5 Ideas for Making Your City Hall Wedding Special
Getting married at Chicago’s City Hall? Make your day memorable and special with these great ideas by Lisa Kathan Photography.
1: Get flowers, pretty wedding clothes…all the stuff!
You’re getting married! Even though you’re opting for a City Hall ceremony, you can still make the day very special.
Get a nice dress. It doesn’t even need to be a wedding dress — your City Hall ceremony is a great chance to wear something fun & non-traditional! Wear a suit, order a small bouquet, head to your fave city salon for hair & makeup. If you’re hiring a photographer to commemorate your vows, you won’t regret making the most of this day!
2: Hire a photographer
Hiring a professional photographer for your City Hall wedding can take your wedding day experience to the next level. Not only do you have someone with you to capture all the wonderful moments of the day (which go too quickly!), but if you hire one that’s experienced in Chicago elopements, they’ll be alongside to guide you through the day.
Plus, a good photographer can help you personalize your day. You can include places like where you were engaged, your first apartment together, places you love to go as a couple. If you’re willing to hire a car service, there many incredible spots in the city for photos, other than those where everyone else does their wedding photos.
I can’t tell you how many couples share with me how grateful they are to have me there, not only to give them special guidance and tips before the day, but also to show them all the best spots for photos!
3: Book a hotel
Booking a room or a suite at a boutique hotel is such a smart idea — you can get ready there, spend your wedding night there, and it’s a GREAT fall back option for photos if the weather is bad.
There are so many great hotels near the downtown area that are terrific for photos. Try the Allegro Royal Sonesta in the Loop, the Pendry Chicago, a Freehand Hotel suite, and the Suite of Presidents at the Blackstone Hotel.
Please note, don’t plan to pop in for photos if you haven’t booked a room there…as a general rule, hotels won’t allow it.
4. Read your vows privately
When you’re married at City Hall, it’s very quick and quite impersonal. So take some time during the day to read your vows together privately. If you have them written in a journal or a beautiful vow book, you’ll have a special keepsake from your day.
5. meet up with friends & family
You can’t have everyone you love at your City Hall ceremony (read more about limitations at City Hall HERE), so ask them to meet up with you for drinks or dinner after your photos. They will LOVE the chance to celebrate your day with you!
Get more great tips about getting married at Chicago’s City Hall — a MUST READ before you go!