Free Guide to Courthouse Wedding Options

Understanding Courthouse Wedding Basics

A courthouse wedding is a civil ceremony performed by a judge, magistrate, or authorized official at a government courthouse or similar civil registry office. These ceremonies differ from religious or elaborate celebrations—they focus on the legal aspect of marriage, making your union officially recognized by the state. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 5-10% of marriages in the United States are performed at courthouses or similar civil locations.

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The courthouse wedding process centers on obtaining a marriage license, having it signed by an authorized official, and completing any required waiting periods mandated by your state. Unlike large celebrations, courthouse weddings typically take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The ceremony itself is straightforward: you and your partner stand before an official who reads vows or allows you to exchange your own words, witnesses sign the necessary paperwork, and the official declares you legally married.

Each state maintains its own rules about who can perform marriages, what paperwork is required, and what happens after the ceremony. Some states allow judges, justices of the peace, and notary publics to perform ceremonies. Others restrict this to specific officials. The courthouse itself varies by location—some are grand historic buildings while others are modern offices in government centers. Regardless of appearance, the legal outcome is identical: a marriage certificate issued by the state.

Cost is one practical advantage of courthouse weddings. Expenses typically range from $25 to $300 depending on your state's filing fees and any official fees charged by the courthouse. This compares significantly to the average cost of a traditional wedding, which the Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study reported at approximately $28,000. A courthouse wedding removes expenses like venue rental, catering, decorations, and entertainment.

Takeaway: Before planning any courthouse wedding, research your specific state's requirements by contacting your county clerk's office directly. Each state's rules are different, and what works in one location may not apply elsewhere.

Marriage License Requirements and Where to Obtain Them

A marriage license is the foundational document required for any legal wedding, including courthouse ceremonies. To obtain one, you must visit your county clerk's office (sometimes called the recorder's office or vital records office depending on your state). The county clerk is the government official responsible for issuing marriage licenses in your jurisdiction.

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Standard documentation needed includes valid photo identification for both parties—typically a driver's license, passport, or state ID. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number, current address, and date of birth. Some states require divorce decrees if either party was previously married, while others ask for proof of name changes through court order or marriage certificate. A small number of states still require proof of blood tests or medical examinations, though this has become less common. As of 2024, only Mississippi maintains this requirement.

The timeline varies significantly by state. Some states issue licenses immediately after application, while others impose waiting periods ranging from 24 hours to 5 days. A few states (like Louisiana) offer options—couples can choose a 72-hour waiting period or attend a premarital counseling session to shorten it. The license itself is typically valid for 30 to 90 days from issuance, depending on your state. This means you need to plan your ceremony before the license expires.

Application methods have expanded in recent years. While in-person applications remain the standard in most states, some counties now offer online applications that you complete before visiting in person, reducing time at the office. A handful of states have begun offering mail-in applications, though this remains limited. Check your specific county clerk's website to see what options are available in your area. Most county clerks operate during standard business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays), though some offer extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Fees for marriage licenses typically range from $10 to $100, with most states charging between $20 and $50. Some counties offer reduced fees for couples taking premarital education classes. A few states allow you to request certified copies of your marriage certificate at the time of application for an additional small fee (usually $5 to $15 per copy), which is convenient for updating identification documents and financial records after your wedding.

Takeaway: Call or visit your county clerk's office at least two months before your intended wedding date. Ask about the specific documents you need, waiting periods, hours of operation, and whether appointments are required. This prevents delays and ensures you have all necessary paperwork ready.

Identifying Authorized Officials Who Can Perform Your Ceremony

Not all government officials can legally perform marriage ceremonies. The officials authorized to solemnize (officiate) marriages vary dramatically by state. Understanding who is authorized in your state helps you plan your courthouse wedding logistics and timeline.

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Judges and justices of the peace are authorized in all 50 states to perform marriages. These are judicial officers appointed or elected to their positions. In many states, they perform weddings as part of their regular duties at the courthouse. Other authorized officials include magistrates (judicial officers in lower courts), county clerks or their designated deputies, and notary publics—though the notary authority varies significantly. Some states allow notaries to perform ceremonies while others explicitly prohibit it. For example, California, Florida, and New York allow notaries to perform marriages, while Texas and several other states do not.

Some states authorize religious officials to perform ceremonies even when they occur at a courthouse or civil location. For instance, priests, ministers, rabbis, and other clergy members may perform courthouse ceremonies in states that don't strictly separate religious from civil ceremonies. However, even when religious officials participate, the marriage license and state authorization remain essential.

A growing number of states allow couples to become ordained ministers through online ordination services, enabling them or a friend to officiate their own ceremony. States permitting self-solemnization or allowing anyone the couple designates to perform the ceremony include Colorado, Utah, and a few others. However, the couple still must obtain a valid marriage license and follow all state procedures. The official's role is to witness and sign the marriage license, making the ceremony legally valid.

To identify which officials are available in your county, contact your county clerk's office or visit their website. Many courthouses maintain lists of judges and justices of the peace available for weddings, along with scheduling information. Some officials perform ceremonies on a walk-in basis during specific hours, while others require appointments scheduled weeks in advance. Fees charged by officials range from nothing (many judges perform ceremonies as part of their public duties at no cost) to $50 to $100 in some jurisdictions.

Takeaway: Ask your county clerk specifically which officials can perform marriages in your county and what their availability, scheduling process, and fees are. Some courthouses have officials available daily while others limit weddings to certain days or times.

Planning Your Courthouse Ceremony: Witnesses and Logistics

Most states require at least one or two witnesses present during your courthouse wedding. A witness is someone who observes your ceremony and signs the marriage license, confirming that the marriage took place. Requirements differ by state—some mandate only one witness, others require two, and a few states have no witness requirement at all. Check your state's specific requirement when obtaining your marriage license information.

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Witnesses must generally be adults (age 18 in most states) who are not the person performing the ceremony. Many couples ask close family members or friends to serve as witnesses. Some county clerks' offices provide witnesses if you don't bring someone, though this varies by location. If you prefer a completely private ceremony with only the official present, ask your clerk whether the office can provide witnesses to satisfy the legal requirement.

Courthouse weddings offer flexibility in ceremony timing and style. You may exchange simple vows, have the official read standard vows, or create and share personal vows. The ceremony can be as brief as five minutes or longer if you prefer more exchange of words. Some couples exchange rings while others don't. Some bring flowers, corsages, or other personal touches. The courthouse official will guide you on what's permissible in that specific location, as some courthouses have policies against decorations, music, or photography.

Scheduling varies by location. Some county clerks allow you to schedule your wedding ceremony online, while others require phone calls or in-person visits. Popular dates (Valentine's Day, anniversaries, holidays) may require scheduling several weeks in advance, while other dates might accommodate walk-ins. If the official is a judge with a court schedule, wedding ceremonies may only occur on specific afternoons or designated times.

Practical logistics to consider include parking availability at the