How much does it cost to get married at the courthouse?
How much does it cost to get married at the courthouse?
$10 – $100 average ceremony fee
$30 – $450 average total cost
Courthouse wedding cost
Tying the knot at a courthouse or city hall can save you a lot of time and money compared to a traditional wedding venue. This option can be a good fit whether you’re eloping or just want a casual, intimate ceremony.
A courthouse wedding costs $10 to $100 for the ceremony fee alone or $30 to $450 total for the ceremony, marriage license, and other fees. Your cost will depend on your location, whether you need a witness, and whether your local courthouse charges an officiant fee to perform the marriage ceremony.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Ceremony fee | $10 – $100 |
| Marriage license | $20 – $100 |
| Officiant fee | $0 – $200 |
| Witnesses* | $20 – $50 |
| Average total cost | $30 – $450 |
*Some courthouses do not charge witness fees.
Ceremony fee
Every county courthouse charges a fee to perform the marriage ceremony, usually between $10 to $100. Your options are somewhat limited when it comes to rooms and decorations for the ceremony, but it’s hard to beat the price for this venue!
Marriage license
Before you can exchange vows, you need a marriage license. These cost $20 to $100 depending on your location. Most marriage licenses expire after about 30 to 90 days, so make sure your license is still valid before your wedding.
Officiant fee
The officiant who legally solemnizes a courthouse wedding is usually a judge or clerk. Some courthouses provide one for free, while others charge up to $200. If your local courthouse doesn’t provide an officiant or if you want to hire your own separately, a wedding officiant costs $120 to $1,000, depending on the type.
Witnesses
Some courthouses charge a $20 to $50 witness fee, while others don’t charge anything extra. Many areas require 1 to 4 witnesses for the ceremony to be valid. If you’re eloping, you may need someone at the courthouse to stand in. Check local requirements beforehand to avoid fees or stress.
Court wedding cost factors
When planning your courthouse wedding, remember these key factors:
Location: Different states and counties have different ceremony fees, but most charge between $10 to $100. Courthouses in rural areas in states like Illinois, Michigan, or Louisiana tend to charge less than those in more populated places like California, Florida, or Texas. Check your local clerk’s office for area-specific prices.
Documents: If you don’t already have vital documents like birth certificates, IDs, or divorce decrees, you’ll need to get them. These are minimal in cost but can’t be skipped.
Time & date: Some locations allow walk-ins, while others require an appointment. If you want your wedding outside of your courthouse’s normal operating hours, they may be able to do it for an extra fee.
Non-residents: If for whatever reason you’d like to get married in a courthouse away from home, you may pay about $10 to $25 extra.
Extra services: Some courthouses offer music, photography, specialized rooms, or personalized vows for an added fee. Some even allow a friend or family member to perform the ceremony after swearing them in as a one-day deputy marriage commissioner.
If you’re a first responder or active military member, you may be able to get a modest discount on your ceremony fee. Many areas also offer discounts on marriage licenses if you complete a premarital counseling course.
Courthouse vs. traditional wedding
The average wedding costs $250 to $350 per guest, including the ceremony and reception. The larger your guest list is, the more you’ll end up spending on the venue and catering. If your budget is on the small side, try limiting the guest list to close friends and family only.
Instead of having the wedding ceremony at the courthouse, other budget-friendly venue options include a loved one’s home, a church, a community center, a barn, a botanical garden, or a beach. Many of these venues charge only minimal fees. In comparison, standard wedding venues cost $50 to $250 per guest on average.
Reception costs
Courthouse weddings are smaller and simpler than traditional wedding ceremonies, but most people still opt to have a reception afterward. Unless you’re planning on eloping and skipping the reception, you’ll still have to pay for services like catering or a photographer.
