Last week, Mr. T and I checked off a major item on our to-do list: we got our marriage license!
Surprisingly, it was a quick and easy process. I met Mr. T in Daley Plaza at 11:45, and we were out of the office by noon. The lady behind the counter was really nice and congratulated us several times. The only snafu was that I had to call my dad because they ask you what states your parents were born in and I didn’t know. (Turns out, he’s a native Illinoisan! Who knew?) It was also exciting for me because one question they ask you is what you do for a living, and this was the first time I was able to answer “attorney.”
There were lots of couples there presumably also getting their marriage licenses. It was exciting to see so many engaged couples, but sad that none of them were same-sex couples. In Illinois, all we have to do to get married is pay $60, be over the age of 18, and not be related. Unfortunately, same-sex couples aren’t afforded that same right. I had originally planned to mail in a letter of support with our marriage license after the wedding, but that seems futile considering our county clerk and governor already support legalizing same-sex marriage. Hopefully the law will soon reflect their open-mindedness.
Was it easy for you to get your marriage license? Are you planning on using your marriage license to make a point about marriage equality?
Fortunately the state we’re getting married in has legalized same-sex marriage (Maryland…and our other venue choice would have been in NYC, so either way, yay!), so it too would be futile, even though I would love to send in something to SOMEBODY anyway hehe.
I’ve been thinking about marriage equality a lot as I plan my wedding. It just doesn’t seem fair that I am allowed to marry the man I love simply because we’re heterosexual. Washington, thankfully, has passed a marriage equality bill but it’s back up for vote in November. :/
I’ve been looking at all kinds of vendors, and I love when I find one that supports marriage equality. In fact, one day-of coordinator made the jump in preference because she had a section on her website about how she supported equality.
Once I got the wedding license when i got married I realized that my wedding was actually happening and there was no way to back out.
AH! We JUST got ours this morning!!! Easy peasy … no line or wait at all … in and out! Sooooo exciting though!!!! It feels so official! Congrats to you!!
Congrats on getting your license, you’re getting so close now 
It’s a great feeling to get that piece of paper. Congratulations, it’s right around the corner!
How far in advance to your wedding date did you get your license? My wedding is 24 days away and I am trying to decide the best time to get the license.
@Heather: Are you in IL? If so, the license is good for 60 days.
I am in OK, and they told me it is good for 30 days.
@Miss Treasure: oops, meant to reply instead of post new. I am in OK, and the license is good for 30 days.
@BookishBelle: Actually, it isn’t 100% legal yet. The bill is dependent on the referendum passing in November. Extra reason to get out and VOTE!
We got our marriage license in lower Manhattan and I had the complete opposite experience. There were TONS of same sex couples there while we were and I had the very conscious thought that I was so pleased to see them there. Keeping fingers crossed for IL!
Mrs. Treasure, Chicago Age and Occupation: 24, Law Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Equity Analyst Engagement Date: July 30, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2012 Venue: Saint James Chapel at Quigley Prep/Murphy Auditorium About Me: I was born and raised in Indiana, but now live in sweet home Chicago. I'm a third-year law student and aspiring trial lawyer, which means Mr. T never wins an argument. Other than Mr. T, I love singing, exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, and Notre Dame football. We met in a musical (just like my parents!) and after 4 years together, we are excited to be planning our urban "destination" wedding.
Latest Gallery Pics