How To Plan A Courthouse Wedding (Without Missing a Single Step)

Quick Answer: To plan a courthouse wedding, apply for a marriage license at your county clerk’s office (typically 1–3 days before the ceremony, though some states have waiting periods), bring valid government-issued ID for both partners, arrange your required witnesses, pay the license and ceremony fees, and book your appointment in advance — most courthouses don’t accept walk-ins.

You don’t need a ballroom, a caterer, or a guest list of two hundred people to have a real, meaningful wedding. Sometimes the simplest ceremonies are the ones couples remember most — and courthouse weddings prove that every single time.

A courthouse wedding is a civil ceremony performed by a judge, justice of the peace, or another court-authorized officiant. It’s completely legal, beautifully low-key, and—if you plan it thoughtfully—genuinely memorable.

While the average traditional wedding in the United States now costs around $34,000, according to The Knot’s Real Weddings Study, a courthouse wedding often costs as little as $50 to $150 for the ceremony itself (not including your marriage license, which varies by state). That difference isn’t just financial—it’s freedom to spend your money on what matters most to you, whether that’s a honeymoon, a down payment on a home, or simply starting married life without wedding debt.

Source: The Knot – Wedding Budget Advice & Average Wedding Costs

Still, “just go to the courthouse” is a little misleading. There are real steps to follow, real documents to bring, and real decisions to make — from who stands beside you to what you do after. Skip one thing and you could end up rescheduling the whole day.

This guide walks you through every step of planning a courthouse wedding, including what to wear, exactly what to expect during the ceremony, and how to make the day feel as special as it deserves to. There’s even a sample hour-by-hour timeline so you can picture the day from start to finish.

This post may contain affiliate links, please refer to privacy policy for more information.

What Is a Courthouse Wedding (And Who It’s Perfect For)

A courthouse wedding is a legal civil ceremony that takes place at a local government building — typically a county courthouse, city hall, or clerk’s office. It’s performed by an officiant with legal authority, it’s completely binding, and it looks exactly the same on a marriage certificate as any ceremony held in a church or ballroom.

Courthouse weddings are a great fit for couples who:

• Want to keep things small, private, and stress-free
• Are working with a tight budget and would rather spend money on their life together than one single day
• Already had a larger celebration and want the legal piece handled simply
• Are remarrying and prefer an intimate, low-key ceremony
• Have young children and know that a long, elaborate wedding just isn’t realistic right now
• Are doing a legal ceremony now with a bigger celebration planned for later — sometimes called a micro-wedding or celebration event

There’s nothing small about choosing each other. The venue doesn’t change that.

Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License

This is the most important step — and the one couples most often mistime. Your marriage license is the legal permission to get married. Without it, there is no ceremony. Apply before you do anything else.

Where to Apply

Go to your county clerk’s office or marriage license bureau. This is usually located in or near the same courthouse where you’ll have your ceremony. Many counties now allow you to start the application online and finish it in person — check your local county website to see what’s available where you live.

In many states, both partners must appear together when applying for a marriage license so their identities and eligibility can be verified. However, marriage license requirements vary by state, and some states allow exceptions under specific circumstances. Before making plans, check the requirements for the county clerk’s office where you’ll be applying.

Source: CDC – Where to Write for Vital Records

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID) — both partners
• Proof of age if required (birth certificate in some states)
• Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner has been previously married
• Social Security numbers (required in some states — confirm ahead of time)
• Payment for the license fee — most offices take cash or card; confirm before you go

Waiting Periods and Expiration Dates

Some states issue your license on the spot. Others require a waiting period before the license becomes valid. And all licenses expire — some in 30 days, some in 90. Apply at the right time so your license is valid on your wedding day.

Marriage license fees, waiting periods, identification requirements, and office hours vary by state—and often by county. Before you go, check with the county clerk’s office where you plan to apply for the most up-to-date requirements, as these details can change over time.

