How to Elope in Chicago?
Chicago is one of the most famous cities in the United States. Known for its iconic architecture, world-class museums, stellar food scene, and lively entertainment options, the Windy City attracts over 50 million visitors every year.
This makes Chicago an ideal destination to elope for couples looking to tie the knot in a magical, fast-paced urban setting.
Why Elope in Chicago?
Eloping in Chicago has many advantages over a traditional wedding. For starters, it is much more affordable since you only have to pay for the two of you instead of hosting a large guest list. The money saved can fund a show stopping honeymoon instead.
Secondly, the planning is minimal – no need to spend months coordinating venues, catering, entertainment with a heaping side of family drama. You get to focus on each other and declare your love in one of the world’s most iconic places.
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Finally, Chicago is easy to travel to from either coast or internationally. It has two major airports with plenty of direct flight options. This makes it convenient for couples with faraway guests that still want to join you on the special day.
Romantic Backdrop
From glittering skyscrapers to tranquil parks and beaches along massive Lake Michigan, Chicago has no shortage of swoon-worthy backdrops.
Popular elopement spots include Navy Pier, the Chicago Riverwalk, Cloud Gate sculpture, and high up in one of the many downtown observation decks. Just don’t forget to bundle up if eloping during Chicago’s chilly winter months!
Easy To Travel To
Chicago O’Hare and Chicago Midway International Airports combine to offer over a thousand direct flights per day. This means easy access for travelers both domestically and abroad.
Chicago is also connected via rail and bus lines for those who prefer ground transportation when eloping on a budget.
Variety Of Venues
From sleek downtown hotel ballrooms to vineyards along Lake Michigan to Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces like the Robie House, couples have their choice of unique elopement venues.
Night owls can choose a jazz club that stays open late while museum aficionados can exchange vows inside the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium. Baseball fans can say “I do” right on the field at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field between innings.
When you elope in Chicago, anything is possible!
Finding an Officiant
Booking a qualified officiant authorized to perform legal marriage ceremonies is an essential part of eloping in Chicago. Here are two options:
Online Officiant Services
Websites like OfficiantEric.com connect couples with ordained officiants available for hire in the Chicagoland area.
After selecting a professional officiant that suits your style, you can book and pay online. Many let you customize the ceremony script and services offered.
Ask Venue for Recommendations
Venues experienced with elopements like The Gwen hotel or Allegro Hotel have their own list of trusted officiant contacts.
Ask your chosen Chicago venue for qualified marriage officiant referrals during the booking process to streamline logistics.
Booking a Venue
Finding the perfect intimate venue to exchange vows is arguably the most exciting part of planning an Chicago elopement! Here are top venue categories to consider:
Hotels With Elopement Packages
Luxury hotels like The Langham and London House offer exclusive elopement experiences that handle all the details in one place.
Packages often include an officiant ceremony, photography, floral arrangements, cake cutting, champagne toasts, and multi-course dinners.
Public Parks
Chicago is home to over 600 public parks that make stunning elopement venues – especially during peak spring and fall foliage.
Popular options range from massive Grant and Lincoln Parks to quaint hidden gems like Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and 606 Trail Bloomingdale Trail.
Restaurants
For foodie couples, eloping before or during dinner service at a favorite Chicago restaurant is memorable. Hot spots like Alinea, Girl & the Goat, and Topolobampo all accommodate small events.
Sky-high restaurants like 95th at the Hancock Building or 360 Chicago offer bird’s eye views of Chicago during your special meal.
Applying for a Marriage License
Securing an Illinois marriage license is required before getting married in Chicago, even for an elopement. Here’s what couples need to know:
Requirements and Documents
You’ll need:
- A valid state I.D. like a driver’s license
- Your social security number
- Proof of age – like a certified birth certificate copy
- Parental consent if under 18 years old
You’ll also need to know info like your birth city, father’s full name, and any previous divorce details.
How Far In Advance to Apply?
