Chicago City Hall Elopement Guide

[LAST UPDATED: 01-07-2026]

So you’re ditching the 200-person wedding, the centerpiece drama, and your aunt’s opinions about your ceremony music? Smart move. Chicago City Hall elopements are intimate, affordable, and honestly? Pretty damn romantic in their own right.

As a wedding photographer who’s shot countless City Hall ceremonies, I’ve seen it all—from couples who nailed every detail to those who forgot their marriage license was in the other jacket pocket. Here’s everything you need to know to pull off your Chicago elopement without a hitch.

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Bride and groom using vintage payphone after Chicago City Hall elopement

Step 1: Get Your Marriage License
(Do This First, Seriously)

Before you can say “I do” at City Hall, you need a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk’s office. Annnd you need to get it at least a day in advance. Here’s the deal:

Where to go: Cook County Clerk’s Office, 118 N. Clark St., Room 120, Chicago, IL 60602

What you need to bring:

Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
$60 for the license fee (cash, check, or card accepted)
If you’ve been divorced: the date your divorce was finalized. If it was finalized within the last 6 months, you’ll need to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree
If you were previously widowed: you’ll need the date of death (and possibly a death certificate)

What you DON’T need:

Social Security card or number (not required!)
Birth certificate
Witnesses
Blood test (this isn’t 1950)

The process: You can start your application online at the Cook County Clerk’s website to save time, but you both still need to show up in person together to finish filling it out and sign it. No exceptions—no sending your friend, no Zoom calls. You’ll walk out with your license the same day. There’s a one day waiting period in Illinois. (Though I’d recommend giving yourself at least a few days to, you know, plan something.)

Important timing note: Your marriage license is effective one day after it’s issued, valid for 60 days, and must be returned to the Cook County Clerk’s Office within 10 days after your ceremony. Don’t let it expire or you’ll be doing this all over again.

Hours: Check the Cook County Clerk’s website for current hours as they can vary, but generally Monday-Friday during business hours. They’re closed on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.

Step 2: Decide Who’s Coming
(If Anyone)

Here’s some good news: Illinois doesn’t require witnesses for your marriage ceremony. Nope, not even one. It’s just you, your partner, and the judge.

So who should you bring? That’s entirely up to you:

Come solo as a couple for the ultimate intimate experience
Bring your best friend or a family member to celebrate with you
Bring a small crew if you want a cheering section
Bring your dog if they’re well-behaved (I’ve seen it and it’s adorable)

Guest limit: The Marriage and Civil Union Court allows a maximum of 10 guests per ceremony, including your photographer. So if you’re dreaming of bringing your entire extended family, you’ll need to narrow it down. Most couples bring 0-4 people.

Step 3: Plan What You’re Wearing

City Hall doesn’t have a dress code, so wear whatever makes you feel amazing. I’ve photographed couples in everything from jeans and band tees to full wedding gowns with trains.

My recommendation: Wear something you love that photographs well and feels like you. Whether that’s a killer vintage suit, a short white dress, or matching leather jackets—own it.

Practical considerations:

The courthouse can be warm, so layers are smart
You’ll be walking around downtown Chicago, so consider your footwear
If you’re doing photos outside afterward, think about Chicago weather (it’s windy, always windy)
Bring a backup outfit in the car if you want formal ceremony photos AND casual city photos

Step 4: Decide on Photography

This is obviously where I come in, but I’ll be straight with you: you absolutely can get married without a photographer. You just might regret it later when your only photos are blurry iPhone shots from your witness who was standing at a weird angle.

Your options:

Hire a professional (hey, hi, it’s me): I’ll document your ceremony, handle the lighting in the courthouse (which can be tricky), and we can explore Chicago afterward for portraits. You’ll get high-quality images that actually look like professional wedding photos.

DIY it: Have a friend take photos on a phone or camera. Just make sure they know how to use it and won’t spend the whole ceremony looking at the screen instead of the moment.

Skip it entirely: Some couples just want the experience and nothing else. Totally valid, though you might want at least one photo for the holiday card.

Newlyweds kissing in front of iconic Chicago Theatre marquee sign after City Hall wedding

Step 5: Make It Special
(The Small Touches Matter)

Just because you’re keeping it simple doesn’t mean it can’t be meaningful. Here are some ways to elevate your City Hall experience:

Flowers: Grab a bouquet from a local florist or even Trader Joe’s. It makes for better photos and gives you something to do with your hands.

Rings: If you’re exchanging rings, don’t forget them. (Yes, people forget.)

Personal vows: The judge will have standard vows, but you can prepare your own short version to read to each other.

A letter or gift exchange: Do this before the ceremony for an intimate moment—and I can photograph it.

Champagne for after: Toss a mini bottle in your bag for toasting on the courthouse steps or at your next stop.

