How Much Does A Courthouse Wedding Cost?

Last Updated on September 19, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Getting married at the local courthouse or city hall provides an affordable, convenient, and intimate way to legally solidify your commitment in front of a judge or magistrate. But what exactly does a typical courthouse wedding cost from start to finish?

In this pricing guide, we’ll break down the common expenses associated with courthouse weddings including marriage certificate fees, officiant charges, venue and room reservations, attire, photography, decor, and more. We’ll provide cost ranges and fee structures so you can budget accurately for your special day. We’ll also offer money-saving tips and compare courthouse wedding pricing vs traditional large weddings.

How Much Does A Courthouse Wedding Cost?

A courthouse wedding can have a cost range from $25 to $1,500+. Typical total costs remain under $1,000 for a basic courthouse ceremony, photographs, and officiant with minimal other frills. There is flexibility to stay simple or add affordable extras to personalize the day.

To better understand the full scope of expenses, here is a more detailed standard courthouse wedding cost breakdown:

Expense Category	Cost Range	Details
Marriage License	$30 to $150	– Legally required to perform marriage – Fee set by state/county, apply in person – Wait periods (0-5 days) may apply
Marriage Officiant	$0 to $300	– Judge, magistrate, or clerk typically officiates – Some courthouses offer judge/staff for free – Can pay extra fee for judge to waive wait period – Hiring private officiant typically costs $200+
Venue Fees	$0 to $250	– Some courthouses provide ceremony room for free – Many charge room reservation fees of $50 to $250 – Covers room rental for ceremony duration
Booking Deposit	$25 to $100	– Refundable deposit may be required – Ensures ceremony timeslot is reserved
Marriage Certificate	$10 to $75	– Legal proof marriage was performed – Fee for certified copy or copies – Additional copies available for family
Attire	$50 to $500+	– From casual wear to formal wedding attire – Most aim for business casual or Sunday best – Dresses range from $50 to $5,000
Flowers	$50 to $500	– Opt for 1-2 bouquets and/or boutonnières – Local florists offer courthouse wedding packages
Photography	$300 to $1,000	– Hire a photographer for before/after ceremony – Or have a friend take cell phone photos and video
Transportation	$100 to $500	– Hired car service like Uber or Lyft – Decorated “Just Married” car – Or provide own transportation
Other Extras	$100 to $500	– Music, decorations, snacks – Add personal touches if desired
Total Courthouse Wedding Cost	$200 to $1,500+	– Overall estimated cost for a courthouse wedding

According to WeddingNav, the cost of a courthouse wedding typically ranges from $5 to over $100. This variance is primarily due to local laws that dictate marriage license fees. For example, some counties may charge as little as $5 for a marriage license, while others may exceed $100. In addition to the marriage license fee, couples may incur additional costs if they choose to hire a photographer, officiant, or book a separate ceremony room within the courthouse.

Another source, The Set Square, notes that the average cost for a marriage license is typically between $25 and $100, depending on the state and county. Some courthouses may charge an additional fee for performing the civil ceremony, but this fee is generally modest compared to traditional wedding costs.

According to Honeymoons.com, the overall cost for a courthouse wedding can be around $50 to $120, depending on various factors such as location and any additional services requested. They highlight that this option is significantly more affordable than the average traditional wedding, which can cost around $27,000.

A personal account shared on Miranda Schroeder’s blog illustrates that her courthouse wedding cost approximately $30 in total—$20 for the marriage license and $10 for the ceremony fee. She also mentioned additional expenses for attire and a small celebration afterward, bringing her total closer to $1,000 when including other personal touches.

Finally, Wezoree provides specific examples of costs across different states. For instance, Arizona requires about $83 for a marriage license, while North Carolina charges around $60. Florida’s marriage license costs about $86, with some counties charging an extra fee for the ceremony itself.

Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding?

Before detailing the costs, let’s look at some of the motivating factors that draw couples to the courthouse wedding option:

• Far more affordable than large traditional weddings, with total costs as low as $200-$500 on average
• Extremely fast turnaround – many courthouses offer marriage licenses and same day ceremonies
• Simple and convenient with all aspects handled in one public building
• Intimate setting with only your spouse and a couple witnesses needed
• Still allows adding personal touches like vows, outfits, photos, flowers
• Legally binding marriage license and certificate issued on the spot

For many couples, the opportunity to marry quickly, conveniently, and cost effectively makes choosing a courthouse wedding a winning decision.

Average Local Courthouse Wedding Costs

Regionally, average courthouse wedding costs look approximately like:

Fee Type	California	Texas	Florida	New York
License Fee	$100	$75	$100	$50
Judge Fee	$0	$0	$50	$75
Venue Fee	$100	$50	$100	$100
Extras	$200	$100	$150	$150
Total Cost	$400	$225	$400	$375

Contact your local courthouse to confirm precise fees before budgeting. Costs may rise in major metro areas.