The table below shows the most common expenses, which vary in price depending on your location and the features you decide to include.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Venue cost | $50 – $250 per guest (all-inclusive) |
| Catering cost | $30 – $150 per guest |
| Wedding cake cost | $3 – $8 per guest |
| Open bar cost | $10 – $40 per guest |
| Wedding photographer cost | $1,600 – $3,600 |
| Wedding videographer cost | $1,400 – $3,600 |
| Wedding DJ cost | $150 – $300 per hour |
| Live wedding band cost | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Wedding flowers cost | $500 – $3,500 |
| Wedding dress cost | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Wedding dress alterations cost | $150 – $700 |
| Wedding hair & makeup cost | $180 – $600 |
| Groom's tux rental cost | $90 – $180 |
| Wedding insurance cost | $100 – $500 |
Benefits of a courthouse wedding
Courthouse weddings are less common than church weddings or elaborate ceremonies, but they are much simpler and more affordable. Here are some benefits of tying the knot at a courthouse:
Cost: Courthouse weddings cost as little as $30, which means you’ll have more room in your budget for other wedding expenses or your new life together.
Privacy: Courthouse weddings provide an intimate setting where only a small number of guests can attend. This can help make the ceremony feel more personal and even romantic.
Less stress: Since you’re down to the bare essentials in a courthouse, you won’t have to worry about decorating or seating arrangements.
Architecture: Many courthouses and city halls are historical buildings with lots of architectural appeal. They make a great backdrop for wedding photos!
Speed: Courthouse weddings rarely ever have long waiting lists, so you won’t have to wait months for your special day.
Celebrations: You can still have a reception, dinner, or party after your ceremony. Having a separate venue gives you more freedom when choosing a post-wedding spot.
Courthouse wedding FAQs
What do I wear to a courthouse wedding?
You can wear whatever you'd like to a courthouse wedding, although wearing a large ballgown or a dress with a long train may be difficult to manage in a smaller space. Brides can wear anything from a traditional wedding gown to a pantsuit, sheath dress, or cocktail dress. Grooms can wear a full tuxedo or opt for something less formal.
What do you need to get married at the courthouse?
Before getting married at a courthouse, you’ll need the following items:
An unexpired marriage license issued within the same state and county
A government-issued photo ID for both of you (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
Witnesses with valid photo IDs
An appointment (if required)
How does a courthouse wedding work?
A courthouse wedding is when the ceremony is held inside a local courthouse instead of a church or other venue. Courthouse weddings are typically officiated by a judge or another authorized officiant. You can still have a reception afterward, or you can elope without a send-off.
How long is a courthouse wedding ceremony?
Civil union ceremonies at a courthouse usually take about 10 to 20 minutes. During this time, you’ll exchange vows—either personalized vows or simple legal consent to be married. You can also exchange rings or have a celebratory ceremony without vows.
How many guests can attend a courthouse wedding?
You can have anywhere from 2 to 20 guests at a courthouse wedding, depending on how small the space is. When you come to the courthouse to get your marriage license, ask how many guests they allow to get an accurate idea.
Courthouse wedding planning tips
While planning a courthouse marriage, follow these steps:
Check with the courthouse staff to find out which document they require, whether you need to bring witnesses, and what other details you should keep in mind.
Ask for recommendations and advice from recently married couples.
Choose qualified, reputable wedding contractors for your reception and wedding photos.
Look for wedding vendors with great reviews on Fash and Google.
If possible, check out portfolios to make sure their style is a good fit.
Make sure you understand and agree with all contract terms before signing.
Questions to ask local officials
Ask these important questions when planning your courthouse wedding:
How long have you been performing marriage ceremonies?
How much do you charge for witnesses and officiants?
Are you open on my wedding date?
Can you perform the ceremony outside of normal operating hours? How much will that cost?
How long do I have until our marriage license expires?
Can we say our own vows or perform a special ceremony?
Can we practice or rehearse before our wedding day?
Do you have any special rooms for marriages? Does that cost extra?
Do you offer discounts for service members or people who have taken premarital courses?
Can you recommend any local officiants, photographers, or wedding companies?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.