Chicago City Hall Elopement Story | Mia + Nick

March 14, 2024

chicago elopement at the chicago cultural center

Amidst uncertainty and ever-changing circumstances, Mia and Nick embraced love as they exchanged vows in Downtown Chicago. Due to COVID restrictions, they chose a sweet elopement at Chicago City Hall in June 2023.

a group of people walking on a sidewalk
a person holding a person's hand
a group of people hugging outside
a person standing next to a group of people
the bride's father and brother hugging the bride
a bride and groom holding hands and walking down a sidewalk to elope in chicago city hall
bride and groom walking on an crosswalk

Chicago City Hall Ceremony

In light of restrictions for an elopement at the Chicago City Hall, Mia and Nick deliberately chose to center their celebration around their love. Opting to be with their closest family and friends. Only four attendees, including myself as their photographer, along with Nick’s grandpa and cousin, were permitted. This made the ceremony a poignant reminder of love’s resilience in challenging times.

close up hands: two people holding hands
bride and groom sitting with grandpa in between them
bride and groom waiting in line with grandpa and another man for their chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
groom putting ring on bride's finger, chicago city hall elopement
bride putting ring on groom's finger, chicago city hall elopement
bride and groom holding hands - chicago city hall elopement
bride and groom's first kiss - chicago city hall elopement
grandpa giving bride and groom blessing after their ceremony - chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
bride and groom standing under city hall sign - chicago city hall elopement
bride looking back while walking forward with her husband - chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
groom's mom hugging and kissing groom's face -chicago city hall elopement
two men hugging
bride hugging her brother with her dad in the foreground, smiling
family photo with bride and groom outside - chicago city hall elopement

A Tale of Two Hearts: From City Hall to Downtown Adventures


After their heartfelt ceremony and family photos, we ventured into the bustling streets of Downtown Chicago. Our first stop was at the Two Zero Three Coffee Bar, where the magic truly unfolded. This quaint café held special significance for the couple—it was one of the café they frequent. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Mia and Nick’s love enveloped everyone with warmth, radiating from their shared memories.

two people kissing behind a bouquet of flowers - chicago city hall elopement
two people laughing with a cup of coffee in their hands - chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement

Second stop was at the majestic Chicago Cultural Center, a symbol of elegance and grandeur befitting Mia and Nick’s love story.

chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
chicago city hall elopement
bride and groom walking down the stairs and the woman is looking back at her husband - chicago city hall elopement

We’re Home


After capturing their love in the vibrant streets of downtown Chicago, we headed to a place filled with even more sentimental value – their apartment. This wasn’t just any apartment; it was their first home together during college, where they lived with five other roommates. Years later, it became a symbol of their journey as Mia graduated from nursing school in Texas and they reclaimed the space as their own. From there, we turned the corner to a fountain, another symbol of their individual growth and unity.

man taking a photo of his wife in front of their apartment
two people sitting on the front steps of an apartment laughing
two people laughing
two off-focused people kissing with a home address on the background
bride and groom sitting by a fountain with interlocking their arms on their elopement day
bride and groom showing of their rings after their chicago elopement

In the culmination of Mia and Nick’s intimate elopement journey, their day brimmed with love, resilience, and cherished memories. Every moment, from the historic halls of Chicago City Hall to the vibrant streets of downtown, testified to their enduring bond. As they anticipate their upcoming celebration in Dallas with friends and family, I am deeply honored to continue being a part of their love story. I will capture each moment with the same passion and dedication as I did on this unforgettable day. Their journey together exemplifies the power of love, resilience, and the enduring beauty of shared moments. I am grateful to have played a role in preserving these memories for a lifetime.

Your Love Story Awaits

Are you dreaming of a sweet and intimate elopement in the heart of Chicago? Let Tethered Stories be your guide as we capture the essence of your love story in timeless imagery. Whether it’s a romantic ceremony at City Hall, or a whimsical adventure through the city streets, I’m here to turn your dreams into reality.

Send in an inquiry today to begin your journey towards forever, one captured moment at a time. Available for travel worldwide.