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Marriage Records

Marriage records are filed in the County Clerk’s office for all individuals married in Effingham County from late 1800’s to current date. Certified copies of a marriage record can be requested in person, by mail or online thru Official Records Online. Requestor is required to know the name of the couple and date of marriage.

Marriage Records Request Form

Marriage Records Online Lookup

Fee for Certified Copy of Marriage Record:

  • $20.00 for the first copy
  • $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record

You may obtain a certified marriage record in the following ways:

  • In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Must provide valid photo ID and payment accepted is cash or check. No debit or credit capability.
  • By mail using the printable application below. A copy of a valid photo ID and payment by check is required.  Please include a self addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your requested record.
  • Vital Record Request form
  • Or online by using the link for Official Records Online. Proper identification must be given. Also, there will be an additional convenience surcharge fee for processing and shipping.

Certified copies of Marriage Certificates can be issued to:

  • The bride or groom.
  • Any individual providing pertinent information. (for genealogical purposes, the marriage must be on file for at least 50 years)
  • Any individual upon order of a court.

FAQs

  • You may apply for a marriage license online. To start this process, go to https://ileffingham.fidlar.com/ILEffinghamVS/Apex.WebPortal/ to complete the marriage license application. After you’ve completed the online form, you MUST go the Effingham County Clerk’s office to receive your license. You must have the marriage license to perform the ceremony.
  • You may apply in person at the Effingham County Clerk’s Office at 101 N. Fourth Street, Effingham IL.
  • Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please arrive by 3:30 to apply for a marriage license.

  • A license must be obtained at least ONE day before the marriage takes place.
  • The license is valid for 60 days.

  • A Government issued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID Card, Military ID, passport) for both parties.
  • The fee is $50.00 (payable by cash or check).

  • Minors under age 18 but over age 16 must have the written consent of BOTH parents. Also, a birth certificate must be presented at time of application.
  • A license issued in Effingham County cannot be used in any other county or state.
  • If either party has been married before, we will need to know how the prior marriage ended (death or dissolution of marriage), county this took place in and date of the event.

  • Any ordained minister or religious leader.
  • The Circuit or Associate Judge. An appointment with the Circuit Clerk’s office is required when married by the judge. You may call 217-342-4065 to schedule that appointment.

  • The license must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within 10 days after the date of the marriage.
  • If the marriage license is not returned, the marriage is not considered legal.