Step 6: Timing Your Day & Showing Up for Your Ceremony

Here’s my recommended timeline for a smooth City Hall elopement day:

Where: Marriage and Civil Union Court, 119 W. Randolph St. (Lower Level), Chicago

The setup: Civil ceremonies are performed by Cook County judges in a courthouse setting. It’s quick, simple, and legally binding. Don’t expect flower arches or string quartets—this is the no-frills option, and that’s exactly the point.

How it works: In-person ceremonies are first-come, first-served. You’ll check in, then wait for your name to be called. The wait time can vary wildly—anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple hours depending on how busy it is and how many people are ahead of you.

Ceremony hours:

Tuesday through Friday
9am – 12pm (noon)
2pm – 4pm
Closed Mondays, weekends, and court holidays

Virtual option: If you prefer a virtual Zoom ceremony (yes, really), call (312) 603-5660 to schedule one in advance.

What it costs: $10 administrative fee (cash only—bring exact change or small bills).

What to bring:

Your marriage license
Valid ID for both of you
$10 cash for the administrative fee
Your partner (obviously)
Snacks or water if you think you’ll need them during the wait
Something to do while waiting (playing cards, a coloring book, a book to read, downloaded shows, etc.)

How long the ceremony takes: Once you’re called, the ceremony itself is maybe 5-10 minutes, tops. You’ll say your vows (they provide standard ones, or you can write your own short versions), exchange rings if you want, and sign the paperwork. Done.

Best times to go:

Right when they open (9am or 2pm): Get there early to be near the front of the queue
Avoid: Fridays (busiest day of the week), days before long weekends, Valentine’s Day

Pro tip: Build buffer time into your day. Don’t schedule your celebratory dinner reservation for 1pm if you show up at noon. The wait can be unpredictable, so give yourselves plenty of cushion—especially if you’re doing photos afterward.

Step 8: After You’re Married (Now What?)

Congrats! You’re married! Here’s what happens next:

Getting your marriage certificate: Your signed certificate will be filed with the Cook County Clerk. Remember, you need to return your signed license to the Clerk’s Office within 10 days of your ceremony. You can order certified copies for about $15 each (you’ll want 2-3 for name changes, benefits, etc.). These typically take a few weeks to arrive by mail, or you can pick them up in person sooner.

Celebrate: Hit up a nice restaurant, go to a bar, have a picnic in Millennium Park, or just go home and order pizza. There’s no wrong way to celebrate.

Photos around Chicago: If you hired me (or any photographer), this is when we explore. My favorite spots near the Marriage Court include:

The Art Institute (inside and out)
Chicago Theatre marquee
State Street bridge
Wabash Avenue under the L tracks
The Daley Center plaza with the Picasso sculpture
Millennium Park (the Bean, Lurie Garden, BP Bridge)
The Chicago Riverwalk

We can do a quick session or spend a few hours hitting multiple locations—totally up to you and what you’ve booked.

Practical Tips from Someone Who’s Been There Dozens of Times

Parking: There are lots near the Marriage Court, but they’re pricey. Consider taking the L, Uber, or having someone drop you off if you’re in a big dress. When in doubt look on spot hero!

Bathrooms: Available in the courthouse if you need to freshen up before or after.

Food and drinks: Not allowed in the courtroom, obviously. But there are plenty of spots nearby for a post-ceremony meal.

Weather backup: Everything happens indoors, so the weather won’t ruin your ceremony. But if you’re planning outdoor photos after, have a rain plan (spoiler: I always do).

Guests: The guest limit is 10 people, but honestly? Most couples keep it super intimate—just the two of them, or maybe their parents or a best friend. You rarely see anyone max out that limit.

Nerves: Totally normal. The judges are used to nervous couples and will guide you through everything. Just breathe and remember why you’re doing this.

Why Couples Love Chicago City Hall Elopements

Look, I’ve photographed $100k weddings and $60 elopements. You know what? The City Hall couples are often the most present, the most emotional, and the most focused on what actually matters—each other.

Here’s what you get with a City Hall elopement:

Zero planning stress
No going into debt for one day
An intimate experience with just the people who matter most
The ability to spend your money on a honeymoon, a house, or literally anything else
A “we did it our way” story that’s actually true

Plus, Chicago is a gorgeous city, and having the entire downtown as your backdrop? Chef’s kiss.

Bride and groom laughing together during Chicago City Hall elopement

Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re planning your Chicago City Hall elopement and want photos that’ll make you weep happy tears in 50 years, let’s chat. I’ve been doing this long enough to know every good photo spot, every tricky courthouse lighting situation, and exactly how to make you look amazing while keeping the day feeling authentic and stress-free.

Check out my elopement packages or get in touch and let’s start planning your perfect no-fuss, all-love Chicago wedding day.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the centerpieces or the seating chart. It’s about showing up for each other and making it official. And that? That’s always worth celebrating.