Courthouse Weddings: Guest List Expectations

Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples who want to avoid the cost and hassle of a traditional wedding. They are non-religious ceremonies presided over by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk, and usually take place in a courthouse or civic building. While the number of guests you can invite to a courthouse wedding depends on the specific location, most sources suggest that the guest list is typically small, with an average limit of around 10-15 people, including the officiant, photographer, and immediate family members. Some courthouses may allow for a slightly larger gathering of up to 25 guests, while smaller district courts might only permit one or two guests due to limited space. It's important to check the guidelines of your chosen courthouse carefully and plan accordingly.

Guest numbers

In New York City, couples are allowed to bring one witness plus two guests. In Dallas County, Texas, there is no limit mentioned, but the judge must be available to officiate the wedding, and a fee must be paid.

It's important to check the guidelines of your chosen courthouse carefully. Some larger courthouses will allow a few dozen guests if you reserve the space and make the necessary arrangements in advance.

Additionally, most courthouse wedding ceremonies occur on weekdays during business hours, so it's essential to confirm the availability of your witnesses and guests before finalising your plans.

Witnesses

When creating your guest list, consider starting with your VIPs, such as parents, siblings, and best friends. Depending on the courthouse's capacity restrictions, you may need to prioritize certain guests over others. It is worth noting that some courthouses have limited floor space and capacity, allowing only one or two guests, while others may permit a few dozen guests if you reserve the space in advance.

In addition to witnesses, you may also want to consider inviting a maid of honor or best man to serve as an additional witness. If you prefer a more intimate ceremony, your photographer can also act as a designated witness.

It is recommended to confirm the availability of your chosen witnesses before finalizing your wedding date. This ensures that they can be present on your special day.

When planning a courthouse wedding, don't forget to include witnesses in your preparations. They play a vital role in making your wedding official and legal.

Location

Courthouse weddings typically take place at a county or state courthouse, city hall, or other municipal buildings. In some cases, you may be able to hold the ceremony at the city clerk's office or a smaller district court or municipal court. It's worth noting that weddings are generally handled at the county level rather than the city level, so it's essential to check with your local county's website or marriage license bureau to determine the exact location.

Marriage License Requirements

When choosing a location, it's crucial to consider the requirements for obtaining a marriage license. Some states or counties may require you to apply for the license in the same town where the wedding will take place. There may also be residency requirements, especially if you're planning a destination courthouse wedding. Additionally, there might be a waiting period between receiving your marriage license and the wedding date, which can vary from 24 hours to several days, so be sure to factor this into your planning.

Guest Capacity

Guest capacity can vary significantly depending on the location. Some courthouses may only allow a handful of guests, while others may accommodate a larger group. It's important to check the guidelines for your chosen courthouse carefully, as there may be restrictions on the number of guests you can invite. If you're planning to invite a larger group, consider choosing a location that can accommodate your guest list and make any necessary arrangements in advance.

Availability

Another important factor to consider is the availability of the courthouse for wedding ceremonies. Many courthouses only perform weddings during specific days and times, typically Monday through Friday during business hours. If you have a preferred date and time in mind, be sure to check the availability of the courthouse before finalizing your plans.

Special Considerations

When choosing a location, it's also worth considering any special requirements or restrictions. For example, some courthouses may have rules about photography or videography during the ceremony. Additionally, if you plan to incorporate personal elements, such as reciting your own vows or including music, be sure to check if the courthouse allows these customizations.

In summary, the location of your courthouse wedding will depend on various factors, including legal requirements, guest capacity, availability, and your personal preferences. By researching the options in your desired area and considering the specific details that are important to you, you can choose a location that aligns with your vision for your special day.

Marriage license

A marriage license is typically obtained from the Register of Deeds or the relevant city/county office. In some places, such as New York City, an in-person appointment is required, while other locations, like Dallas County, Texas, allow couples to simply pay a fee and show up as long as they have a valid marriage license.

The requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary by location, but generally, both partners must be present and provide proof of identity, age, and marital status. Some common documents requested include state-issued IDs or driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security numbers, and divorce papers if applicable. There may also be a fee associated with obtaining the license.

It is important to note that marriage licenses usually have an expiration date, and there may be a waiting period after obtaining the license before the wedding can take place. For example, in North Carolina, the marriage license is valid for 60 days, and there is no required waiting period. On the other hand, some states have a waiting period, so it is essential to plan accordingly.

Once the marriage license is obtained, the couple can proceed with their courthouse wedding plans, keeping in mind any specific requirements or restrictions of their chosen location.

Timing

The timing of your courthouse wedding will depend on a few factors, including your location, the availability of your chosen courthouse, and the number of guests you plan to invite. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the timing of your special day:

Choose a Date:

When selecting a date for your courthouse wedding, you don't need to plan too far in advance. A few weeks or months' notice is usually sufficient. Some states, such as Illinois and New York, have a mandatory waiting period after receiving your marriage license, so be sure to factor that into your timing.

Research Courthouse Availability:

Many courthouses perform wedding ceremonies during specific days and times, typically Monday through Friday, within regular business hours. Check with your local courthouse to confirm their availability and whether they require appointments for wedding ceremonies.

Gather Necessary Documents:

Obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in the process. Research the requirements and application process for your chosen location, as they may vary. Both you and your partner will typically need valid government-issued photo identification and certified copies of your birth certificates. There may also be a fee for the marriage license, and it could have an expiration date, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Create a Timeline for the Day:

On the day of your wedding, allow ample time for travel to the courthouse and arriving a bit early to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork. The ceremony itself is usually short, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes, but there may be other couples getting married before or after you, so factor in some waiting time.

Plan for Guests:

The number of guests you plan to invite will also impact the timing of your courthouse wedding. Some courthouses have restrictions on guest numbers, with smaller spaces allowing only a handful of guests, while larger courthouses may accommodate up to 10-15 people or more. Be mindful of this when creating your guest list and sending out invitations.

Consider a Post-Ceremony Celebration:

If you wish to have a reception or celebration after the ceremony, factor that into your timing as well. This could be a simple lunch at a restaurant, a private room booked for a small gathering, or even a larger reception at a later date. Inform your guests about the timing of any post-ceremony events and provide clear instructions for courthouse parking and other relevant details.

Frequently asked questions