Cook County Turns to Commemorative Marriage Licenses to Raise Revenue

The Cook County Clerk's Office is trying to raise revenue by selling commemorative marriage certificates.

If the county board votes to pass the new fees this week, Chicago residents will be able to buy a large-scale, 10"x12" version of their marriage certificate meant for framing or scrap booking.

"It's a new product entirely that really has a lot of potential," Clerk's office spokeswoman Courtney Greve said. "Because our customers are not obligated to buy it, we really think that it'll be very marketable."

Greve said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle had tasked the Clerk's office with finding new, creative methods of raising revenue. The office was inspired by states like Alaska, Texas, Massachusetts, Ohio, Iowa, and Florida, all of which have similar programs.

Cook County reportedly has almost five million marriage records. In order to break even on costs, the clerk's office would need to sell 75-to-100 licenses at $65 apiece. The office will have to buy a new printer for the specialty archival linen paper. A basic marriage certificate in the county costs $15.