How Does a Courthouse Wedding Work?

Everything You Need to Know — and Why You Might Not Need the Courthouse at All

Introduction: What Is a Courthouse Wedding?

A courthouse wedding — also known as a civil wedding or civil ceremony — is a legally binding marriage performed by a government official rather than a religious or private officiant. It’s typically held inside a city or county courthouse and offers a simple, affordable, and quick alternative to traditional weddings.

For couples looking to get legally married without the bells and whistles, the courthouse can seem like the obvious choice. But with increasing delays, limited availability, and mandatory appointments in many counties, more couples are discovering faster, private alternatives like those offered by Get Married Today — where you can get a marriage license and have your ceremony on the same day, without ever stepping foot in a courthouse.

Ready to skip the wait?
👉 Book your same-day wedding now

1. What Happens at a Courthouse Wedding?

At its core, a courthouse wedding is a legally recognized marriage ceremony presided over by a judge, justice of the peace, or court clerk. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

The Process:

1. Apply for a marriage license from your local county clerk’s office (may require an appointment).
2. Schedule a ceremony date — many courthouses are booked out days or weeks in advance.
3. Arrive on your scheduled date with valid IDs and any necessary paperwork.
4. Say your vows in a brief civil ceremony (usually 5–15 minutes).
5. The officiant signs and files your license, making the marriage official.

📌 California marriage license information

2. What Do You Need for a Courthouse Wedding?

To legally marry at a courthouse, you’ll generally need:

• Valid photo IDs (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Marriage license issued by the county
• Witnesses (varies by state, often 1–2 required)
• Payment for fees (usually $50–$120)
• Scheduled appointment (especially post-COVID)

Some states may also require:

• Divorce decrees (if previously married)
• Blood tests (rare but still required in some cases)

📎 Check official marriage requirements by state

3. How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost?

Courthouse weddings are among the most affordable ways to get legally married. Typical fees include:

💡 Total average: Around $100–$200.

But prices — and appointment availability — vary by county. Some courthouses only hold weddings on certain days or during limited hours.

👉 Want to skip the hassle? Get married today — no courthouse required

4. Who Performs the Ceremony at the Courthouse?

The ceremony is usually conducted by:

• A judge
• A magistrate
• A justice of the peace
• Or a county clerk authorized to perform marriages

Most courthouse weddings are brief, straightforward, and focused on legal wording rather than personal vows — though you can often request permission to add your own vows or exchange rings.

5. What Is the Ceremony Like?

The typical courthouse wedding ceremony is:

• Short (5–15 minutes)
• Secular
• Standardized with minimal personalization

Expect to:

• Be asked if you take each other in marriage
• Say “I do”
• Sign paperwork
• Possibly exchange rings (optional)

Then you’re legally married — simple and done.

6. Pros and Cons of a Courthouse Wedding

✅ Pros:

• Affordable
• Legally recognized
• Simple and fast
• Great for elopements or private ceremonies

❌ Cons:

• Limited scheduling availability
• Minimal personalization
• Often held in plain, government spaces
• May feel impersonal or rushed
• Often requires a prior courthouse visit just to apply

💡 Alternative? Get Married Today offers same-day legal weddings in beautiful locations — with or without guests.

7. What If I Want Something Faster or More Private?

Many counties now require appointments weeks in advance for both marriage licenses and courthouse weddings. If you’re:

• On a tight deadline
• Planning a last-minute elopement
• Getting married for immigration or military reasons
• Visiting from another state or country

…a courthouse wedding may not work fast enough.

That’s why hundreds of couples turn to Get Married Today — a licensed marriage service that offers same-day legal weddings, even on weekends and holidays.

8. How Get Married Today Is Different

With Get Married Today, you can:

✅ Get your marriage license and ceremony the same day
✅ Avoid long courthouse lines or appointments
✅ Choose any location (your home, park, venue, hospital, etc.)
✅ Add custom vows, photos, or personal touches
✅ Get your marriage apostilled for international use

📍Available in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond.

🔗 Explore our full-service marriage options

9. How It Works — Step-by-Step

Here’s what happens when you book with Get Married Today:

1. Contact us online or by phone — available 24/7
2. Choose your location and time (same-day available!)
3. We issue your marriage license — no courthouse visit needed
4. A licensed officiant marries you — short or personalized ceremony
5. We file everything with the county — all legal and official
6. You receive proof of marriage (with certified copies if needed)

💍 Total time? Less than 1 hour.

10. Can You Apostille a Marriage Certificate After a Courthouse Wedding?

Yes — but only once you have:

• A certified copy of your marriage certificate
• A clear reason to legalize it for international use

Get Married Today partners with Orange County Apostille to offer:

• Fast apostille processing
• State and federal document authentication
• Service for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention

🌐 Learn more about apostilles here

11. Common Courthouse Wedding Scenarios

Here are a few real-life reasons couples choose (or avoid) courthouse weddings:

👩‍❤️‍👨 Eloping Couples

Want a private, no-fuss legal marriage — but are surprised by courthouse wait times.

🎖 Military Members

Need to marry quickly for spousal benefits or housing. Courthouse delays don’t help.

💼 Immigration Needs

Must provide legal marriage documentation quickly for USCIS deadlines or visa filings.

💔 Emergencies or Hospitalization

Need a mobile officiant to legally marry at a hospital, home, or care center.

Get Married Today offers solutions for all of the above.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a courthouse wedding take?
A: The ceremony itself usually takes 10–15 minutes, but expect 1–2 hours total due to check-ins and other logistics.

Q: Can I get married at the courthouse the same day I get my license?
A: Not in most states — but you can in California with Get Married Today.

Q: Do I need witnesses?
A: Some courthouses require one or two witnesses. With Get Married Today’s confidential license, no witnesses are required.

Q: Is a courthouse wedding legally valid everywhere?
A: Yes — once your marriage is filed with the county, it’s legally valid across the U.S. and internationally (with apostille).

13. Conclusion: Should You Choose a Courthouse Wedding?

A courthouse wedding is a perfectly valid, low-cost way to get legally married. But it’s no longer the fastest or most convenient way — especially if:

• You’re on a tight timeline
• You want a private or mobile ceremony
• You need documentation urgently

With Get Married Today, you skip the government lines, avoid long waits, and get legally married the same day — with a licensed officiant, issued marriage license, and full legal filing included.

14. Ready to Get Married Without the Courthouse?

Don’t wait weeks for a courthouse appointment. We’re here to help you get married today — easily, legally, and beautifully.

📍 Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, and beyond
📅 Open 24/7 — weekends and holidays included
🖊 Licensed to issue marriage licenses and officiate legally binding ceremonies

🔗 Book Your Same-Day Wedding Now