Wondering how to get married at the courthouse, or asking yourself how does a courthouse wedding work before you start making plans? You're not alone. From marriage licenses and witnesses to ceremony logistics and costs, we'll walk you through everything you need to know so you can head into your courthouse wedding feeling confident, prepared, and excited.
Can you get married at a courthouse?
Yes, you can get married at a courthouse in many places, but the exact process depends on local laws and courthouse policies. Most couples need a valid marriage license, government-issued identification, any required witnesses, and an appointment for a civil ceremony with an authorized official.
Courthouse weddings have become increasingly popular for couples looking for a simple, affordable, and meaningful way to make things official. While the process is usually straightforward, every courthouse has its own requirements. Before you pick a date, check the rules for the courthouse, clerk's office, or local government office where you plan to marry.
How to get married at the courthouse
To get married at the courthouse, you'll typically need to apply for a marriage license, gather the required documents, schedule a ceremony appointment if necessary, bring valid identification, attend your ceremony, sign the paperwork, and request certified copies of your marriage certificate afterwards.
If you're looking for the practical step-by-step version of how to get married in court, be sure to check out our courthouse wedding checklist. It covers everything from marriage licenses and required documents to appointment details and day-of logistics, helping you stay organized from start to finish.
What is a courthouse wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a legally binding civil marriage ceremony performed through a courthouse, clerk's office, city hall, or another local government office. These ceremonies are typically shorter, simpler, and less formal than traditional weddings held at dedicated venues.
For some couples, a courthouse wedding is all about keeping things stress-free and intimate. Others choose to handle the legal paperwork first and save the larger celebration for later. No matter your reason, a courthouse ceremony can still feel incredibly special and personal.
Where do you get married at the courthouse?
You may get married in a courthouse ceremony room, clerk's office, judge's chambers, city hall office, or another approved location within a government building. A courtroom marriage doesn't always take place in the same room used for legal proceedings, but the setting is often formal and official.
Every courthouse is a little different. Some have dedicated ceremony spaces that feel warm and welcoming, while others use simple offices or courtroom-style rooms. If the setting matters to you, consider looking at photos online or calling ahead to learn more about what your location offers.
How does a courthouse wedding work?
A courthouse wedding usually begins with obtaining a marriage license and scheduling a ceremony. On the day of your appointment, you'll bring the required documents, verify your identity, participate in a brief ceremony, sign the paperwork, and receive instructions for obtaining your official marriage certificate.
If you're wondering what to expect at a courthouse wedding, the process is often much simpler than couples imagine. You'll likely check in, wait for your appointment, meet the official conducting your ceremony, exchange rings or brief vows if permitted, sign a few documents, and leave officially married.
How long do courthouse weddings take?
Courthouse weddings are typically very short, with the ceremony itself often lasting just a few minutes. However, the entire visit may take longer depending on security lines, paperwork, witnesses, photos, payment processing, and appointment wait times.
The courthouse marriage process moves quickly once your ceremony begins, but it's still a good idea to leave plenty of room in your schedule. Arrive early, allow time for security screening, and leave space afterwards for photos and celebrating with loved ones.
What does a courthouse wedding look like?
A courthouse wedding often takes place in a small ceremony room, office, judge's chambers, or courtroom-style setting. Couples may choose formal wedding attire, casual outfits, or something in between, and many celebrate afterwards with photos, a meal, or a gathering with family and friends.
One of the best things about a courthouse wedding is how flexible it can be. Some couples wear traditional wedding gowns and suits, while others opt for chic city-hall looks, jumpsuits, or simple dresses. There are no rules beyond what makes you feel comfortable and like yourself.
Can you get married at any courthouse?
No, you generally cannot assume that every courthouse performs marriage ceremonies. Some locations only issue marriage licenses, while others offer both licensing services and civil wedding ceremonies. Availability may also depend on residency requirements, appointment schedules, and local regulations.
Before choosing a courthouse, visit its website or call ahead to confirm what services are offered. Ask whether ceremonies are available, whether your marriage license must be issued there, and if there are any restrictions that could affect your plans.
Do you need witnesses to get married at the courthouse?
You may need witnesses to get married at the courthouse, depending on the laws where you're getting married. Some states and counties require one or two witnesses, while others don't require any at all.
This is one of the most important details to confirm ahead of time. If witnesses are required, make sure they know when and where to arrive and bring any identification that may be needed to sign the marriage paperwork.
Can you have guests at a courthouse wedding?
Yes, many courthouse weddings allow guests, but the number is often limited by room size and courthouse policies. Some locations only allow witnesses, while others welcome a small group of family members and friends to attend the ceremony.
If having loved ones present is important to you, be sure to ask about guest limits before booking your appointment. You'll also want to let guests know about arrival times, parking, and security screening requirements so everyone can get settled before the ceremony begins.
How much does it cost to get married in court?
The cost to get married in court varies by location, but couples typically pay for a marriage license, a ceremony fee, and certified copies of their marriage certificate. Depending on where you live, the total cost can range from relatively inexpensive to several hundred dollars.
When researching costs, ask for a complete breakdown of fees rather than just the ceremony price. Some offices charge separately for the marriage license, ceremony appointment, and certified copies you'll need for legal and administrative purposes later.
What's it called when you get married at the courthouse?
Getting married at the courthouse is commonly referred to as a courthouse wedding, civil wedding, civil ceremony, or courthouse marriage. While the terminology may vary slightly by location, all of these phrases generally describe a legally recognized marriage performed by a government‑authorized official.
You may also hear people casually refer to it as getting married in court or getting married at city hall. Regardless of the name, the ceremony carries the same legal significance as any other wedding ceremony.
Do you need vows for courthouse wedding ceremonies?
No, you don't always need personal vows for a courthouse wedding ceremony. Many courthouses use a brief legal script that includes the required wording to make the marriage official. Some locations allow couples to exchange personal vows, while others keep the ceremony strictly formal.
If sharing personal vows is important to you, ask about your courthouse's policies ahead of time. Even if personal vows aren't allowed during the ceremony itself, you can always exchange them privately before or after the legal proceedings.
Who marries you at the courthouse?
At a courthouse wedding, the ceremony is typically performed by a judge, magistrate, clerk, deputy clerk, justice of the peace, commissioner, or another official authorized under local law to conduct civil marriage ceremonies.
The specific title varies depending on where you're getting married, but the process is usually the same. The official will verify your identity, confirm your consent to marry, conduct the ceremony, and complete the paperwork that makes your marriage legally official.
Key takeaways on how to have a courthouse wedding
If you're wondering what to do to get married at the courthouse, start by researching the requirements in your area. Marriage license rules, waiting periods, witness requirements, and ceremony availability can vary significantly depending on where you live.
Once you've confirmed the legal requirements, focus on the logistics. Make sure you understand how appointments work, what documents you'll need, whether guests are allowed, and how much time to set aside for the ceremony itself.
Most importantly, remember that simple doesn't mean less special. Whether you're celebrating with just the two of you or inviting a handful of loved ones along, a courthouse wedding can be every bit as meaningful, emotional, and memorable as a larger celebration.
Ready to start planning? Sign up for Loverly to access expert advice, planning tools, and inspiration for every step of your wedding journey. Whether you're learning how to plan for a wedding or looking for a printable wedding checklist PDF to keep everything organized, we've got the resources you need to make planning easier and a lot more enjoyable.
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