How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost?
The cost of a courthouse wedding can range anywhere from $5 to over $100 depending on the state and county where the marriage license is obtained. Some counties have set fees as low as $5, while others charge over $100.
The variance comes down to local laws dictating marriage license costs. In addition to the marriage license fee, total costs for a courthouse wedding can climb higher if couples choose to add on other services. Hiring a photographer, officiant, or booking a separate ceremony room in the courthouse can all add to the overall price tag.
Some courthouses may also charge higher marriage license fees for couples who have not completed premarital counseling. But at its core, a bare bones courthouse wedding usually only requires paying the county clerk fee to make the marriage legally binding. So couples can keep costs to an absolute minimum by sticking to just the basic marriage license from the courthouse.
Are Courthouse Weddings Cheaper than Weddings?
Yes, courthouse weddings are generally much cheaper than traditional weddings. A typical courthouse wedding only requires paying a small fee for the marriage license and judge’s time, which usually amounts to less than $100 total. In contrast, the average cost of a traditional wedding in the US is around $30,000.
Courthouse weddings skip the costs associated with venues, catering, attire, flowers, music, photography, and other common wedding expenses. The simplicity of a courthouse wedding is the main reason it’s a budget-friendly option for couples.
What is the Cheapest Place For a Courthouse Wedding?
Curious where you can have a the cheapest courthouse wedding possible? Here are the cheapest states to have a courthouse wedding. (This is the cost for the marriage license alone which does not include the cost of an officiant or photorgraphy):
- Indiana – $18 (for in state residents)
- Michigan – $20
- Mississippi – $20 (could be increasing soon)
Now that we have narrowed down the cheapest states to have a courthouse wedding. Here are the most expensive places to have a courthouse wedding.
What is the Most Expensive Place For a Courthouse Wedding?
Want to see how the cost of your courthouse wedding stacks up against other states? Here are the most expensive places to have a courthouse wedding:
- Florida – $93 ($32 with premarital course)
- Kansas – $85
- Arizona – $76
Some states do offer cheaper courthouse wedding costs with the completion of premarital counseling or completion of classes. However, these courses cost more and do not necessarily make the total cost of your courthouse wedding much cheaper.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost at the Courthouse?
The cost of a marriage license at the courthouse varies depending on the state and county where you apply. There is no universal price for a marriage license in the United States. Fees are set by each individual state, and sometimes even at the county-level within a state. Costs commonly range from $30 to $150 per license.
For example, a license may cost $60 in Cook County, Illinois but $90 just across the border in Lake County, Indiana. The variance comes down to differences in state and local laws that dictate how much revenue from marriage licenses goes to state and county governments. So couples should check fees in their jurisdiction when budgeting for a courthouse wedding.
Do You Need to Hire an Officiant For a Courthouse Wedding?
Most courthouses provide an officiant to perform the wedding ceremony, so couples getting married at the courthouse typically do not need to hire their own. In a standard civil courthouse wedding, a judge, magistrate, or other authorized staff member will officiate the wedding as part of the services provided. Hiring an outside officiant is usually not necessary or even allowed in many courthouses.
However, some couples may opt to have a friend or family member deputized by the court to officiate their courthouse wedding if permitted by state law. Overall, hiring an officiant is generally an additional expense that couples can avoid by using the officiant provided by the courthouse when getting married there.
What do You Need to Get Married at the Courthouse?
To get married at the courthouse, couples will need to bring some key documents and information. Requirements may vary slightly by location, but most courthouses will require:
- A valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of citizenship or legal residence if applicable
- Certified copies of birth certificates
- Certified copies of divorce decrees or death certificates if previously married
- Parental consent forms if underage
- Witnesses (often 2)
- Cash to pay the marriage license fee
Having all these items ready will ensure the marriage license can be properly obtained and the courthouse wedding can proceed smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Courthouse weddings provide a fast, affordable, and hassle-free way to get married. By skipping the extras that drive up costs for traditional weddings, couples can save significantly on their nuptials. With just a small fee for the marriage license and officiant service, plus a few key documents in hand, couples can have an intimate legal ceremony done simply and elegantly at the local courthouse.
