Chicago City Hall Elopement & Riverwalk Film Photography | Brianna & David
A Chicago City Hall elopement is one of the most intimate, stress-free ways to get married in the city.
Brianna and David’s weekday elopement was a perfect example of how to make a city hall ceremony feel personal and relaxed. Here is a look inside their day, along with a few tips on how to plan your own Chicago elopement.
Client Tip for City Hall Ceremonies:
The marriage license signing itself takes only a few minutes once your number is called, but wait times inside the building can vary. Bringing a calm mindset, enjoying the downtime together, and opting for direct-flash interior photography turns those indoor waiting moments into candid, high-energy memories.
Exploring the Chicago Riverwalk & Downtown Architecture
After signing the paperwork and making it official, we walked outside to take advantage of the iconic Chicago architecture. Just steps away from City Hall, the Chicago Riverwalk offers incredible light, sweeping river views, and classic cityscape backdrops for outdoor portraits.
For Brianna and David’s gallery, we blended digital photography with 35mm film. Shooting 35mm film alongside digital captures the natural movement, rich tones, and nostalgic texture of downtown Chicago in a way that feels organic and timeless.
Ending the Day with Mojo: Bringing Pets to Your Elopement
No elopement gallery is complete without bringing your pets into the celebration. To end the session, Brianna and David’s dog, Mojo, joined us for a round of relaxed couples portraits along the river.
Client Tip for Including Dogs in Your Shoot:
If you want to bring your dog to your Chicago elopement, plan to have a friend meet us toward the end of the photo session. This lets you focus entirely on your ceremony and couple portraits without worrying about holding the leash the entire time.
Planning Your Chicago City Hall Elopement
If you’re thinking about skipping the wedding and eloping downtown, here are three quick takeaways to keep in mind:
Obtain Your Marriage License First: You must apply for your Cook County marriage license at least 1 day before your ceremony date.
Mix Indoor & Outdoor Locations: Pair the quick indoor signing with 1–2 nearby outdoor locations like the Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, or a favorite neighborhood spot.
Embrace a Hybrid Film Approach: Combining digital photos for fast action with 35mm film for texture gives your final gallery a rich, timeless feel.
Interested in planning your own Chicago elopement or city hall coverage? Inquire through the contact form to view current availability and pricing.