Marriage records in St. Clair County, Illinois, are available through several channels. StClairCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, the County Clerk's office maintains marriage licenses and issues certified copies — you can contact them in person, by mail, or by phone. The state of Illinois also keeps records through the Department of Public Health. Below are practical details on searching, ordering, and obtaining marriage documents.
St. Clair Marriage Records Search
In St. Clair County, marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk's office — Vital Records department. This office issues marriage licenses, accepts returned signed certificates, and archives records. The collection includes marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and historical records dating back to the 19th century.
To find a specific record, you need to know the spouses' last names and the approximate date of marriage. Older records may require additional time for archive searches.
St. Clair County Clerk — Vital Records
For public access to recorded documents, you can also contact the Recorder of Deeds office, where copies of registered documents are available for public viewing in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in St. Clair
The fees for marriage documents are set according to Illinois state law and the local County Clerk's policy. Below is an approximate fee schedule — it is recommended to confirm exact amounts directly with the office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | Confirm with County Clerk's office |
| Additional copy (in the same order) | Usually lower than the first copy |
| Uncertified / informational copy | Confirm with office |
| Search fee | May be charged separately |
The state of Illinois allows each county to set its own fees within legislative limits. Call (618) 277-6600, ext. 2363, to find out current rates and payment forms accepted by the office. Processing time for mail requests is typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on workload.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in St. Clair
There are several ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. Certified copies are usually issued on the same day if the record is available.
By Mail
Send a request to the County Clerk's office address. Include in your letter:
- A written request with the full names of the spouses and the approximate date of marriage.
- A copy of the applicant's ID.
- Payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check (confirm the amount in advance).
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online
The state of Illinois provides the option to order some vital records through the Illinois Public Records portal. However, county-level marriage records often need to be requested directly from the County Clerk. Check the St. Clair County Vital Records page to see if the online ordering option is available, or call for clarification.
If you need documents related to the dissolution of marriage, note that the Illinois Department of Public Health does not issue certified copies of such records. They are kept by the Circuit Clerk of the county where the court decision was made. In St. Clair County, this is the Circuit Clerk's office in the same building at 10 Public Square.
For a quick check of public data, use StClairCourt.us — the resource is regularly updated and helps orient you before contacting official institutions.