Rhiannon Hendricks
Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples seeking a simpler, more budget-friendly, and less stressful celebration. They are legally binding and are usually held in a courthouse, city hall, or a similarly appropriate government building. While they are more straightforward to plan than traditional weddings, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll need to obtain a marriage license and be aware of any waiting periods or documentation needed, as these requirements vary by jurisdiction. Secondly, you'll need to decide on a date and time, keeping in mind that many courthouses are only available for weddings during weekdays and specific times of the day. Thirdly, you'll need to consider your guest list, as courthouses typically have small capacities and you'll need to ensure at least one witness is present, who may also be your photographer. Finally, you can choose to bring your own officiant or have the courthouse provide one, and you can decide on attire, flowers, and other personal touches to make your day special.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Courthouse, city hall, or another municipal building |
| Guest list | A handful of close family members and friends. At least one witness, who may also be the photographer |
| Outfits | Formal or casual attire, including traditional wedding attire |
| Flowers | Bouquets from any florist or most grocery stores |
| Officiant | A judge or court clerk, or a chosen officiator |
| Photography | A professional photographer |
| Legal requirements | Marriage license, identification, and any necessary fees |
| Timing | Typically Monday through Friday during business hours |
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What You'll Learn
You will need a marriage license and identification
A courthouse wedding is a legally binding marriage. While they are more straightforward to plan than traditional weddings, you will still need to ensure you have the necessary documents. The most important of these is a marriage license. Without this, you will not be able to get married at the courthouse.
Marriage licenses are obtained from your local city or county clerk's office. The requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary by jurisdiction, but generally, you and your partner will each need to provide a few forms of identification, such as an official birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. Some states may also require proof of divorce in the form of a copy of the final dissolution (divorce papers) if either party has been previously married. There may be a fee for the marriage license, and it is important to note that most have an expiration date, so you will need to plan your ceremony accordingly.
In addition to the marriage license, you will also need to provide identification. This can be in the form of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, naturalization certificate, or passport. It is important to check with your local courthouse to inquire about the specific requirements and scheduling process, as they may vary by location.
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Research the legal requirements in your jurisdiction
The legal requirements for a courthouse wedding vary depending on the jurisdiction. In the United States, a courthouse wedding is recognised as a valid marriage by the government, and it can be used when applying for a marriage-based visa or green card.
In the US, you will generally need a valid marriage license, identification, and any necessary fees. If you have been married before, you will need to bring proof of the termination of the previous marriage. You will also need to be aware of any waiting periods or documentation needed before planning. For example, in Florida, residents must either take a 4-hour premarital preparation course or wait three days before the marriage license becomes effective. Other states may have different requirements, so it is important to check with your local county clerk's office.
Additionally, some jurisdictions require witnesses to sign the marriage certificate, so you may need to invite close friends or family members to take on this role. The witnesses must be of legal age and provide ID if required.
In North Carolina, couples must obtain a marriage license before the wedding from the Register of Deeds in any county in the state. Both partners must generally visit the office in person, though some counties allow online applications to be submitted beforehand. Applicants must pay a fee and fill out a form stating their names, ages, marital status, and intention to marry. They must also provide either a Social Security number or a notarized statement that they are ineligible to receive one.
In Arizona, a marriage license expires 12 months after it is issued by the state. To make it valid, it must have signatures from both individuals, two witnesses, and the person who performed the ceremony. The bottom portion of the license is then mailed to the Clerk of the Superior Court by the person who performed the ceremony.
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You may need to pay a fee
While courthouse weddings are generally more affordable than traditional weddings, there are still some costs to consider. The specific fees you'll need to pay will depend on your location, so it's important to research the requirements of your city and state. Here are some common fees associated with courthouse weddings:
Marriage License Fee
Obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in the courthouse wedding process, and there is typically a cost associated with it. The price of a marriage license can vary depending on your location. For example, in Los Angeles County, residents pay $91 for their marriage license. In New York City, couples pay a $25 fee for their marriage ceremony after obtaining their marriage license. It's important to note that marriage licenses often have an expiration date, so be sure to check the validity period and plan your ceremony accordingly.
