The Illinois State Archives and State Genealogical Society came together on a project to compile pre-1901 Public Marriage Records of the state. Thanks to the project, Illinois marriage records from 1763 - 1900 are now available to the public. Anyone can access and view Marriage Records Search from the period and volunteers can also send data directly to it for inclusion over the internet.
These old Marriage License Records of Illinois have been put online. Online marriage records include also those of post-1900 period up to the current with the Statewide Marriage Index. As long as they are captured under the index, free Illinois marriage records search can be conducted online without having to go in person or writing in to a government agency like they used to.
The main source of information is the offices of the respective County Clerks. It is derived from the original public marriage records which comprise of marriage registers, licenses, certificates and other documents and information. Information is also contributed by the county Genealogical societies and private citizens and can be uploaded directly by volunteers through the internet.
The basic information found in Illinois Free Marriage Records comprise of particulars of the couple, names of parents, witnesses and conducting official of the ceremony, date and county of marriage and issuance of license. If there were multiple marriages on the part of either the groom, bride or both, those that occurred in the state of Illinois will be produced. Getting married in a county other than the one of residence is allowed so if a search fails in a particular county, it's a good idea to try statewide search instead.
The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists information which have been officially kept since they were first documented and filed. The Great Fire of Chicago in 1871 did destroy a good many public records but the Illinois Regional Archives Depository System (IRAD) today still has in its holdings of more than 70 of the 102 counties in Illinois. The surest bet are the individual County Offices and they are the only authorized agencies for certified copies but fees are required.
Online commercial information brokers are another popular option. Professional fees are charged but they beat the red tape and spare the legwork, coming in plug-and-play readiness. Fees are usually very reasonable and so is the quality impressive as competition is fierce. The top ones are often capable of delivering extras over the public agencies by drawing upon private and proprietary sources.
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