UncategorizedJune 4, 2025June 4, 2025Camden Alchanati

What Are the Requirements for a Courthouse Wedding?

Getting married at the courthouse is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to tie the knot. For many couples, it’s the ideal option when time is limited, documentation is essential, or simplicity is the goal. But just because courthouse weddings are straightforward doesn’t mean there aren’t important requirements to meet.

Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony as part of an immigration process, seeking a confidential elopement, or simply skipping the big wedding, it’s critical to understand exactly what’s required. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from documentation and identification to scheduling, legalities, and alternatives if the courthouse route isn’t possible.

Get Married Today specializes in helping couples meet courthouse-style wedding requirements on the same day—without needing to go to the courthouse. Let’s explore the details so you can plan with confidence.

1. What Is a Courthouse Wedding?

A courthouse wedding is a civil marriage ceremony performed by a judge, court clerk, or authorized officiant at a government courthouse. These weddings are legal and binding and carry the same legal weight as a traditional religious or private wedding ceremony.

The key differences are:

Location: Takes place in a courthouse or government facility.
Officiant: A judge, magistrate, or commissioner of civil marriages.
Formality: Usually short, simple, and often without guests.
Cost: Very affordable compared to private weddings.

It’s ideal for couples seeking:

A legally recognized marriage for immigration, benefits, or name change.
An elopement or minimalist wedding.
A quick alternative to a large ceremony.

2. Basic Requirements for a Courthouse Wedding

Before your courthouse wedding can happen, you must meet several legal requirements:

A. Valid Government ID for Both Parties

Each person must bring a valid form of government-issued photo identification. Commonly accepted IDs include:

U.S. Driver’s License
U.S. State ID Card
Passport (U.S. or foreign)
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Military ID

Note: Some states require additional documentation if your ID is expired or from a different state.

B. Marriage License

A marriage license must be issued by the local county clerk prior to the ceremony. You cannot be married at the courthouse without a valid marriage license in hand (or already on file if marrying in the same county that issued it).

Some states require an appointment to obtain the license. Be sure to check local county rules.

C. Minimum Age Requirement

Both parties must meet the legal age to marry:

Most states: 18 years old
With parental consent: As young as 16 (varies by state)
Under 16: Requires a court order and parental consent (extremely rare and limited)

D. Fee for the Marriage License and Ceremony

Expect to pay:

Marriage license fee: Typically $35–$115 depending on the state/county.
Courthouse ceremony fee: Usually $30–$80.

Cash, check, or credit card are usually accepted. Some courthouses only accept exact cash.

E. No Active Marriage or Domestic Partnership

Both individuals must be legally free to marry. If previously married or in a registered domestic partnership, you must provide:

Divorce decree (final judgment)
Annulment documents
Death certificate of former spouse

Bring certified copies. Some clerks require originals.

3. How to Get a Marriage License Before a Courthouse Wedding

You cannot have a legal courthouse wedding without a marriage license. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Apply at the County Clerk’s Office

Visit the office together. You both must be present and bring:

Government-issued IDs
Social Security Numbers (if applicable)
Divorce or death certificates (if previously married)

In California, you can apply for a public or confidential marriage license.

Step 2: Pay the Marriage License Fee

This ranges from $61–$115 in California. Fees vary by county.

Some counties allow online applications. Others require in-person appointments. Check the local rules.

Step 3: Receive Your Marriage License

You will typically receive the license the same day. It’s valid for:

90 days in California
Varies in other states (30–90 days common)

There’s usually no waiting period in California, but some states (e.g., Texas, Illinois) require a 1–3 day waiting period before you can marry.

4. How to Schedule a Courthouse Wedding Ceremony

A. Make an Appointment

Most courthouses require an appointment for the civil ceremony. These may fill quickly, especially around holidays or popular dates (Valentine’s Day, 2/22/22, etc.).

B. Bring Witnesses (If Required)

Some courthouses require one or two witnesses. Requirements vary:

California: 1 witness (no ID required)
Nevada: 1 witness
Florida: No witness required
New York: 1 witness with valid ID

If you don’t have one, some counties provide a witness for a fee. Confidential licenses in California do not require a witness.

C. Arrive Early

Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in, verify documents, and avoid delays. Bring:

Marriage license
Valid IDs
Witness(es), if required
Payment receipt or fee

5. What Happens During the Courthouse Wedding?

Here’s what to expect:

Check-In and Document Review: Clerk or staff will verify your license and ID.
Ceremony Begins: You’ll be led into a small room or chapel. A judge, clerk, or commissioner officiates.
Vows and Exchange of Rings (Optional): Short legal vows are recited. You may exchange personal vows or rings, if allowed.
Sign the Marriage License: You, your partner, the officiant, and witness sign.
Filing the License: The officiant files the license with the county. You’ll receive an official marriage certificate later.

