Courthouse wedding FAQs
How much does a courthouse wedding cost in total? Add two fees: the marriage license (everywhere) and the ceremony fee (only where the courthouse performs the ceremony — many don’t). Across the counties we have verified, licenses most often run between $25 and $100; ceremony fees, where published, are usually far smaller than the license fee. Your county page has the exact figures.
What’s the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate? The license is permission to marry, obtained before the ceremony. The certificate is the proof afterwards — the signed, recorded document. Budget for certified copies of the certificate separately; clerks charge per copy.
Can we get married the same day we get the license? Only where there is no waiting period or the wait is waived. Many states impose 24 hours to 3 days between license and ceremony. Your county page states the rule.
Do we both have to be there to apply? Usually yes for the license application, though some states allow one party with notarised documents from the other. The county page records what the clerk publishes.
Do we need witnesses? State rules range from none to two, and some courthouses provide them. Check your county page — it states the number as the clerk publishes it.
Can we marry in a different county from where we live? In most states a license from any county is valid statewide, and some states require marrying in the issuing county. Residency rules are on the state guide pages.
What ID do we need? A government photo ID is the near-universal baseline; some counties ask for more (birth certificates, divorce decrees from prior marriages). Bring what your county page lists — it is generated from the clerk’s published requirements.
Who performs the ceremony? Where courthouse ceremonies are offered, a judge, clerk, or court commissioner officiates. Many counties issue licenses only — the state guide pages note which model your state follows.
Do we need to book ahead? Popular courthouses book out weeks ahead, especially Fridays. If your county takes appointments, book the ceremony as soon as you have a date.
What if a fee or rule in your directory is wrong? Use the Corrections page. Every report is re-checked against the county’s official source.