Ultimate Chicago Elopement Guide: Best Places to Elope & More
Table of Contents:
Why Elope in Chicago?
How to Travel Around Chicago
Top 25 Best Places to Elope in Chicago
Best Time of Year to Elope in Chicago
Best Places to Stay for Your Chicago Elopement
How to Get Legally Married in Chicago
Chicago Marriage Laws
How to Get Your Chicago Marriage License
Chicago Elopement Permits
5 Fun Chicago Elopement Ideas
Meet Your Chicago Elopement Photographer
Chicago Elopement Packages + Pricing
More Elopement Resources
You know I love alllll things adventure elopements and documenting couples saying their vows in the middle of the jungle or at the top of a mountain with nobody but Mother Nature as a witness. But you know what’s SO underrated in the elopement & wedding industry?
City elopements! Being that the great city of Chicago is my home base, I wanted to put together a full Chicago elopement guide to show you just how awesome of an elopement location the big city can truly be. From the vibrant nightlife to the many unique places to elope throughout the city, Chicago is an amazing location for an urban elopement with all those buzzin’ city vibes.
I’ll be taking you through all the deets you need to know in order to plan your own Chicago elopement: the best places to elope in Chicago, how to get your Chicago marriage license, fun Chicago elopement ideas, and SO much more. Pack your bags and let’s go on a wild city adventure together!
Why Elope in Chicago?
Let’s start with the basics: Why should you elope in Chicago?
If you’re not familiar with good ol’ Chi-town – maybe you’d be traveling in from out of state for your elopement, or you’re from a more suburban part of Illinois – you might be questioning why the heck I’m recommending it to you as an elopement location. Because let’s be real, my brand is mainly focused on adventurous elopements where we venture deep into the woods or trek through the mountains. But I have such a special place in my heart for city elopements & for Chicago as a city, and I know there are so many couples out there who would prefer to walk under the shadows of giant skyscrapers over massive redwood trees in the middle of nowhere ;)
I want this guide to show you that Chicago can be a buzzing, thrilling city full of energy and things to do, and to inspire you to open your mind up to some more city-vibe elopement ideas! Okay, I’ll stop my little city elopement spiel for now – here are some of the top reasons you should elope in Chicago!
The nightlife is unbeatable – if you’re eloping with a couple of your pals tagging along, what better way to end the big day than with a fun night out on the town?! Whether you want to hit up a dive bar in a quieter part of the city or dance your feet off at a club with music, Chicago has got it all.
The music scene is 12/10 – being a massive music fanatic myself, I love all the live music opportunities Chicago has to offer!! And seeing a live show or two would be SUCH a fun addition to your Chicago elopement itinerary.
You still have opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors – yes, Chicago DOES have spots where you can escape the busy city for a hot minute and enjoy some great scenery! With the expansive Lake Michigan views and plenty of green space to explore, plus even some beaches. You heard me right: Chicago has beaches!!
The dining is *chef’s kiss* – oh, you love delicious, top-notch cuisine and want tons of options to choose from at dinnertime? Chicago’s the place for you. A true foodie paradise. Whether you only want to eat deep-dish pizza for every meal or you want to try a totally different cuisine every day, Chicago is jam-packed with incredible restaurants for every taste.
The marriage license waiting period is only 24 hours – I’ll talk more about this a little later on in this guide, but the waiting period for an Illinois marriage license is only 24 hours. Meaning that you can get married the day after you get your marriage license instead of having to wait 3-4 days like you have to in many states!
How to Travel Around Chicago
If you’re flying into Chicago from out of state for your elopement, you’ll want to fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), or Midway International Airport (MDW), which is also where you can tell your guests to fly into.
While Chicago does have plenty of public transportation (buses & trains), I highly recommend renting a car for your time in the city if you have the budget to do so, and if you’re up for the adventure that is trying to find parking in the city! The reason I suggest renting a car is that it simply allows you way more freedom to explore Chicago however you’d like to, without having to worry about timing trains or buses right. You can change your plans if you need to and you’ll have complete control of your itinerary, which will lift some stress off your shoulders when it comes to planning your trip! You can always take Ubers or Lyfts if you’re planning to drink a bit or don’t want to worry about parking one night, too. Now to the fun stuff…epic location ideas for your dream elopement day!
