Thinking about skipping the big wedding and focusing on what really matters—your love? A Chicago courthouse wedding offers a romantic, stress-free, and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional celebration. With its rich architecture, intimate vibe, and unbeatable city photo spots, a Chicago City Hall wedding is perfect for couples who want a meaningful day without the high price tag.


As a local Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless courthouse wedding ceremonies at City Hall and nearby locations like Skokie. Let me tell you—these weddings are small in scale, but big in emotion.

Not every couple dreams of a grand ballroom or hundreds of guests. If you're looking for a meaningful, low-stress, and budget-friendly way to say "I do," a Chicago courthouse wedding might be exactly what you need. With stunning urban backdrops, simple logistics, and plenty of photo-worthy moments, these intimate ceremonies offer all the romance—without the hefty price tag.

As a seasoned Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless courthouse weddings, and I can assure you: these celebrations are just as emotional, stylish, and unforgettable as any traditional wedding.



Affordable and Elegant: Why Chicago Courthouse Weddings Work

One of the biggest advantages of a courthouse wedding is cost savings. Traditional weddings can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but a legal ceremony at Chicago City Hall or a nearby courthouse like Skokie can cost less than $100.


If you're searching for cheap Chicago wedding packages or budget-friendly wedding venues in Chicago, this is the perfect alternative. Instead of spending on catering, seating charts, or decorations, many couples invest in what matters most to them—like their honeymoon, a new home, or stunning Chicago wedding photography.



Simplicity and Intimacy

Planning a Chicago courthouse wedding eliminates much of the stress that comes with larger events. You won’t have to worry about guest lists, timelines, or vendor coordination. The simplicity of the day puts your love front and center.

Many couples say they feel more present and connected during their courthouse wedding. With fewer distractions, the emotion of the moment shines through—and that’s exactly what I love to capture.



The Charm of the Courthouse Setting

City Hall may not sound glamorous at first, but the historic architecture, marble interiors, and energetic vibe of downtown Chicago make it surprisingly romantic. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist style or timeless elegance, a Chicago courthouse wedding delivers understated beauty.

Photo-Worthy Locations Near Chicago City Hall

One of the best perks of a courthouse ceremony is the built-in photo session that follows! As a Chicago City Hall wedding photographer, I love guiding couples to iconic photo spots right outside the courthouse:

A couple in winter attire embraces beside a frozen Chicago River with skyscrapers and a stone bridge in the background.

Chicago Riverwalk

city skyline meets serene waterfront

A figure leaps with an umbrella over a wet path in a city park with skyscrapers and fall foliage in the background.

Millennium Park

greenery and landmarks like The Bean.

Two silhouetted figures walk hand in hand through a dramatic shaft of sunlight in a modern concrete passageway.

Urban alleys and bridges in the Loop

chic, editorial vibes.

Make It Your Own: Personalizing Your Courthouse Wedding

Just because you're keeping it simple doesn’t mean it has to feel generic. Many couples add stylish and meaningful touches, such as:

  • A chic dress or non-traditional outfit (hello jumpsuit!)
  • Handwritten vows or a special reading
  • A bouquet from a favorite local florist
  • A mini celebration at a nearby rooftop bar or restaurant

Courthouse weddings offer the freedom to express your love your way.



Small Weddings, Big Emotions

If your dream day involves just the two of you—or a handful of loved ones—courthouse weddings are ideal. You get to focus on what really matters: the love, the moment, and each other.

And with fewer logistics to worry about, it’s easier to take time for gorgeous portraits around the city.



How to Plan a Courthouse Wedding in Chicago

Here’s how to plan your stress-free courthouse wedding:

  1. Get your marriage license from the Cook County Clerk (at least 24 hours before your ceremony).
  2. Schedule your ceremony at Chicago City Hall or a suburban courthouse like Skokie.
  3. Bring your IDs and your license on the day of your appointment.
  4. Show up, say “I do,” and let the celebration begin!

It’s simple, sweet, and packed with meaning.


A couple in wedding attire walks hand-in-hand down an ornate corridor with gold-trimmed architectural details.
Escalator scene showing three people ascending in formal attire at an indoor venue.
A couple walking together in formal wedding attire through a building hallway with an escalator in the background.
A couple in wedding attire poses against a beige wall, with the bride in white dress and groom in navy suit.
A bride and groom share a candid moment in a subway station hallway with white tiled walls.
A wedding celebration scene in an office hallway with a white dress and flowers.
A bride in a white midi dress carrying a bouquet enters through a wooden door in a hallway.
An intimate civil ceremony moment captured in a government office hallway.
Wedding couple shares a private moment in church hallway while an onlooker stands in the doorway.
A tender kiss between newlyweds in a simple office space as onlookers capture the special moment on their phones.
Three people stand together in formal attire inside an office with a flag and framed art visible on the wall.
A wedding party poses in an elegant arched stone hallway with ornate architectural details.
Wedding party poses together under an elegant stone archway with hanging lanterns.
Three people pose together in a grand stone corridor with arched ceilings and hanging lanterns.
A small group poses together under arched hallway with elegant chandeliers and ornate architectural details.

Let’s Capture Your Courthouse Wedding Love Story

Your wedding day may be small in scale, but it’s big in love—and it deserves to be captured beautifully. As a Chicago wedding courthouse photographer, I specialize in intimate celebrations that are full of personality, joy, and connection.


📷 Ready to plan your courthouse wedding in Chicago? Whether you're eloping or planning a small gathering, I’ll work with you to create a timeless, romantic gallery of images that tell your story from the very first kiss to your just-married glow.