What Are the Requirements for a Courthouse Wedding?
Your Complete Guide to Courthouse Marriage Requirements and Same-Day Alternatives
If you’re looking to tie the knot quickly and affordably, a courthouse wedding might seem like the perfect option. Whether you’re eloping, planning a small ceremony, or simply want a no-fuss, legally binding marriage, courthouse weddings offer a straightforward path to “I do.” But what exactly are the requirements for a courthouse wedding in the U.S.? Do both partners need to be present? Can you skip the ceremony entirely and just sign paperwork?
At Get Married Today, we specialize in courthouse-style same-day marriages — no long lines, no waiting, and no courthouse visit required. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about courthouse wedding requirements in the U.S., with a special focus on fast and legal alternatives that save you time and stress.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
- Top Reasons Couples Choose Courthouse Weddings
- General Requirements for a Courthouse Wedding
- Step-by-Step: How to Get Married at a Courthouse
- Required Documents
- Do You Need an Appointment at the Courthouse?
- Is a Ceremony Required for a Courthouse Wedding?
- Costs Associated With Courthouse Weddings
- Who Can Officiate a Courthouse Wedding?
- Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
- Can You Get Married Without Visiting the Courthouse?
- How to Get Married the Same Day — No Courthouse Visit Needed
- Courthouse Wedding Requirements by State
- Courthouse vs. Confidential Marriage License
- Courthouse Wedding for Immigration Purposes
- Military Couples: Fast Courthouse-Style Weddings
- Courthouse Wedding FAQs
- Why Get Married Today Is a Better Alternative
- Book Your Same-Day Marriage Today
What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a legal marriage ceremony performed by a judge, magistrate, or other government official inside a courthouse. It’s often chosen by couples who prefer a simple, civil, non-religious, and cost-effective option. Courthouse weddings are legally binding and recognized worldwide when properly registered.
Top Reasons Couples Choose Courthouse Weddings
- Speed: Quick legal process
- Affordability: Low cost compared to traditional weddings
- Simplicity: Minimal planning required
- Privacy: Especially appealing for elopements
- Legal necessity: For immigration, military, or medical reasons
General Requirements for a Courthouse Wedding
Although requirements vary slightly by state, most jurisdictions require the following:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old (or have parental/judicial consent if under 18)
- Valid government-issued ID
- Payment of a marriage license fee
- Both parties present at time of application and ceremony (with some exceptions)
- No existing marriage
- No close familial relationship (defined by law)
- Waiting period, if required by state
Step-by-Step: How to Get Married at a Courthouse
- Apply for a Marriage License
- Visit the county clerk’s office
- Submit valid ID and completed application
- Pay applicable fee
- Wait (if required)
- Some states impose a 24-72 hour waiting period
- Schedule Your Wedding
- Call ahead to make an appointment
- Some courthouses accept walk-ins; others require advance booking
- Attend the Ceremony
- Bring witnesses (if required)
- Exchange vows or affirmations
- Sign the marriage license
- Get Your Marriage Certificate
- The signed license is submitted to the county for registration
- The certificate is mailed to you, usually within 1-8 weeks
Required Documents
To obtain a marriage license, you’ll generally need:
- Valid ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
- Proof of divorce or death certificate (if previously married)
- Parental consent/judicial order (if underage)
- Social Security Number (for U.S. citizens)
- Payment via cash, check, or credit card
Do You Need an Appointment at the Courthouse?
In most counties, yes. Especially post-COVID, many courthouses only accept appointments. Walk-ins may be allowed in smaller counties but are not guaranteed. Always check your county clerk’s website in advance.
👉 Example: Los Angeles County Clerk Marriage Services
Is a Ceremony Required for a Courthouse Wedding?
Yes. Even if it’s minimal, a ceremony must occur to validate the marriage license. This includes the exchange of consent and officiant declaration. However, ceremonies can be as short as 1-2 minutes.
