Deborah Chan
Courthouse weddings, also known as civil weddings, are a great option for couples who want to avoid the cost and stress of a traditional wedding ceremony. The process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps, but it does require some planning. The length of the process depends on the location and can vary from city to city, county to county, and state to state. On the day of the wedding, the ceremony typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, and the couple is then encouraged to take photos with their guests and witnesses. However, the entire process, including obtaining a marriage license and completing the necessary paperwork, can take longer. It is important to note that marriage licenses have different requirements and expiry dates depending on the location, so proper research and planning are crucial.
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements
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. The marriage license allows you to get married, and after the ceremony, you and your partner sign the license, which is then returned to the county. You then receive the marriage certificate.
The requirements for a marriage license vary depending on location. In the United States, for example, you and your partner will generally need to present the following documents when applying for a marriage license:
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver's license, or certificate of naturalization.
- Divorce papers if either of you was previously married.
- Payment for the marriage license fees.
Some states in the US require you to apply for your marriage license in the town where you plan to get married or where you intend to live once married. Marriage licenses in different places in the US also have expiry dates, so it is important to plan accordingly.
In Clark County, Nevada, for instance, the requirements to obtain a marriage license include:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Both parties must provide government-issued identification to prove their name and age.
- Neither party must be currently married.
- The parties must not be nearer kin than second cousins or cousins of half-blood.
In San Diego, California, both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either party has been divorced or filed a "Termination of Domestic Partnership" within the last 90 days, they must bring the final divorce decree or termination documents with the judge's signature and date. A confidential marriage license can be obtained from an Authorized Notary Public, and the ceremony can take place anywhere in California without a witness.
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Location and date
The location of your court wedding is flexible. You can get married almost anywhere in the United States, but the requirements will vary. Some people choose to get married in the same town they live in, while others opt for a location that holds sentimental value. If you're set on a particular location, be sure to research the local regulations and marriage license requirements. Some states mandate that you apply for your marriage license in the town where you plan to get married or reside after marriage.
Once you've decided on a location, you can select a date for your wedding. Some courthouses allow walk-ins during business hours, while others require you to schedule a date in advance. When choosing a date, consider any waiting periods and the expiry date of your marriage license. For example, in Dallas County, Texas, a marriage ceremony must be conducted before the 90th day after the marriage license is issued, and the ceremony cannot take place within 72 hours of receiving the license.
After finalizing the location and date, you can plan your ceremony and think about personalizing your special day.
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Paperwork and witnesses
The paperwork and witnesses are integral parts of a court wedding. Here is what you need to know about them:
Paperwork
The specifics of the paperwork required for a court wedding vary based on location. However, some standard documents are necessary for court weddings in most places. These include:
- A marriage license: This is a legal document that you and your partner must obtain before the ceremony. It serves as an application to get married. You can obtain a marriage license from the Register of Deeds in any county in the state where you plan to get married. Some states require you to apply for the license in the town where you intend to marry. It is important to note that marriage licenses have expiry dates, so ensure you obtain one with an expiry date later than your wedding date.
- Forms of identification: Both you and your partner will need to provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, driver's license, or birth certificate.
- Proof of eligibility: You may need to provide proof that you are eligible to marry, such as divorce papers if either of you was previously married.
- Payment: You will likely need to pay a fee for the marriage license and the marriage ceremony.
Witnesses
Witnesses are also required for a court wedding. The number of witnesses needed can vary depending on the location. Some places require only one witness, while others may require two witnesses, with one each for the bride and groom. The witnesses must be over the age of 18 and present at the ceremony.
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Attire and guests
A courthouse wedding is a non-religious ceremony that allows you to legally marry your partner. It is presided over by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk, and usually takes place in a courthouse or city hall. This type of wedding is a great option for couples who want to avoid the cost and hassle of a traditional wedding while still having a meaningful and personalised celebration.
When it comes to attire for a courthouse wedding, there is no strict dress code, but it is important to dress for the occasion. As a guest, it is recommended to avoid overly casual attire such as jeans, t-shirts, and clubwear. Instead, aim for business casual, semi-formal, or upscale casual. For men, a sports coat and slacks or a suit in neutral colours like navy, grey, or beige are good options. Women can opt for a dressier sundress, a nice blouse with slacks or a skirt, or a little black dress. It is also worth noting that full-length wedding gowns and tuxedos may be considered too formal for a courthouse wedding.
As a bride, you can explore modified bridal styles like tea-length dresses or sophisticated suits. You can add a touch of sparkle with a cocktail-length beaded dress or a well-tailored sheath dress in a solid colour or subtle print. For grooms, a luxe sweater polo or a dress shirt with a full suit or just dress pants are great options.
It is important to remember that the courthouse is a public place, and there will be people going about their work during the ceremony. As such, it is advisable to avoid anything overly provocative or distracting. While you don't need to match the attire of those working in the courthouse, you should try not to stand out too much.
Regarding the number of guests, there is no set rule as it depends on the courthouse's capacity. Some couples choose to keep it small, while others may invite around 20 guests. It is essential to consider the guest capacity of your chosen courthouse and plan accordingly.
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Post-ceremony
After the ceremony, there are a few things that need to be done to finalise your marriage. Firstly, you and your partner will need to sign the marriage license, which the officiant will then return to the relevant county office. You will then receive your marriage certificate, which is the official record of your marriage. This process can vary depending on your location, so it's important to check with your local authorities.
In terms of timing, it's recommended to allow some time after the ceremony for photographs with your witnesses and guests. This is a special day, and you'll want to commemorate it with those who were able to attend. The length of the photoshoot will depend on your preferences and the number of guests, but it's good to factor this into your overall timeline.
After the photos, you might want to consider having a small celebration or dinner to mark the occasion. This could be just the two of you or with a few close friends and family members. There are no hard and fast rules here, so feel free to personalise this part of the day to suit your preferences. Some couples choose to have a more intimate gathering, while others opt for a larger celebration, depending on their circumstances and preferences.
It's worth noting that if you're planning a separate, more traditional wedding ceremony at a later date, you can certainly do so. Some couples choose to have a courthouse wedding for legal or practical reasons, such as insurance or visa applications, and then follow it with a larger celebration at a later time. This gives you the flexibility to plan the wedding of your dreams without compromising on the legal aspects.
Lastly, remember that the specifics of a courthouse wedding can vary based on your location. Be sure to research the requirements and processes for your particular city or state to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
A court wedding ceremony typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes.
The entire court wedding process can take a few months. You will need to research the marriage license requirements for your location, gather the necessary documents, and apply for the license. Some states require you to apply for your marriage license in the city where you intend to marry or live. Marriage licenses also have different expiry dates depending on the location. After receiving your license, you can schedule your wedding date.
This depends on your location. For example, in Texas, the marriage ceremony must be conducted before the 90th day after the marriage license is issued.
This also depends on your location. For example, in Texas, there is a 72-hour waiting period after receiving your marriage license before the ceremony can take place.
