Lyla Dejesus
A courthouse wedding is a non-religious ceremony conducted by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk. It is a great option for couples who want to avoid the cost and hassle of a traditional wedding. While courthouse weddings are simple to organise, they do require some upfront planning. Here are the key steps to arranging a courthouse wedding:
- Choose your location: You can get married almost anywhere, but requirements vary depending on your chosen location. Some states require you to apply for your marriage license in the town where you plan to get married or live post-marriage.
- Apply for a marriage license: Specific requirements differ by state, but you will generally need a valid form of government-issued photo ID, divorce papers (if applicable), and payment for the license. Marriage licenses have expiration dates and may also have waiting periods before you can get married.
- Gather essential paperwork: Before your wedding day, ensure you have all necessary documents, including your marriage license and identification for both partners. You will also need at least one witness over the age of 18, and some locations may require two.
- Schedule your wedding date: Consider any waiting periods and expiration dates for your marriage license. Although it's a civil ceremony, you can personalise it by choosing your attire, adding guests, and arranging photography.
- Plan your celebration: Courthouse wedding ceremonies are typically brief, lasting around 20 minutes. After the ceremony, you may want to jet off to your honeymoon, enjoy a quiet reception, or host a larger party.
What You'll Learn
Choose a location
Choosing a location for your courthouse wedding is an important step in the planning process. While some couples opt to get married in the same town they live in, others may choose a location with sentimental value. It's crucial to research the local regulations of your chosen location, as some states have specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license. For example, certain states mandate that you apply for your marriage license in the town where you plan to tie the knot or reside post-marriage. This information can usually be found on the website of the local city or county clerk's office.
When selecting a location, keep in mind that courthouse weddings are typically held in government buildings such as courthouses or city halls. However, the specific location will depend on what the city offers and your personal preferences. Some cities may offer alternative venues, such as a historic building or a wedding chapel. Additionally, consider the availability of your chosen location and whether it aligns with your desired wedding date.
It's worth noting that most courthouse wedding ceremonies take place during weekdays within standard business hours. Therefore, it's essential to plan ahead and ensure that your chosen location is available on your preferred date and time. You may need to schedule an appointment in advance and work around the court's schedule.
Another factor to consider when choosing a location is the number of guests you plan to invite. Courthouse weddings typically have limited guest capacity, ranging from a handful of guests to slightly higher numbers. Ensure that your chosen location can accommodate your guest list comfortably.
Lastly, if you're looking for a unique or meaningful location, consider the option of getting married in a different city or state. Each state and city has its own requirements for obtaining a marriage license, so be sure to research the specific regulations of your desired location. Some states have waiting periods between receiving the license and the wedding, while others allow you to marry on the same day. Understanding these requirements will help you make an informed decision about your wedding location.
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Apply for a marriage license
To apply for a marriage license, both parties must be present at the designated office. In the US, this is typically the County Clerk's office, though some states refer to this as the Register of Deeds or Clerk-Recorder's Office.
Both parties must be at least 18 years old, and will need to provide a valid photo government-issued ID. No copies or digital images are allowed. If you do not have a valid ID, you may be able to provide two credible witnesses—friends or family members who have valid IDs and can sign an affidavit verifying your identity. There is usually a small fee for this.
You will also need to provide your Social Security Number, and in some cases, your Social Security Card. If you are unable to provide a Social Security Number, a notarized statement confirming this will be required.
If either party has been married before, you will need to provide the date of your previous marriage's end. Some counties require a certified copy of the divorce decree. If your divorce was in the last 90 days, you will need to bring a copy of the judgement of divorce.
You will also need to provide some genealogical information, including the legal names and birthplaces of both of your parents.
In some states, you will need to fill out a Notice of Intention of Marriage Form, which will require you to state your names, ages, marital status, and intention to marry. You will also need to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, and declare the name you will use after the wedding if you plan to change it.
Once you have submitted your application, there is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can pick up your marriage license. This varies by state, but it is typically valid for 60 days, and you must be married within this time frame.
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Gather essential documents
Gathering the essential documents is a crucial step in planning a courthouse wedding. Here's what you need to do:
Contact Your Local Courthouse:
Before you can obtain a marriage license, reach out to your local circuit court. They will inform you of the specific requirements and steps to obtain the license in your legal jurisdiction.
Gather Necessary Documents:
Once you know what's required, gather the necessary documents. Typically, you and your partner will need to provide valid identification, such as a driver's license, government-issued photo ID, birth certificate, or passport. If either of you has been previously married, you'll also need to provide divorce papers. Don't forget to bring these documents when applying for your marriage license.
