From City Hall to City Lights – A Simple, Chic, and Unforgettable Chicago Elopement
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Chicago, renowned for its stunning skyline and vibrant energy, sets the perfect stage for a memorable elopement. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the enchanting day of Sam and Mike as they exchanged vows in the heart of the Windy City.
![palmer hotel chicago first look september elopement](https://shelbyjanephotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/palmer-hotel-chicago-first-look-1024x683.jpg)
How to Elope in Cook County
Eloping in Cook County is a straightforward process, especially when starting the day at the iconic City Hall. Sam and Mike kicked off their Saturday morning with a visit to City Hall, making their union official in a simple yet meaningful ceremony surrounded by family.
The Difference Between Eloping and Getting Married
While eloping often conveys an intimate and private ceremony, the essence lies in the couple’s desire for simplicity and immediacy. In Sam and Mike’s case, they embraced the spontaneity of eloping at City Hall before diving into a day filled with joy and celebration with their family and friends. Your wedding day can be what you want it to be. When working with Sam and Mike leading up to their elopement, we focused on what was most important for them: their portraits and reception that late afternoon.
![palmer hotel chicago lobby first look elopement](https://shelbyjanephotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/palmer-hotel-chicago-1024x683.jpg)
![palmer hotel lobby elopement couple](https://shelbyjanephotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/palmer-chicago-elopement-1024x683.jpg)
Getting Married at City Hall in Chicago
To get married at City Hall in Chicago, couples need to obtain a marriage license, which is available at the Cook County Clerk’s office. The process is efficient, allowing couples like Sam and Mike to start their day with a legal union and move on to the more festive aspects of their celebration. When booking your elopement at City Hall, be sure to schedule your appointment in advance, otherwise you may be waiting in line for several hours.
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![palmer hotel staircase black and white elopement couple](https://shelbyjanephotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/palmer-hotel-chicago-wedding-getting-ready-683x1024.jpg)
Sam & Mike’s Elopement Day
After the City Hall ceremony, Sam and Mike transitioned to the luxurious Palmer House Chicago, where they got ready separately. The first look, set against the backdrop of the hotel lobby, added an extra layer of excitement before we officially began running around the city taking photos.
Sam, radiant in a simple white dress, and Mike, dapper in a tan summer suit, explored downtown Chicago, capturing their love against the city’s iconic landmarks. The couple’s favorite spots became the canvas for a series of photographs that would immortalize their special day.
The journey continued as Sam and Mike, accompanied by their closest family, gathered at a nearby church for intimate family photos. The iconic Chicago mural served as the perfect backdrop for group photos with friends, creating lasting memories before the evening festivities.
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The celebration reached its peak at Pizza Lobo, where the newlyweds enjoyed a delightful dinner and drinks with their nearest and dearest. The night unfolded with laughter, joy, and dance—a perfect reflection of Sam and Mike’s love story.
In a city filled with possibilities, Sam and Mike created an elopement experience that was chic, heartfelt, and uniquely theirs. From the city lights to the laughter shared with loved ones, every moment became a part of their unforgettable journey.
Eloping in Chicago is more than a legal union; it’s a celebration of love against a breathtaking urban backdrop. Sam and Mike’s elopement is a testament to the magic that happens when two souls embark on a journey of love in the heart of this vibrant city.
Whether you choose City Hall or another iconic location, eloping in Chicago offers a blend of simplicity and grandeur, creating a day that will be cherished for a lifetime.
To see some more content like Sam & Mike’s elopement, head to my blog page, & if you’re looking for a photographer for your own elopement then head to my contact page to send me an inquiry.
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![chicago mural elopement portraits](https://shelbyjanephotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chicago-mural-wedding-party-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://shelbyjanephotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pizza-lobo-wedding-reception-1024x683.jpg)
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Elopement Day Vendors
Ceremony: Chicago City Hall
Hotel: Palmer House Chicago
Reception: Pizza Lobo
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