Source: CDC – Where to Write for Vital Records

Step 2: Book Your Courthouse Appointment

Most courthouses don’t allow walk-ins for wedding ceremonies. They have specific days and times set aside for civil ceremonies, and spots fill up faster than you’d expect — especially on Fridays and around holidays.

How to Find Your Local Courthouse’s Process

Search for your county clerk’s office or probate court online and look for a section on civil ceremonies or marriage ceremonies. If you can’t find the information, simply call the clerk’s office directly. It takes five minutes and gives you exactly what you need.

Ask about: available ceremony dates and times, the maximum number of guests allowed, any ceremony fee separate from the license fee, and whether a judge or court-appointed officiant performs the ceremony.

What to Ask When You Call or Book Online

• How far in advance do I need to book?
• How many witnesses are required, and what are their requirements?
• How many guests are allowed to attend?
• Is there a separate ceremony fee? How do I pay?
• How long does the ceremony typically take?
• Can I bring flowers, a photographer, or music?
• Can we add personal vows, or does the officiant use a standard script?

Write down the answers. You’ll be glad you did when the day gets close and your brain is full.

Step 3: Plan Who Will Be There

One of the things couples love most about courthouse weddings is the intimacy. But “intimate” still means intentional — especially when it comes to legal witness requirements and guest limits.

Witness Requirements

Witness requirements for civil weddings vary by state. Some states require one or two adult witnesses to sign the marriage certificate, while others don’t require witnesses at all. If witnesses are needed, they typically do not need any special qualifications—an adult family member or friend is usually acceptable. If you’re planning to attend your courthouse ceremony alone, contact the courthouse in advance to ask whether they can provide a witness.

Source: CDC – Where to Write for Vital Records

Witnesses will sign your marriage license after the ceremony, so make sure they’re people who will actually show up and who have valid ID with them just in case.

Can You Have Guests?

It depends entirely on your courthouse. Some ceremony rooms hold only the couple and their witnesses. Others have small, welcoming spaces that can fit 10 to 20 people. When you book your appointment, ask specifically about the maximum guest count — and be honest with yourself about how many people you actually want there.

Courthouse weddings tend to be most magical when they’re kept to the people who matter most. A room with four people who love you deeply feels far more intimate than a room of twenty people you felt obligated to invite.

Bringing Kids or Blended Families

If you have children — whether young kids or teenagers — including them in your courthouse ceremony can be a genuinely meaningful moment. A short ceremony is actually ideal for little ones who can’t sit still for an hour. Check with your courthouse about age restrictions for attendees (most have none), and plan something fun for right after so the kids associate the day with celebration, not courthouse waiting rooms.

For blended families, this is also a chance to acknowledge that your marriage is the beginning of something new for the whole family — not just the two of you. Some couples choose a small symbolic gesture like a unity sand activity or a group photo on the courthouse steps to mark the moment for everyone.

Step 4: What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding

Here’s what nobody tells you: you can look absolutely beautiful at a courthouse wedding. The venue is small. The ceremony is short. That actually means your outfit gets all the attention — and it’s the thing you’ll see in photos for decades.

There’s no dress code requirement, but most couples want to look and feel special. The goal is something you’d feel proud wearing in photos — without being so formal that it feels out of place.

A small bridal bouquet is a beautiful touch that photographs wonderfully — and you don’t need to spend a fortune on one. A dried flower bouquet is especially popular for courthouse weddings because it’s elegant, affordable, and lasts forever as a keepsake. This dried flower bouquet is a gorgeous option that ships quickly and looks stunning in photos.

Step 5: What Happens During the Ceremony

Most people have no idea what a courthouse ceremony actually looks like from the inside — and that uncertainty can make the day feel more stressful than it needs to be. Here’s exactly what to expect.

Who Officiates

Your ceremony will be performed by a judge, magistrate, justice of the peace, or court clerk who has been given legal authority to perform marriages in your state. They’re professionals who do this regularly — often multiple times in a single day. They’re warm, efficient, and used to making couples feel at ease even in an unfamiliar setting.

