How to Plan a Courthouse Wedding: A Complete Guide to Legal, Logistics, and Style

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Research Your Local Courthouse Requirements

   Requirements vary significantly by city, county, and state. Start by visiting your county clerk's website or calling their office directly. Key details to confirm: whether appointments are required or walk-ins are accepted, office hours for ceremonies, how many guests are permitted in the ceremony room, whether your own officiant can perform the ceremony or if a judge is assigned, and whether there are any residency requirements. Some courthouses have beautiful historic chambers, while others are purely functional — knowing what to expect helps you plan accordingly.

2. 2

   Obtain Your Marriage License

   Apply for your marriage license at the county clerk's office. Both partners typically need to appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license), birth certificates, and Social Security numbers. If either partner was previously married, you may need a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. Some jurisdictions impose a waiting period between obtaining the license and the ceremony — plan ahead so your timeline is not disrupted. Marriage licenses expire, usually within 30 to 90 days, so do not apply too early.

3. 3

   Choose Your Ceremony Date and Time

   Most courthouses perform civil ceremonies during business hours on weekdays, though some offer weekend or evening slots. Book your ceremony as far in advance as your courthouse allows — popular dates like Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, and Fridays fill up quickly. If you have flexibility, midweek ceremonies tend to be less crowded and more relaxed. Confirm how long the ceremony will last (typically 10 to 20 minutes) so you can plan the rest of your day around it.

4. 4

   Arrange Witnesses

   Most jurisdictions require one or two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. Choose witnesses who are meaningful to you — a best friend, a sibling, a parent. If you are eloping without guests, some courthouses can provide witnesses from their staff, but confirm this in advance. Your witnesses will sign the marriage certificate, making them an official part of your legal record.

5. 5

   Plan What to Wear

   There is no dress code for a courthouse wedding, which means you can wear anything from a classic white suit to a flowing midi dress to a tailored blazer with jeans. The key is choosing something that makes you feel like yourself on a significant day. Consider the setting — if the ceremony room is small and functional, an understated outfit may feel more appropriate than a full ball gown. Many couples opt for a chic cocktail-length dress or a sharp suit, then accessorize with meaningful jewelry or a small bouquet.

6. 6

   Organize Photography

   Even a 15-minute ceremony deserves documentation. Hire a photographer for one to two hours to capture the getting-ready moments, the walk to the courthouse, the ceremony itself, and candid portraits afterward. Many photographers offer elopement or micro-wedding packages specifically designed for short, intimate ceremonies. If a professional photographer is not in your budget, ask a friend with a good phone camera to document the day — the key is having someone dedicated to capturing the moment so you are fully present.

7. 7

   Write Personal Vows or Select Readings

   Some courthouses use a standard civil ceremony script, while others allow you to personalize the ceremony with your own vows or readings. Ask the officiant in advance what is permitted and how much time you have. Even within a standard ceremony, adding a personal touch — a short reading, a meaningful quote, or a few sentences you have written for each other — transforms a functional process into an emotional one.

8. 8

   Plan Your Post-Ceremony Celebration

   The ceremony may be brief, but the celebration can be whatever you want it to be. Popular options include a private dinner at your favorite restaurant, champagne and cake at home, a small reception at a nearby venue, or a long weekend getaway. Some couples host a larger party weeks or months later for friends and family who were not at the ceremony. There are no rules — the post-ceremony celebration should reflect how you actually want to spend your first hours as a married couple.

Frequently Asked Questions