Top 25 Best Places to Elope in Chicago
What are the best places to elope in Chicago?
If you’re asking that question, you’re in the right spot: I’ve compiled a big list below of the top 25 best Chicago elopement locations, ranging from places that are great for ceremonies to random spots you can stop at for some gorgeous elopement portraits!! There are seriously places for every type of elopement in Chicago, including beaches, museums & planetariums, piers, harbors, conservatories, and so much more! Click on the name of each location to learn more about it!
1. Oak Street Beach
One of the city’s best, large beaches on the shore of Lake Michigan
2. North Avenue Beach
A popular beach in Lincoln Park with amazing views of the city skyline
3. Montrose Beach
A beach near the Uptown neighborhood with a dog park, kayaking, and volleyball rentals. A little more remote and less crowded out of all the beaches.
4. Museum Campus
Check out the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and/or the Shedd Aquarium! The grounds here are stunning, but also shooting inside these museums makes for amazing backdrops!
5. Willis Sky Tower
A viewing tower with crazy amazing views of the city, and even a glass balcony/viewing platform for a bit more of a thrill
6. Wrigley Building
A massive skyscraper on the north side of Chicago on the river, at the head of the Magnificent Mile
7. Riverwalk
The iconic 1.25-mile walk through the four main districts of Chicago: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and The Esplanade
8. Art Institute
An incredible collection of art in the heart of the city
9. Montrose Harbor
A harbor right by Montrose Beach on the northern edge of Lincoln Park with beautiful skyline views with lots of sailboats and piers as a backdrop
10. Navy Pier
A lakefront hotspot with plenty of entertainment, music, and restaurants
11. Lake Michigan
The perfect place for a sunset sailboat cruise with your guests or jumping into the lake with all your clothes on!
12. Chicago Theater Sign
An iconic street sign that’s a must-visit when we’re taking downtown elopement portraits!
13. Millenium Park
Yes, this is the park in downtown Chicago with the bean sculpture, along with lovely gardens to take a stroll through!
14. Lincoln Park
One of the most popular photo spots that give you a perfect mix of city meats nature. For the popular nature boardwalk + the famous “honeycomb”
15. Wicker Park
For all the hipster-coffee-record-store-vintage vibes
16. The Loop
The place to be if you want to experience the buzz of the city and have towering skyscrapers as a backdrop!
17. Garfield Park Conservatory
A stunning botanical conservatory with dreamy greenery everywhere & tons of vibrant tropical foliage
Another spectacular conservatory with exotic plants and all the tropical vibes in the middle of the city!
19. Lily Pond Pool
A beautiful three-acre natural area on the southern edge of Lincoln Park Zoo – such a gorgeous place for romantic portraits
20. North Pond Circular Loop
A short loop hiking trail in Lincoln Park
21. Union Station
A historic train station in the middle of Chicago with gorgeous architecture & a majestic “Great Hall”
22. Buckingham Fountain
A large memorial fountain in Grant Park that looks extra beautiful all lit up at night!
23. Chicago Botanic Garden
Nearly 400 acres of magical plants, flowers, and greenery – especially amazing in the spring
24. Milton Lee Olive Park
Public park that gives you great views of Oak Street Beach, the lakefront, & Navy Pier
25. Hotels + Rooftops
Some of my favorite hotels & rooftops for elopement portraits include: The Gwen Luxury Hotel, Hotel Lincoln, The Robey, London House, Cindy’s Rooftop, & The J. Parker. I’ve got plenty more spots up my sleeve for my couples too ;)
Best Time of Year to Elope in Chicago
You know WHERE to elope in Chicago now, but how about WHEN to elope in Chicago??
What season is best to elope in Chicago?
This is an easy one – if you know nothing about Chicago, I’m sure you’re still familiar with how dang COLD it gets in Chicago in the winter. Sooo unless you’re down to be freezing cold while you’re exploring outdoor parts of the city and to stay indoors for most of your elopement, I’d recommend eloping in Chicago between the months of May-October, either in the late spring, summer, or early fall! You’ll obviously get the warmest weather & the longest days in the heat of the summer, but May and October can be really beautiful in the city even though temperatures are usually a bit cooler. Those months are the best to elope if you’re trying to avoid crowds as much as possible, as well, since most tourists visit Chicago in the summer or during the holiday season!
