Last Week to Enter Cook County’s First Marriage of 2026 Lottery

Clerk Monica Gordon Invites Couples to Apply Before December 19 Deadline
County Clerk Monica Gordon
County Clerk Monica Gordon

Last Week to Enter Cook County’s First Marriage of 2026 Lottery

Clerk Monica Gordon Invites Couples to Apply Before December 19 Deadline

Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon reminds couples that there are just days left to enter the lottery for the First Marriage License of 2026 and participate in the Clerk’s Office’s annual First Marriage Ceremony.

Interest in this year’s lottery has been exceptionally strong, with nearly 1,000 entries submitted to date — the highest number of applications the Clerk’s Office has ever received for the First Marriage Ceremony.

Couples interested in tying the knot in the New Year are invited to submit their online applications by Friday, December 19, for a chance to be selected. The drawing to determine the winners will take place on Monday, December 22, at 10:00 am.

The winners will not only receive the honor of being the first couple to receive a Cook County marriage license in 2026 – they will also exchange vows in a special ceremony officiated by Clerk Monica Gordon on Friday, January 2, the first official business day of the New Year.

Couples can apply by visiting www.cookcountyclerk.com/firstmarriage.

“There is something special about beginning the New Year by celebrating love, commitment, and community,” said Clerk Monica Gordon. “The First Marriage Ceremony is one of the ways the Clerk’s Office brings people together, and I encourage couples planning to marry in 2026 to take part.”

This year, the Clerk’s Office is pleased to announce a new addition to its group of generous donors, with The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago contributing a one-night stay to help make the First Marriage celebration even more memorable.

Thanks to the generosity of several Chicago-area establishments, the First Couple will receive a collection of special gifts to celebrate their nuptials, including:

• A one-night hotel stay for two at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

• A Newlywed Gourmet Dinner Gift Box including Filet Mignon, Strip Steaks, and Lobster Tails provided by Whittingham Meats

• A sparkling wine basket and champagne flutes provided by Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

• A Gift Card provided by Eli’s Cheesecake

• A Wedding Dance Lesson provided by Duet Dance Studio

• A Cooking Lesson provided by The Chopping Block

• Wedding Flower Arrangements provided by LaSalle Flower Group

• Tickets to a Comedy Show provided by the Laugh Factory Chicago

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cherished Cook County tradition. Submit your application today and make your New Year unforgettable!

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS:

THE RITZ-CARLTON, CHICAGO Located atop the historic Water Tower Place, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago offers refined luxury with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Known for its exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and timeless hospitality, the hotel features thoughtfully designed guest rooms, a world-class spa, and upscale dining in the heart of downtown Chicago.

WHITTINGHAM MEATS R. Whittingham and Sons Meat Co. has been a family-operated business since 1947, distributing USDA Prime and Choice cut meats to some of the finest restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and casinos throughout the Chicagoland area and across the United States. The company’s Alsip-based facility also includes a retail store for walk-in customers offering a wide range of fresh and frozen meat, seafood, and specialty products.

COOPERS HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT Founded in 2005, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is built on the belief that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections. Cooper’s Hawk offers handcrafted wines inspired by Napa Valley’s Wine Country as well as modern, casual dining in inviting and upscale settings. With locations across Chicagoland and in nine states outside of Illinois,

Cooper’s Hawk also offers customers a Napa-style tasting room experience and artisanal markets.

DUET DANCE STUDIO Duet Dance Studio is an award-winning ballroom dance studio located in Chicago’s West Bucktown neighborhood. Duet Dance has been teaching Chicago to dance since 2013 and was recently placed in The Knot Best of Weddings "Hall of Fame.” Duet offers ballroom dance lessons and specialized wedding dance instruction with lessons n in Swing, Salsa, Bachata, Rumba, Merengue, Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Two-Step.

THE CHOPPING BLOCK The Chopping Block is a recreational cooking school that combines education, instruction, and entertainment for a unique culinary experience. Founded in 1997 in a small cottage in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Chopping Block has grown to a facility with over 12,000 feet of cooking, event, and retail space. With six different kitchens, the Chopping Block is Chicago’s largest recreational cooking school.

LASALLE FLOWERS LaSalle Flowers has been a family-owned florist on the corner of LaSalle and Superior since 1936. Today, LaSalle Flowers continues the tradition of providing friendly customer service, beautiful fresh-cut flowers, including a wide selection of green and blooming plants and balloons. LaSalle also specializes in wedding and corporate events and offers same-day delivery in Chicago and neighboring suburbs for orders placed by 11 a.m.

ELI’S CHEESECAKE Founded more than 40 years ago by Chicago restaurateur Eli M. Schulman, Eli’s Cheesecake has developed a reputation for serving up great food and providing outstanding service. Eli’s operates a state-of-the-art bakery, corporate office, and dessert café on Chicago’s northwest side and, since its public debut at the Taste of Chicago in 1980, has grown from a local favorite to one of the country’s largest specialty bakeries.

LAUGH FACTORY CHICAGO Laugh Factory Chicago opened in 2012 at the iconic Lake Shore Theater in the East Lakeview neighborhood. Located in the Belmont Theater District, Laugh Factory is putting its mark on Chicago's historic comedy scene. Through its colorful exterior and three gigantic digital marquees, there's a lobby filled with famous comedy memorabilia, a full-service bar, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and a spacious, elegant 311-seat theater.

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