A courthouse wedding — also called a civil ceremony or civil marriage — is the simplest, most affordable, and often most logistically flexible way to get legally married. No venue deposit, no catering, no months of planning. Just two people, an authorized officiant, and a marriage license.
What a Courthouse Ceremony Actually Is
A courthouse ceremony is a civil marriage ceremony performed by a legally authorized government official — typically a judge, magistrate, county clerk, or justice of the peace. It is legally identical in every way to a ceremony performed by a religious officiant at a venue. The marriage certificate is the same. The legal rights and obligations are the same.
The ceremony itself is brief — typically 5–15 minutes. It involves the officiant confirming the identity of both parties, asking for verbal consent, pronouncing the marriage, and signing the marriage license. There are no required vows — though many officiants have standard language they use and you can often add personal vows.
Who Performs the Ceremony?
Authorization to perform marriage ceremonies is set by each state's law. Common authorized officiants for courthouse ceremonies include:
- Judges — Most U.S. states authorize all sitting judges (circuit, district, superior, or probate) to perform marriages. Contact the court administrator's office to inquire about scheduling.
- Magistrates — Many courthouses have duty magistrates specifically available for civil ceremonies. Often the most accessible option — some offices handle walk-in ceremonies.
- Justices of the Peace — Still common in Texas and several other states. JPs often perform marriages in their offices or at the courthouse. Contact JP precincts directly for availability and fees.
- County Clerks — Some states authorize the county clerk or their deputies to perform ceremonies. The Las Vegas Marriage Bureau is the most famous example.
- Mayors and Municipal Officials — Many states authorize mayors to perform ceremonies. In some cities, a call to the mayor's office can arrange a simple civil ceremony.
How to Schedule a Courthouse Ceremony
- Obtain your marriage license first. You cannot schedule a courthouse ceremony without one. Apply at the county clerk's office at least 1–2 days before your desired ceremony date (accounting for any waiting period).
- Call the courthouse — not the clerk's office. The clerk issues the license; a different office (court administrator, magistrate's office, JP precinct) handles ceremony scheduling. Ask specifically: "Who performs civil marriage ceremonies in this courthouse and how do I schedule one?"
- Confirm the fee. Courthouse ceremony fees vary widely — from free to $100+. Some magistrates set their own fees; some counties have a fixed schedule. Ask upfront.
- Confirm witness requirements. Ask whether you need to bring witnesses and how many. Some officiants can provide witnesses; many cannot.
- Arrive early. Government offices operate on strict schedules. Arriving 15 minutes early for a courthouse ceremony is appropriate.
Couples arrive at the county clerk's office with their license and ask the clerk to perform the ceremony. The clerk almost never does — a different person and a different office handles ceremonies. Call before you go, and call the courthouse, not the clerk's office.
What to Wear
There is no dress code for a courthouse ceremony. Some couples wear formal attire; many wear everyday clothes. The officiant has no expectations. What matters is being comfortable and looking like yourself. If you're planning to take photos afterward, consider the courthouse's background — many have attractive architectural features that photograph well.
Can You Invite Guests?
Generally yes, within the space limitations of the ceremony room. Most courthouse ceremony spaces are small — a judge's chambers, a small conference room, or a designated ceremony area. Realistically, 2–8 guests is typical. The Las Vegas Marriage Bureau's ceremony room accommodates small groups. Call ahead to confirm the space and any guest limits.
After the Ceremony — What Happens Next
- Officiant signs the license. The officiant signs their name on the designated line of the marriage license.
- Witnesses sign (where required). If your state requires witnesses, they sign as well.
- The signed license is returned to the county clerk. This must happen within the timeframe specified by state law (varies from 10 to 60 days). Either you return it or the officiant does — confirm who's responsible.
- The clerk records the marriage. Once returned and recorded, the marriage is a permanent public record.
- Order certified copies. After recording (typically 2–6 weeks later), you can order certified copies of the marriage certificate. These are what you'll use for all name change and legal update purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The two main costs are the marriage license fee (ranges from $18 in Indiana to $115+ in some Florida counties) and the ceremony fee (typically $25–$75 for a government officiant; free in some jurisdictions). All-in, most courthouse ceremonies cost $50–$150. The Las Vegas Marriage Bureau civil ceremony is the most famous example at $102 (license) + $75 (ceremony) = $177 total.
Yes, in most cases. The officiant typically has standard language to use, but most are flexible about personal vows. Ask when you schedule. The legal requirement is simply that both parties provide verbal consent to the marriage — the exact words are not prescribed by law in most states.
Legally, no — there is absolutely no difference. The marriage certificate is identical. The legal rights, tax status, inheritance rights, and all other legal consequences are exactly the same as any other legal marriage. The only difference is the setting and the absence of religious or cultural rituals, which are entirely personal preferences.