Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a wedding planner in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-03-01 5 stops $100–$600 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC/corporation, or file certain business tax returns. Free from the IRS. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their SSN instead.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Illinois

2 stops

  1. Illinois Business Registration / Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses conducting business in Illinois. Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).

    Official government source

    Free1–5 business days

  2. General Liability Insurance (Recommended)

    Wedding planners in Illinois are not legally required to carry liability insurance, but most venues require proof of $1M–$2M general liability coverage before allowing a planner to work on-site. Many clients also require it in your contract.

    $400–$1,200/yearSame day (online quotes)

City of Chicago / Cook County

2 stops

  1. Chicago Business License

    All businesses operating in Chicago must obtain a general Business License from the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection. Wedding planners operating as sole proprietors, LLCs, or corporations need this license to legally conduct business. Renewal is required annually.

    Official government source

    $100–$500/year depending on gross receipts1–3 weeks

  2. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

    If operating under a trade name (e.g., "Perfect Day Events" rather than your legal name), you must file a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) with Cook County. This is required before accepting payments under a business name.

    $15–$501–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$600 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses

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Official Sources

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