Can You Write Your Own Vows?

Sometimes. Civil officiants are required to include certain legal language in the ceremony, but many courthouses allow personal vows after the required portion. Ask specifically when you book your appointment — don’t assume it’s allowed, and don’t assume it isn’t. If personal vows matter to you, this is worth asking about upfront.

How Long It Takes

The ceremony itself typically takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. That includes the legal declarations, any vows, the ring exchange if you’re doing one, and the signing of the marriage license. It moves quickly. That’s not a downside — it just means being mentally present for every minute of it matters.

1. Arrive early: Give yourself at least 15–20 minutes before your appointment time for parking, security screening, and finding the right room.
2. Check in at the clerk’s office: Let them know you’ve arrived. You’ll confirm your license and paperwork here.
3. Enter the ceremony room: The officiant will greet you and briefly explain the process.
4. Exchange vows and rings: The officiant leads. You respond. If you’ve arranged personal vows, this is when you share them.
5. Sign the marriage license: Both partners and witnesses sign. The officiant signs too.
6. Walk out married: That’s it. You’re legally married.

What to Bring on Your Courthouse Wedding Day

Print this list. Check it the night before. Don’t leave home without everything on it.

• Your marriage license (already issued by the county clerk)
• Valid government-issued photo ID for both partners
• Your witnesses — and their IDs, just in case
• Payment for any remaining courthouse fees (ceremony fee, if separate)
• Wedding rings, if exchanging them
• Your written personal vows if the courthouse allows them
• A camera or phone for photos — or a hired photographer if you’ve arranged one
• A small bouquet, if you’d like one
• Any children or guests who are attending

Bring a tote bag or small bag you can carry comfortably. Courthouse security checkpoints are standard — no need to worry, but do leave any large bags or prohibited items in the car to make entry faster.

Your Courthouse Wedding Day, Hour by Hour

One of the biggest questions couples have is what the actual day will feel like — not just the 15-minute ceremony, but the whole thing. Here’s a realistic sample timeline for a morning courthouse wedding.

The day genuinely goes by fast. Knowing the rhythm ahead of time means you can actually be present for it instead of wondering what comes next.

How to Make Your Courthouse Wedding Feel Special

A courthouse ceremony doesn’t have to feel like a DMV visit with rings. With just a few thoughtful touches, it can feel intimate, beautiful, and completely yours.

Courthouse Wedding Photography Tips

Hire a professional photographer if your budget allows — even for just one hour. Courthouse steps, courtyard columns, and natural light outside the building make for genuinely stunning photos. If you’re not hiring a pro, assign your best photographer-friend the role officially, and give them a short shot list: ceremony moment, ring exchange, kiss, signatures, steps photos, and at least one laughing candid.

A polaroid camera is another beautiful option. Hand it to a guest and let them capture spontaneous moments throughout the morning. The prints become instant keepsakes — and they feel so personal.

Flowers and Personal Touches

You don’t need a florist. A small, simple bouquet makes a huge visual difference in photos and makes the moment feel ceremonial. Dried flower bouquets are especially popular for courthouse weddings — they’re compact, elegant, and don’t wilt by the time you get to the restaurant. This dried bouquet is a gorgeous, affordable option couples love.

Other personal touches that work beautifully:

• A small guest book for witnesses and guests to sign — this simple wedding guest book is lovely for a courthouse ceremony and keeps the day documented
• A meaningful piece of jewelry passed down from family
• A playlist playing on your phone as you get ready or during photos
• Handwritten vows, even if you only read them to each other privately
• A small gift exchanged privately between partners in the morning

Planning a Celebration After

The ceremony is short, but the day doesn’t have to be. Book a reservation at a restaurant that feels special to you both — it doesn’t have to be fancy, just meaningful. Some couples bring a small cake or dessert to the restaurant, which makes the whole meal feel festive.

