How Does a Courthouse Wedding Work? A Step-by-Step Guide for Couples Who Want to Get Married Legally and Quickly

When most people imagine getting married, they think of a grand venue, flowing dresses, and a crowd of cheering guests. But for many couples—especially those seeking a fast, affordable, and legally recognized ceremony—a courthouse wedding is the most practical option. Whether you’re marrying for love, immigration purposes, military benefits, or a shared life together, understanding how a courthouse wedding works can simplify the entire process.

This blog post offers a comprehensive, step-by-step breakdown of how a courthouse wedding works, what you’ll need, what to expect, and how Get Married Today offers a faster, simpler alternative without needing to wait in line or appear before a judge.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
2. Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding?
3. How to Schedule a Courthouse Wedding
4. Step-by-Step: The Courthouse Wedding Process
5. Required Documents for a Courthouse Wedding
6. Courthouse Wedding Costs and Payment Information
7. What Happens During the Ceremony?
8. After the Ceremony: Receiving the Marriage Certificate
9. Alternatives to Courthouse Weddings (Same-Day Legal Ceremonies Without the Court)
10. Common Reasons Couples Choose Courthouse Weddings
11. Courthouse Wedding vs. Chapel Wedding
12. Military and Immigration Couples: Special Considerations
13. Pros and Cons of Courthouse Weddings
14. How Get Married Today Offers an Easier, 24/7 Option
15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is a Courthouse Wedding?

A courthouse wedding—sometimes called a civil wedding or civil ceremony—is a legally binding marriage performed by a judge, clerk, or other authorized official in a government building, such as a county courthouse or city hall.

This type of wedding is non-religious, short (usually 10–15 minutes), and focuses solely on the legal union. There are no religious prayers or traditional rites unless personally included by the couple in a private celebration afterward.

2. Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding?

Couples choose courthouse weddings for many reasons:

• Affordability – Courthouse ceremonies are significantly less expensive than traditional weddings.
• Simplicity – You don’t have to plan months in advance.
• Urgency – Legal documentation may be needed for immigration, military housing, insurance, or travel.
• Privacy – Courthouse weddings can be small, intimate, and stress-free.
• Legal validity – It provides all the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage.

3. How to Schedule a Courthouse Wedding

Each courthouse operates a bit differently, but most require:

• An appointment – Walk-ins are rarely accepted in busy counties.
• A marriage license – You must obtain this before your ceremony.
• Witnesses – Some courthouses require one or two adult witnesses.

Here’s a general process:

1. Apply for your marriage license at your local County Clerk’s office.
2. Schedule a ceremony appointment (often a week or more in advance).
3. Arrive with proper identification and the license.
4. Bring required payment and any necessary witnesses.

Some counties offer online scheduling, but many still require an in-person visit for at least one part of the process.

4. Step-by-Step: The Courthouse Wedding Process

Here’s how it works from start to finish:

Step 1: Apply for a Marriage License

• Visit your local County Clerk’s office.
• Bring valid IDs (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
• Complete the application and pay the fee.
• In California, no waiting period is required—you can marry the same day.

Step 2: Schedule the Ceremony

• Choose a date and time from available slots.
• Some courthouses only offer ceremonies on specific days.

Step 3: Attend the Ceremony

• Arrive early with your license and ID.
• Check in at the front desk.
• Wait to be called into the ceremony room.
• The officiant will perform a short ceremony.
• Sign the marriage license with your witness(es).

Step 4: File the Marriage License

• The officiant will submit the signed license for registration.
• You can request official copies for a fee.

5. Required Documents for a Courthouse Wedding

Most counties will ask for:

• Government-issued photo IDs (both parties)
• Social Security numbers (for U.S. citizens)
• Marriage license (issued within 90 days of the wedding date in most states)
• Divorce decrees or death certificates (if either party was previously married)

Be sure to check your local court’s requirements, as some may differ slightly.

6. Courthouse Wedding Costs and Payment Information

Marriage License

• Varies by county: usually between $50–$110.

Courthouse Ceremony

• Some courts offer free ceremonies, others charge a fee (usually $30–$100).

Certified Copies

• You’ll need certified copies for name changes, immigration, and other legal processes.
• Typically cost $15–$25 each.

7. What Happens During the Ceremony?

A typical courthouse wedding is brief and to the point.

• The officiant reads a standard legal script.
• You may exchange rings and vows if you wish.
• You and your witness(es) sign the marriage license.
• The officiant signs and registers it with the county.
• You’re legally married!

There may be photos allowed, depending on the courthouse policy.

8. After the Ceremony: Receiving the Marriage Certificate

After your wedding:

• The marriage license is filed with the county.
• You can request a certified marriage certificate online, by mail, or in person.
• It may take 1–4 weeks to be processed.
• You’ll need this certificate to:
  • Change your name
  • Apply for spousal benefits
  • Apply for a green card
  • Add your spouse to insurance

9. Alternatives to Courthouse Weddings

If you don’t want the hassle of courthouse bureaucracy, long wait times, or limited scheduling…

Get Married Today offers legal, same-day marriages outside the courthouse.

Our private service includes:

• Marriage license issuance on the spot
• Legal ceremony by a licensed officiant
• Official documentation handled immediately
• No waiting in line or dealing with court staff

You’ll walk away legally married with paperwork ready—and often within one hour.

10. Common Reasons Couples Choose Courthouse Weddings

• Military deployment – Fast legal marriage for access to benefits
• Immigration deadlines – Proof of relationship for visa applications
• Insurance coverage – Qualify your spouse for health benefits
• Pregnancy – Secure the family unit legally
• Avoid wedding stress – Skip the planning, drama, and expense

11. Courthouse Wedding vs. Chapel Wedding

12. Military and Immigration Couples: Special Considerations

At Get Married Today, we frequently help:

• Active duty military get married before deployment
• Couples applying for a green card meet marriage requirements
• Fiancé visa holders get married before time runs out

We understand the urgency and offer same-day certified documentation that can be used for immigration interviews, DEERS registration, and military housing.

13. Pros and Cons of Courthouse Weddings

Pros

• Fast and affordable
• Legal and recognized worldwide
• Ideal for urgent situations

Cons

• Limited personalization
• Government office atmosphere
• Availability restrictions
• Delay in receiving marriage certificate

14. How Get Married Today Offers an Easier, 24/7 Option

We are not a courthouse—but we are legally authorized by the County Clerk’s office to issue marriage licenses and perform weddings anytime, anywhere.

Whether you want:

• A marriage license
• A legal wedding ceremony
• A fast apostille for international use

We handle it all—often within 1 hour.

Available in:

• Los Angeles County
• Orange County
• Riverside County
• And surrounding areas

📞 Call us or book instantly at GetMarried.Today

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I get married at the courthouse the same day I get my license?
A: In many California counties, yes. But availability may be limited and you may have to wait hours for a slot.

Q: Do I need a witness at a courthouse wedding?
A: Most counties require at least one adult witness. If you don’t have one, we can provide one for you.

Q: What if I lost my marriage certificate?
A: You can request a new certified copy from the County Clerk’s office—or let us help you obtain one fast.

Q: How fast can I get married outside the courthouse?
A: With Get Married Today, you can get legally married the same day, including license and ceremony, often within an hour.

Q: Can I get a marriage apostille for international use?
A: Yes. We provide apostille services for your marriage certificate so it’s valid for immigration, citizenship, and foreign governments.