Planning Tools, Ideas, & Advice
.png)
For Wedding Pros
Thinking about tying the knot with a courthouse wedding? You're not alone! Courthouse weddings are a practical and affordable choice for couples who want a simple yet meaningful ceremony. But how does it actually work? Don't worry—we've got you covered! From securing a marriage license to saying "I do" in front of a judge, this guide walks you through every step of the process. Whether you're planning an elopement or prefer an intimate marriage ceremony, here's everything you need to know about how a courthouse wedding works.
And a quick little disclaimer before we get into this. There are legal requirements associated with marriage -- you know, it's kind of a big deal and even though I know a lot about weddings, the law is not my area of expertise so please take this as a guide and then do your research to zero in on the specifics of the county where you plan to be married!
We're all about having a small wedding here at microWED collective, and a courthouse wedding totally qualifies! If you're immersed in weddings, you've probably noticed courthouse weddings popping up a little more frequently, but they may not look like you expect! Pictures of chic couples outside of the amazing architecture of city hall buildings and courthouses around the country are changing how people think about a civil wedding.
Gone are the days when these were just for couples who needed to make quick work of their vows. Nowadays, couples are choosing courthouse ceremonies over traditional weddings for various reasons, with the top two being less stress and lower costs. Choosing a city hall wedding is a great option for couples who are truly prioritizing their love story but don't want all the pomp and circumstance that might come with a big wedding.
This type of wedding is pretty simple in the United States and can be organized with just a few simple steps! All you need is a date, a location, and a credit card, and you're all set. Of course, I personally think it's a good idea to make your intimate ceremony a little more special by choosing attire that makes you happy and including other details to elevate it. Consider this your to-do list for this type of ceremony.
Your first step is to decide on a location. You might be surprised to learn that you can get married at any courthouse in the country. If you're not feeling super inspired by your local city hall, find one nearby or in a bucket list city and make it a destination wedding!
Learning about how courthouse weddings work is the most important point. Once you've decided on your location, you'll want to research the requirements for acquiring a license and the actual vow exchange itself. Every location is different regarding acquiring a license and associated waiting periods and expiration dates, so you'll need to plan accordingly.
Next up, plan your wedding date and make your appointment. Unlike traditional ceremonies which normally occur in the evening and on weekends, county courthouse hours are aligned with business hours.
One recommendation is that if you plan to have any wedding pros involved (for example, a photographer, wedding planner, or hair and makeup), you'll want to coordinate their availability. Additionally, keep in mind that formal wedding attire can have long lead times, and if you need alterations, that can add to the timeline, as well.
If witnesses are required, make sure your crew will be available on your selected date.
Choosing a courthouse wedding doesn't mean you can't have guests! Just be aware that the guest list size will be dictated by the location's rules and, of course, your personal preferences. Some couples choose to have friends and family join them for the ceremony and a celebration afterward and others just meet up with their group later, choosing to have a private ceremony.
Make sure you have everything in order, such as your license and proper ID.
This is a question every couple has. If you've never been married, this is probably a bit of a mystery. As with everything, be sure to check the specifics of your chosen courthouse, but here are the general guidelines.
In most cases, you'll need to visit the appropriate government office to complete your marriage license application. This is a helpful list by state. Some locations allow you to apply online, while others will require you to present in person.
Again, this is where your research comes in handy, as each location will have specific requirements. Be sure to check on what you'll need before you go.
A waiting period is the period of time you must wait between obtaining your marriage license and actually getting married. It varies across the US, but is generally between 0-3 days, with Wisconsin being a little longer at 5 days.
Your marriage license has an expiration date! If you don't get married within the timeline set forth by the state, you'll have to go get another one.
The marriage license fee is pretty reasonable, ranging from around $20-100, according to this article.
The process of a civil ceremony is pretty simple, really. You'll arrive on your scheduled date and time and check in. Occasionally, you'll grab a ticket and wait for your number to be called!
The ceremony will be officiated by a civil official, such as a judge, justice of the peace, or city clerk, and it's usually pretty quick!
You can go as casual or formal as you want. There are no rules, and I'm seeing some really unique attire these days. Couples are using their attire to let their personalities shine through in the absence of a traditional wedding.
Choose traditional wedding gowns and suites, culturally significant clothing, or go totally casual. Don't shy away from spicing it up with accessories to let your personality shine through!
These types of celebrations are typically going to run on the less expensive side of the spectrum.
The only real requirement is the fee for the marriage license and whatever it costs to get you there.
Other costs to factor in are rings, attire, flowers, photography, and a meal to celebrate. Perhaps you even want to create a combined destination wedding and honeymoon experience. That is all on the table!
In most cases, you can write your own vows. This is a great way to make your courthouse ceremony just that much more special.
Some courthouses have different options for you to choose from for your ceremony. You can often take advantage of the unique architecture found at many of these public buildings and choose a location such as outside on the front steps, in a rotunda, or at some other picturesque site.
You'll have to check if this is allowed and how many you can invite, but many locations allow guests to accompany you.
Just because you're getting married at a courthouse doesn't mean you can't include special details to enhance your day. Flowers, accessories, and formal wedding attire are all on the table, and the best thing is that your courthouse wedding cost is likely pretty low, leaving some extra funds for the fun stuff!
I really don't recommend skipping photography. Wedding photographers are really leaning into this courthouse wedding trend, leveraging the historic buildings and surrounding attractions to produce incredible wedding photos. Plus, it's a great way to celebrate your new union and may just turn out to be one of the best parts of your day. Check out the small wedding photographers in our directory!
Head to your favorite restaurant, cafe, or bar and celebrate just the two of you or with a few close friends and family. Despite choosing to have a really simple ceremony, this is an event that deserves to be celebrated so treat yourself!
Make a trip of it and even consider combining it with your honeymoon. Research all the unique public buildings where you can get married and choose one that is either in a location you've always wanted to visit or one that aesthetically speaks to you! I know a lot of couples like San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, and even Allegheny County Courthouse in Pennsylvania.
Courthouse weddings are a beautiful way to say "I do" without the stress of planning a traditional ceremony. Now that you know how a courthouse wedding works, you can feel confident taking the steps to make it happen! Happy planning!
