time of the ceremony.

Do we need to schedule a ceremony date?

In Winnebago County, persons must simply appear on the date they wish to have their ceremony performed with a valid marriage or civil union licenses.  A date cannot be reserved in advance.

In Boone County, persons must schedule a ceremony date at least one day in advance by contacting the Boone County Circuit Clerk’s Office at 815-544-0371.

Where do we check-in to have our ceremony performed?

In Winnebago County, register at the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk’s Office, 400 West State Street, Rockford, Illinois in room 108.  Persons must be present with a valid marriage or civil union license and register before 3:00 p.m.  The $10.00 ceremony fee is payable at time of registration.  

In Boone County, register at the Boone County Circuit Clerk’s Office, 601  North Main State Street, Rockford, Illinois in room 103.  Persons must be present on their scheduled ceremony date with a valid marriage or civil union license.  The $10.00 ceremony  fee is payable at time of registration.

What type of ceremony is it?

A judge will perform a private ceremony within his or her courtroom.

Does the court provide interpreters?

No, interpreters for ceremonies are the responsibility of the couple.  A third-party interpreter must be present if a person entering into a marriage or civil union has difficulty understanding the English language.

Do we need to bring a witness?

No, witnesses are not necessary.  However, guests are welcome and invited to attend.  Cameras are also welcome, but are subject to search by courthouse security.