A courthouse wedding is a convenient, practical option, but the simplicity often invites a row of questions. How much is it to get married in a courthouse? Will you get all the wedding ceremony essentials at such a low price?
What is Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a legally-recognized civil ceremony performed by an authorized person, usually a government official. A courthouse wedding is usually non-religious and shorter than a standard wedding ceremony, but the couple is recognized as legal spouse with a certificate to prove it.
While it sounds very utilitarian, the couple can add personalized elements to a courthouse wedding. For example, they could bring their favorite flowers, wear customized outfits, and write their vows. However, the ceremony is cheaper and more straightforward than a traditional wedding.
The Average Cost of Courthouse Wedding
How much is it to get married in a courthouse? In the United States, the average cost is around $30 to $50, depending on each state’s policy. However, you must apply for a marriage license first, which adds to the cost. A marriage license costs you around $50 to $90, depending on where you live.
Here is an example of a cost breakdown for a courthouse wedding in Los Angeles County.
Costs for Marriage License and Ceremony | |
Service | Cost |
Courthouse Ceremony | $35 |
Public marriage license | $91 |
Confidential marriage license | $85 |
Provided witnesses | $20 |
Deputy Commissioner for a Day | $75 |
Note: Deputy Commissioner for a Day is a program that selects a specific public individual to be deputized for a day, giving them the power to perform a wedding ceremony.
Public and confidential marriage licenses are exactly what they say in the names. With public marriage license, anyone can obtain a copy of it, providing they pay a certain fee. A confidential license means only the married couple can obtain a copy.
Can the Cost Add Up?
Yes, if you decide to add extra details to your courthouse wedding.
Courthouse wedding cost covers the basics like license, witnesses, and a deputy to officiate the ceremony. However, you can bring other things to personalize the event, which will add up to the cost. A courthouse wedding is usually not meant to be luxurious and costly, but you can consider these additions for your event:
- Personalized wedding outfits
- Simple souvenirs for the guests
- Simple decoration
- Flowers of your choice
- Booked ride
- Photographer/videographer
- Cake, food, and drink for small numbers of guests
Some couples save even further by enlisting their friends and family members to assist with things like photos, videos, and rides. However, it is best to consider professional paid services for your convenience. Expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 for a personalized courthouse wedding within a small setting.
According to a 2022 report by The Knot, the average cost for a traditional wedding with around 100 guests in the United States is $30,000, and it does not include the honeymoon. In contrast, even with extra personalized elements, a courthouse wedding will drastically cut costs.
What to Prepare for Courthouse Wedding
Now that you know the cost, here is the preparation you need for a smooth-sailing courthouse wedding.
Obtain Your Marriage License
The marriage license is necessary for a courthouse wedding. Depending on where you live, this license can be obtained on the same day of application or after the specific waiting period ranging from seven to 30 days.
Remember, a marriage license is different from a marriage certificate. The first is the formal permission to get married, while the second is the legal paper you get after the wedding ceremony.
Make a Courthouse Appointment
Courthouses have specific operational hours, including weddings. Check with your local courthouse to book an appointment. Nowadays, it can be done with an online request form. Courthouses usually need the couple and their witnesses to be present at least 30 minutes or an hour before the wedding, so make sure you are on time!
Prepare the Documents
Make sure to bring all the documents on your wedding day. This document set usually consists of marriage licenses, ID cards, birth certificates, and social security numbers. Again, check with your local courthouse for information regarding the wedding documents.
Bring Your Witnesses
A courthouse wedding requires at least two witnesses, one for each couple. They must be present at your wedding. Most states require the witnesses to be at least 18 years old. However, some courthouses, like the one in Clark County, Washington, allow the minimum witness age of 12 years old.
The most important thing about the witnesses is that they have a sound mind and understand what they are into.
After knowing how much it is to get married in a courthouse and all the preparations, everything is up to you! Whether you want a short, practical ceremony or something personalized, there is no “right” and “wrong” way to get married. Make sure to prepare everything you need and savor the joy of finally tying the knot with your loved one!