So you're thinking about getting married at the courthouse? Smart move. When my cousin Jenny decided to skip the big wedding and just get married in court, I thought she was crazy. But after seeing how smooth everything went (and how much money she saved), I totally get it. Look, courthouse weddings aren't just for emergencies or quick fixes - they're becoming a legit choice for couples who want simple, affordable, and meaningful ceremonies.
I'll never forget walking into that courthouse with them. The marble floors echoed, there was this serious vibe everywhere, but the clerk at window #3? Total lifesaver. She guided us through every step like we were family. That personal touch made all the difference.
Who Actually Qualifies for a Court Marriage?
Courthouse weddings seem chill, but they've got rules just like anything else. Most importantly, both of you need to be legally eligible to marry. That means:
- Age requirements: You'll both need to be 18+ (or have parental consent if younger). Some states allow marriage at 16 with court approval - but trust me, the paperwork headache isn't worth it unless absolutely necessary.
- No existing marriages: This should be obvious, but you can't be married to someone else. They'll require divorce decrees if previously married.
- Blood tests?: Surprisingly, only Montana and Mississippi still require these in 2024. Most states scrapped this decades ago.
Now here's something I wish we knew earlier: Residency rules vary wildly. In California, you just need to show up. But in places like New Hampshire? Non-residents can't just waltz in and get married. Call your local county clerk's office before anything else - it'll save you a wasted trip.
Common Restrictions You Should Know
Most courts won't marry you if:
- You're closely related (siblings, parent-child, etc.)
- Either party appears intoxicated (yes, this happens more than you'd think)
- One person seems coerced (judges are trained to spot this)
PRO TIP: If either of you had a foreign divorce, get those documents translated and notarized at least 3 weeks beforehand. I saw a couple get turned away because their Brazilian divorce papers weren't properly certified. Gut-wrenching.
Required Documents Checklist
Paperwork is the unsexy part of how to get married in court. Mess this up and your big day gets postponed. Here's what you absolutely need:
| Document Type | Details | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government Photo ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID | Expired IDs won't fly - renew it early |
| Birth Certificate | Original or certified copy | Hospital souvenirs don't count |
| Social Security Card | Actual card (not just the number) | Required in 38 states |
| Divorce/Death Certificates | If previously married | Must show final dissolution |
| Application Fees | Cash, check, or card | Varies by county (average $40-120) |
Listen, I made the rookie mistake of bringing a photocopy of my birth certificate. Big nope. The clerk said "honey, we need the real thing with the raised seal" in that tone only government workers master. Save yourself the embarrassment.
Oh, and if you've changed your name before? Bring every single court order documenting the change. They trace name histories like detectives.
The Actual Step-by-Step Legal Process
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to get married in court. It's usually a 3-part process:
Phase 1: Getting Your Marriage License
This happens days or weeks before the ceremony. Both of you must appear together at the county clerk's office. No exceptions. Here's what goes down:
- Fill out the application (takes 15-30 minutes)
- Show all required documents
- Pay fees (California charges $110 while Texas averages $82)
- Receive license with effective dates
Important: Most licenses have expiration dates! In New York it's 60 days, Florida gives you 90. Schedule your ceremony accordingly.
WARNING: Some counties like Clark County (Las Vegas) issue licenses immediately, but others like Cook County (Chicago) have mandatory waiting periods up to 3 days. Always call ahead!
Phase 2: The Ceremony Day
Show up early - seriously, at least 45 minutes before your scheduled time. When my friends got married at the Brooklyn courthouse, they almost missed their slot because security lines wrapped around the building. What to expect:
| Time | What Happens | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | Check in with clerk | Bring license and IDs |
| Waiting Period | Typically 15-30 mins | Bring quiet entertainment |
| The Ceremony | 5-10 minutes with judge/official | Speak clearly during vows |
| Signing | You, officiant, witnesses sign | Use blue ink - archives prefer it |
Witness requirements trip couples up. Some states like Colorado require zero witnesses, Pennsylvania wants two. Ask when applying for your license. If you forget witnesses, some courthouses have staff willing to step in (for a small tip).
Phase 3: After the "I Dos"
The paperwork shuffle isn't over yet. Within 30 days of your court wedding:
- Your officiant files the marriage certificate with the county
- Order certified copies ($10-25 each) for name changes
- Update social security (Form SS-5), DMV, passport, banks
Fun fact: Your marriage isn't technically legal until the county records it. One couple I know didn't realize this and tried filing taxes jointly - got audited because the state had no record of their marriage!
