How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At The Courthouse In the US?
How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At The Courthouse In the US? While it’s definitely inexpensive to get married at the Courthouse, you should prepare to pay for it. Tons of couples choose a courthouse wedding over a traditional one because they want something personal and affordable.
The cost of getting married at a courthouse varies from state to state, but it can range from $30 to $120 at a minimum. The courthouse will charge you for a marriage license and some additional fees. Many couples will also budget for some traditional wedding elements, like a suit and gown, a bouquet and a boutonniere, and rings.
Cost of a Courthouse Wedding In the US
Since a marriage license is a legally binding contract, you’ll have to pay for it. It varies widely because each state applies different taxes and charges. While it can get pricey, you’ll likely pay around $40 to $50 for yours.
While you can have a reception, send out invitations or hire a photographer, you can shrink the price tag by tossing the bells and whistles. How much does a courthouse wedding cost if you only have the bare essentials? Typically, you only pay for the marriage license — that’s why so many people choose to skip the ceremony and reception.
What Are The Cost Factors Of A Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding will carry the following costs:
- A Marriage License: A marriage license is a document confirming you can get legally wed. The cost varies significantly in every state.
- Attire: Although you can wear whatever you want on your big day, many couples opt for traditional clothing — which is typically more expensive. For instance, wedding dresses cost $1,800 on average. The courthouse may also have a dress code.
- Fees: You may have to pay various fees depending on the county you marry in.
- Photographer: A photographer is optional, but it’s a popular choice. In the United States, hiring one costs $2,000 on average. How much you pay depends on your location and their skill.
- Officiant: The courthouse provides an officiant, but you can bring your own. While you don’t need to, many couples do to make the ceremony more personal.
What is the cost of getting a marriage license?
The cost of getting a marriage license can vary from free (no license necessary) in Alabama to $115 in Minnesota. Minnesotans can save themselves $75 if they complete a 12-hour premarital education course, which proves yet again that education proves (approximately $3.08/hour in this case).
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is a legal document you have to get before your ceremony. Consider it an application to get married. After you are married at the courthouse, the officiant returns it to the county. Then, you will receive the marriage certificate.
Does the marriage license expire?
Yes. Most marriage licenses have an expiration date. It can range anywhere from 30 days to 90 days. Schedule a date for your ceremony before your license expires. A courthouse wedding gives you ample opportunity to plan a small wedding without your license expiring.
Online marriage license application
Applying for a marriage license online will differ per state, county, or city. For example, in Florida, you can expedite the marriage license application process by filling out, printing, and taking the form to any County marriage license office.
What to Bring to the Courthouse on Your Wedding Day
- A government-issued photo ID for each applicant, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport.
- A valid, unexpired marriage license that was issued within the same state and county of your wedding.
- One or two witnesses with valid photo IDs. It’s important to note that the number of witnesses required will depend on local guidelines.
What to Know About Getting Married at a Courthouse
1. Location
Where is the local courthouse? Can I have a destination civil wedding? More good questions. Some prefer to get married at a courthouse in another state. Make sure to call the courthouse and find out the local requirements for the county and state you’re considering.
2. How long is the ceremony?
A typical ceremony could last anywhere from 10–20 minutes. The ceremony can finish quickly, so it would be good to plan where you will go next. Some like to plan a dinner for the guests invited or even just head back home.
3. Whom to bring to a courthouse wedding
Some prefer to only invite their parents on their wedding day. Others prefer to invite a friend to their wedding or one other couple as their guests. Every courthouse has different policies, but most allow no more than 10–15 people.
Who can officiate the wedding?
Depending on where you get married, this can vary.
1. Judge
A judge may also officiate your civil wedding. Civil weddings are presided over by a legal official whereas a religious ceremony is normally performed by a minister.
2. Notary public
There are only three states that allow public notaries to officiate a wedding. Maine, South Carolina, and Florida allow certified notaries to perform a marriage for individuals with a valid marriage license.
3. Justice of the peace
In most jurisdictions, you will be able to have a justice of the peace officiate. A justice of the peace is a local magistrate empowered chiefly to administer summary justice in minor cases, to commit for trial, and to administer oaths and perform marriages.”
Is an appointment necessary?
Just like with a traditional wedding, obtaining a marriage license for a civil wedding requires an appointment. Certain counties may allow for an appointment via zoom for a marriage license.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At The Courthouse In Louisiana?
Down in the bayous of Louisiana, the cost of a marriage license ranges from $25 to $40, depending on the parish.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At A Courthouse In Georgia?
It’ll cost you around $56 to $76, and there’s usually no additional fee for a courthouse ceremony.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At A Courthouse in NC?
North Carolina has a marriage license fee of around $60. While it’s a little cheaper than Arizona, remember that the cost of a courthouse ceremony might be extra.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At A Courthouse In Florida?
getting married at a courthouse will set you back about $86 for a marriage license. Some counties might charge an extra $30 for the ceremony, so make sure to double-check before you go. There’s no waiting period for Florida residents who have completed a premarital preparation course.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At A Courthouse In Texas?
You’ll need to shell out around $60 to $81, depending on the county. Keep in mind that some courthouses might charge extra for the ceremony. There’s a 72-hour waiting period in Texas, but this can be waived for active military members and in some other special circumstances.
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