Let's be real. Not everyone wants a $30,000 party with a flower wall and a DJ who plays "Cupid Shuffle" for the thousandth time. Some people just want to be married. Right now. Or at least, as soon as the paperwork clears.
The logistics are often the biggest hurdle. When you start wondering how do you get married at the courthouse, you’re usually met with a mountain of government websites that look like they haven't been updated since 2004. It’s confusing. You’ve got waiting periods, witness requirements, and that weird uncertainty about whether you need to bring your own rings or if you can just show up in jeans.
Here’s the thing: a courthouse wedding is basically a two-step dance. First, you get the permission slip (the license). Then, you do the thing (the ceremony). But if you miss a single document or show up on a day when the clerk’s office is closed for "Staff Development Day," the whole plan hits a wall.
✨ Don't miss: Why Your Men's Jewelry and Watch Box Is Actually Killing Your Collection
The Paperwork Phase: It’s All About the License
You cannot just walk into a courtroom and demand a judge marry you on the spot. Life isn't a sitcom.
Before the "I dos," you need a marriage license. Think of this as your legal "clearance" to wed. In most states, like California or New York, you apply for this at the County Clerk’s office. You’ll both need to show up in person. Bring your IDs—real ones, not a grainy photo on your phone. Passports, driver’s licenses, or birth certificates are the standard currency here.
Money matters too. You’re going to pay a fee. It ranges wildly. In some counties in Texas, it might be $70, while in parts of Florida, it’s closer to $90 unless you’ve taken a premarital preparation course. And honestly, check if they take credit cards. Some smaller offices are weirdly loyal to money orders or exact change.
The Waiting Game and the Expiration Date
Timing is everything. This is where people usually mess up. Most states have a "waiting period." For example, in Pennsylvania, you have to wait three days after applying before you can actually use the license. If you show up to your ceremony appointment 24 hours after getting your license, you're going home single.
Conversely, licenses expire. They aren't forever. Most are good for about 30 to 90 days. If you get your license in June but don't get around to the courthouse until October, you’re starting from scratch.
Scheduling the Ceremony: How Do You Get Married At The Courthouse Effectively?
Once the license is burning a hole in your pocket, you need to book the actual ceremony. This is the "civil ceremony" part.
Some courthouses are strictly "walk-in" during certain hours, like every Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Others, especially in big cities like Chicago or Los Angeles, require you to book a slot weeks in advance. Don't assume you can just roll up. Call the civil division of the court. Ask specifically: "Do I need an appointment for a judicial ceremony?"
🔗 Read more: Does a Copper Nail Kill a Tree? The Truth Behind the Neighborhood Myth
You also need to ask about witnesses. Some states require two. Some require one. Some, like Colorado, actually allow "self-solemnization," which basically means you can marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses at all. But if you’re in a state that requires witnesses and you show up alone, you’ll be awkwardly asking the person behind you in the security line to sign your marriage certificate. It happens more than you’d think.
The Reality of the "Big Day"
Expect metal detectors. You are entering a government building, after all. You’ll go through security just like at the airport, so maybe leave the pocketknife or the celebratory bottle of champagne in the car.
The "courtroom" might not be a grand, wood-paneled hall. Sometimes it’s a small, beige office. Sometimes it’s a dedicated "Marriage Room" with some dusty silk flowers. The judge or magistrate will lead you through the vows. It usually takes about five to ten minutes. It’s fast. It’s efficient. It’s legally binding.
What to Wear and Who to Bring
There is no dress code. Seriously. You will see people in full ball gowns and tuxedos standing next to a couple in flannels and Workboots. Both are fine.
However, be mindful of guest counts. Courthouse "chapels" are tiny. If you show up with 25 family members, the bailiff is going to have to tell 20 of them to wait in the hallway. Most courthouses cap guests at 4 to 6 people. If you want a crowd, the courthouse probably isn't the venue for you.
Common Mistakes That Derail the Plan
People forget that "The Courthouse" isn't always the place where the records are kept. Sometimes you get the license at the Clerk’s Office in one building, but the ceremony happens at the Municipal Court three blocks away.
Also, divorce decrees. If either of you has been married before, you need to know the exact date the previous marriage ended. Some clerks will demand to see the physical, certified divorce decree. Don't just guess the year. If your paperwork doesn't match the state records, they won't issue the new license.
Then there's the name change. Getting married doesn't magically change your name on your driver's license. The marriage certificate you get after the ceremony is just the "proof" you need to take to the Social Security Administration and the DMV later.
Actionable Steps for a Seamless Courthouse Wedding
If you are ready to pull the trigger on a civil ceremony, follow this specific checklist to avoid the "administrative headache" phase of love:
- Verify the Jurisdiction: Ensure you are applying in the county where you plan to wed, or check if your state allows a "cross-county" license.
- Audit Your Documents: Check expiration dates on your IDs today. If your license is expired, you aren't getting married this week.
- The "Witness" Check: Call the court and ask, "Do you provide witnesses, or must I bring my own?"
- Clear the Calendar: Account for the waiting period. If you want to marry on a Friday, and there is a 3-day wait, you must visit the clerk no later than Tuesday.
- Secure the Certified Copy: After the ceremony, you’ll want to pay for a few extra certified copies of your marriage certificate. You’ll need them for insurance, banking, and passport updates. One is never enough.
The beauty of a courthouse wedding is its simplicity. By handling the bureaucracy upfront, you leave the actual day free for what matters—the fact that you’re starting a life with your person without the debt of a mid-sized sedan hanging over your head.