Image by C. Isabel Photography
There’s something timeless about saying “I do” at city hall. No grand guest list or elaborate production—just two people, a few witnesses, and a moment that’s entirely their own. Courthouse weddings may be simple, but that doesn’t mean they’re without charm or planning details. Whether you’re drawn to the intimacy or practicality of it all, this guide covers everything you’ll need to make it official and meaningful.
How To Plan a Courthouse Wedding
Decide on the Date and Location
Like any other wedding, the first step to planning a courthouse is deciding on the date and location. Contact your local courthouse (or one that’s in a destination you hope to visit) to inquire about available dates and times for wedding ceremonies. Many courthouses offer weekday and weekend options.
“Courthouses have certain times of day when the light inside is absolutely beautiful,” shares Autumn Lynne Photography. “It’s usually between midmorning and midafternoon, depending on the building’s architecture. Try to schedule your ceremony or couple photos during those peak lighting hours to make the most of the natural, airy light courthouses are known for.”
If you plan to take outdoor photos afterward, consider mid-morning or late afternoon. When the light is soft, warm, and flattering.
Budget for Your Courthouse Wedding
Courthouse weddings are often more budget-friendly than traditional ceremonies, but costs can vary depending on your location. Be prepared to budget for marriage license fees, officiant fees, witness fees, and any additional services or decorations you want to include. We’ll get into how much you can expect to pay for a courthouse wedding a little later.
Obtain a Marriage License
Visit your local courthouse to apply for a marriage license. Requirements and waiting periods vary by jurisdiction, so check with your local government office for specific details. Bring necessary identification and any required documents (such as your driver’s license, state I.D. card, or passport).
Decide on Your Guest List
Courthouse weddings are typically smaller affairs, so deciding who you want to invite is important. Do you want it to be just the two of you having a big party with your friends and family afterward? Or do you want your closest loved ones there to share in the moment? The choice is entirely up to you. However, once you have the courthouse picked out, we recommend seeing how many witnesses (if any) are required and what the maximum number of guests is.
Plan Your Vows and Ceremony
Discuss the details with courthouse staff or your officiant. You can write your own vows, keep it traditional, or skip vows entirely.
“My favorite courthouse moments are when couples exchange private vows before the ceremony,” says C. Isabel Photography. “It’s quiet, intimate, and completely personal. Something they’ll always remember.”
You can also include small symbolic gestures, like carrying a charm or heirloom to honor loved ones who couldn’t attend.
Image by Autumn Lynne Photography
What Happens During a Courthouse Wedding?
You’ll arrive at the courthouse with your marriage license, IDs, and any witnesses. After checking in, your officiant or judge will conduct the short ceremony. You’ll exchange rings and vows, sign your license, and receive your marriage certificate—just like that, you’re married!
“I always tell couples to allow at least one hour for the courthouse,” explains C. Isabel Photography. “Even if they have an appointment, it’s still a government office, which means things can run late. Add 30 minutes for travel or photos—because you’ll want time to enjoy the moment instead of rushing through it.”
How to Make a Courthouse Wedding Special
Because a courthouse wedding is such a short, simple celebration, it can be hard to figure out ways to make it even more special (because, let’s face it, it already is just by you promising forever to your significant other). However, there are a few things you can do to take things up a notch.
Bring a Bouquet of Your Favorite Flowers
Since décor is minimal, your bouquet becomes a beautiful focal point. Choose flowers or colors that hold meaning to you—or have your florist include a personal charm.
“I’ve seen brides attach charms with photos of family members who couldn’t attend,” shares C. Isabel Photography. “One bride wore a jade necklace passed down from her grandmother in China. It was her way of bringing family with her.”
Write Your Own Vows
We know that writing your own vows isn’t for everyone, but it’s a simple, free way to make your ceremony yours. What’s more special than writing your promises straight from your heart? Then, you can re-read them every year on your anniversary.
Include a Unity Ceremony
Traditional weddings aren’t the only places you can find a unity ceremony. Whether you do a sand pouring, light a candle, or a shot of your favorite liquor, a unity ceremony offers a chance to personalize your day and give you a potential keepsake to remember the day by.
Play your Favorite Songs
One of the best parts about getting married at the courthouse is that you don’t necessarily have to worry about guest experience. You don’t have to stress out about making the perfect cocktails, having a specially curated playlist, or creating a menu everyone will enjoy. If you and your soon-to-be spouse have songs that are special to your relationship, play them during your ceremony–even if they’re a little quirky. There should be laughter on a wedding day, anyway.
Capture the Moments
Even if your celebration is simple, your photos will tell a lifetime story.
“Couples sometimes think that because it’s not a big wedding, it’s not a big moment,” says C. Isabel Photography. “But those quiet courthouse glances, the hallway handholds, and that walk down the steps—those are priceless. Even a short photo session that day helps capture the intimacy and joy.”
Autumn Lynne Photography adds, “Look for timeless backdrops like a grand staircase, nearby park, or city crosswalk. It can feel cinematic—like a movie scene come to life.”
Host an After Party
Whether you decided to keep the ceremony between the two of you or you included friends and family, keep the party going with an after party. This could look like dinner at your favorite restaurant, a karaoke sesh at a nearby bar, hitting a club for a night of dancing, or a bonfire.
Image by C. Isabel Photography
What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding
Although more couples are going the untraditional route for attire at traditional weddings, we’re seeing it even more so at courthouse weddings. These weddings are often more casual, which typically leads to more relaxed attire. However, at the end of the day, what you wear should reflect your personal style. If you want to look and feel like you would at a big wedding, wear that white dress and veil or suit–even if you do feel overdressed. Not one to dress up? Opt for casual attire like a mini dress or button-down shirt and slacks. The possibilities are endless.
How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost?
Courthouse wedding costs can vary depending on your location. However, on average, you can expect to pay about $120 for a relatively simple ceremony. In some cities (such as San Francisco and Santa Barbara), you can rent out space within the courthouse to allow you to have more guests and more time. This can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500, depending on where you’re tying the knot. This may be worth looking into if you want more than ten guests.
Image by Focus Photography
How Long Does a Courthouse Wedding Take?
The duration of a courthouse wedding can vary, but the ceremony itself is usually brief, typically lasting 15-30 minutes. The entire wedding planning process–from applying for a marriage license to the ceremony–can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on your location and any waiting periods for the license.
Make It a “Day of Adventure”
After saying “I do,” plan something spontaneous—grab coffee, visit a museum, or go for a scenic walk. “Turning your courthouse wedding into a mini adventure day keeps the joy rolling all day long!” Focus Photography recommends.
Remember, a courthouse wedding can be just as meaningful and memorable as a traditional one. What matters most is your love and commitment to each other. Ready to tie the knot to the love of your life at your local courthouse? Still trying to decide what to wear? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with these 30 wedding dresses that are simple yet special.
Image by Flora Gibson
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