If you're wanting to see what a Chicago City Hall wedding might look like you're in the right place!

Eloping at Chicago City Hall is simple once you know the who, what, where and when of the process! I'm here to walk you through exactly what to do so that you can elope in Chicago! And of course, if you're looking for a photographer to capture the moment you can inquire HERE

This has been updated with the current COVID-19 requirements via added notes and strike-throughs of portions that are currently not valid. When restrictions are lifted, this blog will be updated to reflect those as well! Last updated  Friday, July 1st, 2022!

Who Needs To Go -

YOU! And your fiancé need to appear at the Cook County Clerk's Vital Records Office together to obtain a marriage license. You can go to any of these locations within Cook County to do this.

Downtown Chicago:
50 W. Washington St.,
East Concourse Lower Level - Room 25
Chicago, IL 60602

North Suburbs (Skokie):
5600 W. Old Orchard Road
Room 149
Skokie, IL 60077

Northwest Suburbs (Rolling Meadows):
2121 Euclid Avenue
Room 238
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

West Suburbs (Maywood):
1311 Maybrook Square
Room 104
Maywood, IL 60153

South Suburbs (Markham):
16501 S. Kedzie
Room 238
Markham, IL 60426

Southwest Suburbs (Bridgeview):
10220 S. 76th Ave.
Room 238
Bridgeview, IL 60455

What is a marriage license? Basically a document saying you want to get married. Illinois law requires that there is 24 hours between obtaining the license and actually getting married. The license is also only valid for 60 days so plan accordingly. There are two ways to fill this document out. You can either fill it out in person at the Cook County Clerk's Office or you can fill it out online and finish the signing at the office. If you fill this document online you do not have to print and bring it with you - you can just inform the clerk that you started your application online and they will look up your record. The cost to obtain a marriage license is $60 - cash or card is accepted.

COVID-19 NOTE: Due to covid-19 the 24 hour waiting period and 60 day expiration date are suspended. You can obtain a marriage license and get married on the same day.

What To Bring -
You need to bring a valid ID with proof of your age. This includes a driver's license, U.S. passport, State ID card or Foreign passport. For a full list you can go HERE

Where Is The Ceremony -

For your Chicago City Hall wedding you can choose to either be married at Chicago City Hall in the Cook County Marriage Court located at 119 West Randolph Street, Lower Level Chicago, Illinois 60602 or to be married at the Chicago Cultural Center located at 78 E Washington St. Chicago, IL. In order to be married at the Cultural Center you must book your appointment IN PERSON and pay the $10 court fee in advance at the Cook County Marriage Court. It is recommended that this be done as soon as you obtain your license.

Scheduling the Actual Wedding -

Although you do not need to schedule in advance (you can arrive no later than 30 min prior to closing) it is highly recommended. You must schedule in advance. In order to schedule a time to be married by a Cook County Judge, you must call and schedule a time. The phone number is 312-603-5660. Current Marriage Court hours are W-Th 9am-12pm and 2pm-3:30pm, F 9am-1pm, and Sat 9am-12pm except for holidays. Hours at the Chicago Cultural Center are Saturdays from 10:45am-11:15am.

Who Can Come -

Couples may bring up to 15 guests (for a total of 17 people) to be present at the ceremony. Witnesses are not required. Cameras (and therefore photographers) are permitted!

COVID-19 NOTE: Due to covid-19 the number of guests is restricted to 2 (for a total of 4 people) to be present at the ceremony. Again witnesses are not required. An additional 16 people can enter at the lower level of the marriage court to greet you on your way out!

What Will Happen At The Ceremony -

When you're eloping at Chicago City Hall you will wait to be called in by the Judge. You must present your marriage license and the $10 court fee in order to begin the ceremony. The judge will walk you through the proper wording to be married, they will sign the paperwork and submit it and then you'll be official! You're also welcome to share your own vows if you choose!

What Happens After The Ceremony -

You CELEBRATE!

But also a couple of housekeeping things. You'll want to obtain an official copies of your marriage certificate (3) for legal purposes (especially if one of you plans to change your last name). Make sure that you get a standard certificate for legal purposes even if you opt to purchase a commemorative certificate. You can find the different ways to do that HERE

Once you've obtained your marriage certificate you can apply for a name change/new social security card. You can start this application HERE

Once you receive your new social security card don't forget that you'll need to apply for a new version of things like a driver's license, passport, update credit card records, utilities and voter registration - essentially anything your old name might be on. If you plan on doing a honeymoon within a month or 2 of your wedding I would recommend not applying for the name change until after so that you don't get caught without the updated documents and ID's!

So there you have it. Everything you need to know about eloping at a Chicago City Hall wedding!

And there is no better way to remember your wedding day than making sure you have STUNNING photos of you two either at the Hall or running around the city. Elopements start at $1000 and are available during weekends or weekdays - inquire now to check our availability!