Guide To Scheduling A Courthouse Wedding

Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples who want to skip the cost and coordination of a traditional wedding. While the specifics vary based on location, a few key points to keep in mind include choosing the right location, applying for a marriage license, and making an appointment or nominating a day for the ceremony. Couples should also be prepared to provide necessary paperwork, including identification and witness requirements, and consider any desired personal touches, such as attire and photography.

Research your city's requirements for a marriage license

The requirements for a marriage license vary depending on your city and state, so it's important to research the specific rules and regulations that apply to your location. Here are some general guidelines and key points to consider when researching your city's requirements:

• Location: Determine the specific city, district, and county where your wedding will take place. The requirements for a marriage license may differ across regions, so knowing the exact location is crucial.
• Application Process: Familiarize yourself with the application process for a marriage license in your city. In some cases, you may be able to apply online, while in other cases, you may need to visit the relevant office in person. Some cities may also require both you and your future spouse to appear in person at the clerk's office.
• Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents for your application. This typically includes valid forms of government-issued photo identification, such as driver's licenses, passports, or birth certificates. If either party has been previously married, you will also need to provide proof of divorce or a death certificate if widowed. Additionally, some cities may require you to provide your Social Security number or proof of residency.
• Fees and Payment Methods: Marriage license fees can vary, ranging from $25 to $150 or more. Check with your local office to find out the exact fee and the accepted payment methods, which may include cash, debit or credit cards, checks, or money orders.
• Waiting Periods and Expiration Dates: Some states have a mandatory waiting period between receiving your marriage license and the date of your wedding. These waiting periods can range from 24 hours to several days. Additionally, marriage licenses typically have expiration dates, which can be as short as 30 days or as long as 90 days. Make sure to plan your wedding date accordingly to ensure your license is still valid.
• Witness Requirements: Depending on your city's requirements, you may need to arrange for one or two witnesses to be present during your wedding ceremony. These witnesses must be over the age of 18 and may need to provide their own identification or meet other specific requirements.
• Special Circumstances: If there are any unique circumstances, such as underage applicants or previous marriages, be sure to research the specific requirements for your city. Some cities may have additional forms or waiting periods for applicants under a certain age, while others may require specific documentation for previously married individuals.

Remember to refer to your city's official website or contact the relevant local office to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding marriage license requirements.

Apply for a marriage license

Once you've done your research on the marriage license requirements of your chosen location, it's time to apply for one. This can be done at your local district courthouse, state courthouse, city hall, or any other municipal building where marriages are performed. Some locations offer online appointments, while others require you to come in person, so be sure to check the specific requirements of your chosen location. When applying for your marriage license, you will generally need to provide the following documents:

• A valid form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, naturalization certificate, or passport.
• If either party has been divorced, you will need to provide a copy of the final dissolution (divorce papers).
• Payment for your marriage license (prices can vary).
• Your social security number or a notarized statement that you are ineligible to receive one.
• Certified copies of both birth certificates.

It's important to note that marriage licenses typically have an expiration date, ranging from as short as 30 days to as long as 90 days. Additionally, some states have a waiting period between receiving your marriage license and when you can actually get married, which can range from 24 hours to several days. Therefore, it's crucial to plan your wedding date accordingly and schedule it before the expiration of your marriage license.

After your wedding ceremony, you and your partner will sign the license, and your officiant will return it to the county. You will then receive your marriage certificate, which is the official record of your marriage.

Gather your essentials

Gathering your essentials is a crucial step in planning your courthouse wedding. Here's a detailed checklist to ensure you have everything you need for your big day:

Identification and Legal Documents:

• Ensure you have valid government-issued photo IDs for both you and your partner. Examples include driver's licenses, naturalization certificates, or passports.
• Obtain certified copies of your birth certificates.
• If either of you has been previously married, bring copies of the final dissolution or divorce papers.
• Gather any other relevant legal documents, such as social security numbers or similar identification numbers.
• Research and understand the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your chosen location. Each state, county, or city may have slightly different processes and requirements, so it's important to check with the local authorities.
• Apply for your marriage license in advance, as it can take time to process. Be mindful of any expiration dates or waiting periods associated with the license.

