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.
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Is Eloping in Illinois Right for Me?
When is the Best Time to Elope in Illinois?
Most Popular Elopement Locations in Illinois
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in Illinois
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Illinois?
Unique Things to Do in Illinois
Illinois Elopement Timeline Examples
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:
Arizona (Yuma, Sedona, Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Page, Monument Valley)
New Mexico
California (Imperial Sand Dunes, Joshua Tree, Lake Tahoe, Redwoods, Death Valley)
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
Shawnee National Forest
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
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:
Shawnee National Forest
Bureau of Land Management:
BLM does not manage lands in Illinois.
Unique Stays
Each photo is credited to AirBnb.
Water Lakefront - Mount Vernon
Enchanted Garden Treehouse - Schaumburg
Audrey's Abode - Jacksonville
Spanish Style Villa - Rockford
Arcade House - Bloomington
The Has Bin - Alvin
Lake Living - Marion
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
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
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?
Luxury
marriage license — $60
3 night luxury airbnb stay — $1500
photographer — $9000
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $600
5-6” custom cake — $350
hair + makeup — $300
private sailboat tour — $400
Total: $17,210
Low Cost
$60 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$3000 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $4,760
Illinois Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include:
All Travel Fees (prices don’t change per location!)
Customized Location Options
Permit Assistance
Personalized Vendor Options
Activity Suggestions Unique to You
An Elopement Timeline
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share with your family and friends to relive the day with you - forever!
4 Hour ~ $3000
This package is perfect for couples who want a simple elopement experience. It includes getting ready, a short hike to the ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5000
This package is perfect for couples who want to spend a day of adventure together, such as a long hike, off-roading, or visiting multiple locations. It's great for capturing the complete story of your elopement day. Typically, couples who are eloping and want to document their day for their friends and family who couldn't attend will choose this package. It's also ideal for couples bringing their friends and family along and would like to have their reception captured. Your reception could be as simple as having pizza with your loved ones or as elaborate as a private chef serving a three-course meal during a welcome dinner.
12 Hour ~ $7000
This package is perfect for couples wanting complete elopement coverage. It offers the ultimate storytelling experience, from waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after sunset. This is an ideal option for couples looking to document their entire day with their guests included. Couples eloping alone also select this package to document every detail for their loved ones at home.
Multi-Day ~ $9000
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you want to elope in one epic location and experience another the following day. 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.
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
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
4-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is for couples looking for a simple and intimate elopement experience that prefer a shorter ceremony and a relaxed atmosphere while still having their day captured.
This package is right for you if:
You want a short and intimate ceremony.
You prefer minimal planning and coordination.
You prefer natural decor and scenic backdrops.
You prefer to stay closer to your accommodations.
8-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is perfect for adventurous couples who want a full-day elopement that includes multiple activities or exploring locations.
This package is right for you if:
You want to explore multiple locations and activities.
You want to have a full day but not too much stress in planning.
You want to include a larger group of friends and family.
You want to incorporate multiple outfit changes or additional decor.
12-Hour Elopement Package:
This package covers the entire elopement day from start to finish. It's perfect for couples who want to capture every detail and moment of their elopement experience.
This package is right for you if:
You want to document everything without feeling scheduled or rushed.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
You prefer to include elaborate decor.
You prefer the freedom to switch between activities and locations with ease.
Multi-Day Elopement Package:
This package is ideal for adventurous couples who want to combine their elopement with a getaway or honeymoon, spanning over multiple days with complete coverage.
This package is right for you if:
You want to combine elopement with a romantic getaway.
You prefer to explore multiple locations.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
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.
Grab your sweetheart, we’re heading down Route 66! I’ll be your go-to guide for everything you need to know to plan your dream elopement in the Land of Lincoln. From scenic spots and permits to budgets and those special moments, I've got you covered. Are you ready?
