9 Picturesque Locations for Elopements in Illinois

Elopements have practically been a part of the wedding industry forever, but recently their popularity has grown exponentially. More and more couples find themselves wanting a personal, intimate wedding day experience, and I for one am ALL for it! It also helps that Illinois itself is spoiled with stunning locations to celebrate an elopement at, which is what we’re here to look at today!

Today’s article is going to cover 9 of the most picturesque elopement locations in Illinois, as well as some planning information to help you make the planning process as simple and stress free as possible.

What is an Elopement?

The first thing I want to talk about is exactly what an elopement IS. In the past elopements were instances where a couple would run off to get married in secrecy, but today they’re SO much more than that! I actually wrote an entire article about what elopements are and how they allow couples to celebrate their love in a way that’s unique to them, which you should definitely check out. 

In short though, an elopement is when a couple chooses to get married with little to no guests present. This gives them a ton of freedom in how they create their day. From where they elope, to what the timeline of the day feels like, and any other unique experiences they want to add into the day, the possibilities are quite literally endless!

Everything You Need to Elope in Illinois

Before we look at some of the most picturesque elopement locations Illinois has to offer, I quickly want to touch on the legal requirements for planning an elopement here!

In order to elope in Illinois you’ll first need to get your marriage license. Here in Illinois you’re required to apply for your marriage license in the county that your elopement or wedding ceremony will take place in. We’ll cover the county of my favorite locations listed below, but for reference here is a map of all the different counties of Illinois for easy access.

Once you’ve decided on which county you plan to elope in, head to the County Clerk’s office to apply for and receive your marriage license. In order to receive your license you’ll need to provide the following information and documentation:

• Name, Address, and Date of Birth
• Names and Addresses of your Parents
• Information and Proof of Prior Divorce (if applicable)
• A Valid form of ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, etc.)

Once you’ve completed the application and paid the fee (which varies depending on the county you’re in), you’ll receive your marriage license! Here in Illinois your marriage license becomes valid after 24 hours, and from there you’ll have 60 days to have your elopement ceremony and become newlyweds.

Witnesses and an Officiant

In addition to acquiring a marriage license, you’ll also need to handle some other legal aspects before your elopement here in Illinois. An area that Illinois keeps things simple thankfully is in their witness requirement, which is non-existent.

The only thing you need aside from your marriage license is someone to officiate your ceremony! This can be done by anyone so long as they complete the necessary certification beforehand, which you can find here. This is another area where couples that elope can get creative for their day, as having someone special to you perform your ceremony makes the moment just that much more meaningful!

Choosing Where to Elope in Illinois

Deciding on where to elope in Illinois is a much more challenging task than it might seem initially. The truth is this state is brimming with incredible and unique locations that make for wonderful elopement settings! So how do you choose which to celebrate your elopement at?

My recommendation is to first decide on the experience you’re after. Talk with your partner and daydream together about the day.

• What does it look like?
• What does it FEEL like?
• Are you outside?
• In a historic building?
• Something more chic and modern?
• How will you want to celebrate?

There are so many different options to choose from, but you have to know what you’re looking for before you start the search!

9 of My Favorite Picturesque Elopement Locations in Illinois

1. Allerton Park // Piatt County

First on my list is a location that I adore for all types of sessions, including elopements, the gorgeous Allerton Park in Illinois’ Piatt County. Whether you choose to have your elopement ceremony amidst the stunning gardens, or within the historic mansion itself, Allerton Park provides couples with a gorgeous setting for their elopement day! The beauty of Allerton Park is consistent year round, which is another benefit of the space. In order to book any of Allerton Park’s many spaces for your elopement you’ll have to submit this special occasion request in order to reserve your date. 

2. Illinois State Capitol Building // Sangamon County

Another all time favorite elopement location of mine, and regular on my blog, is the historic and picturesque Illinois State Capitol Building! While you can’t have an elopement ceremony at the Capitol Building, it is still one of the best spots in the state for elopement portraits, and there are plenty of nearby options for ceremony spaces as well!

Found in Sangamon County in downtown Springfield, the stunning capitol building is one of the most gorgeous spaces for elopement portraits both inside and out. Entrance is free, and the Sangamon County Clerk’s Office is only blocks away making it incredibly simple to plan the entire weekend of your elopement in Springfield! There’s a ton to see and enjoy here in Springfield, and with a space as breathtaking as the State Capitol Building for your portraits, it’s hard to imagine a space more fitting for your day!

