In a historic moment, lesbian couple says ‘I do’ in Cook County’s first wedding of 2026

A Humboldt Park couple kicked off the new year by celebrating love with a historic ceremony.

Melissa Nunez and Elizabeth Branske won Cook County’s annual lottery for the first wedding of 2026, becoming the first lesbian couple to secure the sought-after spot.

Nunez and Branske tied the knot on Friday in a ceremony officiated by Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon at the County Building. Each year, couples can enter a lottery for the first marriage license. For 2026, the pair was chosen out of 1,000 Chicago-area couples.

Another couple withdrew from the contest, giving Nunez and Branske the chance to say “I do” on Friday.

NBC Chicago’s Jenn Schanz asked the couple what it means to be the first in Cook County to gain a spouse in the new year.

“I wanted a big proposal… but after this I don’t need a big proposal…” Branske said. “She doesn’t like cameras…”

The couple got in engaged in September after meeting online two years ago.

In the 35 years it has held the lottery, the Clerk’s Office said this year saw a record number of entries. On top of being the first couple wed in 2026, the brides also won plenty of perks, including dance and cooking lessons and a free night at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.

They are planning a honeymoon sometime next year.