Rhiannon Hendricks
Courthouse weddings, also known as civil weddings, civil unions, or civil ceremonies, are a valid alternative to traditional weddings. They are recognised as legal marriages and are a good option for couples who want to save money or skip the stress of planning a full wedding. While they are simpler and faster to plan and execute than traditional weddings, they still require some organisation. The first step is to decide on the location, which could be a local district courthouse, state courthouse, city hall, or any other municipal building where a judge or clerk performs civil marriage ceremonies. The specific requirements and fees for obtaining a marriage license vary by location, so it is important to research the laws and requirements of your chosen city or county. Once you have your marriage license, you can schedule your wedding date, keeping in mind that some courthouses may allow walk-ins, while others require scheduling in advance. On the day of the wedding, bring your necessary documents, such as government-issued identification, and make sure you have witnesses present, as required by law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Local district courthouse, state courthouse, city hall or any other municipal building |
| Officiant | A civil officiant, such as a judge, justice of the peace, or notary |
| Planning | Easier to plan than traditional weddings but still requires some organization |
| Timing | Faster than traditional weddings, usually taking about 20 minutes |
| Guests | Limited number of guests, with guidelines varying by location |
| Marriage License | Required, with different locations having different application requirements and expiry dates |
| Fees | Vary depending on the city, with some locations requiring a fee for the marriage ceremony |
| Appointment | Some locations require an appointment, while others allow walk-ins |
| Budget | More affordable than traditional weddings, but there are still expenses to consider |
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What You'll Learn
Courthouse wedding locations and their unique requirements
Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples who want to avoid the cost and hassle of a traditional wedding. They are also known as civil weddings and are presided over by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk. While they are straightforward to plan, they do require some upfront planning and research.
Courthouse weddings can take place in a variety of locations, including courthouses, city halls, or any other municipal building where a judge or clerk performs civil marriage ceremonies. Some famous venues include New York City Hall, San Francisco City Hall, and the Santa Barbara Courthouse.
The location you choose will largely dictate the format of your ceremony, the fees you have to pay, and whether you need to make an appointment. For example, in New York City, couples are required to pay a $25 fee and make an appointment, while in Dallas County, Texas, couples can forego the appointment by paying a $100 fee.
Marriage license requirements also vary by location. In the United States, you will need to apply for a marriage license in the city or state where you plan to get married, and some states require you to apply in the city where you intend to live after marriage. The specific documents you will need to present when applying for a marriage license may also differ, but generally, you will need a valid government-issued photo ID, divorce papers (if applicable), and payment for the license fee. It is important to note that marriage licenses in different places may have expiry dates, so be sure to plan your wedding date accordingly.
Additionally, some locations may have restrictions on the number of guests you can invite, so be sure to check the guidelines for your chosen courthouse.
While courthouse weddings may be simpler than traditional weddings, they still require careful planning and research to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements for your chosen location.
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Planning a budget
A courthouse wedding is a great option for couples on a budget. The intimate setting and smaller guest list mean you can save a lot of money on venue hire, rentals, decor, and staff. However, there are still some costs to consider and ways to save money when planning your special day.
Firstly, decide on your budget and how much you want to spend. A courthouse wedding is typically much cheaper than a traditional wedding, but there are still expenses to be aware of. These include the cost of the marriage license, which can vary from $20 to $80, and the fee for the wedding ceremony, which is usually $10 or more. In some places, like New York City, there may be additional fees, such as a $25 payment to the City Clerk. So, it's important to research the local regulations and fees for your chosen location.
Another cost to consider is your attire. The cost of a wedding dress or outfit can range from $200 to $8,000, so it's important to set a budget that works for you. You may also want to factor in the cost of hair and makeup services, as well as any pre-wedding pampering or treatments.
Rings are another significant expense, with the average cost being around $1,000. However, this can vary greatly depending on the size and materials you choose. If you want to save money, you may consider opting for simpler rings or even choosing not to include them in your ceremony.
Photography is also an important consideration. The average cost of courthouse wedding photography is between $800 and $1,500, but this can depend on your location and the photographer you choose. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider asking a friend or family member to take photos or hiring a photography student who may offer discounted rates.
Finally, think about your reception plans. A simple option is to have a small reception at a nearby restaurant, which can be more affordable than hiring a separate venue. If you want to invite more guests, you could plan an after-party at home, a community centre, or even a traditional wedding venue.
