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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in California?
The three main costs associated with a courthouse wedding in California are:
| Marriage License | $80 – $120 (varies by county) |
| Marriage Ceremony | $35 – $120 (varies by county) |
| Photographer (optional) | $500 – $3,000+ |
The courthouse wedding cost in California can vary somewhat by county when it comes to the marriage license and ceremony fees. However, in general, couples can expect to spend under $350 total for a simple courthouse wedding in the state.
Marriage License Cost in California
The cost of a marriage license in California ranges from $80 to $120, depending on the county. Some counties, like Los Angeles and San Jose, have a standard $91 and $80 marriage license fee respectively. Other counties, such as San Francisco, charge $120 for a marriage license.
It’s important to note that, technically, obtaining a marriage license is the only legal requirement to be married in California. Couples will need to complete a marriage license application and ceremony within 90 days. The license itself does not mean the couple is married – it just allows them to have a legal wedding ceremony performed.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in Los Angeles
Couples who want to go with a easy and simple courthouse wedding in Los Angeles can do so at any Registrar Recorder or County Clerk office. Civil weddings do not have to happen at an actual courthouse. A courthouse wedding in Los Angeles costs $126 total. Los Angeles County charges $91 for a marriage license. The courthouse wedding ceremony itself costs an additional $35 on top of the marriage license fee.
For those wanting to document the occasion, hiring a photographer typically adds $500 – $3,000 or more. When all is said and done, the full cost of a courthouse wedding in Los Angeles will likely fall between $126 – $3,126, depending on photography costs. This is more affordable than San Francisco but slightly pricier than San Jose.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in San Francisco
Tying the knot at San Francisco City Hall costs $223 for the license and ceremony. At $120, San Francisco County has the highest marriage license fee of the counties compared here. The civil ceremony costs an additional $103. One thing to note – only 6 guests are permitted to attend a courthouse wedding ceremony in San Francisco.
Adding in $500 – $3,000 or more for a photographer brings the total estimated cost of a courthouse wedding in San Francisco to $723 – $3,223+. This makes San Francisco the most expensive places to have a courthouse wedding in the country. San Fransisco City Hall however, is one of the most beautiful places to have a courthouse wedding in the United States.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in San Jose
Courthouse weddings at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder Office cost $160 – $200. A marriage license in Santa Clara County, where San Jose is located, has a fee of $80. The courthouse wedding ceremony costs an additional $80, for a total of $160. For those in a rush, there is also an option for a $120 express wedding ceremony at the service window.
Hiring a photographer for $500 – $3,000 or more puts the total cost of a courthouse wedding in San Jose at $660 – $3,200+. Among the three cities compared, San Jose offers the most affordable courthouse wedding options in California.
California Courthouse Wedding Photographer Cost
When budgeting for a courthouse wedding in California, it’s important to keep in mind that not all wedding photographers offer courthouse wedding packages. You’ll want to check with photographers in your area to see if they are willing to photograph a courthouse wedding and get an accurate quote.
In general, you can expect to pay $500 on the low end for a skilled photographer to document your courthouse wedding. Prices can go up to $3,000 or higher depending on the experience of the photographer, the length of time they will be present, and the number of edited digital photos you will receive. To find the best fit for your budget, aim to get quotes from at least 2-3 photographers in your area.
California Courthouse Wedding Packages
Some courthouses in California may offer all-inclusive courthouse wedding packages that bundle together the marriage license, civil ceremony, and photography at a set price point. These packages provide the maximum convenience since you can arrange everything in one place.
However, all-inclusive courthouse wedding packages may not provide the best value for your money. These packages tend to be more expensive overall than if you booked the license, ceremony, and photography separately. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll likely get the best price by organizing the different elements of your courthouse wedding yourself.
Final Thoughts
A courthouse wedding offers an intimate, affordable way to make your marriage official in California. While the cost of a courthouse wedding can vary, for under $350, you can obtain your marriage license and have a civil wedding ceremony performed. Even with the additional cost of a photographer, a courthouse wedding in California cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Jose costs just a fraction of the price of the average wedding.
While a courthouse wedding may not have all the elaborate elements of a big traditional wedding, it still marks the start of your lifelong commitment to each other – and that’s what matters most. By keeping the ceremony simple, you’ll have more money to put towards your future together as a married couple. Ultimately, a California courthouse wedding can help you prioritize what’s truly important as you begin your life together.
