George Boyle
A courthouse wedding is a simple, budget-friendly, and intimate alternative to a traditional wedding. The ceremony is held in a government building, like a courthouse or city hall, and is characterised by a small guest list and minimalistic setting. While the specifics vary from county to county, couples can expect to fill out the necessary paperwork, exchange vows, and receive their marriage certificate. The attire is flexible, ranging from casual to traditional wedding outfits, and the ceremony is often followed by a small celebration or reception. Courthouse weddings offer a unique and meaningful way to exchange vows and create lasting memories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Courthouse, city hall, or a similarly appropriate government building |
| Guest List | A handful of close family members and friends |
| Attire | Traditional wedding attire, casual or non-traditional outfits |
| Time and Cost | Shorter in duration and more cost-effective than traditional weddings |
| Legal Requirements | Marriage license, identification, and any necessary fees |
| Officiant | A judge or court clerk |
| Vows | Traditional or personalised |
| Rings | Exchanged or not exchanged |
| Witnesses | At least one witness |
| Certificate | Received immediately after the ceremony or ordered and mailed later |
What You'll Learn
Choose a location that's meaningful to you as a couple
A courthouse wedding is a non-religious ceremony that allows you to legally marry your partner. It is presided over by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk, and is a great option for couples who want to avoid the cost and hassle of a traditional wedding.
When choosing a location for your courthouse wedding, consider picking a place that has special significance to your relationship. This could be the city hall in the place where you met, fell in love, or currently live. You are not limited to just your local government building, and you can even travel to another destination and make it the first stop on your honeymoon.
If you want to get married in a different city, be aware that the requirements may vary. Some states or counties may require you to apply for your marriage license in the same town where you plan to get married. Be sure to research the local regulations and plan accordingly.
- Research the legal requirements: Understand the specific laws and procedures for the location you choose. Some countries or states may not recognize your marriage when you return home, so it's important to do your research beforehand.
- Schedule in advance: Courthouse ceremonies are usually brief and need to be scheduled in advance. Book a time that works for you, your guests, and your photographer.
- Communicate with your guests: Even though it's a small wedding, it's important to communicate clearly with your guests so they can plan and be a part of your special day.
- Incorporate personal touches: Add special touches to your ceremony, such as customized vows, a special song, or meaningful readings. You may even be able to bring some decorations, like flowers, a guest book, and framed photos, to make the space your own.
Remember, the location you choose for your courthouse wedding can be just as meaningful and memorable as a traditional wedding venue. By selecting a place that holds a special significance for you as a couple, you can create lasting memories and start your married life in a place that holds a special place in your hearts.
Research marriage license requirements in your chosen location
Researching marriage license requirements in your chosen location is crucial before planning a courthouse wedding. Here are some essential points to consider:
Location-Specific Requirements:
Marriage license requirements can vary depending on your chosen location. For example, in the State of California, there are two types of marriage licenses: a public marriage license and a confidential marriage license. In contrast, Texas requires obtaining the license from a county clerk's office in person, and the fee must be paid in cash. Meanwhile, Indiana has specific eligibility criteria, including age requirements and exclusions related to family relations and criminal history.
Timing and Validity:
The timing of obtaining your marriage license is crucial. There is usually a specific window around your wedding date within which you must apply, receive, and submit your license. Some states, like New York, have a mandatory waiting period of 24 hours, while Texas requires 72 hours. Marriage licenses are typically valid for a limited time, ranging from 10 days to a year, so be sure to check the expiration date for your location.
Documentation:
When applying for a marriage license, you will need proper forms of identification, proof that you are not currently married, and your date of birth to confirm you are of legal age to marry. Specific documents may include a birth certificate, photo ID, social security number, proof of citizenship or residence, and divorce decree or death certificate if applicable.
Fees:
Marriage license fees vary by location. In Indiana, the fee is $25 for residents and $65 for non-residents. In Texas, the cost ranges from $72 to $88 and must be paid in cash.
