Cook County accepting applications for 1st marriage of 2026 lottery drawing

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon is now accepting applications for a lottery drawing for the first marriage of 2026.

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Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 19. The lottery will then be held on December 22.

The wedding will take place on Friday, January 2, the first day of official business in Cook County in 2026.

Several Chicago area establishments have donated gifts for the winning couple including:

-Newlywed Gourmet Dinner Gift Box including filet mignon, strip steaks, and lobster tails provided by Whittingham Meats

-Sparkling wine basket and champagne flutes provided by Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

-Gift card provided by Eli's Cheesecake

-Wedding dance lesson provided by Duet Dance Studio

-Virtual cooking lesson provided by The Chopping Block

-Wedding flower arrangements provided by LaSalle Flower Group

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

Interested couples can enter at cookcountyclerk.com/firstmarriage for their chance to win the first marriage license of the new year.