Planning an elopement in Chicago? Your wedding may be small, but the moment you get married still deserves to feel meaningful, personal, and completely yours.
Chicago Elopement Officiant for Intimate, Meaningful Ceremonies
Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of the people you love most, your elopement gives you the freedom to focus on each other, your relationship, and the promises you’re making without all the expectations of a traditional wedding.
As a Chicago elopement officiant, I create intimate wedding ceremonies ranging from sweet and simple “I do’s” to completely custom ceremonies built around your story. Whether you’re exchanging vows along the lakefront, in one of Chicago’s beautiful gardens, on a rooftop overlooking the city, or somewhere meaningful to the two of you, your ceremony should still feel like your wedding day.
The couples who choose me as their Chicago elopement officiant are looking for something personal, meaningful, and true to their relationship. Whether it's just the two of you or a handful of the people you love most, your elopement is still your wedding day. The words you speak to one another matter.
Your wedding doesn't have to be big to be meaningful. It just needs to feel like you.
And that is what we do together!
Which is why at forever incredible ceremonies, I absolutely LOVE being a part of elopements!
Small Doesn't Have to Mean Generic
There is no one right way to elope. Maybe you want to simply say “I do,” exchange your personal vows, sign your marriage license, and head off to celebrate. Or maybe you want an intimate ceremony that tells your story and feels every bit as meaningful as a wedding with 150 guests.
That’s why I offer several Chicago elopement ceremony options. You can keep things beautifully simple or choose a completely custom ceremony created around your relationship, your personalities, your values, and the way you want this moment to feel.
Your guest list may be tiny. The meaning of the moment isn't.
ELOPEMENT OPTIONS
“She took the time to really get to know us and created such a personalized experience for the two of us. She really made our little ceremony intimate and beautiful.”
Pamela
SIMPLE WEEKDAY ELOPEMENT
An intimate ceremony with choices, without custom storytelling.
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*This option is available within 60 days of planned elopement.*
Can’t get an appointment at the courthouse, but want to get married right away? Are you ready to get married and don't want to wait one more minute? This is for you! Perfect for those last minute elopements when the courthouse just won’t do.
Choice of a sweet and simple pre-written ceremony script.
You absolutely still have the option to do your own vows if you'd like.
*This option does not include a unity ceremony. For couples who wish to include a unity ceremony, the custom ceremony option is best suited to you.
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Consultation via phone or video
Choice of basic pre-written ceremony script
Couple and up to 10 guests
Officiating
Signing marriage license
Returning marriage license for you to the county clerk within 10 days.
*This option does not include a unity ceremony.
CUSTOM WEEKDAY ELOPEMENT
Your story, your ceremony, completely personalized.
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Your elopement may be intimate, but that doesn't mean your ceremony has to be simple. With the Custom Weekday Elopement, we'll take the time to create a ceremony that is completely personal to the two of you.
You'll each complete my individual “Dig Deeper” questionnaire, which gives me the opportunity to get to know you, your relationship, your story, and what makes the two of you you. I'll use your answers to create a custom-written ceremony that celebrates your relationship in a way that feels authentic, meaningful, and completely yours.
This option is perfect for couples who want their love story woven into their ceremony, have a few guests they'd like to include, or have specific ideas, traditions, readings, or ceremony elements that are important to them.
Your wedding may be small, but your story isn't.
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Consultation via phone or video
Dig deeper questionnaire
Custom written elopement ceremony
Optional unity ceremony
Couple and up to 15 guests
Officiating
Signing marriage license
Returning marriage license for the couple within 10 days of your ceremony
CUSTOM WEEKEND ELOPEMENT
The full custom experience for Friday through Sunday celebrations.
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Your elopement may be intimate, but your ceremony can still be completely personal to the two of you. With the Custom Weekend Elopement, we'll create a ceremony that reflects your relationship, your personalities, and what makes your story uniquely yours.
You'll each complete my individual “Dig Deeper” questionnaire, giving me the opportunity to really get to know you, your relationship, and the moments that have brought you to your wedding day. I'll use your answers to create a custom-written ceremony that weaves your love story throughout and feels authentic, meaningful, and completely yours.
