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 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee
for a Boone County license is $30 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.
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