To look up a marriage in Illinois, there are two main methods you can use: requesting a marriage record from the Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) or contacting the County Clerk of the specific county where the marriage took place. I will provide a detailed explanation of both options below.
1. Requesting a Marriage Record from IRAD:
The Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) hold original marriage records or microfilm copies for many counties in Illinois. This is a valuable resource for genealogical research or if you need a copy of a marriage record for legal or personal reasons. Here’s how you can request a marriage record from IRAD:
A. Identify the County: First, you need to determine the county where the marriage took place. This information is essential as the records are organized by county.
B. Locate the IRAD Repository: Once you know the county, find the corresponding IRAD repository. Each repository is affiliated with a specific university or college in Illinois. You can search for the appropriate repository by visiting the IRAD website or contacting the Illinois State Archives.
C. Contact the IRAD Repository: Reach out to the IRAD repository via phone, email, or in person to inquire about the availability of the marriage record you are seeking. Provide them with details such as the couple’s names, date of marriage, and any additional information you may have. The staff at IRAD will assist you in accessing the records or provide guidance on how to obtain copies.
2. Contacting the County Clerk:
County clerks in Illinois are the official custodians of all marriage records recorded within their respective counties. To look up a marriage record through the county clerk’s office, follow these steps:
A. Determine the County Clerk: Identify the county where the marriage occurred and locate the contact information for the county clerk’s office. You can usually find this information on the county’s official website or by conducting a quick online search.
B. Gather Relevant Details: Collect as much information as possible about the marriage, including the full names of the couple, the date of marriage, and the county where it took place. Having these details readily available will facilitate the search process.
C. Contact the County Clerk: Reach out to the county clerk’s office via phone, email, or in person to inquire about obtaining a copy of the marriage record. Provide them with the necessary details and ask about their specific procedures for requesting marriage records. Some county clerks may have online portals where you can submit your request and payment electronically.
D. Pay the Required Fee: Most county clerks charge a fee for providing copies of marriage records. Inquire about the fee amount and the accepted methods of payment. Be prepared to pay the fee to proceed with your request.
E. Obtain the Marriage Record: Once you have followed the county clerk’s instructions and paid the required fee, they will provide you with a copy of the marriage record. This may be in the form of a physical document, a certified copy, or a digital copy, depending on the county’s procedures.
Remember to be patient throughout the process, as the availability and accessibility of marriage records may vary depending on the county and the time period in question. It’s also worth noting that some counties may have specific requirements or restrictions for accessing marriage records, especially for more recent marriages.
I hope this detailed explanation helps you navigate the process of looking up a marriage in Illinois. Should you encounter any challenges or have further questions, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the IRAD repositories or the county clerk’s office directly.