Winter in Chicago is also very beautiful and there are some perks to eloping during the off-season, For one, you have less crowds. Chicago also decorates in such a magical way for the holidays, so if you are going for intimate, cozy, winter vibes, December would be a great month to also consider eloping!
Best Places to Stay for Your Chicago Elopement
I am ALL about making your elopement as memorable of an experience as possible, from the moment you say “I do” until the moment your head hits the pillow at the end of the night – so why not make sure it’s a super cozy pillow in a beautiful space? ;) We’re talking next about all the best places to stay in Chicago for your elopement, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago or a spacious Airbnb with some more home-y vibes on the outskirts of the city.
Below are some of the best Airbnbs & hotels in the Chicago area that I think would be bomb AF to stay at for your elopement!! Bonus points for Airbnbs with gorg natural lighting + aesthetic decor so we can snap some pics in the space at the end of the night ;)
Top Chicago Airbnbs for Elopements
Pro tip: if you’re inviting a few guests along for your big day, why not book a big Airbnb where you can all stay and spend quality time together?! I’ve included a few massive Airbnbs in the list below that would be great for a partayyy with your friends & fam, and marked them with a *star.
*LOFT606 – sleeps 16+
*The Cortland In Logan Square – sleeps 16+
*Lincoln Park Joyful Home – sleeps 12
Emil Bach House – sleeps 6
Wicker Park Home – sleeps 6
312 Riverhouse – sleeps 5
Top Chicago Hotels for Elopements
Same tip as above for hotels – I def recommend booking a hotel where you and your guests can all stay and enjoy your time with one another.
How to Get Legally Married in Chicago
Let’s talk the legal stuff real quick because even though it’s not quite as fun as the rest of the elopement planning process, it’s obviously a crucial part of making sure you can get legally married!! Below, I’ll be walking you through the basic Illinois marriage laws and the specific instructions for getting a marriage license in Cook County (where Chicago is located). But since I’m not the pro in this area, you can find more info about Illinois marriage laws & Chicago marriage licenses on the Cook County website!
Chicago Marriage Laws
How old do I have to be to get married in Chicago?
You and your partner both need to be 18 in order to get married in Illinois.
Do I have to be a resident to get married in Chicago?
Nope! No need to be an Illinois resident to get married in Chicago, or anywhere in the state.
How fast can I get married in Chicago?
Once you apply for your marriage license in Cook County, you’ll only need to wait until the next calendar day to get married. So you can get your license and do the dang thing pretty quickly without having to endure a lengthy waiting period!
How long is a marriage license valid for in Chicago?
Illinois marriage licenses are valid for 60 days beginning the day after the license was issued. This (and the Illinois waiting period) means you‘ll need to get married at least one day after & within 60 days of getting your license.
Do you need witnesses to get married in Chicago?
No, you don’t need any witnesses to get married in Illinois! This means you can tie the knot totally in private if you want to, no need to bring any friends or fam along to sign as witnesses.
How much is a marriage license fee in Chicago?
The fee to get a marriage license in Chicago is $60.
Can I use my Chicago marriage license anywhere in Illinois?
Nope, your Cook County marriage license is only valid in Chicago & suburban Cook County. If you want to have your ceremony anywhere else in the state you’ll need to get a license from the appropriate county!
How to Get Your Chicago (Cook County) Marriage License
Now that you’re familiar with Illinois marriage laws, here’s how to actually get your Chicago (Cook County) marriage license!
Visit one of the six Cook County Clerk locations (both of you must be present)
Fill out and sign a marriage license application
Show valid picture ID with proof of age (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
Pay the $60 marriage license fee
Wait for your license to be issued
Once you’ve received your license, just wait until the next calendar day – and bam, your marriage license is ready to be used! And make sure you use it within 60 days of the day after it’s issued, otherwise you’ll need to repeat the application process and get a new license.