This option is perfect for couples planning a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday elopement who want their love story included, have a few guests they'd like to involve, or want to incorporate meaningful traditions, readings, a unity ceremony, or other personal elements.
Your guest list may be small, but your ceremony can still tell your whole story.
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Consultation via phone or video
Dig deeper questionnaire
Custom written elopement ceremony
Optional unity ceremony
Couple and up to 15 guests
Officiating
Signing marriage license
Returning marriage license to the county clerk for you within 10 days of your ceremony.
Planning something a little more structured?
If your celebration includes a reserved wedding venue, formal seating, a wedding party, processional, coordinated music, or more involved ceremony logistics, my Intimate/Micro Wedding experience may be the better fit, even with a smaller guest count.
JUST WANT TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL?
Sign & Go Ceremony
Starting at $250
For couples who want the simplicity of a courthouse-style marriage ceremony without actually getting married at the courthouse.
No ceremony menu. No custom-written script. No lengthy planning process. Just the two of you, your marriage license, the legally required words, your rings if you're exchanging them, and the option to share your own personal vows.
Perfect for couples who simply want to say “I do,” make it legal, and make it theirs.
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Your Sign & Go Ceremony is designed to make getting legally married simple, meaningful, and easy, without a traditional courthouse ceremony.
Your Sign & Go includes:
A brief, courthouse-style marriage ceremony
The legally required Declaration of Intent, your “I do”
Optional ring exchange
The option to share your own personal vows
Completion and signing of your marriage license
Professional officiating by an experienced Chicago wedding officiant
Return of your completed marriage license to the appropriate county clerk
There is no custom-written ceremony, love story, ceremony menu, or selection of ceremony elements with this option. If you'd like more ceremony choices or personalization, my Sweet & Simple Elopement may be a better fit.
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Sign & Go is perfect if you're thinking:
“We just want to get married without going to the courthouse.”
Maybe you're keeping your legal ceremony intentionally simple, planning a larger celebration later, traveling to Chicago to get married, or simply don't want a traditional wedding ceremony.
You want the moment to feel warm and meaningful, but you don't need custom storytelling, readings, rituals, or lots of ceremony choices. You may want to exchange rings or say your own personal vows, but ultimately, you're ready to say “I do,” sign the marriage license, and make it official.
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Sign & Go ceremonies are intentionally short, simple, and designed for the couple plus up to four guests.
You'll need to obtain a valid marriage license for the county where your ceremony will take place. If you're getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, your Cook County marriage license must be obtained at least one calendar day before your ceremony and cannot be used the same day it is issued.
Sign & Go ceremonies are offered at select locations, dates, and times based on availability. Some public locations may require a permit or reservation, which is the couple's responsibility to obtain.
If your plans include more than four guests, ceremony choices, a personalized ceremony script, or a custom-written love story, one of my Chicago elopement ceremony options will be a better fit.
Think courthouse-simple, just without the courthouse.
Getting Legally Married in Chicago
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Eloping in Chicago is surprisingly simple. You'll need to obtain a valid marriage license, choose where you'd like to exchange your vows, and have your ceremony performed by someone legally authorized to solemnize your marriage.
Your elopement can be as simple as just the two of you exchanging “I do's,” or you can invite a small group of your favorite people and create a more personalized ceremony. You can get married along the lakefront, in a Chicago park or garden, on a rooftop, at a hotel, or another location that feels meaningful to you. Just keep in mind that some locations require permits or advance reservations.
If you're not sure where to begin, I'm happy to help you navigate the ceremony side of your Chicago elopement and point you toward some of my favorite locations.
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If you're getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, you'll need to obtain your marriage license through the Cook County Clerk's Office. Both partners must appear together and provide valid identification. The current marriage license fee is $60.
Your Cook County marriage license can only be used for a marriage taking place in Chicago or suburban Cook County.
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You must obtain your Cook County marriage license at least one calendar day before your elopement ceremony, and the license is valid for 60 days.
I recommend not waiting until the last possible moment. Getting your license a little ahead of time gives you one less thing to think about as your wedding day approaches.
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No. A Cook County marriage license does not become effective until the calendar day after it is issued, so you cannot obtain your license and use it for your ceremony that same day under the ordinary process.
