Find Marriage Records in Downers Grove
Downers Grove marriage records are kept by the DuPage County Clerk in Wheaton. The Village of Downers Grove does not issue marriage licenses or store marriage certificates. Like all of Illinois, the county clerk handles these filings at the county level. Downers Grove is entirely within DuPage County, so the DuPage County Clerk is the single office for all marriage-related records. Whether you plan to get a new marriage license or need a copy of an old certificate, the county clerk office in Wheaton is the place to start your search for Downers Grove marriage records.
Downers Grove Quick Facts
DuPage County Clerk and Downers Grove Marriages
Illinois law places marriage licenses in the hands of county clerks. Downers Grove is in DuPage County, so the DuPage County Clerk handles every license application and stores every marriage record for the village. The clerk office is at 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, about a 15-minute drive from Downers Grove. Under 750 ILCS 5/209, the county clerk records all marriages in the county, including all ceremonies in Downers Grove.
The Downers Grove Village Clerk at 801 Burlington Ave. manages village business like permits and local ordinances. That office does not process marriage licenses or hold marriage certificate files. Call (630) 434-5500 if you have questions about village services, and they will point you to the county clerk for marriage needs. The DuPage County vital records page has full details on license applications and certified copy requests for Downers Grove residents.
| Office | DuPage County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 421 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187 |
| Phone | (630) 407-5500 |
| Website | dupagecounty.gov - Vital Records |
| Records Since | 1839 |
Note: The Downers Grove Village Clerk at (630) 434-5500 does not handle marriage records for the village.
How to Get a Marriage License in Downers Grove
Both people must visit the DuPage County Clerk in Wheaton in person. Mail applications are not accepted. Bring a valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works. If either person was married before, you need a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate to prove that marriage ended.
Under 750 ILCS 5/203, both applicants must be at least 18 years old. People who are 16 or 17 can apply with parental consent plus a court order. Illinois does not require a blood test. There is no residency rule either, so couples from out of state can get a DuPage County license. After the clerk issues the license, a 24-hour wait period starts. The license stays valid for 60 days and can only be used for a ceremony within DuPage County. A wedding in Downers Grove, Wheaton, or Naperville works fine under this license.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the DuPage County Clerk for recording. Once recorded, it becomes a permanent marriage record. Downers Grove couples can request certified copies at any point after that. The process from application to recorded marriage can take less than a week when all documents are ready. Since the DuPage County Clerk is just a short drive from Downers Grove in Wheaton, the whole thing is pretty straightforward.
Downers Grove Marriage Certificate Copies
Certified copies of Downers Grove marriage records are available from the DuPage County Clerk in Wheaton. The first certified copy costs $14. Each extra copy in the same order is $2. These are official documents with a raised seal. DuPage County keeps records going back to 1839, so even very old marriage filings from the Downers Grove area may be on file.
For genealogy research, the clerk offers a $1 rate on records that are 75 years old or more. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, these older records have looser access rules, which makes them easier to request for family history work. You can also order copies through VitalChek, though that adds a $10 service fee. Provide the full names of both spouses and the marriage date when making your request.
The screenshot below shows the Village of Downers Grove website, which many residents check first when they start looking for marriage records.
The village site covers local permits, community events, and other municipal services. For marriage records, Downers Grove residents need to visit the DuPage County Clerk in Wheaton instead.
Marriage Record Fees for Downers Grove
DuPage County sets the fees for all marriage records covering Downers Grove. The fees tend to be lower than some neighboring counties. Here is a summary of current charges:
- First certified copy: $14
- Each additional copy (same order): $2
- Genealogy copies (75+ years): $1
- VitalChek surcharge: $10 on top of county fee
- State marriage verification (IDPH): $5
The DuPage County Clerk in Wheaton takes cash, checks, and cards for in-person orders. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the DuPage County Clerk along with a stamped return envelope. Mail processing usually takes a couple of weeks. In-person requests are often handled the same day. Call (630) 407-5500 to confirm current fees before you make the trip from Downers Grove.
Downers Grove Marriage Record Resources
The Village of Downers Grove website is a good starting point for general village information. The village clerk office at 801 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515 can answer questions about local services and direct you to the DuPage County Clerk for marriage needs. Call (630) 434-5500 for help.
The Illinois State Archives has a statewide marriage index dating back to 1763. You can search it free at the Secretary of State website. The index covers over one million records through 1900. If a match comes up for someone tied to Downers Grove or DuPage County, the entry tells you which county has the full file. Since DuPage County records go back to 1839, the county clerk in Wheaton is one of the better local resources for older marriage records in the Downers Grove area.
Under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), only certain people can get certified copies of marriage records. The people named on the record, their direct family, legal representatives, and anyone with notarized consent can make a request. The DuPage County Clerk staff in Wheaton can walk you through the eligibility rules and tell you what to bring when you request Downers Grove marriage records.
DuPage County Marriage Records
Downers Grove is in DuPage County, and all marriage filings for the village go through the DuPage County Clerk in Wheaton. The county handles license applications, keeps records dating back to 1839, and issues certified copies. For the full office details, fee schedules, and filing process, visit the DuPage County page.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Downers Grove is surrounded by other DuPage County suburbs and some communities in neighboring counties. If you live near the edge of Downers Grove, these nearby cities may offer useful starting points for your marriage record search.
Nearby cities with marriage record pages:
- Naperville (DuPage / Will County)
- Wheaton (DuPage County)
- Bolingbrook (Will County)
- Chicago (Cook County)
Naperville and Wheaton share the same DuPage County Clerk for marriage records. Bolingbrook residents file through the Will County Clerk. Chicago uses the Cook County Clerk, which is a separate office from what Downers Grove uses.