Courthouse Wedding Cost in Missouri

How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Missouri?

The primary costs associated with a courthouse wedding in Missouri are the marriage license fee, the cost of the ceremony (if not included), and optional costs like hiring a photographer. Marriage license fees in Missouri do vary by county. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs:

Marriage License	$48 – $60 (varies by county)
Marriage Ceremony	Free (with appointment with judge)
Photographer (optional)	$500 – $3,000+

Compared to the average cost of a wedding in Missouri which is over $20,000, a courthouse wedding offers significant savings. Even with some optional add-ons like photography, a courthouse wedding in Missouri is a very budget-friendly option.

Marriage License Cost in Missouri

To be legally married in Missouri, the only actual requirement is obtaining a valid marriage license. Marriage license fees in Missouri do vary by county, ranging from $48 up to $60. The fee is payable by cash or credit card at the time you apply for your license.

While there is a fee for the license itself, the good news is that in many Missouri counties, the actual marriage ceremony at the courthouse can be performed for free by a judge or court official. This helps keep the overall cost of a courthouse wedding quite reasonable.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Kansas City (Jackson County)

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Kansas City, you’ll head to the Kansas City Courthouse which is located in Jackson County. The marriage license fee in Kansas City is $50, payable by cash, credit or debit card.

The good news is that the actual wedding ceremony at the Kansas City Courthouse can be performed for free by a judge who is willing to officiate. The court maintains a list of judges who are available to conduct marriage ceremonies.

If you want to have your courthouse wedding photographed to capture the memories, hiring a professional photographer in Kansas City will cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 on average. So the total cost of a courthouse wedding in Kansas City can range from just the $50 license fee up to around $3,050 with photography included. This is still significantly less than the average $22,000 cost of a wedding in Missouri.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in St. Louis (St. Louis County)

For those planning a courthouse wedding in St. Louis, you’ll go to the St. Louis County Courthouse. The marriage license fee in St. Louis is $48, which can be paid by cash or credit card

St. Louis also offers free wedding ceremonies at the courthouse. After obtaining your marriage license, you can have your ceremony performed at no additional charge.

Professional photography for your St. Louis courthouse wedding will average between $500 and $3,000 depending on the photographer and package you select. So a courthouse wedding in St. Louis will cost between $48 and around $3,050 total. The cost savings compared to the typical $22,000 Missouri wedding cost are substantial.

Courthouse Wedding Cost in Springfield (Greene County)

Couples interested in a courthouse wedding in Springfield will visit the Springfield Municipal Court in Greene County. The marriage license fee in Springfield is $51, or you can obtain the license plus a certified copy for $60.

Judges at the Springfield Municipal Court provide wedding ceremonies free of charge by appointment. To schedule your ceremony, you can call (417) 864-1890 to arrange a time with one of the judges.

As with the other Missouri cities, hiring a professional photographer for your Springfield courthouse wedding will likely cost between $500 and $3,000 depending on your preferences. So the full cost of a courthouse wedding in Springfield ranges from the $51 license fee to around $3,060 with photography services. Again, this provides a much more affordable option than a traditional wedding in Missouri averaging $22,000.

Missouri Courthouse Wedding Photographer Price

If you want to have photographs taken at your Missouri courthouse wedding, it’s important to keep in mind that not all wedding photographers offer courthouse wedding packages. When contacting photographers, you’ll need to specifically verify that they are willing to photograph a courthouse wedding.

Courthouse wedding photography prices in Missouri typically range between $500 on the low end up to over $3,000 for more extensive coverage. To find a photographer that suits your budget and style, it’s best to get quotes from several different photographers in your area before making a decision.

Missouri Courthouse Wedding Packages

Some courthouses in Missouri offer full wedding packages that bundle together the marriage license, ceremony, and photography into a single convenient package. Going with a courthouse wedding package is often the simplest way to take care of all the details for your courthouse wedding.

However, courthouse wedding packages in Missouri do tend to cost more compared to arranging the license, ceremony and photography separately on your own. If you’re on a tight budget, booking a courthouse wedding package may not be the most cost-effective option.

Final Thoughts

Getting married at the courthouse is a fantastic way to tie the knot in Missouri without the huge expense of a traditional wedding. For couples looking to save money, a courthouse wedding is hard to beat. With total costs ranging from under $50 up to around $3,000 including photography, a courthouse wedding in Missouri cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield is a smart financial choice.

In addition to the substantial cost savings, courthouse weddings also offer a quicker and easier planning process compared to a big wedding. For many couples, the cost of a courthouse wedding is quite appealing. If you’re considering a courthouse wedding in Missouri, the information above covers everything you need to know about the process and how to estimate your total costs. With a little planning, you can have a beautiful, meaningful and affordable wedding day at your local Missouri courthouse.