George Boyle
Courthouse weddings, also known as civil weddings or civil ceremonies, are a legally recognised alternative to traditional weddings. They are a welcome option for couples who want to avoid the stress and expense of a traditional ceremony. To get married in a courthouse, you must first obtain a marriage license from your local county clerk's office. This involves presenting valid government-issued photo identification and, if applicable, divorce papers. Some states have a waiting period between receiving your marriage license and your wedding, so it's important to plan ahead. Once you have your paperwork and witnesses organised, you can schedule your wedding date. Some courthouses allow walk-ins, while others require scheduling in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | City where the couple intends to live or a location with sentimental value |
| Ceremony duration | Less than 20 minutes |
| Number of guests | Maximum of 10 |
| Cost | $100 (Monday – Friday, 1:30 PM– 3:30 PM) and $150 (Saturdays 9:00 AM– 12:30 PM) |
| Requirements | Marriage license, payment for the license, government-issued identification, witnesses |
| Waiting period | 24 hours (Illinois and New York) to 6 days (Wisconsin) |
| Expiry | Marriage licenses have expiry dates |
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What You'll Learn
Get a marriage license before scheduling a court wedding
A marriage license is a legal document that you and your partner must obtain before your wedding ceremony. It is not the same as a marriage certificate, which is issued by a legitimate government agency like your local county clerk's office. Obtaining a marriage license typically involves scheduling an appointment and providing the necessary documentation and payment. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a marriage license:
- Schedule an appointment: Visit or contact the County Clerk's office in your county or state to schedule an appointment for obtaining a marriage license. Some offices allow walk-ins during specific hours, while others may require advance scheduling.
- Gather required documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents before your appointment. These typically include valid government-issued photo IDs for both individuals, such as driver's licenses, passports, or state-issued IDs. If either party has changed their legal name, a certified decree of the court may be required. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or similar record. If either party was previously married, you may need to provide documentation of the divorce or termination of the previous marriage.
- Provide Social Security information: In most cases, you will be required to provide your Social Security Number. Some states may also require you to present your Social Security Card or equivalent documentation.
- Meet age requirements: Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. In some states, individuals as young as 16 may be eligible with additional requirements, such as parental consent or a court order.
- Pay the license fee: The cost of a marriage license varies by county and state. For example, in Indiana, the fee is $25 for residents and $65 for out-of-state residents. Additional document fees may also apply.
- Understand validity and waiting periods: Marriage licenses are typically valid for a limited period, such as 60 or 90 days from the date of issuance. Some states also have waiting periods after receiving the license before you can get married, ranging from 24 hours to several days.
By following these steps and working with your local County Clerk's office, you can obtain your marriage license, which is a crucial step before scheduling your court wedding. Remember that specific requirements and processes may vary by location, so it is always best to consult your local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Check the waiting period between receiving the license and the wedding
When planning a court wedding, it is important to be aware of the waiting period between receiving your marriage license and the wedding ceremony. This waiting period can vary depending on the state and county where you are getting married. For example, in Massachusetts, there is a 3-day waiting period after applying for a marriage license during which you cannot pick up your license and use it. Similarly, in King County, Washington, there is also a 3-day waiting period before a marriage license can be used, and the license is then valid for 60 days. In contrast, states like Illinois and New York have a 24-hour waiting period, while Wisconsin requires a 6-day wait.
To navigate these requirements, it is advisable to check with your local county clerk's office or relevant government website. They will provide specific information on the waiting period and the validity period of the license. This step is crucial because failing to adhere to the waiting period may result in your license becoming void, necessitating a reapplication.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the process of obtaining a marriage license may differ across states and counties. In some cases, you may be able to apply online, while in others, an in-person appointment is required. The time required to fill out the paperwork can also vary, ranging from a few minutes to over 20 minutes. Therefore, it is beneficial to be aware of the specific requirements and processes in your location to ensure a smooth and timely experience.
To summarize, checking the waiting period between receiving your marriage license and the wedding ceremony is essential when planning a court wedding. This waiting period can impact the timing of your ceremony and the validity of your license. By staying informed about the specific requirements in your state and county, you can ensure that your court wedding proceeds without any legal hiccups.
