Final Days to Enter Cook County’s First Marriage Lottery for 2026 (Chicago, IL) – Couples hoping to start the new year with a wedding celebration at Cook County offices have just days left to apply for the county’s annual First Marriage Ceremony, according to Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon.
The deadline to enter the lottery for the First Marriage License of 2026 is Friday, Dec. 19. The drawing will be held Monday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m., with winners announced shortly afterward.
Interest in the tradition has reached a record level this year. Nearly 1,000 couples have already submitted applications, marking the highest number of entries the Clerk’s Office has ever received for the event.
The selected couple will receive the distinction of being the first to obtain a Cook County marriage license in 2026 and will exchange vows during a special ceremony officiated by Gordon on Friday, Jan. 2 — the first official business day of the new year.
“There is something special about beginning the New Year by celebrating love, commitment, and community,” Gordon said. “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.”
Couples can apply online at www.cookcountyclerk.com/firstmarriage.
In addition to the ceremony, the First Couple will receive a collection of gifts donated by Chicago-area businesses. This year, the Clerk’s Office announced a new sponsor, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, which is providing a one-night hotel stay as part of the celebration.
Other gifts include a gourmet dinner package featuring filet mignon, strip steaks, and lobster tails from Whittingham Meats; a sparkling wine basket and champagne flutes from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant; a gift card from Eli’s Cheesecake; a wedding dance lesson from Duet Dance Studio; a cooking lesson from The Chopping Block; wedding flower arrangements from LaSalle Flower Group; and tickets to a comedy show at Laugh Factory Chicago.
The First Marriage Ceremony has become a cherished Cook County tradition, highlighting local businesses while giving one couple a memorable way to begin married life.
Couples interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications before the Dec. 19 deadline to be considered.
Final Days to Enter Cook County’s First Marriage Lottery for 2026
