Access Cicero Marriage Records

Cicero marriage records are handled by the Cook County Clerk's office in Chicago. With around 82,000 residents, Cicero is one of the largest towns in Cook County. The Town of Cicero does not issue marriage licenses or keep marriage records. All of that goes through Cook County. Whether you need a new marriage license or a copy of a past marriage record, Cicero residents work with the Cook County Clerk. You can visit the main office in downtown Chicago or use one of the suburban branch locations that Cook County runs closer to Cicero.

Where Cicero Residents Get Marriage Licenses

Illinois law says county clerks issue marriage licenses. The Cicero Town Clerk at 4949 W. Cermak Road takes care of town business like permits and local filings. Marriage records are not part of their job. For a marriage license or copy of a marriage record, Cicero residents must go to the Cook County Clerk. The main office is at 118 N. Clark Street, Room 120, in Chicago. It is about 9 miles east of Cicero, depending on where in town you start.

Cook County also has suburban branch offices that are closer to Cicero. The Bridgeview location at 10220 S. 76th Avenue and the Maywood office at 1311 Maybrook Drive are both shorter drives than going into downtown Chicago. These branches offer the same marriage license services as the main office. The fee for a Cook County marriage license is $60. You can pay with cash, a check, or a credit or debit card. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID. An online application is available on the Cook County marriage license page to start the process before your visit.

The Town of Cicero website has details on local town services, but it does not handle marriage records.

All marriage license and marriage record requests for Cicero go through the Cook County Clerk.

Marriage License Rules for Cicero

Illinois state law sets the rules for marriage licenses in Cicero and all of Cook County. Under 750 ILCS 5/207, a marriage license takes effect one day after the clerk issues it. You cannot hold the ceremony on the same day you pick up the license. Once the 24-hour wait passes, the license stays valid for 60 days. If you miss that window, it expires. You would need to go back to the Cook County Clerk and pay the fee again.

Both parties must be at least 18. Anyone aged 16 or 17 needs a court order under 750 ILCS 5/208. Each person must bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Social Security numbers are needed too. If either person was divorced within the past six months, a certified copy of the divorce decree is required when applying at the Cook County Clerk's office. This rule applies to all Cook County applicants, including Cicero residents. A Cook County marriage license is valid only for ceremonies in Chicago and suburban Cook County, which includes Cicero.

Copies of Cicero Marriage Records

Certified copies of marriage records for Cicero residents are available through the Cook County Clerk. The first certified copy costs $15. Additional copies are $4 each. You can request copies in person at the main Chicago office or at a suburban branch. Online ordering is also available through the Cook County Clerk's website.

Under 410 ILCS 535, only certain people can get certified copies of vital records in Illinois. That means the couple named on the record, their children, direct family members, legal representatives, or someone with notarized consent from the couple. If you qualify, the Cook County Clerk puts the official seal on the copy. You may need a certified copy of your Cicero marriage record for a name change at the Social Security office, for the DMV, or for immigration paperwork. Plain copies without the seal may work for personal use but are not accepted for legal purposes.

The Illinois Department of Public Health can also verify basic facts about a marriage in Cook County. The state has records from 1962 on, and the fee is $5 per search through the IDPH Division of Vital Records. Processing takes about 12 weeks, so going to the Cook County Clerk is much faster for Cicero residents who need a copy.

Note: Cook County marriage records are only valid for events that took place within Cook County borders, including Cicero.

Cicero Marriage Records for Genealogy

Cook County has one of the largest collections of marriage records in Illinois. For Cicero area family history, that is a major advantage. Cook County Genealogy Online has an index of marriage records that are 50 or more years old. You can search the index for free and order copies for $16.75 per full record. This covers older Cicero marriage records and records for the entire county.

The Illinois State Archives also runs a Statewide Marriage Index that covers 1763 to 1900. You can search it for free at the Illinois State Archives marriage database. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, marriage records more than 50 years old can be released for genealogy purposes. These copies are labeled "For Genealogical Purposes Only" and are not certified. The Cook County Clerk can help Cicero residents find older records when you know the approximate date and names involved. Family research in the Cicero area often turns up records from several decades because the town has been part of Cook County since its early days.

Cook County Offices Near Cicero

The main Cook County Clerk's office in downtown Chicago is not the only option for Cicero residents. Cook County runs several suburban branches that handle marriage licenses and copies of marriage records. The closest ones to Cicero are:

• Bridgeview: 10220 S. 76th Avenue
• Maywood: 1311 Maybrook Drive
• Markham: 16501 S. Kedzie Avenue
• Rolling Meadows: 2121 Euclid Avenue
• Skokie: 5600 W. Old Orchard Road

These offices offer the same services as the main location in Chicago. For Cicero residents, the Bridgeview or Maywood branch may be the most convenient depending on which part of town you live in. Call (312) 603-7790 to confirm hours and services at any branch before you go. All five locations can help with marriage license applications and certified copies of past marriage records for Cicero residents.

Getting Married in Cicero

Cicero residents can have a civil ceremony or choose their own officiant. Under 750 ILCS 5/209, any ordained minister, judge, or other person authorized by Illinois law can perform a marriage. The officiant signs the license and must return it to the Cook County Clerk within 10 days. Once the signed license reaches the clerk, the marriage record is complete and on file.

If the signed license is not returned on time, it can create problems with your marriage record. Make sure whoever performs the ceremony in Cicero knows they have to file the paperwork with Cook County. The Cook County Clerk can answer questions about this process at (312) 603-7790. Marriage equality has been in effect in Cook County since February 2014, and same-sex couples apply through the same process.

Cook County Marriage Records

Cicero is in Cook County, and all marriage filings go through the Cook County Clerk. Cook County is the largest county in Illinois with over 5 million people. The county clerk handles marriage records for Chicago, Cicero, and dozens of other cities and towns. For more on the full county services, suburban office locations, fee details, and genealogy resources, visit the Cook County marriage records page.

View Cook County Marriage Records →

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Cicero and also get marriage records through the Cook County Clerk. Each page has details on the process for that area.