Inclusive vendor directory

LGBTQ+ Affirming Wedding Vendors in Illinois

Photographers, planners, officiants and venues across Illinois, from Chicago lofts to lakefront ceremonies. Every vendor here is vetted to be genuinely affirming before they’re listed.

A Chicago proposal with sparkling rosé
From A Chicago Proposal with a QR Code and Sparkling Rosé.

Illinois at a glance

Ready the next dayYour license takes effect the day after it is issued.

License lasts 60 daysUse it in the county where it was issued.

No officiant registrationIllinois does not require officiants to register.

Chicago-based talentSeveral of our vetted vendors call Chicago home.

Vetted vendors serving Illinois

Type of vendor
    • Denver, Colorado
    • |
    • USA

    McKenzie Bigliazzi Photography

    I’m McKenzie Bigliazzi (pronounced “Big-lee-ozzy”), and I am a Colorado-based photographer who travels extensively to capture the essence of both intimate and grand moments. I am dedicated to transforming fleeting instances into timeless works of art, without making you feel…
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    • Los Angeles, California
    • |
    • USA

    Thistle and Poppy Photography

    Thistle & Poppy was created for the dreamers and the lovers, those who believe in slow mornings, wildflowers, and the magic of being seen as you are. Together, we’ll craft imagery that feels effortless yet artful, photographs that don’t just…
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    • Atlanta, Georgia
    • |
    • USA

    Raven Shutley Studios

    Hey, I’m Raven—story-driven photographer, laid-back human, lover of wildness, connection, and music that feels like hiking in the mountains.
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    • Santa Cruz, California
    • |
    • USA

    Petal & Salt

    Creativity has always been a huge part of who I am. It’s shaped how I see the world and how I move through it. Petal + Salt grew from that love of making things with my hands and finding beauty…
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    • Cumberland, Maryland
    • |
    • USA

    Jacqie Q Photography

    Give it to me raw. I want you to be real with me so I can convey your relationship dynamic through portraits. I look for weddings that are intimate and couples that are full of personality. I have a knack…
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    • Canada
    • |
    • Victoria, British Columbia

    Fêtes by Linda

    Fêtes by Linda is a Victoria-based wedding and event planning studio for couples who want their wedding to feel joyful, intentional, and unapologetically them.
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    • Around the World
    • |
    • Australia
    • |
    • Melbourne, Victoria

    Prince Hotel

    One of Melbourne’s best-known event spaces, Prince Deck is a favourite for a reason. We’re talking floor-to-ceiling windows and doors opening out onto a sweeping timber deck. And the views? To die for. Picture your next event with a glittering,…
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  • Two women in wedding attire, with one resting her head on the other's shoulder, smiling in a vineyard.
    • Australia
    • |
    • Melbourne, Victoria

    Emily Howlett Photography

    With a ‘storytelling’ approach to photography, Emily’s work is warm, colourful, and relaxed, much like her personality.
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    • Seattle, Washington
    • |
    • USA

    Jamie Buckley Photography

    I love capturing weddings. A lot of the time when people talk about weddings it’s with dread or sarcasm. How overwhelming they are, how stressful they are, how expensive they are. It’s true, they can be all those things, but…
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    • Seattle, Washington
    • |
    • USA

    Jenny GG Photography

    Hi, I’m Jenny (she/her). I’ve been photographing weddings in Seattle since 2008. My approach to photography is open, light, and gently prompted, resulting in images that are genuine.
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    • San Jose, California
    • |
    • USA

    Ripple Rain Photography

    San Francisco Bay Area based wedding, elopement and couples photographer. Capturing all the in between moments for all couples.
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    • New York City, New York
    • |
    • USA

    The Williamsburg Hotel

    Owned and operated by the hospitality and real estate duo, Toby Moskovitz and Michael Lichtenstein, The Williamsburg Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel located in prime North Brooklyn territory.
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Oops! It looks like you've seen it all!

Oops! It looks like you've seen it all!

Getting married in Illinois

Illinois has had marriage equality since 2014, and Chicago is home to several of the vetted vendors in our directory. From loft weddings to lakefront portraits, there’s a lot to love here.

The legal bit

Your license takes effect the day after it’s issued and is valid for 60 days. It’s only good in the county that issued it, so a Cook County license covers Chicago and suburban Cook County. You can start your application online, but both of you need to finish it in person together. After the ceremony, the license goes back to the clerk within 10 days.

Officiants and courthouse weddings

Illinois doesn’t require officiants to register with the state. Want something quick? Cook County’s Marriage and Civil Union Court in downtown Chicago holds ceremonies six days a week. Illinois also offers civil unions if that suits you better.

Where couples are saying yes

Our latest Chicago story is a proposal with a QR code and sparkling rosé. We would love to feature more Illinois weddings, so send us yours.

Questions couples ask

Is there a waiting period to get married in Illinois?

Your license takes effect one day after it is issued, so you can marry the next day.

How long is an Illinois marriage license valid?

60 days from the date of issue. It is only valid in the county that issued it.

Do Illinois officiants need to register?

No. Illinois does not require wedding officiants to register with any government office.

Can we get married at the courthouse in Chicago?

Yes. Cook County’s Marriage and Civil Union Court in downtown Chicago performs ceremonies six days a week. Check current hours before you go.

Are civil unions available in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois offers civil unions as well as marriage.

Legal details last checked October 2026 against the Cook County Clerk. Other counties may differ.

Affirming wedding pro in Illinois?

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