Elopement?!? Please help!!?

Question

My boyfriend and i are thinking of elopement when we are 18 which is next year, we have our reasons to this decision(no im not pregnant) but i wanted to know if where in chicago can we elope..how much would the expenses would be,, not including a honeymoon?? its just going to be the two of us a secret wedding..and what else would i need to know for this process?? Please help!! THANKS MUCH!!

Answer 1

I don't necessarily have the answer you're looking for but I'd like to suggest waiting until you;re older. I see so many young people who regret eloping, many regretting the marriage completely. Perhaps get some counseling through your church, if you have one, of through some other local resource.

Answer 2

I'm not sure about IL law, but in general, you first go to get a license.  You need to bring certain forms of ID depending on the city (just do a google search for [the town you want] marriage licenses.)  Then you fill out the license and pay the fee.  

Then in some states there's a waiting period (or in some, like MA, there's a waiting before BEFORE getting your license and after applying.)  After the period is over, you have a ceremony performed by a judge, justice of the peace, member of the clergy, etc.  When you register, ask who in the area can perform weddings (any judge can, so you can just go to the local court) and they will officiate it and sign the license, which is mailed back to the town you got it in to be filed as a marriage certificate.

Answer 3

This website will answer your questions about the wedding.

http://www.weddingchapel.com/

Or you can always go to the JP it shouldn't cost more than $40.

Please just be sure this is what you want. :) Good luck!

Answer 4

Well, for one, there are no special places to "elope"... You just go through the same process as everyone else, which involves getting a marriage license and setting up your ceremony. Google "marriage license in Chicago" to get more info - usually you apply for it at a county recorder clerk's office or some such place. You can make an appointment to get married at that same place, or pick your own time, place and officiant.

I'm sure your family will be very happy to hear the news... NOT. Think twice before you leap. If you need to wed in secret, chances are you shouldn't be getting married at all.

Answer 5

My suggestion:  You wait and get your parent's blessing and approval. It is so special to have your family surrounding you on your special day. But if you don't believe that then go ahead and elope. (no disrespect to you intended) If you plan to elope you can get married at the local courthouse and all you need is a witness. You can google marriage ceremonies for your local city or county and the city website should give you all the info. Most times (I think) the court can provide you with a witness if you need one.