It’s no secret I love my courthouse weddings, but an elopement hits differently. An elopement gives you more creative freedom while still keeping it intimate and personal feel. If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to plan an elopement in Illinois.

This blog post covers:

1. Why elope?
2. Elopement legalities in Illinois
3. Step by step planning
4. Places to elope around Central Illinois
5. Examples elopement days I’ve helped plan around Illinois

Why elope?

First, what is an elopement? A smaller wedding where the couple gets to be creative with how they spend their wedding day. Usually an elopement is 15 people or less, sometimes just the couple & their photographer!

Through the last few years I’ve noticed elopements rise for a few reasons:

• many couples do not like to be the center of attention
• strained relationships with family & couples want to invite them “because they have to”
• couples have big financial goals they want to reach- a downpayment on a home rather than a 40K wedding
• or the couple would rather spend their money on a once-in-a-lifetime trip after their ceremony

The real beauty in elopements is how they really do give each couple the space to create the wedding day that THEY want. There’s no pressure to fill the day with things that you feel like you should do, instead you get to create an experience that’s unique to you and your love.

Understand the Legalities of Planning an Elopement in Illinois

Before you start dreaming of your day, I want to update you on HOW to go about eloping. Thankfully Illinois keeps things pretty simple, so this shouldn’t be too much of a headache.

Step 1: What county?? Apply for your marriage license.

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. For reference here is a map of all the different counties of Illinois for easy access. At the bottom of this blog will be links to super cool places to elope in Illinois, be sure to stick around til the end for those ideas.

Once you’ve decided on which county you plan to elope in, head to that specific County Clerk’s office to apply and receive your marriage license. (Sometimes you can apply for your license online, it varies.) 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 application fee, you’ll receive your marriage license! (Fee varies on county). Here in Illinois your marriage license becomes valid after 24 hours. From there you’ll have 60 days to have your elopement ceremony and return your lisence. It’s not official until you return it!

Your Ceremony: Witnesses? Not needed. An officiant? Yes, for now…

How to Plan an Elopement in Illinois

Now that we understand what an elopement is and can be, it’s time to get into the details of planning an elopement here in Illinois!

Daydream about the day together

The VERY first thing you’ll want to do once you decide to have an elopement here in Illinois is to start daydreaming. Plan some date nights together where you just talk about what your dream elopement would be.

Some planning & dreaming questions to get you thinking:

• What vibes do you want? Nature setting? A moody restaurant?
• Is there a certain season you want to get married in? Spring, fall, summer, winter?
• Do you want to have an all inclusive elopement spot? Ceremony & dinner in one place?
• Who do you want to be there that day? Just you two? Some friends & family?
• What food do you want to eat that day?
• What else do you want to do besides have the ceremony?
• Do you want the day to just be a few hours, or turn it into more of an experience, like a little getaway or overnight stay?
• What do you want to focus on: the food, the ceremony, photos?

Choose a Date, Location, and Guest List

A huge part of the look and feel of your elopement will come down to the time and place your celebration takes place at. Then you’ll start narrowing down your guest list. It can be as simple as a text to your loved ones, a online Canva invite, or a physical card! It’s your day, do it your way.

It can be realllly hard to come up with an idea when you don’t know what options are even available to you!!

I end this blog with both examples of elopement days my couples have done AND places where you can elope at around Central Illinois. Check those out at the end.

Timeline & Vendors

One of the biggest struggles of traditional wedding days is trying to fit everything into the timeline. With an elopement, that pressure is usually gone. A smaller guest count makes it much easier to plan the logistics and design a day that actually feels relaxed. Just be sure to communicate your plans clearly with your guests and vendors so everyone knows where they need to be and when.

Speaking of vendors—just like traditional weddings, booking the right team can help bring your elopement vision to life. While you usually don’t need as many vendors for an elopement, you absolutely can include them if they add to your experience.

Below are the typical vendors you’ll need for your elopement, followed by some you may want:

Must Have

• Photographer
• Officiant
• Venue (if applicable)

Vendors You Might Want

• Hair and makeup artist(s)
• Florist
• Catering
• Videographer
• Planner

For a closer look at what elopement photography consists of, and info on how long you should book your elopement photographer for, check out this article!

Resources for planning your elopement

If this is your first time learning about eloping in Illinois, now it’s time to get researching!!

Wanting to skip elopement planning and want to be married?! Don’t worry, you can head to the courthouse. I go to the Sangamon County Courthouse in Springfield often. Check out these courthouse resources:

• How to plan a courthouse wedding in Sangamon County
• E&S’s classy courthouse wedding in Springfield, IL

Wondering where you should look to have your elopement? Here are some spots:

• BLOG: 9 picturesque outdoor locations around Central Illinois
• BLOG: How to elope at ICC’s Horticulture Arboretum // Peoria, IL
• Vondra Social House // Springfield, IL
• Silver Creek Restaurant // Urbana, IL

Here are some examples of real couples who got married “untraditionally” and who wouldn’t change anything about it!!

• J&S’s elopement at a coffee shop in Springfield, IL
• S&J’s vintage shop elopement in Indiana
• N&J’s two day wedding celebration: courthouse ceremony and next day reception
• A&S’s Illinois reception after their Hawaii elopement