Courthouse Wedding Extras

While courthouse weddings focus on simplicity and cost savings, some optional upgrades provide special personal touches:

Personalized Vows – Write unique promises to each other

Live Music – Hire a small violinist, guitarist, or singer

Flower Petals – Toss eco-friendly petals after the ceremony

Photobooth – Provide DIY photo fun for guests

Wedding Favors – Mini gift bags for attendees

Themed Décor – Balloons, signs, table decor if hosting meal

Transportation – Hired limo or car service for arrival

Carefully select just a couple of affordable upgrades that suit your style. Know courthouse rules on enhancements before planning.

Comparison to Large Wedding Costs

Here is a detailed breakdown comparing the itemized costs of a courthouse wedding vs a large 150+ guest traditional wedding:

Marriage License Fees

• Courthouse: $30 – $150
• Large Wedding: $30 – $150

Officiant Fees

• Courthouse: $0 – $100 (sometimes free if judge or clerk)
• Large Wedding: $200 – $500

Venue Fees

• Courthouse: $0 – $200 (some charge room rental fees)
• Large Wedding: $2,000 – $10,000

Marriage Certificate Fees

• Courthouse: $10 – $50
• Large Wedding: $10 – $50

Attire

You might also like our articles about the cost of a wedding at Oheka Castle, Rosecliff Mansion, or the Rainbow Room.

• Courthouse: $50 – $1,000
• Large Wedding: $1,000 – $5,000

Photography

• Courthouse: $200 – $750 (often just after ceremony photos)
• Large Wedding: $1,000 – $5,000

Flowers

• Courthouse: $50 – $500
• Large Wedding: $1,000 – $5,000

Reception

• Courthouse: $0 (restaurant meal optional)
• Large Wedding: $5,000 – $15,000

Other Extras

• Courthouse: $0 – $500 (music, décor etc.)
• Large Wedding: $3,000 – $10,000

Total Costs

• Courthouse Wedding: $200 – $1,000+
• Large Wedding: $15,000 – $50,000+

As the costs show, courthouse weddings provide massive savings, with flexibility to add affordable personal touches.

Location Impacts Wedding Costs

Where you get married affects pricing based on:

• Marriage license fees – Set by each state, county, or city
• Officiant fees – More expensive in major metro areas
• Venue rental fees – Courthouses in larger cities may charge more
• Cost of living – Impacts rates for any hired vendors

Research costs specific to your desired courthouse location. Some variation should be expected.

Booking Your Courthouse Wedding

Courthouse weddings must adhere to some minimum time requirements because of the legal paperwork and filings involved. Typical guidelines:

Marriage License Application

• Apply in person at county clerk’s office
• Requires IDs, proof of age, and any other forms
• Application approved while you wait

License Wait Period

• Most have 0-3 day wait period mandated
• Some offer waiver for extra fee for same day license
• Check your county rules and plan accordingly

Marriage Ceremony Reservation

• Schedule the wedding ceremony date and timeslot
• Make reservation at least 2 weeks in advance
• Confirm officiant availability

Build in enough lead time to complete the marriage license application and process based on your county or city requirements before reserving your ideal courthouse wedding date.

Additional Considerations

Keep these additional courthouse wedding factors in mind:

• Most limit guests to 4-10 people including witnesses
• Simple ceremonies last 10-15 minutes typically
• No reception venue provided but restaurants are popular
• Dresses and suits permitted but not required
• Photography limited to respect others so check rules

The process is quick and focused – plan accordingly and enjoy your special day!

Save Money on Your Courthouse Wedding

If trying to minimize costs, consider these money-saving tips:

• Apply for marriage license in a lower-cost county if allowed
• Seek a weekday ceremony to avoid weekend premiums
• Have a friend or family member officiate instead of paid officiant
• Use your own camera equipment to photograph yourselves
• Buy flowers at a grocery store or local market instead of florist
• See if the courthouse venue fee is waived for a short ceremony
• Ask if judge/officiant will waive wait period for a smaller fee
• Create DIY decorations and favors instead of purchasing
• Celebrate at home with homemade food and desserts

With creativity and resourcefulness, it’s possible to keep total courthouse wedding costs under $500 if desired.

Final Words

Getting married at your local courthouse provides a fast, convenient, and inexpensive option compared to large traditional weddings. By better understanding all the potential costs, couples can plan and budget for the perfect courthouse ceremony.

Total expenses often range just $200 to $1,000+ including basic legal fees, officiant, venue, attire, photos and refreshments or restaurant meal after. With the right preparedness and planning, your special day at the courthouse can be intimate, meaningful, and economical.

Answers to Common Questions

Do you wear a wedding dress to a courthouse wedding?

While formal wedding attire is permitted, it’s not required. Some brides still opt for a classic white wedding dress for the ceremony, but many choose simpler dresses or pantsuits that provide a more understated look. Ultimately it’s up to you how formal or casual you’d like to be.

How many people can come to a courthouse wedding in San Diego?

In San Diego, courthouse wedding ceremonies are limited to 10 guests maximum, including the couple and any children. Two witnesses are required to attend. Other California courthouses have similar guest limits, so check for the specific rules in your county.

How to get married at the courthouse in California?

To marry at the courthouse in California, first apply in person for a marriage license at least one court business day prior to your wedding date. Then reserve a date and time for your ceremony at least two weeks before your desired date. Arrive early on the wedding date with your marriage license, payment for any courthouse fees, and remain within the guest number limits.