Clerk Monica Gordon is inviting couples interested in tying the knot in 2026 to apply to receive the first marriage license of the New Year and to exchange vows in the Cook County Clerk’s Office annual First Marriage Ceremony. The Clerk’s Office will begin accepting online applications, today, December 8, and interested couples can apply for their chance to win the first license at www.cookcountyclerk.com/firstmarriage.  Applications will be accepted for a two-week period through December 19, and the drawing for the first marriage license of 2026 will be held the following Monday on December 22. The wedding ceremony will take place on Friday, January 2, the first day of official business in Cook County in 2026. Several of the Chicago-area’s signature establishments have donated special gifts for the first couple to mark the celebration. The gifts include:

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

• A Wedding Dance Lesson provided by Duet Dance Studio

• Wedding flower arrangements provided by LaSalle Flower Group

• Two tickets to a comedy show provided by the Laugh Factory Chicago