Courthouse Wedding Cost in Arkansas

Picture of By  Annie Collins

By Annie Collins

For couples looking to tie the knot without breaking the bank, a courthouse wedding in Arkansas might just be the perfect solution. With charming cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith offering affordable marriage licenses and ceremony options, saying “I do” in The Natural State has never been more appealing. So, how much is a courthouse wedding in Arkansas?

Expect to spend anywhere from $60 to $210, depending on your location and chosen extras.

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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Arkansas?

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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Arkansas?

Marriage License Cost$85
Marriage CeremonyVaries by judge
Photographer (optional)$500 – $3,000+

The primary expenses for a courthouse wedding in Arkansas include the marriage license fee, the ceremony cost (if not included), and the optional expense of hiring a photographer to capture your special moments. The good news is that the marriage license cost remains consistent across the state at $60, although some counties may have specific payment requirements.

As for the ceremony itself, prices can vary from free to around $100, depending on the officiant and location. If you want to commemorate your big day with professional photos, be prepared to spend anywhere from $500 to upwards of $3,000.

Marriage License Cost in Arkansas

Obtaining a marriage license is the first step in making your courthouse wedding official. In Arkansas, the marriage license fee is $60 across all counties, which is relatively affordable compared to other states. It’s important to note that some counties may have specific requirements for payment methods, such as cash only or accepting both cash and credit card.

Keep in mind that a marriage license is the only legal requirement for getting married, so if you’re looking to keep costs at a minimum, this is the one expense you can’t avoid.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Little Rock (Pulasaki County)

Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas, is a popular choice for couples seeking a courthouse wedding. The Pulaski County Courthouse is where you’ll need to go to obtain your marriage license and potentially hold your ceremony. The marriage license itself costs $60 and can be paid for with cash or credit card. If you wish to have your ceremony at the courthouse, you’ll need to call and schedule with a judge, which can cost anywhere from $25 to $40.

For those wanting to capture their Little Rock courthouse wedding, hiring a photographer will typically cost between $500 and $3,000. All in all, a courthouse wedding in Little Rock can range from $85 to $3,100, which is still considerably less expensive than the average traditional wedding in the city.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Fayetteville (Washington County)

Nestled in the Ozarks, Fayetteville offers a picturesque setting for your courthouse wedding. At the Washington County Courthouse, you can obtain your marriage license for $60, but keep in mind that they only accept cash payments. Ceremony costs in Fayetteville can range from free to $50, depending on the judge you choose to officiate.

As with other cities, hiring a photographer for your Fayetteville courthouse wedding will cost between $500 and $3,000. When all is said and done, a courthouse wedding in Fayetteville can cost anywhere from $60 to $3,110, making it slightly more affordable than Little Rock.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Fort Smith (Sebastian County)

Fort Smith, a charming city on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, is another great option for your courthouse wedding. At the Sebastian County Courthouse, you can secure your marriage license for $60, payable by cash or credit card.

Ceremony costs in Fort Smith can vary quite a bit, ranging from free to $100, so be sure to confirm with your chosen officiant beforehand. If you want to hire a photographer for your Fort Smith courthouse wedding, expect to pay between $500 and $3,000. In total, a courthouse wedding in Fort Smith can cost between $60 and $3,160, which is on par with the other cities mentioned.

Arkansas Courthouse Wedding Photographer Price

When planning your courthouse wedding in Arkansas, don’t forget to consider hiring a professional photographer to document your special day. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all wedding photographers offer courthouse wedding packages. Be sure to verify with potential photographers that they are willing and able to accommodate your courthouse ceremony.

In Arkansas, the cost of hiring a courthouse wedding photographer typically ranges from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the photographer’s experience, package inclusions, and the length of time you require their services. To find a photographer that fits your budget and style, it’s a good idea to request quotes from multiple professionals before making your final decision.

Arkansas Courthouse Wedding Packages

For couples who want a hassle-free courthouse wedding experience, opting for a courthouse wedding package might be the way to go. These packages typically include the submission of your marriage license, the ceremony itself, and photography services to document the event.

While courthouse wedding packages offer convenience and simplicity, they are generally more expensive than arranging each element of your wedding separately. However, if you value the ease and peace of mind that comes with an all-inclusive package, it may be worth the additional cost. When considering a courthouse wedding package in Arkansas, be sure to compare prices and inclusions from various providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Final Thoughts

Planning a courthouse wedding in Arkansas can be a smart and affordable alternative to a traditional, large-scale wedding. With marriage license fees consistent across the state at $60, the biggest variables in your total cost will be the officiant fees for your ceremony and whether or not you choose to hire a professional photographer. In cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith, courthouse weddings can range from as little as $60 to just over $3,000, depending on your specific choices.

Remember, a courthouse wedding allows you to focus on what truly matters – marrying the love of your life – without the added stress and expense of a more elaborate celebration. By opting for a courthouse wedding in Arkansas, you can start your married life together on a solid financial foundation while still creating cherished memories of your special day.

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