Payment and Fees:

• Confirm the fees associated with obtaining your marriage license and paying for the marriage ceremony. These fees may vary depending on your location.
• Have the necessary payment methods ready, whether it's cash, credit card, or money order. Some offices may have specific payment requirements, so check beforehand.

Witnesses:

• Depending on your location, you will need at least one or two witnesses for your wedding. These witnesses must be over the age of 18.
• Confirm the availability of your chosen witnesses ahead of time and ensure they can attend the ceremony.

Additional Items:

• If you plan to incorporate flowers, check with the courthouse to see if they allow fresh flowers.
• Inquire about photography restrictions. Some courthouses may have specific rules regarding photographers and their movement during the ceremony.
• Consider any other personal touches you may want to include, such as a mini cake, picnic basket, or other special items to make your day more memorable.

Remember to keep all your essential documents organized and easily accessible. You can put together a packet or folder containing all the necessary paperwork, IDs, and other items. This will ensure that you have everything you need on your wedding day and can focus on celebrating your special moment.

Finalise the time, location, and courthouse

Finalising the time, location, and courthouse is a crucial step in planning your courthouse wedding. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate this process:

Research Your Preferred Courthouse

Firstly, you'll need to research your chosen courthouse's availability and requirements. Information about this can often be found on the county courthouse website or by contacting the relevant magistrate directly. Some courthouses may have specific days and times allocated for weddings, so it's important to check their schedule. In addition, confirm whether the courthouse performs weddings at that location, as not all courthouses have judges or officials who can conduct legal marriage ceremonies.

Select Your Preferred Date and Time

When choosing a date and time for your courthouse wedding, keep in mind that many courthouses are only available for wedding ceremonies during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday. You may also need to consider the availability of the officiant, who is usually a government official such as a judge, district clerk, public notary, or justice of the peace. If you have a particular date and time in mind, it's best to finalise this as soon as possible to ensure availability.

Book Your Preferred Courthouse

Once you've decided on the date, time, and courthouse location, it's time to make the necessary arrangements. In some cases, you may be able to book the courthouse room directly through the county website or by contacting the courthouse administration. However, in other cases, you may need to work with a specific magistrate who can book the courthouse room for you. Finalise all the details, including the time, location, and any specific requirements you may have, such as the use of fresh flowers or photography restrictions.

Be Prepared for Alternative Options

It's important to note that courthouse weddings are in high demand, and your preferred date, time, or location may not always be available. In such cases, be prepared to consider alternative dates, times, or even courthouse locations. You may also need to be flexible with your choice of officiant, as different magistrates or officials may have varying availability. Remember that each courthouse is unique, and the best way to finalise the details is to communicate directly with the relevant courthouse or magistrate.

Confirm All the Details

Finally, once you have finalised the time, location, and courthouse, confirm all the details in writing. This includes confirming the date, time, location, officiant, and any other specific arrangements you have made. It is also a good idea to double-check the necessary documents and requirements, such as your marriage license and any identification needed on the day. This will help ensure that your courthouse wedding runs smoothly and that you have a memorable and stress-free experience.

Invite your guests

The number of guests you can invite to a courthouse wedding depends on the guidelines of the courthouse. Some courthouses allow only a handful of guests, while others may permit a slightly higher number. For example, some courthouses in Los Angeles allow up to 25 guests, while smaller clerks' offices and district courts may only allow one or two people.

Who Should You Invite?

Start your guest list with your VIPs, such as parents, siblings, and best friends. Depending on the number of people you can invite, you may need to exclude extended family and plus-ones. If you're unable to invite everyone you'd like, you can always hold a larger reception after the ceremony.

Sending Invitations

If you're only inviting a small number of guests, you may not need to send physical invitations. However, if you're planning on having a few dozen guests, it's a good idea to send out invitations to ensure that those you want to be present can attend. Include a link to your wedding website on the invites, where guests can find important details such as instructions for courthouse parking, the room where the ceremony will be held, and any post-ceremony celebrations.

Witnesses

Don't forget that you will also need to arrange for witnesses to be present at your wedding. Some courthouses require one witness, while others require two. Your witnesses must be over the age of 18, and it's a good idea to check with them in advance to ensure they will be available.

Frequently asked questions