For example, if you're planning a Saturday elopement, you need to obtain your marriage license no later than Friday. I always recommend getting it earlier when possible so you aren't leaving such an important detail until the day before your wedding.
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No. Illinois does not require witnesses for your marriage ceremony, so your Chicago elopement really can be just the two of you and your officiant.
Of course, you're welcome to include a few of your favorite people if you'd like. Your guest count may also help determine whether a Sign & Go, Sweet & Simple, Custom Elopement, or Intimate/Micro Wedding is the best fit for your celebration. Illinois law specifies who may solemnize and register a marriage and does not impose a witness requirement.
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Yes! After your ceremony, I'll complete and sign your marriage license and take care of returning it to the appropriate county clerk for recording, so that's one less thing you have to worry about.
Illinois law requires the completed marriage certificate to be forwarded to the county clerk within 10 days after the marriage is solemnized, and Cook County confirms that the officiant completes, signs, and returns the license for recording.
Once your marriage has been recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Clerk. Certified copies are not automatically mailed to you.
Where Can You Elope in Chicago?
One of the best things about planning a Chicago elopement is how many incredible ceremony locations you have to choose from. Couples can exchange vows along the lakefront, surrounded by gardens, beneath the Chicago skyline, inside one of the city's beautiful historic buildings, or somewhere completely unexpected.
I've officiated intimate ceremonies and elopements throughout Chicago, including locations such as North Avenue Beach, Milton Lee Olive Park, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Chicago Riverwalk, Garfield Park Conservatory, LondonHouse, Maggie Daley Cancer Survivors Garden and other downtown and lakefront locations.
A quick note about Chicago elopement locations: Some public parks, gardens, beaches, and other locations require a permit or advance reservation for wedding ceremonies. Permit requirements vary by location, guest count, photography, and other details, so I always recommend confirming the current requirements for your chosen location before making final plans.
Not sure where to start? I've put together some of my favorite Chicago elopement locations to help you find a setting that feels like you.
Location Ideas
Looking for Chicago elopement location ideas? Whether you're local or traveling to Chicago to get married, choosing the perfect place can feel a little overwhelming. I'm always happy to share some of my favorite romantic and unique locations, both indoors and out, to help you find a setting that feels like you.
Chicago Elopement Locations & Permits
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You can elope almost anywhere in Chicago where wedding ceremonies are permitted, from the lakefront and beautiful gardens to rooftops, hotels, historic buildings, and other locations with incredible city views.
Some of my favorite Chicago elopement locations include North Avenue Beach, Milton Lee Olive Park, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Chicago Riverwalk, Garfield Park Conservatory, LondonHouse, Maggie Daley Cancer Survivors Garden, and other downtown and lakefront locations.
But your elopement location doesn't have to be a traditional wedding location at all. A private home or backyard, a favorite coffee shop, a restaurant, a hotel suite, or another place that holds special meaning in your relationship can make the moment even more personal. Just be sure to get permission from the property owner or business when needed.
The right location really depends on the experience you want. You might picture the Chicago skyline behind you, a quiet garden surrounding you, or simply a meaningful spot where the two of you can exchange your vows.
I've put together a guide to some of my favorite Chicago elopement locations to help you start exploring your options.
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It depends on where you choose to get married. Many Chicago parks, beaches, gardens, conservatories, and other public spaces require a permit or advance reservation for a wedding ceremony, even when your elopement is very small.
For Chicago Park District gardens and beaches, a Special Event Permit is required for an outdoor wedding ceremony regardless of the number of people attending. Some popular locations, including Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, Olive Park, and Maggie Daley Park/Cancer Survivors Garden, are independently managed and have their own requirements.
Photography may have separate permit requirements as well, so I recommend checking both ceremony and photography requirements before finalizing your location.
I'm happy to point you in the right direction, but obtaining any required permits or reservations is ultimately the couple's responsibility.
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Absolutely! If you're not sure where to have your Chicago elopement, I'm happy to share location ideas based on the kind of experience you're envisioning.
