Line up for Cook County marriage license

The Cook County Clerk's office will issue the first marriage license of 2016 at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at the Vital Records office, located in the lower level of the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St. The office opens at 8:30 a.m.

The marriage ceremony will take place in Clerk David Orr's office on the fifth floor at 69 W. Washington St. after the couple applies for a license, agrees to be married immediately and a judge waives the standard 24-hour waiting period. An annual tradition for more than 20 years, the couple will receive an array of gifts valued at more than $800 donated by local businesses. Clerk Orr pays the marriage license fee.