Cinematic wide shot of an elegant courthouse wedding ceremony with warm golden hour lighting, featuring mahogany paneling, burgundy carpet, and an ornate wooden desk displaying wedding documents, as a couple exchanges rings with an officiant and witnesses present.

How to Get Married at the Courthouse: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Married at the Courthouse: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Are you dreaming of a simple, no-fuss wedding without the massive expense and drama? A courthouse wedding might be your perfect solution!

I’ve walked countless couples through this process, and I’m here to break down everything you need to know about getting married at the courthouse.

Photorealistic image of a modern city clerk's office during golden hour, featuring a sleek marble reception counter, a professional clerk in a navy blazer organizing documents, and a young couple in smart casual attire reviewing paperwork under warm lighting and architectural details like crown molding and pendant fixtures.

Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding?

Courthouse weddings are:

  • Budget-friendly: Typically costs under $100
  • Quick and efficient: Ceremony takes just minutes
  • Less stressful: Minimal planning required
  • Legally binding: 100% valid marriage certificate

Step 1: Gather Your Essential Documents

Before anything else, collect these critical documents:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards
  • Proof of divorce/death (if previously married)
  • Cash for license and ceremony fees

Pro Tip: Call your local courthouse to confirm exact document requirements.

Step 2: Obtain Your Marriage License

Where to Apply
  • City clerk’s office
  • County courthouse
  • Local government building
What to Expect
  • Fees range from $20-$35
  • Both partners must appear together
  • Bring valid photo identification
  • Waiting periods vary (24-72 hours)

Intimate courthouse ceremony room during golden hour with sunlight filtering through arched windows, featuring mahogany paneling, burgundy carpet, and a couple exchanging vows in a modest yet elegant setting.

Step 3: Schedule Your Ceremony

Booking Tips
  • Contact courthouse directly
  • Ask about:
    • Available time slots
    • Ceremony fees
    • Guest limitations

Typical ceremony cost: $10-$25

I recommend scheduling a wedding planner notebook to track all your details!

Step 4: Ceremony Day Preparation

Must-Bring Items
What to Expect
  • Brief security check
  • Short ceremony (3-10 minutes)
  • Minimal vows/formalities
  • Sign marriage certificate

A cozy courthouse waiting area with sage green walls, vintage benches, and a polished cherry wood table where a nervous couple reviews documents, illuminated by natural light from frosted glass windows and a brass chandelier.

Step 5: After the Ceremony

Immediate Next Steps
  • Ensure license is signed by:
    • You
    • Spouse
    • Witnesses
    • Officiant
  • Request certified marriage certificate
Recommended Follow-ups
  • Update Social Security
  • Change name (if desired)
  • Notify insurance/employers

Elegant courthouse lobby with soaring cathedral ceiling, polished granite floors, and grand staircase. A couple ascends the stairs, celebrating their union, surrounded by historical portraits and ornate architectural details. Silhouetted against dramatic afternoon light from a stained glass dome, the scene conveys triumph and new beginnings.

Common Courthouse Wedding Questions

Q: Can we get married same-day?
No. Most locations require a waiting period.

Q: How many guests can attend?
Typically 5-20 people, depending on location.

Q: Do we need rings?
Completely optional! Many couples skip them.

A modern courthouse security checkpoint featuring polished concrete floors and contemporary glass architecture, where a couple places belongings in gray bins while a uniformed security officer assists them, illuminated by morning light through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Final Tips for a Smooth Courthouse Wedding

  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • Dress comfortably but respectfully
  • Bring cash for fees
  • Double-check local requirements
  • Consider a nice courthouse outfit

Estimated Total Costs

  • Marriage License: $20-$35
  • Ceremony Fee: $10-$25
  • Documents: Minimal
  • Total: $30-$60 🎉

Courthouse weddings prove that love doesn’t require massive expenses or elaborate productions. Simple, meaningful, and legally binding—what more could you want?

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! 💍

Intimate courthouse office during golden hour with a rich walnut desk, official documents, and a couple seated in burgundy leather chairs, as a clerk in professional attire completes the marriage certificate signing. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with legal volumes, brass reading lamps, and a Persian rug on polished oak flooring create a warm, formal atmosphere.

Newlywed couple descends grand courthouse steps during golden hour, surrounded by applauding guests and scattered flower petals, with classical architecture and mature oak trees framing the scene.

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