Whether you're dreaming of Chicago skyline views, the lakefront, a romantic garden, a beautiful indoor setting, or something a little unexpected, I've officiated elopements and intimate ceremonies throughout the city and can help point you toward locations that may be a good fit.
You can also explore my guide to some of my favorite Chicago elopement locations for ideas, photos, and inspiration.
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Generally, your Chicago wedding ceremony does not have to take place at a courthouse or traditional wedding venue. With a valid Cook County marriage license and someone legally authorized to solemnize your marriage, you can have your ceremony at many different locations throughout Chicago. Illinois law establishes who may legally solemnize a marriage.
However, the location itself may have rules about wedding ceremonies. Parks, gardens, beaches, hotels, rooftops, private properties, and other venues may require permission, a reservation, or a permit.
So yes, your officiant can come to you, but you still need permission to use your chosen location when required.
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Absolutely! I love working with couples who are traveling to Chicago to get married, and you don't need to know the city like a local to create an incredible elopement here.
I can help you navigate the ceremony side of your Chicago elopement, including choosing the ceremony experience that's right for you, sharing location ideas, helping you understand the marriage-license process, creating your ceremony, and making sure you know what to expect when it's time to say “I do.”
You'll still be responsible for securing your marriage license, location reservations or permits, and any other wedding professionals you choose to hire, but you won't have to figure out the ceremony part alone.
Whether Chicago is a favorite city, where your love story began, or simply somewhere you've always dreamed of getting married, we'll create a ceremony that makes your trip here even more meaningful.
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Absolutely! If you're looking for a photographer to capture your Chicago elopement, one of my favorite recommendations is Elope to Chicago. She specializes in intimate Chicago elopements and knows so many of the city's beautiful locations, which makes her a wonderful resource for couples who want both meaningful ceremony moments and incredible photos of their time in Chicago.
If Elope to Chicago isn't available for your date, I'm also happy to recommend some of my other favorite Chicago wedding and elopement photographers. I've worked alongside some incredibly talented professionals over the years and am always happy to help point you toward someone who may be a great fit for the style and experience you're looking for.
One of the things I love most about officiating elopements is how personal they can be. Whether it's just the two of you or a handful of the people you love most, I want your elopement to feel like I'm celebrating two friends I've known for years.
This is still your wedding day, and your ceremony deserves to feel every bit as meaningful, joyful, and completely you as the moment you're celebrating.
And if you're wondering how to elope in Chicago, where to have your ceremony, what you need to make it legal, or how to make such an intimate wedding feel special, you're in the right place. You have questions, and after more than two decades of officiating weddings and elopements, I have plenty of answers.
Your Chicago Elopement Ceremony
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No! You do not have to get married at the courthouse to get legally married in Chicago. With a valid marriage license and someone legally authorized to solemnize your marriage, your ceremony can take place in many different locations throughout the city.
You can exchange vows along the lakefront, in a garden, at a hotel, in your backyard, at your favorite coffee shop, or somewhere else that feels meaningful to the two of you, as long as you have any permission or permits required for that location.
If you want something almost as simple as a courthouse ceremony without actually going to the courthouse, my Sign & Go Ceremony was created specifically for that.
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Absolutely! Your Chicago elopement can be just the two of you, or you can invite a small group of the people you love most.
Your guest count and the style of ceremony you're planning will help determine which elopement option is the best fit. Sign & Go is designed for the couple and just a few guests, Sweet & Simple works beautifully for up to 10 guests, and Custom Elopements can accommodate a slightly larger group.
If you're planning something more structured at a wedding venue with formal seating, a wedding party, processional, coordinated music, or more involved ceremony logistics, my Intimate/Micro Wedding service may be a better fit, even if your guest list is still small.
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Yes! You are absolutely welcome to write and exchange your own personal vows during your Chicago elopement. In fact, personal vows can be especially meaningful during an intimate ceremony because there are fewer distractions and the focus really is on the two of you.
If writing your vows feels intimidating, I can also provide guidance and resources to help you get started. And if personal vows aren't your thing, that's perfectly okay too. Depending on the ceremony option you choose, I can provide vow choices so you can still find words that feel comfortable and authentic to you.
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An elopement is typically a smaller, simpler and more intimate wedding experience, while a micro wedding usually has more of the structure and logistics of a traditional wedding, just with fewer guests.
