Selfie, A Hint of History, Non-Illinois Residents, Ordering Vital Records, Words of Wisdom, Judge Ceremonies, Late Friday Nights

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News from the Lake County Clerk

June 2017

Take a romantic selfie

When visiting our office during the month of June, those applying for a license, newlyweds, or couples celebrating many years of being together may take their selfie at our romantically decorated photo booth.

Sandra Martin and Brandon Garzilazo stopped for their selfie after applying for a marriage license for their July wedding.

Sandra Martin and Brandon Garzilazo

A hint of history

Juno

Known as the Roman mythology goddess of love, Juno was thought to ensure good luck and fortune for couples married in the month named after her.

Today, June is still the most popular month to marry, followed by August, July, May, and September.


Non-Illinois residents obtaining a license

You don’t have to live in Illinois to be married here. An Illinois license will be issued only if it would be allowed by the person’s home state.

For example, a divorced Kenosha resident is required by Wisconsin state law to wait six months before applying for a license in Wisconsin or any other state.


Don’t pay too much for copies of your Lake County vital record

Marriage License

Be cautious of expensive online services that offer to act as agents for expediting your vital certificate applications. They sometimes charge ten times more than if you order directly from us. Order your Lake County certified or genealogical vital record from our office to avoid being overcharged and protect your identity.

If you are unable to appear in our office, you can order records by completing a downloadable application from our website. Sign the application, and mail it to us along with payment by check or money order, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and required identification photocopies. Records will be returned via U.S. Postal Service.

Those requiring expedited shipping or a credit card payment option may use www.VitalChek.com, our online service partner. Service charges will be applied.

For more record ordering information, please contact our office by calling 847.377.2411, emailing vitalrecords@lakecountyil.gov or faxing 847.360.3608.


Words of wisdom

Married readers of The Old Farmer’s Almanac were asked to share their advice for making a relationship work.

Here were some of their suggestions:

  • Be prepared to give more than you think you are receiving, and you will receive more than you know.
  • The secret is communication, compromise, cooperation, and compassion.
  • Listen, listen, listen.
Words of Wisdom

Ceremony performed by a judge

Judges for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court are available to perform ceremonies after regular court business is completed. No appointments are needed. Check the court calendar or contact the Court Administration office by calling 847-377-3600 for availability if you are planning a ceremony near a holiday.

Requirements for the ceremony

  • Valid marriage license issued by the County Clerk at least one day prior
  • $10 ceremony fee (cash only)
  • Identification documents presented to the County Clerk's office at time of license application
  • Third-party interpreter if either person does not speak or understand English. 

Optional items for the ceremony

  • Witnesses
  • Rings
  • Small group of family or friends

Weekday ceremonies

Monday through Friday, begin at the Circuit Court Clerk's office located at 18 North County Street, Waukegan, lower level of the Annex Building to pay the $10 ceremony fee. The Circuit Court Clerk will then direct you and your marriage party to the courtroom for the ceremony.

Monday - Friday        2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Complex
18 North County Street, Waukegan, Illinois

Weekend ceremonies

For either weekend day, arrive at the Babcox Justice Center close to starting time. $10 ceremony fee is paid to the deputy in Courtroom 120. On Sunday, the judge will leave once all court business and any known marriages are completed.

Saturday               9:30 am to 11:00 am

Sunday                 9:00 am ONLY

Babcox Justice Center
20 South County Street, Waukegan, Illinois

Marriage Information Line

The court sponsors a Marriage Information Line (847.377.3999) to assist in answering questions concerning marriage by a judge. Selections are recorded in both English and Spanish.


Most Friday Nights

Our office is open:
Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 5 pm

On Friday nights not before a holiday weekend, we are open until 7 pm to accept vital record requests and marriage or civil union license applications.

Open 8:30 am to 7 pm on these June Fridays: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30


Carla N. Wyckoff, Lake County Clerk
18 N. County Street, Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
847.377.2400

CountyClerk@lakecountyil.gov

LakeCountyClerk.info