How to Perform a Marriage in Winnebago County

Researched and edited for you by trained team members at GetOrdained.org

If you've been asked to officiate a wedding, you know it's an exciting opportunity. However, it can also be a bit intimidating. That's why we've put together this guide on officiating weddings in Winnebago County! We'll go over everything you need to know, from how to get ordained, to how to contact your local wedding registrar, and what, exactly, you'll need from us.

1. How to Become a Minister in Winnebago County

If you haven't already, you'll want to get ordained as a ULC minister by clicking the button below. Get Ordained™ offers ordination through Universal Life Church within moments and completely free of charge. All you have to do is sign up, fill out a short form, and you'll be a legally ordained minister, able to officiate weddings and more. Sign up today!

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Important Info for Ministers in Winnebago County

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: No
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn Winnebago County Marriage Requirements

Once you're ordained, the next thing you'll want to do is contact the office in Winnebago County that handles marriage licenses. You'll want to tell them that you're an ordained minister officiating a wedding, and ask what documentation they want to see from you in order to officiate a wedding. You can find the Winnebago County office's contact information below.

Office Address:: 404 Elm Street, Suite 104
Rockford, IL 61101
Office Phone Number:: (815) 319-4250
Office Website:: Winnebago County Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Winnebago County?

If you're ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church, you can! Many couples are choosing to both cut costs and personalize their event by enlisting a close family friend or loved one to officiate their ceremony.

The couple could ask anyone, but they've asked you to forever be a part of their love story! Consider it a great honor. It's important to note that not everyone knows that this is even an option. If you know someone who has an upcoming wedding, you might consider asking who is performing their ceremony, and let them know that you're available if needed. Who knows, you might just get a reputation as a go-to officiant!

Average Cost of a Wedding in Winnebago County:: $28,000

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Winnebago County

The office in Winnebago County will be able to tell you what you'll need to pick up from our online store in order to perform a wedding. One of the most popular options for ministers in Winnebago County is the Ordination Kit!

Now you can get to the fun part: officiating the wedding itself. Whether it's your first time performing a wedding, or you just need to refresh your memory, we suggest taking a look at our wedding training center, which is full of all the resources you'll need to give the couple the wedding they deserve.

5. How Winnebago County Marriage Licenses Work

With the ceremony complete, the last - and most important - responsibility remains: Signing and returning the marriage license. A marriage license in Winnebago County is valid for 60 days, so don't delay. Keep in mind that once the marriage license has been obtained, there is a mandatory one-day waiting period before the wedding ceremony can happen. Also note that the marriage license must be returned to the office that issued it within the time limit given after it has been signed.

Remember, this is a legal document! Take your time to ensure that it's been filled out properly before it is returned to the issuing office. If you need in-depth instructions on how to fill it out, take a look at our marriage license training page for assistance.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: 1 Day
Marriage License Valid For:: 60 Days
Return Within:: By Expiration

6. Performing a Wedding in Winnebago County

If couples are looking to incorporate some natural beauty into their special day, Winnebago County offers picturesque venues along the Rock River. Enjoy that calming sounds of waterfalls at the Anderson Japanese Gardens or the cool lagoons of Hurricane Harbor. Folks might also consider a Christmas wedding in the Nicholas Conservatory and Garden, as each year the trees lining the waterline are sparkling with multicolored fairy lights. If Spring is more preferred, the blooms of the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens would provide a breathtaking backdrop for photos.

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Winnebago County

This area gets a decent amount of snow and not many sunny days so to avoid the busy wedding season, you should try for a winter wonderland ceremony.

You know the ins and outs of officiating weddings in Winnebago County now, but don't forget to sign up as a ULC minister for free by clicking the button below!