What This Whole Thing Actually Costs
Let's talk money - one of the best parts about a court wedding. Here's the real breakdown:
| Expense | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage License | $40-$120 | California most expensive |
| Courthouse Ceremony Fee | $25-$100 | Some counties waive for residents |
| Certified Copies | $10-$25 each | Get 3-5 copies |
| Witness Fees | $0-$50 | If using professional witnesses |
| Parking/Transport | $5-$40 | Downtown courthouses = expensive parking |
Total average: $75-$300 (versus $30k+ for traditional weddings). But watch for hidden fees - some counties charge extra for Saturday ceremonies or after-hours appointments.
Court Wedding Name Change Process
Changing your name after getting married in court? It's simpler than you think. Here's the efficient way:
- Get 3-5 certified marriage certificates (not photocopies)
- Start with Social Security (Form SS-5) - takes 1-2 weeks
- Update driver's license at DMV (usually same day)
- Notify banks, credit cards, employers
- Update passport ($110 renewal fee)
Skip services like HitchSwitch ($39+) unless you're overwhelmed - the DIY route just takes organization. Pro tip: Create an email folder just for name change confirmations.
Top Courthouse Wedding Locations in the US
Some courthouses actually make beautiful wedding venues. Here are my top picks:
| Location | Unique Perk | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco City Hall | Stunning Beaux-Arts architecture | 3-6 months |
| Manhattan Marriage Bureau | Iconic Art Deco chapel rooms | 2-4 months |
| Clark County, NV (Vegas) | Open 365 days/year until midnight | Walk-ins welcome |
| Cook County, IL (Chicago) | Free wedding chapel with fountain | 1-2 months |
Smaller counties often have more flexibility. My brother got married in rural Vermont with just 24 hours notice when the judge had a cancellation. Doesn't hurt to ask!
What People Always Get Wrong
After sitting through dozens of court weddings, I've seen every mistake imaginable:
- No witnesses: Showed up alone? Some courthouses sell witness services ($20/person)
- Expired IDs: Renew licenses at least 2 months before
- Wrong payment: Some counties only take cash or money orders
- Out-of-state licenses: In most cases, you must marry in the county that issued your license
The biggest heartbreaker? Couples who didn't realize their license expired. One pair missed by ONE day - had to restart the entire process.
Common Questions About How to Get Married in Court
Can we personalize vows in a courthouse ceremony?
Depends on the officiant. Some judges stick strictly to legal wording, while others allow brief personal touches. Ask when scheduling! We got lucky with a judge who let us add one personal sentence each.
How many guests can we bring?
Courtrooms are small - usually 2-10 guests max. Check your courthouse's website. Pro tip: Some offer overflow viewing via video feed.
Do we need appointments for court weddings?
90% of counties require appointments now. Walk-ins often wait hours (or get turned away). Book early via county website or phone.
Can we have a photographer?
Usually yes, but with restrictions. No flash, no tripods, and ceremony-only shooting. Security will shut down "photo shoots" in hallways.
Alternatives to Traditional Court Weddings
Not all courthouse ceremonies are created equal. Consider these options:
- Self-uniting marriages: Legal in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Wisconsin. No officiant needed!
- Pop-up weddings: Some companies bring courthouse-style ceremonies to parks or galleries ($400-900)
- Mobile notaries: In many states, notaries can perform legal weddings anywhere
REALITY CHECK: Courthouse weddings feel bureaucratic because they are. Don't expect champagne toasts or violinists. What you get is legal efficiency - which honestly, feels empowering when done right.
Looking back, what I appreciate most about court marriages is their honesty. No pretense, no debt, just two people making it official. Would I do it myself? After seeing how beautifully simple it can be? Yeah, I just might.
Essential Post-Marriage Tasks
Don't skip these after your court wedding:
- Order 5+ certified marriage certificates (vitalchek.com works nationwide)
- Update beneficiaries on retirement accounts and life insurance
- File name change with voter registration
- Notify health insurance providers (deadlines apply!)
- Create new wills and powers of attorney
Last thing: Keep digital scans of everything. That certified marriage certificate goes missing faster than you'd think. Ask me how I know...