Costs Associated With Courthouse Weddings
| Expense | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Marriage License | $40 – $115 |
| Civil Ceremony Fee | $25 – $100 |
| Marriage Certificate (1 copy) | $15 – $25 |
| Witness (optional) | $0 – $20 |
Who Can Officiate a Courthouse Wedding?
- Judge
- Court Clerk or Commissioner
- Deputy Marriage Commissioner
- Occasionally, civil celebrants in licensed municipalities
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
- Marriage License: The permit to get legally married; must be obtained before the ceremony
- Marriage Certificate: The official record of your marriage filed with the state after the ceremony
Can You Get Married Without Visiting the Courthouse?
Yes — and that’s where Get Married Today offers a game-changing solution. You can:
✅ Get your marriage license from a licensed notary
✅ Have an officiant come to you
✅ Receive your proof of marriage and certificate without waiting in line at a courthouse
We make courthouse-style weddings faster, more convenient, and available 24/7 — even on weekends and holidays.
How to Get Married the Same Day — No Courthouse Visit Needed
Here’s how our service works:
- Book Online at GetMarried.Today
- Meet Us at Our Office or Your Preferred Location
- We Issue the Marriage License On the Spot
- We Perform a Legal Wedding Ceremony
- We File the License With the County
- You Receive Your Proof of Marriage and Certificate
This is ideal for:
- Military couples
- Immigration cases
- Medical emergencies
- Surprise elopements
- Couples traveling from abroad
Courthouse Wedding Requirements by State
California: No waiting period, ID required, both partners present
Nevada: No waiting period, popular for Las Vegas elopements
Texas: 72-hour waiting period unless waived
Florida: 3-day waiting period unless waived or out-of-state residents
New York: 24-hour waiting period
Illinois: 24-hour waiting period, expires in 60 days
Arizona: No waiting period, valid for 12 months
Always verify details at your local county clerk’s office.
Courthouse vs. Confidential Marriage License
| Feature | Regular License | Confidential License |
|---|---|---|
| Public Record | Yes | No |
| Residency Required? | No | Yes (CA residents only) |
| Witness Required? | Yes | No |
| Where to Apply? | County Clerk | Licensed Notary (CA only) |
📌 We specialize in issuing confidential marriage licenses that don’t appear on public record — perfect for privacy.
Courthouse Wedding for Immigration Purposes
If you’re marrying a non-U.S. citizen, a legal marriage certificate is essential for:
- Green card applications (Form I-130 & I-485)
- Fiancé visa conversions (K-1)
- Consular processing abroad
- Proving bona fide marital relationship
We help couples expedite legal marriage documentation for USCIS — with marriage license issuance, same-day ceremony, and apostille certification for international use.
Military Couples: Fast Courthouse-Style Weddings
We’re proud to serve military members stationed in:
- Camp Pendleton
- Twentynine Palms
- Naval Base San Diego
Military discounts available. We offer on-base and off-base services, ensuring you qualify for:
- Housing benefits
- Spouse ID cards
- Deployment support documentation
Courthouse Wedding FAQs
Can I Get Married Today Without Going to the Courthouse?
Yes — book your appointment at GetMarried.Today. We issue your marriage license and perform your ceremony all in one visit.
Do Both Parties Need to Be Present?
Yes, unless special power of attorney is used (rare and court-approved only).
Can We Get Married Without a Ceremony?
No. Even minimal verbal consent is required by law.
Do You Need Witnesses?
Depends on the license type. Confidential licenses in California do not require a witness.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Marriage Certificate?
Usually 5–8 weeks from the county once your license is filed.
Why Get Married Today Is a Better Alternative
- ✅ No courthouse visit required
- ✅ No waiting period
- ✅ No public record (with confidential license)
- ✅ Open 24/7 — including weekends and holidays
- ✅ Military and immigration-friendly
- ✅ Apostille certification available
- ✅ Legally binding in all 50 states and abroad
Book Your Same-Day Marriage Today
At Get Married Today, we bring the courthouse to you — fast, simple, and 100% legal. Whether you’re in a rush for legal reasons or just ready to start your next chapter, we’re here to help.
👉 Visit GetMarried.Today to schedule your appointment now.