Cook County Vital Records keeps official records of marriages that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

A marriage license is filed with the Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records after the marriage ceremony takes place. The officiant performing the ceremony completes and signs the marriage license and returns it to the Clerk's office, where it is recorded.

After that occurs, the Clerk's office can issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate upon request. Marriage certificates are not automatically sent to couples.