Ceremony Fee
In addition to the marriage license fee, some courthouses may charge a separate ceremony fee. This fee covers the cost of having a judge or court clerk officiate your wedding. Again, the amount can vary depending on your location. For instance, in Dallas County, Texas, there is a $100 fee for the ceremony, which includes the cost of having the judge officiate the wedding.
Officiant Fee
If you choose to bring your own officiant to the courthouse, there may be an additional cost. Some courthouses allow couples to bring their own officiant, but it's important to confirm this in advance. If you decide to bring an outside officiant, they will likely need to provide a copy of their ordination certificate along with any required identification.
Photography Fee
Although not required, hiring a professional photographer for your courthouse wedding is often recommended. Capturing the special moments of your big day is important, and a photographer can help ensure you have lasting memories. The cost of hiring a photographer can vary, and you may be able to find talented photographers available on weekdays who would otherwise be booked on weekends.
Other Potential Fees
When planning your courthouse wedding, be mindful of other potential expenses. For example, if you need to travel to your chosen courthouse location, there may be transportation and accommodation costs. Additionally, while not required, some couples choose to purchase special attire for their wedding day, which can add to the overall expense. Lastly, if there are any errors on your marriage certificate after the ceremony, you may need to pay a fee to correct the information and obtain a new certificate.
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You will need at least one witness
A courthouse wedding is a quaint and practical option for couples seeking a simpler, more budget-friendly celebration. They are usually held in a courthouse, city hall, or a similar government building. While they may lack the grandeur of traditional weddings, they offer a unique charm and a more intimate setting.
When planning a courthouse wedding, it's important to understand the legal requirements, which may vary by jurisdiction. In addition to a valid marriage license and identification, you will typically need at least one witness to be present at the ceremony. This person must be over 18 years old and cannot be a signatory on your marriage license. Some cities require only one witness, while others may require two—one for each spouse-to-be. It's a good idea to confirm the requirements with your local courthouse before making any plans.
If you want to keep your wedding a semi-private affair, your witness can double as your photographer. This way, you can have intimate nuptials while also capturing the memories of your special day. You can hire a professional photographer or ask a talented friend to take on this role.
When choosing your witness, consider someone who is reliable and can be available on your wedding day. It's important to check their availability in advance, especially if you're planning a spontaneous wedding, as some courthouses offer same-day ceremonies after marriage license approval. By involving a witness, you ensure that your courthouse wedding is not only legally valid but also shared with a close companion.
Overall, a courthouse wedding is a wonderful option for couples seeking a stress-free, budget-friendly, and intimate celebration. With a little planning and the right witnesses, your special day will be both legally valid and filled with cherished memories.
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You can hire a photographer
Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples seeking a simpler and more budget-friendly celebration. They are also perfect for couples who prefer a low-stress and shorter timeline for their wedding. While they are usually more affordable than traditional weddings, there are still some costs involved, such as the marriage license fee and a possible ceremony fee.
One of the recommended vendors for a courthouse wedding is a professional photographer. They will capture all the little moments that you want to remember for the rest of your lives. If you're planning a weekday ceremony, you might be able to work with amazing photographers who might otherwise be booked on weekends. Your photographer can also be a designated witness if you prefer to have just the two of you present at the ceremony.
When choosing a photographer, it's important to consider the style of photography you prefer and the photographer's availability. Some photographers may be booked on weekends, so a weekday ceremony could mean a wider range of options. It's also crucial to double-check with the courthouse if they allow photography and video recording during the ceremony.
Additionally, some courthouses may have restrictions on the number of guests, so it's essential to check in advance before inviting people. Usually, a small number of guests are allowed, and some cities require at least one witness, while others require two. The witness must be over 18 years old and can be a maid of honor or best man.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid marriage license, identification, and any necessary fees. Some states require you to apply for your marriage license in the city where you intend to live once married. It's important to research your county and state requirements, as well as any waiting periods or documentation needed.
Guest capacity will vary depending on the courthouse. Some places allow only a handful of guests, while others may be a bit higher. Most courthouse wedding ceremonies occur Monday through Friday during business hours.
Yes, you will need at least one witness, who may also be your chosen photographer. Some cities require just one witness, while others require two—one each for the couple.
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