Marriage records in Kankakee County, Illinois, are available through several channels. The website KankakeeCourt.us provides public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, the County Clerk's office maintains records of issued marriage licenses and registered certificates. Requests can be submitted in person at the county administrative building, by mail, or online through third-party services.
Kankakee Marriage Records Search
In Kankakee County, the County Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining marriage records. This office issues marriage licenses, registers certificates returned after the ceremony, and preserves historical records. The collection includes marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and genealogical records for research purposes.
The Vital Records division of the County Clerk's office processes requests for copies of marriage records. Contact the clerk directly to verify the availability of a specific record—especially if it concerns older documents.
Kankakee County Clerk's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Kankakee
The fees for copies of marriage records are set according to Illinois state law and the internal policy of the County Clerk's office. Below is an approximate fee schedule—for confirmation of current amounts, we recommend calling the office or visiting the Vital Records page.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | Check with the County Clerk's office |
| Additional copy (in one order) | Check with the County Clerk's office |
| Uncertified / informational copy | Check with the County Clerk's office |
| Search fee | Check with the County Clerk's office |
Certified copies have legal force and are accepted by government agencies. Uncertified copies are typically used for genealogical research. The processing time for requests depends on the submission method—personal requests are usually processed the same day, while mail requests may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Kankakee
There are several ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate in Kankakee County.
Online
The County Clerk's office offers the option to order certified copies of vital records through the VitalChek service. Go to the Vital Records page for a link to online ordering. An additional fee may be charged for using a third-party service.
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office during business hours. You will need:
- A valid photo ID
- The names of the spouses and the approximate date of the marriage
- Payment of the established fee
By Mail
To order a copy by mail, send to the County Clerk's office:
- A written request specifying the full names of the spouses and the date of the marriage
- A copy of your photo ID
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to Kankakee County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Send the request to:
To obtain a marriage license (not a copy of an existing record), both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk's office during business hours. There is no mandatory waiting period in Illinois after obtaining the license—the ceremony can be conducted on the same day. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
If you need information about the dissolution of marriage, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health or the clerk of the circuit court where the divorce decree was issued.