Free Guide to Courthouse Wedding Costs

Understanding Courthouse Wedding Basics and Why People Choose Them

A courthouse wedding is a civil ceremony performed by a judge, magistrate, or authorized official at a government courthouse or similar civic building. Unlike religious ceremonies held in churches or temples, courthouse weddings focus on the legal aspects of marriage. These ceremonies typically last between 10 and 30 minutes and involve exchanging vows, rings if desired, and signing legal marriage documents.

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Many couples choose courthouse weddings for financial reasons. In 2023, the average cost of a traditional wedding in the United States ranged from $28,000 to $35,000 according to various wedding industry surveys. By contrast, courthouse weddings often cost between $100 and $500 total, depending on location and specific fees. This represents a savings of over 99% compared to conventional weddings.

Other reasons people select courthouse marriages include simplicity, speed, and privacy. Some couples are already living together and want to formalize their legal status without elaborate celebrations. Others may be remarrying and prefer a low-key approach. Military couples sometimes use courthouse ceremonies for practical reasons related to deployment or relocation. Parents, close family members, or a small group of friends typically attend, creating an intimate atmosphere.

The courthouse setting itself is straightforward and functional. Most courthouses have designated rooms or chambers where civil ceremonies occur. The environment is formal but not elaborate—think wood paneling, official seals, and perhaps flags. Some couples find this institutional setting appealing for its authenticity and gravity, while others view it as simply practical.

Practical takeaway: Before exploring costs, consider why a courthouse wedding appeals to you. Are you seeking financial savings, simplicity, privacy, or a combination of these factors? Understanding your primary motivations will help you make decisions about where to spend your limited budget.

Breaking Down the Main Courthouse Wedding Fees and Charges

Courthouse wedding costs vary significantly by location, but several consistent categories of fees appear in nearly every jurisdiction. The marriage license fee is typically the largest single expense. This fee grants you legal permission to marry and is required in all 50 U.S. states. As of 2024, marriage license fees range from approximately $20 in some rural counties to over $200 in major urban areas. New York City, for example, charges around $65 for a marriage license, while some California counties charge $70 to $100.

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The ceremony fee—sometimes called the solemnization fee or judge's fee—covers the cost of having an official perform your ceremony. This fee varies widely. Some counties include this in the marriage license fee, while others charge separately. Where separate fees apply, they typically range from $50 to $250. A few jurisdictions offer free ceremonies if you obtain your license there, while others charge more in metropolitan areas than in rural regions.

Additional potential fees include:

• Certified copies of your marriage certificate ($5 to $25 per copy, and you may need multiple copies for name changes, insurance, and employment verification)
• Rush processing fees if you need results faster than standard timelines ($10 to $75 in many locations)
• Name change processing fees if you want to change your surname ($0 to $150 depending on your state and whether you handle it through the court or separately)
• Witness fees in rare cases where the courthouse requires witnesses ($0 to $50, though most locations do not charge for this)
• Court fees for any paperwork errors requiring corrections ($10 to $50)

Some states allow couples to marry without an official present if they use a self-uniting or Quaker marriage format, which can eliminate the ceremony fee entirely. However, this option is only available in a handful of states including Pennsylvania, Colorado, and District of Columbia, and even then, your marriage license is still required.

Practical takeaway: Contact your local courthouse or county clerk's office directly to learn the exact fees in your jurisdiction. Ask specifically about the marriage license fee, ceremony fee, certified copy costs, and whether any combination packages reduce the total. Request this information in writing if possible so you have accurate details.

State-by-State Variations and Regional Cost Differences

Marriage license fees and courthouse procedures differ significantly across states and even among counties within the same state. Understanding these variations helps you plan your budget accurately. In the Midwest, courthouse fees tend to be lower overall. Iowa, for instance, charges around $50 for a marriage license and approximately $50 for the ceremony, totaling roughly $100 plus certified copies. Kansas operates similarly with comparable fees in most counties.

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Southern states show moderate variation. Texas charges approximately $74 for a marriage license, with ceremony fees handled individually by judges and magistrates who may charge $50 to $100 or offer services free. Florida charges around $105 for a marriage license but allows you to marry without a formal ceremony in certain circumstances, potentially reducing costs. Georgia charges approximately $56 for a marriage license, with judicial officers sometimes performing ceremonies without additional fee.

Northeastern and Western urban areas typically charge higher fees. Massachusetts charges approximately $50 for a marriage license and varies by municipality for ceremony fees. California charges $70 to $100 for marriage licenses depending on the county, with additional fees for ceremonies. New York's marriage license costs $65, with judge's fees for ceremonies varying by location and sometimes running $100 to $200. Washington State charges around $67 for a marriage license.

Some states offer shorter waiting periods than others, which can affect overall timelines and costs. As of 2024, approximately 14 states have no mandatory waiting period between applying for a license and marrying. Nevada has no waiting period and charges approximately $77 for a license, making it an option for couples planning quick ceremonies. Other states require waiting periods ranging from one to five days, which doesn't directly add cost but affects planning timelines.

Rural counties almost universally charge less than major urban centers. A courthouse ceremony in a rural Montana county might cost $75 total, while the same ceremony in Denver, Colorado costs $150 to $200. This is partly because rural courts handle fewer cases and have lower administrative overhead, and partly because the cost of living in rural areas is generally lower.

Practical takeaway: Research your specific state and county courthouse websites or call the county clerk's office. Fees listed online may be outdated, so speaking with staff directly yields the most current information. If you have flexibility about location, comparing fees across nearby counties might reveal significant savings.

Additional Costs Beyond the Courthouse: What Many Couples Don't Anticipate

While the courthouse itself charges modest fees, several additional expenses may arise depending on your situation and choices. Getting certified copies of your marriage certificate costs money and you will need multiple copies. Most states charge between $5 and $25 per certified copy. You should anticipate needing at least 3 to 5 copies for purposes like updating your driver's license, registering with your employer, updating insurance policies, and banking information. Five copies in a state charging $15 each totals $75, which doubles some couples' courthouse costs.

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Travel and accommodation costs may apply if you're marrying far from home. A couple traveling from a rural area to a county courthouse in a larger city might spend $100 to $300 on gas or transportation. If you're crossing state lines for a ceremony and need to stay overnight, hotel costs could add $100 to $400. These are legitimate expenses worth budgeting for even though they don't go directly to the courthouse.

Some couples incur costs for obtaining required documents before the ceremony. If you need a birth certificate or divorce decree to apply for a marriage license, requesting certified copies from vital records offices costs $10 to $30 per document. States charge differently for expedited processing; requesting a birth certificate with rush handling might cost $40 to $60 instead of the standard $15 to $25.

Professional photography, while entirely optional, is one expense some couples choose to include. Hiring a photographer for a one-hour courthouse ceremony might cost $200 to $500, or you might ask a friend to take photos at no cost. Similarly, some couples hire someone to record video, which may cost $150 to $400 or happen informally via smartphone.

Attire costs vary dramatically based on your preferences. Some couples wear clothing they already own, making this free. Others purchase new outfits, which might range from $50 to $500 depending on choices. A simple courthouse-appropriate dress or suit from a mid