How to Prepare for Your Chicago City Hall Wedding: A Photographer’s Guide

Planning a City Hall wedding in Chicago? You’re not alone—and you’re in for an unforgettable, intimate experience. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing many beautiful City Hall weddings, and I’m here to help you plan yours with ease. Whether you're keeping things low-key or adding a few stylish details, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your special day at Chicago’s iconic Marriage Court.



1. Book Your Marriage License Appointment First

Before anything else, you’ll need a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk’s office. Here’s how:

Apply in person at any of the six Cook County Clerk locations (the downtown office is the most convenient for City Hall weddings).
You’ll need to go together and bring valid IDs.
The license costs $60 and is valid the day after it’s issued. It expires in 60 days.

> Pro Tip: Try to get your license 1–2 days before your ceremony, not the same day—lines can be long!

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2. Know the Hours and Arrive Early

The Marriage Court is located in Room 602 at 119 W. Randolph Street (not technically inside City Hall, but just next door). Ceremonies are performed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. No weekend weddings here!

 Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and security.
 You don’t need an appointment for the ceremony, but it’s first-come, first-served.

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3. Bring the Essentials

Make sure you have:

Your marriage license
Valid photo IDs
$10 cash for the ceremony fee
Your rings (optional, but lovely for photos!)
 Up to 8 guests (though fewer is ideal in the small courtroom)

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4. What to Wear

One of the best things about a City Hall wedding is the freedom to express your style. Whether you're in full wedding attire or something more casual:

Go with something that makes you feel confident and reflects your vibe.
Solid colors and classic silhouettes photograph beautifully against Chicago’s historic architecture.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes—you’ll want to explore the area for portraits after!

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 5. Plan for Photos Before or After

The ceremony itself is short—just 5 to 10 minutes—but you’ll want to make the most of the day. After your "I do," we can explore nearby gems like:

The Chicago Riverwalk
The Art Institute Gardens
LaSalle Street’s historic architecture
Chicago Theater
* Or even hop in an Uber to your favorite neighborhood spot

> Pro Tip: Consider a weekday morning for soft, dreamy light and fewer crowds downtown.

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6. Make It Yours

Just because it’s a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean it can’t be personal. Think about:

 Writing your own vows and reading them privately after the official ceremony.
 Bringing a bouquet or boutonniere to add a pop of color.
* Planning a celebratory brunch, lunch, or dinner nearby.

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7. Hire a Photographer Who Knows City Hall

Capturing the energy and elegance of a City Hall wedding takes a special touch. From navigating security to knowing the best angles in and around the courthouse, I’ve got you covered.

As your photographer, I’ll help you:

Document the ceremony discreetly and respectfully
Capture editorial-style portraits that feel like *you*
Make the most of every minute without rushing

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 Let’s Tell Your Story

City Hall weddings are simple, stylish, and bursting with heart. Whether you're eloping or just keeping things intimate, I’d be honored to capture your day.

Photography-Specific City Hall Wedding FAQs
1. Will there be good lighting inside the Marriage Court?
The courtroom has overhead fluorescent lighting and no natural light. It’s not glamorous, but I come prepared. I use professional lenses that perform well in low light, and I shoot discreetly so I don’t interrupt the ceremony. Most of the dreamy, well-lit images you see are taken before or after the ceremony outside or at nearby locations.

2. Can we do portraits before the ceremony instead of after?
Yes—and sometimes it's the better option. If you're arriving early or want to avoid any post-ceremony time crunch, doing portraits first allows us to take our time and explore spots like the Riverwalk or LaSalle Street without rushing. We can also use the quieter morning light for softer, more flattering photos.

3. Should we bring a bouquet or boutonniere for photos?
Absolutely. A bouquet adds texture and color to portraits and gives your hands something to do (which helps if you're camera shy). Even a small arrangement makes a big difference visually. If you're skipping florals altogether, I’ll help you with posing so your photos still feel dynamic and balanced.

4. Can you take candids of our guests, or is it just focused on us?
Definitely—if you're bringing guests, I’ll capture candids, reactions during the ceremony, group portraits afterward, and all the little moments in between. I’ll also guide group photos quickly and naturally so no one feels stiff or over-posed.

5. What if we want to include a private vow exchange?
City Hall ceremonies are short and scripted. If you'd like to write your own vows or share something more personal, we can plan a quiet spot afterward—on the Riverwalk, in a park, or tucked away in a quiet corner downtown—to read your vows privately. I’ll document it from a respectful distance for intimate, cinematic photos.

6. Can we get a mix of posed and candid photos?
Of course. My goal is always to capture a balance—those timeless, posed shots for the frame, plus all the in-between moments you didn’t know were happening. I gently guide you when needed, but I also let things unfold naturally so you can be fully present with each other.

7. How long do we need for portraits?
For a relaxed experience with a variety of backdrops, I recommend setting aside 45–60 minutes for portraits. If time is tight, we can create beautiful photos in as little as 20 minutes with the right location choices and light. I’ll work with your timeline to make sure we get what you need.

8. Should we bring a change of shoes for photos?
Yes, especially if you're wearing heels or dress shoes. We'll likely be walking several blocks, and a pair of flats or sneakers can be a lifesaver between portrait stops. I’ll let you know when it’s time to switch shoes for photos so your feet are happy and your style stays intact.

9. What’s the best time of day for photos?
Morning is ideal—downtown Chicago tends to be less crowded, and the light is soft and even. If you’re planning a late morning or noon ceremony, we can still get beautiful light, but I may suggest shaded areas or creative angles depending on the sun.

10. How do we handle privacy or crowding during portraits?
Weekday mornings are usually pretty quiet downtown. If there’s construction, protests, or unexpected crowds, I already know a few backup photo locations close to City Hall. I scout and plan ahead so we’re never scrambling.

11. Can we include a stop at a meaningful location?
Yes—if there's a coffee shop, mural, building, or neighborhood that’s meaningful to you, let me know. We can build it into your portrait session. If time allows, I’m happy to drive or walk with you to include it in your gallery.

12. How soon will we get our photos?
I know you're excited to see your images, so I deliver a sneak peek gallery within 3 business days. The full gallery is typically ready within 3 weeks. Rush delivery is available if you're planning an announcement or celebration soon after.

13. Can you help us plan the timeline?
Yes! Once you book, I’ll help you build a photography-friendly timeline that fits your ceremony window, traffic considerations, and portrait time. Even if you’re keeping things simple, a little planning 

Ready to book or have questions? Contact me via the "Book Now!" Tab.