Marriage records in McHenry County, Illinois, are available through several channels. McHenryCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, official documents are maintained by the McHenry County Clerk, who can be contacted in person, by mail, or through the state's online portal. Below is a description of how to search for, order, and obtain marriage certificates.
McHenry Marriage Records Search
In Illinois, marriage licenses are issued and maintained by the County Clerk of the respective county. In McHenry County, this function is performed by the McHenry County Clerk. The collection of records includes issued marriage licenses, filed marriage certificates, and historical records dating back to the county's inception. Each record contains the names of the spouses, the date the license was issued, and the date the marriage was registered.
The county's judicial system operates within the framework of the 22nd Judicial Circuit, and the McHenry County Courthouse is located in Woodstock. However, marriage licenses and records are handled by the County Clerk's office, not the court.
McHenry County Clerk's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in McHenry
The fees for marriage documents are set by the County Clerk in accordance with Illinois state law. Below are typical fees — confirm exact amounts directly with the office, as they may be updated.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $10.00 |
| Each additional copy (in one order) | $2.00 |
| Search fee | Included in the cost of the first copy |
Payment is accepted in the form of a money order or check payable to "McHenry County Clerk." During an in-person visit, some offices also accept cash. The processing time for a mail request is usually 5–10 business days after receiving the letter.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in McHenry
There are three main ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate.
In-Person Visit
The fastest option. Visit the County Clerk's office at the address listed above during business hours. Bring with you:
- A valid photo ID;
- Payment in an acceptable form.
A certified copy is typically issued the same day.
By Mail
Send a request to the County Clerk's office address. Include in your letter:
- A written request stating the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage.
- A copy of your photo ID.
- A money order or check for the appropriate amount.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online
The state of Illinois offers the option to order some vital records through the Illinois Department of Public Health portal. For marriage records issued specifically at the county level, contact the County Clerk to verify if online ordering is available directly through their site. Some Illinois counties use third-party services for online request processing — check this on the county's official page or call (815) 334-4242.
Standardized state court forms, including documents related to marriage dissolution, are available on the Illinois Supreme Court Approved Forms portal. If you need divorce records rather than marriage records, refer to the Divorce and Child Support Forms section.
For any additional questions regarding marriage records in McHenry County, use the McHenryCourt.us resource or contact the County Clerk's office directly.