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Marriage licenses and certificates
The first step to planning a courthouse wedding is to research the specific requirements of your chosen city or county. While courthouse weddings are generally the same, the location will dictate the format of your ceremony, the fees you have to pay, and whether you need to make an appointment. For example, in New York City, couples are required to pay $25 to the City Clerk for their marriage ceremony and to make an appointment, whereas in Dallas County, Texas, couples do not need to make a ceremony appointment if they pay a $100 fee, the judge is available, and they have already obtained a marriage license.
Marriage licenses are valid for different periods depending on the state, so be sure to check the expiry date and obtain your license in good time. In Travis County, Texas, for example, couples need to obtain their marriage license three days in advance. To obtain a marriage license, you will typically need to complete a marriage license application, pay a fee, and bring proof of identity and age to the county clerk's office. Some locations may also require divorce papers if either spouse was previously married.
After obtaining your marriage license, you can then file a marriage certificate with your local bureau once you are married. At the ceremony, you and your spouse will sign the marriage certificate, which is the official legal documentation of your marriage.
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Witnesses and guests
A courthouse wedding is a great option for couples who want to save money and avoid the stress of planning a traditional wedding. While they are generally more straightforward, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to witnesses and guests.
First and foremost, you will need to have at least one witness present at your ceremony. The minimum age for a witness is 18 years, and this requirement varies by city, with some requiring only one witness and others mandating two. It is crucial to research the specific regulations in your location to ensure compliance.
When it comes to guests, courthouse weddings typically have a more limited guest list compared to traditional weddings. The number of guests you can invite depends on the courthouse's guidelines and the size of the facility. Some courthouses may allow up to 25 guests, while smaller clerks' offices and district courts may restrict you to bringing just one or two people besides the witness(es). Therefore, it is essential to check the rules of your chosen courthouse carefully and stay organized with a guest list manager if you plan to invite more than a few people.
If you are eloping and only having a small ceremony with your partner and witnesses, you may not feel the need to send out invitations or create a wedding website. However, if you are inviting a handful of guests, it is considerate to spread the word and send invitations to those you absolutely want to be in attendance. Keep in mind that some courthouses may have beautiful architecture that serves as a stunning backdrop for your photos, while smaller county courthouses may offer a more intimate setting for your special day.
After the ceremony, you can choose to keep things simple or go all out with a reception at a nearby restaurant or even later down the line. Some couples opt to save money for the honeymoon, which can be the real celebration of your union.
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Photography and personal touches
While courthouse weddings are simpler and more low-key than traditional weddings, there are still plenty of ways to make your special day memorable and personalised.
Photography
Courthouse weddings are often more impromptu than traditional weddings, and it can be easy to forget to plan for photography. However, it's worth investing in a professional photographer, who can capture all the little moments you'll want to remember. You can hire a photographer for just a couple of hours, or for the whole day—they can even accompany you to a second location for more photo opportunities. If you're on a tighter budget, you could ask a talented amateur photographer friend to take some high-resolution photos. Either way, make sure you print your photos so that you have physical copies.
Personal Touches
Even though courthouse weddings are more simplistic, you can still bring personal mementos to add a unique touch to your day. This could be family heirlooms, or something old, new, borrowed, and blue. Lots of people have bouquets at a courthouse wedding, which you can order from a florist or most grocery stores. If you want specific colours or flowers, be sure to order in advance. You can also add personal touches to your outfit—while you might want to stick to a traditional wedding dress or suit, you could also showcase your personal style with a fun cocktail dress, a colourful suit, or some fun accessories.
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Frequently asked questions
A courthouse wedding is a civil wedding, civil union, or civil ceremony that takes place in a courthouse or municipal building. They are a legitimate, low-key, and budget-friendly way to get married.
While courthouse weddings are simpler to plan than traditional weddings, they still require some organisation. First, decide on the type of ceremony you want to have and do your research. Different locations will have different requirements, fees, and appointment systems. You will also need to obtain a marriage license, which may have an expiry date, and gather the necessary documents and witnesses.
Courthouse weddings can take place in a variety of locations, including your local district courthouse, state courthouse, city hall, or any other municipal building where a judge or clerk performs civil marriage ceremonies. Some famous venues include New York City Hall and San Francisco City Hall.
Courthouse weddings are a budget-friendly option as you do not have to pay for a venue, rentals, decor, or staff. However, there may be some costs involved, such as marriage license fees, ceremony fees, and the cost of a reception.
A wedding planner is not necessary for a courthouse wedding, but there are some vendors that may be recommended, such as a professional photographer.
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