Ceremonies usually last 5–10 minutes.

6. What to Wear to a Courthouse Wedding

There is no dress code, but here are some common options:

Simple formalwear: Knee-length dress, slacks, blazer, tie
Casual chic: Sundress, button-down shirt, jeans
Full wedding attire: Gown and tux (optional!)

Courthouse weddings are flexible—you can be as dressed-up or casual as you like.

7. After the Courthouse Wedding: Next Steps

A. Obtain Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate

To change your name, apply for immigration benefits, or prove you’re legally married, you’ll need a certified copy.

Request from the county where your license was filed
Usually costs $15–$25 per copy
Processing time: 1–3 weeks

B. Change Your Name (Optional)

If changing your name, update the following:

Social Security
DMV
Passport
Bank accounts
Insurance and HR

You’ll need a certified marriage certificate for each agency.

8. Alternatives to Courthouse Weddings

Courthouses can be booked or closed, especially on weekends and holidays. That’s where Get Married Today comes in.

We Offer Legal Courthouse-Style Weddings Without the Courthouse

Same-day legal marriage license and ceremony
Officiated by licensed ministers
Mobile services to homes, hospitals, parks, or beaches
Available 24/7—even holidays and weekends
Apostille and international certificate services

Visit: https://getmarried.today

9. Special Situations and Tips

A. Can Non-U.S. Citizens Get Married at a Courthouse?

Yes. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Foreign passports are accepted as valid ID. No proof of immigration status is required to marry.

B. Can We Get Married Without a Ceremony?

No. Even courthouse weddings require a legal ceremony to be considered valid. However, they can be as brief and simple as needed.

C. Can We Use Our Own Officiant?

Yes, if you have a private location. You cannot bring your own officiant to most courthouse weddings.

Get Married Today lets you choose your officiant and location.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting Your ID
Without valid ID, your ceremony will be canceled.
Showing Up Without a Marriage License
You must obtain the license before the wedding.
Assuming Walk-Ins Are Allowed
Most courthouses require appointments.
Using an Expired License
Make sure your license is still valid on the ceremony date.
Misunderstanding Waiting Periods
Some states require a 1–3 day wait after license issuance.

11. Requirements Vary by State: Quick Overview

State	Waiting Period	Witnesses Required	Validity of License
California	None	1 (optional)	90 days
Nevada	None	1	1 year
Texas	72 hours	None	90 days
New York	24 hours	1 with ID	60 days
Florida	3 days (residents)	None	60 days

Always check your county’s requirements for updates.

12. Fast Courthouse-Style Marriages in California

Skip the long wait times and courthouse lines. Get Married Today offers:

Confidential or public marriage licenses
Same-day legal marriage in your location
Beach, home, hospital, and pop-up wedding options
Bilingual officiants available
Apostille-ready documentation

Perfect for:

Immigration couples
Military marriages
Elopements
Weekend weddings
Private, discreet unions

Book now at https://getmarried.today

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need an appointment for a courthouse wedding?

Yes. Most courthouses require a scheduled appointment for civil ceremonies. Walk-ins are rarely accepted.

Q: Can I get married at the courthouse the same day I get my license?

It depends on your state. California allows it, but states like Texas and New York require a waiting period.

Q: What’s the fastest way to get legally married?

Use a service like Get Married Today to issue your license and perform your ceremony on the same day.

Q: How long does the courthouse ceremony take?

5–10 minutes on average. You may wait longer due to court schedules.

Q: How do I get proof that I’m married?

Order certified marriage certificates from the issuing county clerk.

14. Final Thoughts

A courthouse wedding is a legal, affordable, and efficient option for many couples—but it comes with specific requirements. If you forget to bring proper ID, overlook state rules, or miss your appointment, you may have to reschedule.

That’s why Get Married Today exists—to simplify everything and provide courthouse-style legal weddings without the stress or delays.

If you’re ready to get married today, visit https://getmarried.today to schedule your appointment. We’ll take care of your marriage license, officiation, and filing—all in one visit, even on weekends and holidays.

California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk – Marriage Services

Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

San Diego County – Marriage Licenses

Riverside County Clerk – Marriage License Info

Sacramento County Clerk – Marriage License Appointments

San Bernardino County Recorder – Marriage Services

City of Beverly Hills – Marriage Services

City of Newport Beach – Marriage License Information

City of Anaheim – City Clerk’s Marriage Page

U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad

California Courts – Marriage Overview