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Prepare necessary paperwork, including IDs and payment
Preparing the necessary paperwork is an important step in the process of scheduling a court wedding. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Marriage License
Obtaining a marriage license is typically the first step in planning a court wedding. This license is different from a marriage certificate, which you will receive after your wedding ceremony. The marriage license is a legal document that serves as an application to get married and must be obtained before the ceremony. You and your partner must apply for the license together and provide the necessary documentation, such as proof of identity and age. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and cannot be closely related or under the influence of drugs or alcohol when applying. In some states, there may be a waiting period after receiving your marriage license before you can get married, ranging from 24 hours to several days.
Identification
In addition to your marriage license, you will need to present forms of identification for both you and your partner. This can include a driver's license, passport, state or federal ID, birth certificate, or another acceptable form of photo ID. If you do not have a Social Security number or Tax ID, you must provide two forms of ID. If there was a previous marriage, proof that the previous marriage has been dissolved, such as a death certificate or divorce decree, must be presented. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Payment
There may be a fee associated with obtaining your marriage license, and you may also need to pay for the marriage ceremony itself. The cost of the ceremony can vary depending on the location and day of the week. Some courts may offer free wedding ceremonies. It is important to inquire about any payment requirements and make the necessary arrangements beforehand.
Witnesses
In addition to the paperwork, don't forget that you will need at least one witness over the age of 18 for your court wedding. Some courthouses may require two witnesses, so be sure to check the requirements for your specific location.
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on your location, so be sure to check with your local court or marriage license office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Find out the number of witnesses required
The number of witnesses required for a court wedding varies depending on the state and the type of marriage. In some states, only one witness is required for a public marriage, while others require two witnesses to sign the marriage license. Some states, such as Georgia, only require two witnesses if the person performing the ceremony does not complete the paperwork. It's important to check the requirements in your specific state.
For example, in Sonoma County, a public marriage requires one witness, while no witness is needed for a private marriage. Additionally, there is an option to pay a small fee for an employee of the courthouse to act as a witness. In Santa Rosa, some couples have paid around $20 for this service.
In other locations, such as Houston, Texas, there is a limit of ten guests for a court wedding, while in Chicago, the court allows for more flexibility on Fridays, permitting up to 12 guests. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific rules and limitations of your chosen court location.
It is worth noting that a marriage license, obtained before the ceremony, is distinct from a marriage certificate, which is received after the wedding ceremony. The marriage license acts as an application to get married and must be signed by both partners and returned to the county after the ceremony. The marriage certificate is then issued by a government agency as an official record of the marriage.
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Choose a location and research its requirements
Choosing a location for your court wedding and researching its requirements is a crucial step in the planning process. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
First, you can choose a location that has special significance to your relationship. This could be the city hall in the place where you met, fell in love, or currently live. Don't feel limited to just your local government building if it doesn't feel right. You can travel to another destination and make it part of your honeymoon or a fun-filled family vacation.
Second, it's important to research the requirements of your chosen location. Each city or county will have its own set of rules and regulations. These may include the number of guests and witnesses allowed, the availability of appointments, and the validity period of your marriage license. Some states have a waiting period between receiving your marriage license and the wedding ceremony, so be sure to consider this when scheduling your date.
Third, confirm that the courthouse performs wedding ceremonies at that location. Not all courthouses have judges or officials who can conduct legal marriages, so you may need to travel to another city or county if your local courthouse doesn't offer this service.
Additionally, be mindful of the specific residential requirements for a destination courthouse wedding. You'll need to file a marriage certificate with your local bureau once you're married. Requirements vary, so be sure to research the local regulations of your chosen location.
Lastly, keep in mind that your marriage license application and ceremony may require appointments. Check with your chosen location to see if appointments are necessary and plan accordingly. By choosing a location that resonates with you and thoroughly understanding its requirements, you'll be well on your way to a smooth and memorable court wedding experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to schedule a court wedding. Some courthouses may allow walk-ins during business hours, but others will require you to schedule a date ahead of time.
You will need a valid marriage license, payment for the license, and forms of government-issued identification for you and your spouse. You will also need at least one witness over the age of 18.
This depends on where you are getting married. Some states have waiting periods between receiving your marriage license and when you can get married, ranging from 24 hours to 6 days. Marriage licenses also have different expiry dates depending on the location.
You can obtain a marriage license from your local county clerk's office. In some locations, you may need to apply for your marriage license in the city where you intend to live once you are married.
