A courthouse wedding in the USA costs $50-$200 total and takes just 5-15 minutes.1 You'll need a marriage license, valid ID, and 1-2 witnesses. It's the fastest, most affordable way to get legally married in America.
What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a civil marriage ceremony performed by a judge, justice of the peace, or court clerk at a county courthouse or city hall. Unlike religious ceremonies, courthouse weddings focus on the legal requirements of marriage.2
Who Performs the Ceremony?
The ceremony is typically conducted by:
- A judge or magistrate
- A justice of the peace
- A county clerk or deputy clerk
- A court-appointed officiant
Legal Requirements
Every courthouse wedding requires:
- A valid marriage license from the county
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- 1-2 witnesses over age 18 (some courthouses provide witnesses)
- Payment of license and ceremony fees
- Both parties present and of legal age (18+ in most states)
Courthouse Wedding Costs by State
Marriage license and ceremony fees vary significantly across the country. Here's what you'll pay in major metropolitan areas:345
| Location | License Fee | Ceremony Fee | Total Cost | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $35 | $25 | $60 | 24 hours |
| Chicago (Cook County) | $60 | $10 | $70 | 1 day |
| Los Angeles | $91 | $35 | $126 | None |
| Miami-Dade | $93.50* | $30 | $123.50 | 3 days** |
| Houston (Harris County) | $81 | $100-150 | $181-231 | 72 hours |
| Dallas County | $81 | $100 | $181 | 72 hours |
| Atlanta (Fulton County) | $68.50* | Varies | $70-100 | None |
*Reduced to $28-61 with approved premarital education course **Florida residents only; non-residents exempt
Ways to Reduce Costs
Several states offer discounts for couples who complete premarital education:
- Florida: Save $32.50 (license drops to $61)
- Texas: Save $60 (license drops to $21)
- Georgia: Save $40 (license drops to $28.50)
- Minnesota: Save $75 (license drops to $40 from $115)
How to Plan a Courthouse Wedding
Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License
Visit your county clerk's office together (both parties must be present). You'll need:6
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- Social Security numbers
- Birth certificates (some states)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- Payment (cash, credit card, or money order depending on location)
Most licenses are valid for 30-90 days after issuance.
Step 2: Check Waiting Periods
Some states require a waiting period between getting your license and the ceremony:
| State | Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 72 hours | Waived for military or premarital course |
| Florida | 3 days | Florida residents only |
| New York | 24 hours | |
| Illinois | 1 day | |
| California | None | Marry same day |
| Nevada | None | Marry same day |
| Georgia | None | Marry same day |
Step 3: Schedule Your Ceremony
Contact the courthouse to book your ceremony slot. Options vary by location:
- Appointment required: NYC, Los Angeles, most major cities
- Walk-ins accepted: Some smaller counties, Dallas (if judge available)
- Virtual ceremonies: Chicago offers Zoom ceremonies
Book 2-4 weeks in advance for popular times (Friday afternoons, Valentine's Day).
Step 4: Gather What You Need
On your wedding day, bring:
- Your marriage license
- Valid photo ID
- Rings (optional but traditional)
- Personal vows (if permitted and desired)
- Payment for ceremony fee
- Your witnesses (or arrange for courthouse-provided witnesses)
What to Expect on Your Wedding Day
The Ceremony
A typical courthouse ceremony lasts 5-15 minutes and follows this structure:
- Check-in: Present your license and ID at the clerk's office
- Brief wait: You may wait 10-30 minutes for your slot
- Vows: Exchange standard legal vows or approved personal vows
- Declaration: Judge declares you legally married
- Ring exchange: If desired (not legally required)
- Signing: Sign the marriage license with your witnesses
- Certificate: Receive your marriage certificate or instructions to obtain it
What the Officiant Says
The standard courthouse vows typically include:
"Do you [Name] take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded spouse?"
After both parties say "I do," the officiant declares: "By the power vested in me by the State of [State], I now pronounce you married."
Guest Policies
Most courthouses limit attendance due to space constraints:7
- NYC: Maximum 4 guests plus 1-2 witnesses
- Los Angeles: Small ceremony room, limited seating
- Chicago: Guests welcome at courthouse ceremonies
- Houston: Maximum 10 guests
Courthouse vs Registry Office: US, UK, and Australia
If you're considering getting married abroad or have international guests, here's how civil ceremonies compare:8
| Aspect | USA (Courthouse) | UK (Registry Office) | Australia (Registry) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50-$200 | £46-£480 ($60-$600) | AUD $180-$500 |
| Duration | 5-15 minutes | 20-30 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
| Notice period | 0-3 days | 28 days minimum | 1 month (NOIM) |
| Guests | 2-10 typical | Varies by venue | Varies |
| Officiant | Judge or clerk | Registrar | Registered celebrant |
In the UK, couples must give "notice of marriage" at a register office at least 28 days before the ceremony. In Australia, a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged at least one month before.