Application Paperwork:
You'll need to fill out an application form for the marriage license, which will include personal details such as your names, dates of birth, addresses, and parents' names. This form can usually be completed online or in person, depending on your jurisdiction.
Payment:
When applying for the marriage license, you'll typically need to pay a small fee, which can range from $20 to $100 USD. Check your local courthouse website for the exact amount and acceptable payment methods.
Witnesses:
Don't forget that you'll need at least one witness for your wedding ceremony. A witness must be over 18 years of age and can be a close friend or relative, or anyone else who meets the age requirement. Some locations may require two witnesses, so be sure to check the requirements for your chosen courthouse.
Additional Documents for Non-Citizens:
If either you or your partner is not a U.S. citizen, there may be additional documentation required. Ensure you research the specific requirements for your situation to avoid any delays in the process.
Stay organized and gather all the necessary documents ahead of time to ensure a smooth process when applying for your marriage license and planning your courthouse wedding.
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Book a date
Once you have your marriage license, you can start planning your courthouse wedding ceremony and booking a date. The times and dates will vary depending on the location, but these typically take place during business hours from Monday to Friday.
In some regions, you will be able to book a specific date and time for your ceremony. In other districts, you will only be able to have a walk-in ceremony, meaning you may have to wait in line to get married.
If you can book a date, search online or call the court to find out which days they perform wedding ceremonies. Then, select and book a date. If you can't book, you may need to arrive early on the day you want to marry to secure your place.
Remember to factor in the wait time for your marriage license when planning your wedding date. You will not be able to get married at a courthouse on the same day that you obtain your license.
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Plan the ceremony
Planning a courthouse wedding ceremony involves several steps, from choosing a location to picking outfits. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your special day.
Location
You can get married almost anywhere in the United States, but regulations vary by state and city. Some states require you to apply for your marriage license in the same town where the ceremony will take place. It is essential to research the local laws and regulations of your chosen location. While courthouse weddings typically take place in a courthouse or city hall, some cities may offer alternative venues like a Las Vegas wedding chapel.
Date and Time
After selecting your location, consider any waiting period and expiry date associated with your marriage license. Some states have mandatory waiting periods before you can get married, ranging from 24 hours to several days. Additionally, marriage licenses have expiry dates, so ensure your wedding date falls within the valid period.
Some courthouses allow walk-ins during business hours, while others require scheduling a date in advance. Keep in mind that most courthouse weddings occur on weekdays, and there may be a significant wait for available appointments.
Guests and Witnesses
Determine how many guests and witnesses you can invite. The capacity for guests varies depending on the courthouse, and you may need to provide one or two witnesses over the age of 18. Be sure to confirm the availability of your witnesses ahead of time.
Photography
Inquire about photography restrictions. While some courthouses may allow photos and videos during the ceremony, others may have specific restrictions. Consider hiring a photographer, especially one familiar with the venue, to capture your special day and create lasting memories.
Attire
You have the freedom to choose formal or casual attire for your courthouse wedding. Whether you opt for a traditional wedding dress and tuxedo or something more relaxed, select outfits that align with your personality and style preferences.
Personalization
Although courthouse weddings are brief, you can add personal touches to make the ceremony more intimate and meaningful. Consider reciting your own vows, carrying a bouquet, or incorporating other wedding traditions that resonate with you.
Rings
If you plan to exchange rings during the ceremony, purchase them well in advance and remember to bring them with you on the day. Alternatively, you may choose to use a family heirloom, such as a vintage wedding band.
Post-Ceremony Activities
Plan any post-ceremony activities, such as a romantic dinner, a reception with loved ones, or a quiet getaway for just the two of you. You can also pop open a bottle of champagne, take photos at meaningful locations, or invite guests to your home for a celebration. Whatever you choose, ensure it reflects your interests and personality as a couple.
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Frequently asked questions
A courthouse wedding is a non-religious ceremony conducted by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk. It is a valid marriage that is recognised by the government.
A marriage license is a legal document that you and your partner must obtain before your wedding. It is like an application to get married. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is issued after the wedding ceremony and acts as the official record of your marriage.
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport, driver's license), divorce papers (if applicable), and to pay the relevant fee.
Firstly, choose your location and research the local regulations. Then, apply for your marriage license and gather all the necessary paperwork, including identification and payment for the license. You will also need to organise witnesses (usually at least one, but this can vary). Finally, schedule your wedding date, considering any waiting periods and the expiry date of your license.
On the day, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork, your witnesses, and your chosen attire. The ceremony will be brief, usually around 20 minutes, and will conclude with you and your partner signing the marriage certificate. You may also choose to exchange rings and have a photographer present.