For a sweet finishing touch, a tiered cake tray is perfect for presenting a small wedding cake or cupcakes at a restaurant or at home — elegant and easy to set up anywhere.

If you want to include more friends and family in the celebration, you can always plan a larger gathering weeks or months later. Many couples do a courthouse ceremony first and a reception party later — it lets you separate the legal piece from the celebration piece entirely, and both events get to be exactly what you want them to be.

What to Do After Your Courthouse Wedding

You walked out married. Now what? There are a few important post-ceremony steps that are easy to forget in the excitement of the day — but they matter.

Get Your Certified Marriage Certificate

Your marriage license becomes a marriage certificate once it’s been signed and filed. A marriage certificate is the official document that proves you’re legally married — and you’ll need certified copies of it for everything that comes next.

When you request your marriage certificate, consider ordering three or four certified copies if you plan to change your name or update multiple records. Many organizations—including the Social Security Administration, your state’s driver’s licensing agency, financial institutions, and some employers—may require a certified copy rather than a photocopy. Ordering several copies at the same time is often less expensive and more convenient than requesting additional certified copies later.

Source: CDC – Where to Write for Vital Records

Certified copies are typically available from the county clerk’s office for a small fee per copy — usually $5 to $20 each depending on your state.

Starting the Name Change Process

If you’re changing your name after getting married, you’ll typically need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to update your legal documents. In the United States, it’s generally best to start with the Social Security Administration, since many other agencies and institutions—including your state’s driver’s licensing office, banks, and employers—may require your updated Social Security record before processing your name change.

Source: Social Security Administration – Change Your Name

1. Social Security Administration (SSA) — Update your Social Security record first. You can do this in person at an SSA office or by mail. It typically takes 10–14 days.
2. Driver’s license or state ID — Bring your updated Social Security card and certified marriage certificate to your local DMV.
3. Passport — If your passport was issued within the last year, the update may be free. Otherwise, there’s a fee.
4. Bank accounts and financial accounts — Contact each bank or financial institution individually; most require your updated ID.
5. Employer records, insurance, and other accounts — Update employer payroll records, health insurance, and any subscription accounts as needed.

For a full walkthrough of the process, these are the wedding details couples usually forget — including the name change steps most people underestimate. And don’t forget your wedding day survival kit — a few small things to have on hand that make the whole day go more smoothly.

Ideas for Celebrating

Whether you celebrate the day of, the weekend after, or with a bigger party months from now — there’s no wrong way to mark a marriage. Some couples take a mini-moon. Some have a romantic dinner. Some order takeout in pajamas and call that perfect. All of it counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• Apply for your marriage license first — before booking anything else — and confirm your state’s waiting period so the license is valid on your chosen date.
• Call your courthouse directly to book your ceremony appointment; most courthouses don’t accept walk-ins and have limited slots available.
• Bring both partners’ government-issued IDs, your signed marriage license, your witnesses, and any ceremony fee payment on the day.
• Order at least three to four certified copies of your marriage certificate right after the ceremony — you’ll need them for the name change process.
• A small bouquet, a polaroid camera, and a restaurant reservation after the ceremony can turn a 15-minute legal ceremony into a genuinely beautiful wedding day.
• A courthouse wedding is completely legal, completely real, and completely yours — the venue has never once determined how meaningful a marriage turns out to be.

Your Marriage Starts Now — Go Enjoy It

A courthouse wedding done right isn’t a compromise. It’s a choice — a deliberate, confident, personal choice to skip the overwhelm and focus on what actually matters: the two of you, the people who love you most, and the beginning of your life together.

Follow the steps, bring everything on your list, and let the rest of the day be exactly what you want it to be. You’ve got this.

If you found this helpful, save it to come back to before the big day — and share it with another couple who’s planning their own courthouse ceremony. They’ll thank you for it.

You might also love:

• What Is a Micro Wedding? Everything You Need to Know
• Wedding Details Couples Usually Forget (And How to Stay Ahead of Them)
• The Best Wedding Card Messages for Every Couple