Making Your Courthouse Wedding Special
A courthouse wedding doesn't have to feel plain. Here's how to add personal touches:
Before the Ceremony
- Dress up: Wear a suit, white dress, or cocktail attire
- Carry flowers: A small bouquet adds elegance
- Write private vows: Even if the judge uses standard vows, share personal words with each other
During the Ceremony
- Bring a photographer: Capture the moment (check if photography is allowed)
- Include rings: The ring exchange isn't required but adds tradition
- Invite close friends: Even 2-4 guests make it feel like a celebration
After the Ceremony
- Plan a celebration dinner: Book a special restaurant
- Take photos: Head to a scenic location for couple portraits
- Send announcements: Let loved ones know the good news
- Host a reception later: Celebrate with a larger party on another date
Pros and Cons of Courthouse Weddings
Advantages
- Affordable: $50-$200 total vs $30,000+ average wedding cost9
- Quick: Married in under 30 minutes
- Simple: No months of planning or vendor coordination
- Private: Intimate ceremony with just witnesses
- Stress-free: No guest lists, seating charts, or catering decisions
- Flexible: Celebrate later with a reception or party
Disadvantages
- Limited customization: Standard vows, minimal personal touches
- Basic setting: Courtrooms aren't designed for romance
- Guest restrictions: Only 2-10 guests in most locations
- Brief ceremony: Some couples want a longer, more elaborate event
- No religious elements: Strictly civil ceremony
- Scheduling constraints: Limited to courthouse hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a courthouse wedding cost?
Total cost ranges from $50-$200, including the marriage license ($20-$100) and ceremony fee ($10-$150). Costs vary significantly by state and county. NYC is among the cheapest at $60 total; Texas cities average $180+.10
How long is a courthouse wedding ceremony?
Most ceremonies last 5-15 minutes. The officiant reads standard vows, you say "I do," exchange rings if desired, and sign the license. Some judges conduct slightly longer ceremonies with brief readings.
Can you have guests at a courthouse wedding?
Yes, most courthouses allow 2-10 guests. Space is limited in ceremony rooms. NYC currently permits 4 guests plus 1-2 witnesses. Always confirm guest policies when booking.
What do you wear to a courthouse wedding?
There's no official dress code. Couples wear everything from casual clothes to formal attire. Many brides choose simple white dresses or elegant suits; grooms often wear suits or dress shirts.
Can you get married the same day at a courthouse?
It depends on your state's waiting period. Nevada, Georgia, and California allow same-day marriages. Texas and Florida require 72 hours (3 days) after obtaining the license.
Do you need an appointment for a courthouse wedding?
Most major courthouses require appointments, especially post-pandemic. NYC releases ceremony slots three weeks in advance. Some smaller counties accept walk-ins. Always call ahead.
Can you write your own vows at a courthouse?
Typically limited. Judges must include legally required declarations. Some allow brief personal additions after the legal vows. Ask when scheduling your ceremony.
What's the difference between a courthouse and city hall wedding?
Functionally, they're the same: civil ceremonies performed by a government official. "Courthouse" usually refers to county judicial buildings; "city hall" refers to municipal buildings. Both result in legally valid marriages.
Sources and References
Footnotes
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The Knot, How Much Does It Cost to Have a Courthouse Wedding?, 2024. https://www.theknot.com/content/courthouse-wedding-cost ↩
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USA Marriage Laws, Marriage License Fees by State, 2024. https://www.usmarriagelaws.com/marriage-license/application/fees-cost/ ↩
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Los Angeles County Registrar, Marriage License and Ceremony Fees, 2025. https://www.lavote.gov/home/county-clerk/marriage-licenses-ceremonies/fees/fees ↩
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NYC Office of the City Clerk, Marriage License Information, 2025. https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-license ↩
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Cook County Clerk, Marriage Licenses, 2025. https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/vital-records/marriage-civil-union/marriage-licenses ↩
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New York State, Get Married in New York State, 2024. https://www.ny.gov/services/get-married-new-york-state ↩
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Miami-Dade Clerk, Marriage Licenses, 2025. https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/marriage-licenses.page ↩
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Georgia.gov, Apply for a Marriage License, 2024. https://georgia.gov/apply-marriage-license ↩
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The Knot, Real Weddings Study: Average Wedding Cost 2024, 2024. https://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost ↩
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American Marriage Ministries, Marriage License Costs Going Up, 2024. https://theamm.org/articles/2527-it-s-not-just-weddings-marriage-license-costs-are-going-up-too ↩