A Chicago elopement might be the two of you and a handful of loved ones gathering around at the lakefront, in a garden, on a rooftop, or another meaningful location to exchange your vows.
An Intimate/Micro Wedding may include a reserved wedding venue, seated guests, a processional, wedding party, coordinated music, family participation, readings, or other ceremony logistics.
Guest count is only part of the distinction. If you're not sure which category your plans fall into, tell me what you're envisioning and I'll help you determine which service is the best fit.
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It really depends on how simple or personalized you want your ceremony to be.
Sign & Go is for couples who simply want to make it official without going to the courthouse. There is no ceremony menu or custom writing, although you can exchange your own personal vows.
Sweet & Simple Weekday Elopement gives you a real ceremony with a choice of professionally written ceremony scripts and the option to exchange personal vows, without custom storytelling.
Custom Weekday Elopement is for couples who want their relationship and personalities reflected in the ceremony. We'll go through my questionnaire process so I can get to know you and create a ceremony specifically for the two of you.
Custom Weekend Elopement offers the full custom experience for Friday through Sunday celebrations, with the option to incorporate additional ceremony elements such as a unity ritual.
If you're not sure which one fits what you're envisioning, reach out and tell me a little about your plans. I'm happy to help you figure it out.
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My Chicago elopement ceremony options currently range from $250 for a Sign & Go Ceremony to $850 for a fully custom weekend elopement.
Sign & Go ceremonies start at $250, a Simple Weekday Elopement is $550, a Custom Weekday Elopement is $750, and a Custom Weekend Elopement is $850. The right option depends on your wedding date, guest count, location, how personalized you'd like your ceremony to be, and the overall logistics involved.
For couples planning something more structured or venue-based, my Intimate/Micro Wedding service may be the better fit.
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For a Custom Chicago Elopement, you can book your ceremony with me up to a year in advance for weekday and Sunday dates. Saturdays are my most requested wedding dates, so I reserve most Saturday availability for larger wedding ceremonies until we get a little closer. Custom Saturday elopements can typically be booked within six months of your wedding date, based on availability.
My Sweet & Simple Weekday Elopement is designed for couples planning a little closer to their wedding day and is available Monday through Thursday within six months of your ceremony date. If you're hoping for a Sweet & Simple ceremony on a Saturday, those dates may become available within 60 days, depending on my wedding calendar.
If you have a specific date or a Chicago location you have your heart set on, you're always welcome to reach out and check availability. I'll help you determine which elopement option works best for your plans.
See What a Chicago Elopement Can Feel Like
Wondering what an elopement ceremony actually looks and feels like? It can be romantic, joyful, personal, and every bit as meaningful as a much larger wedding.
With an intimate ceremony, the focus stays exactly where it belongs: on the two of you, the promises you're making, and the moment you become married.
Watch this Chicago elopement for a little glimpse of what your own incredible day could feel like.
Olive Park Elopement Film by Eli Neris of Wedding Masterpiece Films
Get Your Free Chicago Elopement Guide
Planning an elopement in Chicago should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you're local or traveling to Chicago to say “I do,” I've created a guide to help you start planning an intimate wedding day that feels completely like the two of you.
Inside the Chicago Elopement Guide, you'll find some of my favorite ceremony locations, marriage license information, permit considerations, tips for choosing the right elopement experience, trusted local resources, and a few things I've learned from officiating intimate weddings throughout Chicago.
From figuring out where to elope in Chicago to understanding what you actually need to make your marriage legal, consider this your starting point for planning a beautiful, meaningful Chicago elopement.
Your wedding may be small, but the moment deserves to be incredible.
“We were feeling a little flustered planning a small wedding in little time... She immediately made us feel so comfortable and supported, and we loved her process for capturing our love story.”
— Nicole
Ready to Plan Your Chicago Elopement?
Whether you're dreaming of a sweet and simple “I do” along the lakefront, an intimate ceremony surrounded by a handful of your favorite people, or a completely custom elopement built around your story, I'd love to hear what you're planning.
Your wedding doesn't have to be big to be meaningful. On the day you make it forever, make it incredible.
