Chicago, Illinois Elopement
Photo and Video Team
Dream of stunning architecture, Lake Michigan, deep dish and dogs for your elopement?
Hey there! We’re your Windy City - Chicago, IL Elopement Guides!
We’re Tana (photographer) and Cory (videographer)
When an artsy music teacher met a mortgage broker athlete on Bumble, our photo & video team was born!
The first year of our marriage we traveled Europe visiting 15 countries and took photos and video of everything in sight! When we returned to the states, we became obsessed with telling others’ love stories through photo and film! Come adventuring with us in Chicago, IL and we’ll show you all of the beauty that those midwest vibes have to offer!
Chicago, IL Elopement Resources
-
Where to Elope in Chicago, IL
Chicago is one of the most underrated elopement cities in the country. You get a world-class skyline, twenty-six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, some of the best architecture in North America, and — drive an hour or two in almost any direction — sandstone canyons, waterfalls, dunes, and prairie. For a couple who wants their day both beautifully photographed and captured on film, that range is a gift. You can trade vows on a rooftop at golden hour and be standing in a canyon the next morning.
-
The Best Couples & Bridal Photoshoot Locations in Chicago: A Photo/Video Team's Guide
Chicago might be the most versatile portrait city in the country. In a single afternoon you can go from a glassy lakefront with the skyline stacked behind you, to a hidden garden with a waterfall, to a moody downtown alley full of brick and neon. Whether you're planning an engagement session, a couples shoot "just because," or bridal portraits in your gown, the city gives you range most places can't touch.
-
Where to Say "I Do" In and Around Naperville, IL — A Wedding Photo & Film Guide
Naperville and its surrounding suburbs are quietly one of the best pockets in Chicagoland for a wedding day. You've got historic mansions, a Gothic-Revival chapel, 1,700 acres of arboretum, a riverwalk made for golden hour, and sleek modern spaces — all within a short drive. Here are the venues we love shooting most, and an honest take — through both a photographer's and a filmmaker's eye — on what makes each one shine.
Places to Stay
Chicago, IL
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Naperville, IL
Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk
Holiday Inn Express Naperville
Embassy Suites Chicago Naperville
Things to Do
Chicago, IL
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Naperville, IL
What’s Included
We care about making your story YOURS!
01 Documenting your AUTHENTIC story
Every elopement and love story is unique. We want to take the time to get to know you, your story and your wants for the day. We set up Zoom calls prior to your elopement or wedding, at your convenience, and send a questionnaire so that we can include every detail that makes your story YOURS! This helps your elopement/wedding day vision come to life!
02 Location Scouting
We are sure to hike the trails and scout your elopement locations during the week before your elopement (or scout out your wedding venue ahead of time) to make sure if anything pops up then we have Plan B routes to keep your day running smoothly. We want to take the stress off of your shoulders and be the experts you can rely on!
03 Permit Expertise
National Parks do not allow drone footage, but we are familiar with the surrounding areas that do allow drone permits so that your video footage can still look like a million bucks and have those stunning aerial shots. We also have a knowledge of marriage legalities and permits, and can help you make sure everything is on track!
04 Planning Support
Due to our deep knowledge of this area, we know many vendors that can be available for your elopement or wedding day. We also will offer you unlimited support in planning for your big day and helping out in any way we can. We want you to enjoy the moments that matter!
05 Leave No Trace Certified
We are Leave No Trace aware photographers and love to care for the environments we shoot in. We will leave each location better than when we found it and the only memory of us there will be in your gorgeous photographs!
06 Beautiful Imagery and Video
On your day, we will ensure taking wonderful candid moments as well as give you posing prompts that will make you feel like a natural in front of the camera. In addition, we take our time in the editing process to ensure you have incredible and artistic footage to honor and preserve your day.
07 Sneak Peek
We provide a photography sneak peek within 24-48 hours after your elopement so you can share your epic day with all of your friends!
08 Travel Fees Included
There are no hidden fees with us. What you see is what you get and the travel fees are already included in our price.
Sold on your Chicago, Illinois elopement or wedding?
Ready to Book?
Take a minute to fill out our contact form and we’ll get back with you in 24-48 hours!
FAQs
-
We believe in understanding who you are to best tell your love story! We'll capture intentional moments and artistic photographs/ film visuals out in nature.
We will be there to support you on your day and take stressors off of your shoulders, by a very proactive and planned out approach - putting in efforts ahead of time so you can enjoy your day and your story!
Not to mention, if you have a loose bobby pin, we will be there to make sure its back in place! We are more than a photo/video team. We are your support for the day!
-
Fall and Spring.
A very popular time of year is Fall - Temperatures of 60’s and 70’s, low humidity, and the start of fall foliage. The tradeoff is that due to this popular time many vendors get booked out in advance.
Spring - late May to June is another popular time when everything is green and blooming. Sometimes weather in spring can be unpredicatable in Chicago though. June is a little safer for weather than May.
Summer is a popular season, meaning higher prices and more competition to book your dates at venues. Also, humidity and summer heat can be a bit more brutal in outdoor spaces, especially around mid-day.
Winter in Chicago can be harsh and causes more complications for people traveling into town, as far as storms go. BUT if you are all about snow or holiday magic, then I would say this can still be a great time of year to elope or marry, especially with discounted rates for venues, so on.
-
Eloping in Cook County is straightforward: there's no residency requirement, blood test, or witness requirement. Both of you appear together in person at a Cook County Clerk's Vital Records office (downtown at 69 W. Washington St. or a suburban location), bring photo IDs plus any divorce/death certificates if previously married, and pay the $60 license fee. The license takes effect the day after it's issued (a one-day wait) and is valid for 60 days, only for ceremonies within Cook County. You'll need an officiant — Illinois doesn't require them to pre-register, so a religious leader, judge, or online-ordained friend all work — or you can be married by a Cook County judge at 119 W. Randolph St. for a $10 fee. Afterward, the officiant returns the signed license to the Clerk within 10 days to make it official, and you can order certified copies (about $15 for the first) for name changes and records.
-
Get in touch and fill out our contact form here.
To book with us and hold your date, we require a contract signed and a 25 percent downpayment.
We'll send out our elopement or wedding questionnaire and set up a Zoom call to plan it out!
Let's get you hitched! Let's celebrate on the best day of your life!!!
It's as easy as that!
-
Yes. Tana (photographer) and Cory (videographer) are both ordained through the Universal Life Church and can legally marry clients, if this is needed.
