What to Expect at a Courthouse Wedding—and What to Bring
A courthouse wedding can be simple, meaningful, and incredibly beautiful. However, “simple” does not mean you should arrive without a plan. Every courthouse has its own rules, so knowing what to expect will help your ceremony feel relaxed instead of rushed.
Contact the Courthouse First
Before choosing your date, call the courthouse or visit its official website. Ask whether ceremonies require an appointment, which days they are performed, how many guests are allowed, and whether photography is permitted inside.
A marriage license does not always include the ceremony itself. You may need to schedule those separately or have an approved officiant perform the ceremony.
What Should You Bring?
Requirements vary by location, but couples commonly need:
A valid government-issued photo ID
Their marriage license
Any required courthouse paperwork
Payment for ceremony or filing fees
Witnesses, if required
Divorce decrees or other documents, when applicable
Confirm exactly what your courthouse requires. You should also ask whether there is a waiting period between receiving your license and getting married.
How Long Does It Take?
The ceremony may only last five to fifteen minutes. That does not mean your entire wedding experience has to feel that short.
Plan time for arriving, passing through security, completing paperwork, waiting for the judge or officiant, and taking photographs. Courthouses can also run behind schedule, so avoid making tightly timed reservations immediately afterward.
Can You Bring a Photographer?
Many courthouses allow photography, but some restrict cameras in courtrooms or government buildings. Ask whether your photographer can photograph the ceremony and whether flash is permitted.
Even if photography is limited inside, you can still take portraits outside the courthouse, around downtown, at a nearby park, or at another meaningful location.
Make It Feel Like Your Wedding
Wear something that makes you feel special. Carry flowers. Exchange personal vows somewhere private afterward. Invite a few people you love, make a dinner reservation, or celebrate with cake at home.
A courthouse wedding does not have to feel like a lesser version of a traditional wedding. It is simply a different way to get married—and with a little planning, it can still feel personal, intentional, and completely yours.
