Chic Editorial City Hall Elopement | Tips and Photo Locations for Chicago City Hall Weddings

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Written By Gretchen Wittry

I’ve been loooooving all the time I’ve spent at City Hall this year.

Every couple has their own unique story, wedding plans & reasons for celebrating the way they do. I always feel so lucky to be one of their few witnesses & to document their special day.

These two were no different. They wanted the day to feel chic, fun & unserious in the best way, followed by a big Thai dinner with friends to mark the official start of their life together as husband & wife.

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Planning on eloping at City Hall? Here are a few reminders from someone who frequents Marriage Court at Chicago City Hall:

  1. Bring $10 cash for administrative fees and a valid marriage or civil union license.

  2. No more than 10 guests are allowed in the room with you during your ceremony (so 12 people including the two of you & your photographer).

  3. Call the Marriage Court office to confirm the hours for your date. The City Hall Marriage Court website is linked here. As of Fall 2025, ceremonies are held Tuesday through Friday between 9am-12pm / 2-4pm. If you are not in line by 11:30am, they will not allow you to have your ceremony prior to their lunch break at noon; similarly, you must be in line before 3:30pm if you want to have your ceremony before they close at 4pm. Marriage Court is open by appointment only on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays and holidays, and Mondays are reserved for virtual (Zoom) ceremonies only.

  4. Hire a photographer whose style you love & who you trust to guide you through and execute your vision.

Wanting to stop by another location or two for portraits after your ceremony? Here are some of my favorite nearby locations (<10 minutes by foot from City Hall)

  • Chicago Board of Trade Building

  • Robert Daley Plaza

  • The Riverwalk & bridges

  • The Rookery Building*

  • The Wrigley Building

  • Milton Olive Park

  • North Avenue Beach

Other downtown locations (15+ minute walk, best to drive):

  • The Art Institute of Chicago*

  • Lurie Garden*

  • Buckingham Fountain*

  • Union Station*

  • Museum Campus

* Permit & fee required

Gretchen Wittry
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