Additional Considerations:
Some states may have unique requirements, such as the need for a witness when applying for the license or specific procedures for members of the military. It's essential to research the specific requirements of your chosen location to ensure a smooth process.
Remember, understanding the legal requirements is fundamental to ensuring your courthouse wedding is legally binding. Take the time to research and plan accordingly, allowing yourself enough time to gather the necessary documentation and fulfill all the requirements of your chosen location.
Apply for a marriage license
To apply for a marriage license, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to be married in your state. For example, in Indiana, both applicants must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 years old with additional conditions. There are also exclusions that prohibit the clerk from issuing a marriage license, such as if either applicant is a lifetime sex or violent offender.
Next, you should familiarize yourself with the application process and gather the necessary documentation. This typically includes valid identification and documentation to prove your date of birth, such as a birth certificate or valid driver's license. If you have been married before, you will need to provide the date of your previous marriage's dissolution. In some cases, you may also be required to provide your Social Security Number.
Once you have gathered the required documentation, you can proceed to submit your application. In some states, you can complete the entire application process online, while in others, you may need to appear in person at the Clerk's Office or the County Clerk-Recorder's Office. There may also be a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which can vary depending on your state and residency status.
After submitting your application, be sure to follow up with the relevant office to confirm that all requirements have been met and your license has been approved. Keep in mind that marriage licenses are typically valid for a specific period, such as 90 days in California, so it is important to plan your wedding ceremony within that timeframe.
Make an appointment or nominate a day
Depending on the city or county, you may be able to make an appointment for your ceremony in advance. However, there may be a significant wait to secure an appointment, so it's important to plan ahead, especially if you have a particular wedding date in mind. If you can't make an appointment, you'll need to nominate a day to arrive and wait for your turn. If you're hoping for a weekend wedding, it may be challenging to find a courthouse offering appointments outside of their usual Monday to Friday services.
To make an appointment, contact your local courthouse to inquire about the scheduling process, as it may vary by location. You'll usually need to obtain a marriage license beforehand, and there may be a waiting period between obtaining the license and the ceremony. You'll need to factor this into your planning, applying for your license in advance, and being mindful of its expiration date.
Create a checklist and bring all necessary paperwork
As with any wedding, there will be some necessary paperwork to complete for your courthouse wedding. The exact requirements will vary depending on your location, so be sure to research the specific rules for your city and state. Here is a general checklist to help you gather the necessary documents:
- Marriage license: This is a crucial document that you must obtain before your wedding. Research the requirements and application process for your specific location, as there may be waiting periods or expiration times to consider.
- Identification: Bring valid government-issued IDs, such as a driver's license or passport, for both you and your partner.
- Birth certificates: You will likely need certified copies of both your birth certificates.
- Social Security numbers: Have your Social Security numbers ready, as they may be required for the marriage license application.
- Divorce papers: If either of you has been married before, bring proof of the dissolution of the previous marriage.
- Witnesses: Most places require at least one witness, so be sure to invite a close friend or family member who is over 18 years old. Some locations may require multiple witnesses, so check the requirements beforehand.
- Marriage certificate: After the ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate as proof of your marriage. In some places, you may need to order and pay for this certificate separately, and it will be mailed to you later.
It is important to note that there may be additional requirements or variations depending on your specific location. Be sure to contact your local courthouse to inquire about any unique procedures or documents that you may need.
Frequently asked questions
It's up to you! While some couples opt for traditional wedding attire, others go for something more casual or non-traditional.
A civil ceremony is usually pretty quick, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes.
This depends on the courthouse, but you can expect no more than 10 to 15 people max, including the officiant, photographer, and immediate family members.
Yes, you'll need at least one witness. This can be a close friend or family member, and they can also act as your photographer.
During the ceremony, you'll exchange vows and rings. Some places have specific vows, while others let you write your own. You'll also need to sign the marriage certificate, which may be given to you straight after the ceremony or mailed to you in a few weeks.
