WEDDING CLERGY SERVING NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NW INDIANA Integrity should be at the heart of the most important event in your life. Unfortunately, the internet has become a haven for those who would lead you to believe they are legitimately credentialed when, in fact, they are not. You can easily locate "clergy" having invested little more than "postage and handling" in their "credentials" who now claim to be legitimate and experienced clergy. The IDPH explains: To be valid, a marriage must be performed by one of the following individuals: a judge of a court of record or a retired judge of a court of record; a judge of the Court of Claims; the county clerk in counties having 2 million or more inhabitants (Cook County); a public official whose powers include solemnizing marriages; or an officiant performing the marriage in accordance with the principles of any religious denomination (and) the officiant be in good standing with his religious denomination... Beware. As you search the internet, you will find those who acknowledge they are not clergy, but claim they can legally officiate a wedding. Some claim the status of "Certified Celebrant" or "Wedding Officiant". Some advertise as Justice of the Peace. Illinois abolished the office of Justice of the Peace in 1962! You may find the 10 Questions resource, provided by Service Ministries, helpful as you search for the right clergy to serve you. Service Ministries weddings are performed only by legitimately ordained clergy.