Chicago marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the issue date. Apply with the Cook County Clerk 1-60 days before your ideal elopement date in Chicago.
Weekday applications are quicker than weekends. You can apply online for faster processing.
Planning the Ceremony
Crafting a personalized vow ceremony is the best part of eloping in Chicago. Here are elements to consider:
Vows
Will you recite traditional vows or write your own? Feel free to get creative with a fun poem, song, rap, or tribute meaningful to your relationship!
Rings
Don’t forget the all-important rings! Shop together or surprise your partner with a customized band.
Attire
Plan attire that matches the venue and season. A glitzy cocktail dress and sleek suit work well for a swanky downtown hotel while casual dresses and button-downs suit a park elopement.
Photography + Video
Hire a professional elopement photographer and videographer to beautifully capture every moment – especially if keeping guest count low. Factor in travel time for shoots at multiple Chicago locations.
Music
Personalize the ceremony and reception with a custom playlist from your most cherished songs. Consider live music like a string quartet, jazz trio or acoustic guitarist to amp up the romance.
Making It Legal
Once you’ve said “I do” during your Chicago elopement, don’t forget to tie up loose ends to make the marriage legal:
Return Marriage License
The officiant has 10 days to file the completed Chicago marriage license with the county. Obtain several certified copies for records, name changes, and the honeymoon!
Get Certificate Copies
Request extra certified copies of the marriage certificate. You’ll need these for changing your last name, updating insurance and tax status, and sharing the news with family.
Celebrating Afterwards
An intimate dinner, night out on the town or weekend getaway makes for a perfect mini-moon celebration after the main elopement event. Here are top ideas for newly eloped couples:
Intimate Dinner
Continue the newlywed bliss by toasting with champagne over a multicourse dinner for two at a Michelin-starred restaurant or snuggle up in a private dining room.
City Attractions
Check out Chicago’s world-famous comedy clubs, theater scene, or a game at Wrigley Field. End the night dancing atop a swanky rooftop bar.
Hotel Staycation
Book the honeymoon suite or presidential suite at top luxury hotels like the Trump Tower Chicago, Four Seasons or Park Hyatt. Spend the weekend ordering room service between plush sheets.
Keeping It Secret
Many couples elope in Chicago to avoid family squabbles over guest lists. Here’s how to break the news after you return from your secret nuptials:
Let Close Family Know First
Consider letting your parents, siblings or best friends secretly join the elopement fun to ease the surprise. Or plan a special dinner or Zoom call afterwards to privately share.
Make A Formal Announcement
Once immediate family is informed, shout the news of your Chicago elopement from the rooftops! Post the photos online and change social media relationship status. Send newspaper announcements and order custom matchbooks or swag to deliver the news to wider friend groups.
Conclusion
Eloping in Chicago lets couples customize a fun, romantic ceremony without family drama or wedding price tags. From choosing lakeside vineyards to luxury ballrooms to secret rooftop vow exchanges, Windy City elopements check every box.
Next, secure an officiant, permits, attire and photography to document the big day. Share the news afterward with those closest to you before shouting it from every Chicago rooftop!
With incredible venues, food, and nightlife, Chicago sets the scene for adventure, intimacy and lifelong memories – everything an epic elopement is made of.
FAQs
Can I Change My Name After Eloping?
Yes! Once marriage certificates are filed, brides can legally take their spouse’s last name or hyphenate through the Social Security Administration and DMV. Some states require a certified name change court order.
What If We’re Not Chicago Residents?
No problem! Non-Illinois residents can secure a marriage license from any Cook County Clerk office when eloping in Chicago. You’ll still need to meet state requirements like ID and birth certificates.
How Does Eloping Compare Cost-Wise to a Wedding?
On average, weddings in the U.S cost between $30-$50K while elopements ring up under $5K. Choosing Chicago as an elopement destination saves significantly since travel costs are just for two and hotels/activities are cheaper sans big group rates.
