We’ve all had the thought growing up: when can I run off and get married? If your relationship is more serious than just a first crush, you may also be wondering how old you have to be to get married in Illinois. That answer generally depends on whether or not you have your parents’ permission to get married. State law governs, and this article can give you a brief summary of the marriage age requirements in Wisconsin.
State Marriage Age Laws
States laws impose age limits for marriage in most cases, particularly for minors without parental consent. These laws typically are intended to protect young people from exploitation. All states allow individuals to marry once they reach the age of majority, which is 18 in most of the country. Illinois marriage age requirements are set at 18 for couples without parental consent, and 16 for those with consent.
Marriage Age Requirements in Illinois
The main provisions of Illinois marriage age requirements are listed in the table below.
| Code Section | 750 ILCS 5/203, 5/208 |
| Minimum Legal Age With Parental Consent | Male: 16; Female: 16 |
| Minimum Legal Age Without Parental Consent | Male: 18; Female: 18 |
| Comments | If no parents to consent, judicial consent with finding that parties are capable of marriage. No provisions for marriage under age 16. |
With everything else to worry about when it comes to planning a wedding, technical marriage requirements and getting the actual marriage license might seem pretty far down on the list. At the county clerk’s office you will need to fill out and sign a marriage license application and present identification, like a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. If either you or your fiancé were divorced within the last six months, you will need a certified copy of the divorce decree. Marriage license fees can range from $30 to $60 depending on what county you are in and there is a 24-hour waiting period to get married.
Illinois Marriage Age Requirements Laws: Related Resources
Since you don’t want to throw a big wedding party and not be technically married, it makes sense to have all your ducks in a row when it comes to state laws on marriage. If you still have questions, you can also find more general information on this topic in FindLaw’s marriage law section. You can also contact an experienced family law attorney in Illinois if you would like legal assistance.
