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How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Cost in Texas?
The three main costs associated with a courthouse wedding in Texas are:
| Marriage License | $60 – $181 |
| Marriage Ceremony | $100 |
| Photographer (optional) | $500 – $3,000+ |
The marriage license fee in Texas varies by county, ranging from $60 to $181. Technically, obtaining a marriage license is the only legal requirement to be married in Texas. The cost of the actual courthouse wedding ceremony is additional and also varies by location, but is typically around $100. Hiring a photographer is optional but will add $500 to $3000 or more to capture the special day.
Marriage License Cost in Texas
A marriage license is required before a legal wedding can take place in Texas. The cost of a marriage license varies across counties in Texas, ranging from $60 to $181 if no identification is presented.
While the marriage license itself is the only real requirement to be legally wed, most couples opt to have an official ceremony performed after obtaining the license.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in Houston (Harris County)
The Harris County Civil Courthouse in Houston offers civil marriage ceremonies for a fee of $100, in addition to the cost of the marriage license which is $81 ($181 if no ID is presented). Hiring a photographer in Houston for the courthouse wedding will cost an additional $500 – $3000 on average.
In total, a couple can expect to pay in the range of $181 to $3281 for a full courthouse wedding in Houston, making it one of the most expensive places for a courthouse wedding in Texas.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in Dallas (Dallas County)
The Dallas County Records Building offers civil wedding ceremonies for $100. Dallas County charges $60 for a marriage license, one of the lower license fees in the state. A photographer will add an additional $500 to $3000 to the cost.
A couple can plan to budget between $160 to $3160 total for a courthouse wedding in Dallas. The facility can comfortably seat up to 60 guests.
Courthouse Wedding Cost in Austin (Travis County)
The Travis County Clerk’s Office in Austin charges $80 for a marriage license, however the fee is reduced to $20 if a premarital counseling has been completed by the couple. The civil ceremony fee varies by the judge performing the ceremony.
Photography will add $500 to $3000 or more. In total, a courthouse wedding in Austin will run between $160 to $3100 before the ceremony fee, making it less expensive than Houston but possibly more than Dallas depending on the judge’s fee.
Texas Courthouse Wedding Photographer Price
When looking to hire a photographer for a courthouse wedding in Texas, it’s important to confirm that they are willing to shoot at the courthouse, as not all wedding photographers offer this service. Quotes can vary significantly, but expect to pay between $500 on the very low end up to $3000 or more for an experienced courthouse wedding photographer in Texas. Comparing prices from multiple photographers can help find one that fits within your particular budget.
Texas Courthouse Wedding Packages
Some courthouses in Texas offer all-inclusive wedding packages that bundle the cost of the marriage license, civil ceremony, and sometimes even photography into one price. While convenient, courthouse wedding packages in Texas are usually more expensive than arranging each element separately. However, for couples willing to pay a bit extra for the simplicity of a package, it can be the easiest way to plan a courthouse wedding.
Final Thoughts
With marriage license fees ranging from $60 to $181, ceremony costs around $100, and optional photography adding $500 to $3000 or more, the average couple can expect to pay between $140 to $381 for a basic courthouse wedding in Texas before adding photography.
While the cost of a courthouse wedding is significantly less expensive than a traditional wedding, costs can still add up. The main benefit is a simpler, more intimate ceremony without the planning and cost of a large wedding. For those seeking an affordable yet still meaningful way to officially tie the knot, a courthouse wedding in Houston, Dallas, Austin or elsewhere in Texas is a smart option to consider.