3. Washington Park Gazebo // Sangamon County

Really any park that you love is up for grabs in terms of elopement locations, but for me personally I have to recommend Washington Park in Springfield, Illinois! The Gazebo especially is a phenomenal spot for your ceremony and portraits, with hourly rentals available to ensure that the space is 100% yours. In addition to the gazebo though is a park that is strikingly gorgeous. The different trails give you plenty of options to explore and experience the natural beauty of the park, all while having your elopement portraits taken!

4. Weber House & Garden // LaSalle County

An all around stunning location for an elopement can be found in the heart of Streator, Illinois, and that is the Weber House & Garden! Found on two acres of private land, the immaculate gardens combined with classic European architecture of the Weber House make it a breathtaking space for you to say your I Do’s. You can book the space solely for portraits, but my recommendation is to make a whole getaway out of the experience! The Weber House offers couples the opportunity to book a night’s stay at their on location guest house, which has THE best bed and breakfast vibes around. That combined with an elopement ceremony amidst the stunning gardens makes for the perfect venue option!

5. The Prairie Glass House // Champaign County

Couples that are looking for something a little more modern for their elopement might want to consider The Prairie Glass House, which sits just north of Champaign, Illinois. This stunning house features over 90 double glass doors that look out over the 17 acres of natural wonder that surround the house. The entire house can be rented for your elopement, giving you plenty of space and privacy to enjoy yourselves, and even host a few guests to celebrate the moment with you! It’s a remarkable setting for an elopement, one that has the perfect mixture of natural beauty and modern amenities!

6. Matthiessen State Park // LaSalle County

The next elopement location on my list is the magnificent Matthiessen State Park just outside of Ogelsby, Illinois. Many couples in Illinois may immediately be drawn to Starved Rock State Park for their elopement, but I have to say that Matthiessen is just better in every sense IMO. It’s on average significantly less busy than Starved Rock (you’ll practically have the park to yourself on a weekday), and it is just as beautiful if not more so! Stunning rocky landscapes, scenic forests, and some gorgeous waterfalls along the hiking trails mean there are SO many portrait opportunities to enjoy while celebrating your elopement. Just be sure to pack some good shoes or hiking boots!

7. Camp Wokanda // Peoria County

Any couples looking for some rustic cabin vibes for their elopement in Illinois should definitely have Camp Wokanda on their list of potential locations! Found just north of Peoria on the Illinois River, this camp sits on 300 acres of beautiful woodlands, and is an amazing option for couples looking to elope surrounded by the natural beauty of Illinois! Camp Wokanda also has lodging cabins available for rent, meaning you can easily make a full weekend getaway for your elopement!

8. Vrooman Mansion // McLean County

Next on my list is the GORGEOUS Vrooman Mansion. One of my favorite places for couples portraits, the Vrooman Mansion in Bloomington, Illinois is also an all around wonderful location for an elopement celebration as well. The immaculately maintained 1800’s house can be found in the heart of Bloomington, and is legitimately one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve had the pleasure of photographing in the state. It’s also possible to stay in the mansion overnight and enjoy their bed and breakfast offerings! That combined with the wonderful location of the mansion make it SO simple to enjoy a weekend getaway while celebrating your marriage to the love of your life!

9. One Twenty Six Normal // McLean County

The 9th and final elopement location I wanted to take a look at is just north of the Vrooman Mansion, and that of course is One Twenty Six Normal in Normal, Illinois! This historic building in the heart of Normal features a wonderful vintage aesthetic and is easily one of the best intimate wedding venues of Central Illinois. It also is a phenomenal option for elopements, and they even offer a weekend package option where you and some of your loved ones can stay on location for a 3 day experience with food included as well! They also offer a ton of different add-on options for your wedding or elopement, making this venue easily one of my favorites in the entire state!

Those are some of THE best locations for an elopement in Illinois as well as a little bit about what makes each of them so special! If you’re not 100% sure you want to elope, or you’d just like to see some of the other stunning wedding venues in Illinois, here are some other articles you can check out! Here’s my 9 favorite mansion/estate wedding venues, and here are 9 of my favorite large wedding venues in Central Illinois! Finally, if you’d like me to document your elopement or wedding day make sure you send me an inquiry today through my contact page!