Chicago couple wins first Cook County marriage license of 2025

COOK COUNTY, Ill. - A Chicago couple has been chosen to receive the first Cook County marriage license of 2025 following a live drawing held Friday morning.

Aisha Buford-Morrison and Terrell Johnson, from the city's South Shore neighborhood, were announced as the winners during the event hosted by Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon. 

"Congratulations Aisha Buford-Morrison and Terrell Johnson," said Gordon. "Congratulations to you both. You will be the first to be married in 2025."

In addition to the honor of receiving the first marriage license, the couple will be treated to a selection of special wedding gifts, including steak and lobster, champagne, Eli's cheesecake, and lessons in cooking and dancing.

More than 200 couples submitted their names for the drawing.

Buford-Morrison and Johnson will exchange vows in a special ceremony officiated by Clerk Gordon on Jan. 2, marking the first marriage in Cook County in the new year.