Illinois' Lake County starting up weddings again, virtually

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) - You can't use the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse not to get married any more - at least not in Lake County.

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court suspended marriages and civil unions in March to protect the health of the public but it was scheduled to start officiating weddings and civil unions - virtually - on Monday.

The only requirement for the general public is that at least one member of the couple getting married be a Lake County resident. All active-duty members of the military are also eligible.

To have a judge officiate at a virtual wedding, couples must call the county clerk's office to set up an appointment to apply for a marriage license and then visit the clerk of the local circuit court to pay $10 in cash on the day the license is issued.

Couples can go to the Remote Court Hearings section of the 19th Judicial Circuit website for wedding instructions. Even though the wedding is virtual, both members of the couple are required to be somewhere in Lake County during the ceremony.