INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING A MARRIAGE

 LICENSE IN THE COUNTY OF MACON  

WHERE TO APPLY:          

Office of Stephen M. Bean

Macon County Clerk         

141 S. Main St., Room 104         

Decatur, IL  62523  

WHEN TO APPLY:          

Both parties MUST appear in person at the County Clerk’s        Office to apply for a marriage license.   Persons obtaining a marriage license in Macon County MAY NOT use the license in any other county.  The license must     be obtained at least one (1) day prior to the date the couple plans to be married.  The license is void sixty (60) days after      the effective date.  The bride and groom must also bring one form of photo identification.  Some examples of acceptable photo identification: Drivers License, State ID, or work ID.  

PERSONS WHO MAY NOT MARRY:          

Blood relatives, down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of the State of Illinois.  

FEES:          

The fee for a marriage license is $40.00.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR RESIDENTS OF

THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

AGE REQUIREMENTS:          

In order to be married in the Illinois without parental consent, you MUST be at least 18 years of age.  If you are 16 or 17 years of age, BOTH PARENTS OR GUARDIANS must sign a parental consent form, in the County Clerk’s Office at the time you apply for the license.  If it is not possible for your parents to sign in this office, it may be done before the County Clerk of the county in which the parent lives.             

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS:          

No examination or blood test is required in the State of Illinois.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:

Non-residents CANNOT obtain a marriage license if the said    marriage would be void in their state or country.  

RETURN OF LICENSE:          

The license must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office by     the officiant of the ceremony within TEN DAYS after the date of marriage.

MARRIAGE BY A JUDGE:            

If you wish to be married by a Judge, you may make your own arrangements prior to the ceremony.  The Judges marriage schedules are as follows:

Monday – Judge Little:  4:00 p.m. – 424-1437         

Wednesday – Judge McCarthy: 4:00 p.m. – 424-1442         

Friday – Judge R.C. Bollinger: 11:00 a.m. – 424-1467         

Friday – Judge Paine: 8:30 a.m. – 424-1438          

There is a $10.00 Court Fee required when being married by a Judge.  The fee is paid in the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 253   E. Wood, on the first floor.  The fee should be paid on or before the date of the wedding, with proof of the payment shown before the ceremony.

OBTAINING A CERTIFIED COPY:         

A copy of your marriage license, issued in Macon County may be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office.  The fee is $11.00 for one certified copy, and $4.00 for each additional   copy of the same certificate.  You may request a copy in person or by mail, by sending a letter with the full names and date of marriage.  Include a copy of a photo   idea of one of the parties and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of the document.  The fee by mail must be paid by a money order made out to the Macon County Clerk.  You may address your request to:                  

Macon County Clerk                  

141 S. Main St., Room 104                  

Decatur, IL  62523                  

Telephone Numbers: (217) 424-1305 or (217) 424-1307 

OFFICE HOURS: