How to Elope in Illinois – Locations, Permits, & Illinois Elopement Packages
Are you someone who enjoys nostalgia? Do you think the vintage American spirit would fit your elopement? Well, little Darlin’s, if that’s you then you’re in luck. Illinois is going to be your go-to state for more than famous skylines and jaw-dropping urban architecture, but it will also take you back to the 1950’s if you so wish. Let’s learn more about Illinois and whether or not it’s the place for you.
Why Elope in Illinois?
Balance of Urbanism and Nature
Illinois is unique because it combines urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it a versatile state with something for everyone. Known for its world-famous city, Chicago, it also has popular outdoor areas like Starved Rock State Park and Shawnee National Forest outside of the city.
Accessibility
Illinois is perfect for travel-loving couples, thanks to its central location and accessibility to other areas. Sitting in the heart of the Midwest, Illinois is easily accessible from all over the country with major highways, a major international airport, and well-connected rail services.
Venue Diversity
Illinois is home to a range of unique elopement venues. Couples can choose from historic buildings with classic architecture, modern spaces with chic garden settings, or tranquil gardens.
What is Illinois Known For?
Abraham Lincoln
Illinois is the home state of Abraham Lincoln, and it’s filled with memorials and dedications to the 16th President of the United States, including his presidential library and museum in Springfield.
Route 66
Known as the "Main Street of America," the famous Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois and extends 2,448 miles to Santa Monica, California. Established in 1926, it symbolizes the American spirit of adventure. The route is famous for its nostalgia, with roadside attractions, diners, motels, and landmarks that reflect the mid-20th-century American experience. Although the route was officially decommissioned as a U.S. highway in 1985, many of its segments are preserved with historical markers and preservation efforts.
Tall Grass Prairie
The tallgrass prairie, once widespread across Illinois, is a unique ecosystem. Today, only a portion of it remains, preserved in areas like Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois.
What Animals Are Unique to Illinois?
Illinois is home to the Chorus Frog and the Eastern Bluebird.
Is Eloping in Illinois Right for Me?
Not the perfect fit? Try these similar states instead:
New Mexico
Nevada
How to Elope in Illinois
Learn about commitment ceremonies!
Obtain a Marriage License
Apply for a marriage license at a County Clerk’s office with valid ID, paying $30 to $60. There’s a 24-hour waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days.
Find an Officiant:
Illinois does not allow online officiants. To conduct a marriage in Illinois, officiants must be physically present and authorized, such as judges, religious leaders, or individuals specifically registered with the county. Online or virtual officiants are not permitted for legal ceremonies in the state.
Choose Your Location(s):
Popular spots in Illinois, such as Starved Rock State Park, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Anderson Japanese Gardens, offer beautiful and unique exploration areas. Some popular locations may require a permit for ceremonies, with costs ranging from $50 to over $2000. Work with your photographer to find the best spots and timings, including hidden gems, and out-of-this-world views.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Illinois?
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
Spring (March to May)
Spring has mild temperatures, from mid-40s to mid-60s °F, pink blossoms and fresh greens, and a moderate increase in visitors to parks and gardens, making it busier and more expensive for accommodations.
Summer (June to August)
Summer typically ranges from the mid-70s to mid-90s °F. The landscape is lush and green, with a lot of wildflowers that bring in crowds. Parks, outdoor areas, and venues, may need advanced reservations.
Fall (September to November)
Fall usually falls between the mid-50s to mid-70s °F. Outdoor areas become incredibly popular due to the changing colors, so expect busier locations and more expensive accommodations.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is usually very cold in Illinois, sitting in the mid-20s to mid-40s °F throughout the season. However, Northern Illinois, including areas like Chicago, tends to see more snow compared to southern regions which are known to have a dry-cold.
Tornado Season:
Illinois is known to have a tornado season which generally runs from April to June. During this time, tornadoes can occur, particularly in the spring when conditions are most favorable. Couples should be aware of upcoming severe weather and stay informed about weather warnings, especially if traveling during these months. Additionally, Illinois can experience severe thunderstorms and occasional flooding. Use this official resource to prepare for weather emergencies in Illinois.
Where to Elope in Illinois
Read about whether you should elope in a State or a National Park!
National Parks
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Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument
State Parks
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Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Apple River Canyon State Park
Argyle Lake State Park
Beall Woods State Park
Beaver Dam State Park
Big Bend State Park
Big River State Forest
Black Hawk State Historic Site
Buffalo Rock State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Cache River State Natural Area
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Chain O'Lakes State Park
Channahon State Park
Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Coles County Memorial Forest
Delabar State Park
Dixon Springs State Park
Dollarhide State Forest
Donnelley/Depue State Park
Fall Creek State Forest
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Ferrat State Park
Fort Massac State Park
Fox Ridge State Park
Giant City State Park
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area
Green River State Wildlife Area
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
Horseshoe Lake State Park
Iroquois County State Fish and Wildlife Area
James “Pate” Philip State Park
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park
Jubilee College State Park
Kankakee River State Park
Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Lincoln Trail State Park
Lowden-Miller State Forest
Matthiessen State Park
McCormick's Creek State Park
Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Moraine Hills State Park
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
Nauvoo State Park
Pere Marquette State Park
Pinckneyville State Forest
Red Hills State Park
Rock Cut State Park
Rock Island Trail State Park
Shabbona Lake State Park
Siloam Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park
South Shore State Park
Starved Rock State Park
Turkey Run State Park
Wallace State Park
Walnut Point State Park
Weinberg-King State Park
White Pines Forest State Park
Wolf Creek State Park
Rock Island State Park
Peabody River King State Forest
USDA Forest Service:
Bureau of Land Management:
BLM does not manage lands in Illinois.
Unique Stays in Illinois
Each photo is credited to AirBnb.
Most Popular Elopement Locations in Illinois
Chicago Botanic Garden - Glencoe
The Field Museum - Chicago
Morton Arboretum - Lisle
The Rookery Building - Chicago
Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry
Cache River State Natural Area - Belknap
Rock Cut State Park - Loves Park
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in Illinois
Have the freedom to choose a unique elopement location and a variety of smaller, lesser-known areas that make for creative and memorable photo opportunities. Remember, these are only a few examples! I have many more options we can visit together
Beall Woods State Park: Local forested areas.
Miller Beach Dunes: Sand dunes next to the ocean.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve: A preserved trail with a waterfall and winding trails.
Lincoln Park Conservatory: A historic greenhouse with exotic plants and flowers.
The Newberry Library: A vintage library with historic architecture.
Please respect all natural areas and leave it better than you found it. Vandalism will result in the closing and protection of such unique areas.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Illinois?
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$60 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$5500 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $7,260
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marriage license — $60
4 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $10500
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
Onsite hair + makeup — $800
private sailboat tour — $400
Total: $19,910
Current Specials for Illinois Bookings
Illinois Elopement Packages
Your elopement experience is fully customized from the very beginning. All Illinois elopement packages include:
All travel within Illinois (your investment does not change based on location)
Personalized location recommendations based on season, accessibility, and your vision
Permit research and guidance (when required)
Curated vendor recommendations (florals, hair + makeup, private chefs, etc.)
Activity ideas unique to your relationship and interests
A handcrafted elopement timeline designed for a relaxed, intentional experience
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights, delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, print, and share your images with loved ones — so you can relive your experience for years to come.
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
Starting at $10,500
Designed for couples who want their elopement to unfold over multiple days. This experience allows you to exchange vows in one iconic Illinois location and spend another day exploring a completely different landscape — creating space for both adventure and restoration.
This option is ideal if you’re dreaming of a deeply immersive experience that feels more like a getaway than a single-day event. An example of this would be eloping on the beach of Lake Michigan. The next day, heading into Chicago to explore the big city and ending the evening sailing Lake Michigan while the sun sets.
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
Starting at $8,500
Perfect for couples who want the freedom to experience their entire elopement day without watching the clock. This coverage allows time for getting ready, your ceremony, multiple locations, longer hikes, scenic drives, and a relaxed celebration — all at a natural, unhurried pace.
This is the most popular option for couples who want a complete, story-driven elopement experience.
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
Starting at $5,500
Designed for couples who want a beautifully intentional elopement while keeping the day more streamlined. This experience is ideal for a single primary location, a short hike, and a relaxed ceremony followed by portraits and a meaningful activity.
Illinois Elopement Checklist
An all in-one, comprehensive guide on how to elope. From an iceberg in Alaska to a boat deck in the Florida Keys, this guide will give you all the steps on how to plan your perfect elopement day.
Unique Things to Do in Illinois
Whether you want to celebrate or combine a fun honeymoon with your elopement experience, there are a variety of unique things to do around the state that will add to your fun.
Read about the best places to honeymoon in the US.
Visit Oz Park
A Wizard of Oz-themed park in a suburban neighborhood.
Visit the Tiffany Dome
A stained-glass dome, thought to be the largest in the world.
Visit the Willis Tower Glass Platform
Stand on a glass platform 1,353 feet off the ground, on the 103rd floor.
Find the Secret Mermaid
An unauthorized stone carving of a mermaid that was eventually preserved after it was found by officials.
Visit the Cave in the Rock
A coastal cave that was used by pirates and bandits alike to hideout.
Illinois Elopement Timeline Examples
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7 - 9 am: Breakfast Together/with Family, Enjoying Coffee
9 - 11 am: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
11:30 am: Depart to Starved Rock State Park
15 minute commute to Starved Rock State Park from Ottawa
11:45 am: Arrive at Starved Rock State Park
12:00 pm: Begin hike to Ottawa Canyon
12:20 - 12:50 pm: Ceremony at the waterfalls
12:50 - 1:20 pm: Portraits in Ottawa Canyon at the waterfalls
1:20 pm: Return back to trailhead
2 - 3 pm: Picnic Lunch at Starved Rock
3 pm: Head over to Kayak Starved Rock to pick up kayak rentals
10 minute commute to Kayak Starved Rock
3:30- 5:30 pm: Kayak the Illinois River to view Starved Rock and Buffalo Rock State Park from a different perspective
5:45 pm: Return Kayaks
6:00 pm: Return to Airbnb in Ottawa for private dinner
6:45 - 8:15 pm: Enjoy a 3-course dinner prepared by a private chef
8:45 pm: Cake and Champagne to end the evening
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On Day 1:
9 - 11 am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View at your Lakeview Airbnb
11am - 2pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
2 pm: Depart to Illinois Beach State Park
40 minute commute to Illinois Beach State Park from Highland Park
2:40 pm: Arrive at Illinois Beach State Park
3 pm: Walk Along Beach Together
3:30 - 4 pm: Ceremony on Beach
4 - 4:30 pm: Picnic Celebration on the Beach
4:30 - 5 pm: Portraits along Beach
5 pm: Head back to Airbnb
40 minute commute back to Airbnb
6 pm: Arrive Back at Airbnb, Grill on Your Lakeview Deck, Watch the Sunset, and Enjoy one of your Favorite Boardgames
On Day 2:
1 pm: Head down to Chicago for a Day of Exploring
40 minute commute from Highland Park
2 - 4 pm: Enjoy the Views and the hustle and bustle of Chicago
4:40 - 7 pm: Enjoy A Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan
Get Inspiration from Other Elopements
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
This experience is ideal for couples who want their elopement to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime journey rather than a single moment.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to combine your elopement with a getaway or honeymoon
You’re drawn to multiple Illinois landscapes and don’t want to choose just one
You value slow mornings, golden evenings, and complete storytelling
You want space for both adventure and restoration
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
This experience offers the most flexibility and creative freedom within a single day.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to document your entire day from start to finish
You’re planning multiple locations, activities, or longer hikes
You want time for getting ready, your ceremony, portraits, and a celebration
You prefer a relaxed flow rather than a tightly scheduled timeline
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
This experience is best suited for couples who want something intimate, meaningful, and beautifully simple.
This experience is right for you if:
You want a short, intimate ceremony
You prefer minimal transitions and a calm pace
You plan to stay close to your accommodations
You envision one primary location with little to no driving
Illinois is perfect for adventurous spirits, retro hearts, and city-slickers alike. Whether you want an outdoor adventure or a chic city vibe, Illinois offers so many venues (and locations!) that cater to a variety of elopement styles you’re bound to love. Give Chicago’s skyline, retro venues, and national forests a consideration for your special day.