Chicago Elopement Permits
As far as location-specific permits go, you may need an elopement permit and/or photography permit at some of Chicago’s landmarks in order to hold your ceremony. You’ll need a Special Event Permit to have your ceremony at most of Chicago’s public parks and beaches, so check out
5 Fun Chicago Elopement Ideas
Sooo now that you’re, like, a total pro when it comes to Chicago elopements, let’s talk about actually planning your Chicago elopement itinerary!! Like I’ve mentioned already, I’m a big fan of experiences over things, and I really encourage you to plan unforgettable activities that’ll make your elopement as magical as possible. Since I’d say I’m pretty familiar with the city, I’ll help you get started with some of my best Chicago elopement ideas to incorporate into your timeline, either for the actual day of your elopement or other days during your trip.
1. Enjoy a classy rooftop dinner
Fine dining & sippin’ on deslih cocktails while overlooking the Chicago skyline? Yes please!! Cindy’s Rooftop & the The J. Parker are two of the best spots in the city for a unique dinner experience.
2. Take advantage of Chicago’s live music scene
Music fanatics unite!! Check out Kingston Mines if you’re in the mood to spend your evening at a world-famous blues nightclub, or the Green Mill for intimate cocktail lounge vibes.
3. Craft a perfect adventure day full of your favorite beaches, breweries, scenic lake spots, & more!
Elopements do not have to be 1 or 2 hours and confined to a courthouse. Dream up your perfect day with each other from the time you wake up, to the time you fall asleep. I can help you craft a city adventure day full of scenic spots, amazing breweries and food, city scape views, and maybe an adrenal activity or two!
4. Spend an afternoon or night out on the water
If you’re eloping in Chicago during the summer, take a sailboat out on Lake Michigan and enjoy the sunshine while you cruise along the beautiful waters – and maybe even take a dip!
5. Get a view of the city from up high
And lastly, if you want to get a unique view of Chicago from wayyyy up high, check out the iconic 360 Chicago Observation Deck!! You’ll get to see the amazing panoramic views of the city from 1,000 feet up, and if you wanna make it extra interesting, def invite your guests along and book tickets for the Sip, Tilt, & View ;)
Meet Your Chicago Elopement Photographer
Well, I guess that would be me! I’ll introduce myself real quick before wrapping up this guide and sending you on your merry way – I’m Brigette, a Chicago elopement photographer and lover of all things adventurous, spiritual, soulful, creative, non-cookie-cutter. . . I could go on and on (in fact, you can check out my website if you want to hear me indeed go on & on). I’ve dedicated my entire career as an elopement photographer to helping couples craft a unique, meaningful adventure to kick off the journey that is marriage – the type of day that you’ll walk away from on such a high that you’ll need a few days to come down.
If you’re ready to:
Trade in the traditional church wedding for a spontaneous adventure through the city
Invite only the people you love the most to celebrate with you in Chicago
Experience all that Chicago has to offer by planning unique activities for you & your guests
Enjoy the buzzin’, high-energy vibes of the city and escape from the stresses of daily life for a minute
Oh, and document it all along the way – then I’m the gal who’s here to do it for you. My camera bags are packed, my cameras are charged, and I am ready and stoked to help you plan the Chicago elopement experience of a lifetime, be it a quick, private courthouse ceremony with a rooftop dinner or a multi-day adventure through the city with a few of your favorite activities and friends!
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, you can learn more about me here and see if you’re vibin’ with what I bring to the table!!
Chicago Elopement Packages + Pricing
And let’s not forget about the costs! My Chicago elopement packages start at $3,000 for 4 hours of coverage, which includes:
Unlimited Chicago elopement planning tips, resources, & consultations
High-resolution edited photos delivered digitally in an online viewing gallery
Full download, print, & sharing rights
All travel included!
No matter what your ideal Chicago elopement looks like, the beauty of your special day is that it can be anything you want it to be – and I’d love to be there to capture every moment of it.
You can reach out to me here if you’re ready to get started planning your DREAM Chicago elopement experience with the help of a pro ;) I can’t wait to talk!!
More Elopement Resources
If you loved this guide to how to elope in Chicago, I’ve got plenty more where it came from!! Check out a few more of my fave elopement resources and real-life blogs of Chicago sessions!