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.

See Illinois vendorsHow we vet every vendor
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
    • New York City, New York
    • |
    • USA

    Molly Adams Photography
    We photograph weddings on film and digital, and make wedding films on Super 8 and camcorder. The result looks like your parents’ wedding album and the home movies you grew up watching.
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    • Centerton, Arkansas
    • |
    • USA

    Captured by Q. LLC
    Hi there, I’m Que! I’m a nonbinary photographer based out of AR. My journey into this world starts with a younger version of myself whose imagination was too big to contain. I wrote stories and drew pictures about dragons, friendships,…
    Read More
    • Minneapolis, Minnesota
    • |
    • USA

    Eric Turner Photography
    Eric Turner Photography is a Minneapolis based wedding photographer focused on creating an honest, relaxed, and timeless experience.
    Read More
  • A collection of three rings placed on a marbled surface; two with diamond accents and one with gold band and a unique design.
    • Around the World
    • |
    • New York City, New York
    • |
    • USA

    Kris Averi
    Kris Averi handcrafts fine jewelry and custom designs. Their unique pieces are inspired by nature’s beauty and are designed for resilience
    Read More

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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.

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