How Much is It to Get Married at the Courthouse?
A courthouse wedding is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to tie the knot in the United States. Rather than spending months planning and allocating a five-figure budget, all you need is a marriage license, an officiant and a short appointment at the county clerk's office. For some couples, this is the entire celebration. For others, it is the first step in the process before holding a larger celebration or a destination wedding abroad. Either way, knowing the real costs in advance will help you plan a special day without financial stress.
This guide breaks down what you will actually pay, from license and ceremony fees to the small extras that are easy to overlook. You will find real fees from major US cities, tips on how to reduce the cost of your marriage license and an honest overview of the expenses involved in a full courthouse day, including photos, outfits and a celebratory meal. As every county sets its own fees, you should always confirm the latest prices with your local clerk before you go.
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How Much Is It to Get Married at the Courthouse?
It usually costs between $60 and $250 in government fees, which cover the marriage license and the civil ceremony. In most counties, the license costs between $30 and $115, while the ceremony fee can be anything from free to around $100. Couples who add rings, outfits, a bouquet, a short photo session and a meal for their witnesses will typically spend between $500 and $1,500 in total. This is a tiny fraction of the cost of a traditional celebration: The Knot reports that the average cost of a wedding for couples who married in 2025 was $34,000. The exact amount depends on your state and county, as well as how you choose to celebrate.
It helps to think about the cost in three levels. The legal minimum covers only the license and ceremony, which is ideal for couples who want a quick, private wedding with one or two witnesses. A courthouse day adds the details that make it feel like a celebration, such as a new outfit, flowers, rings, an hour of photography and a meal afterward. The third level involves a courthouse ceremony followed by a small party for 30 to 50 guests and usually costs $9,000 to $15,000 once you factor in the venue, catering and photography.
Fees also vary more than many couples anticipate. Large cities tend to charge more and require appointments, whereas smaller county offices may still offer low-cost ceremonies at short notice. Some states reduce the license fee for couples who complete a premarital course, which can cut the legal cost almost in half. Guest numbers matter most once you move beyond the courthouse itself, as The Knot estimates that couples spend around $292 per guest on a traditional wedding. The easiest way to keep the total cost low is to keep the guest list small.
What Is Included in the Cost of a Courthouse Wedding?
It consists of three main elements: the marriage license, the ceremony fee and a few additional administrative charges. As each county sets its own prices, two couples in the same state may pay very different amounts. Payment methods also vary; some offices only accept cards, while others only accept cash or money orders. The sections below explain each part of the bill.
Marriage License Fees
The marriage license is the main legal cost that every couple must pay, regardless of where the ceremony takes place. Fees range from around $30 in states such as Colorado to over $100 in certain counties. Many states also impose a waiting period of 24 to 72 hours between receiving the license and holding the ceremony. Licenses are only valid for a limited time, often 30 to 90 days, so apply close to your chosen date. Both partners usually need to appear in person with valid photo identification, although some counties now offer online applications.
Ceremony Fees
The ceremony fee covers the cost of the judge, clerk or other official who conducts the wedding at the courthouse. While some offices charge as little as $10, busy wedding destinations such as Las Vegas charge around $75. In many places, you must book an appointment in advance, and popular dates tend to get booked up quickly. Most offices also require one or two witnesses aged 18 or over. If you do not have your own, some counties can provide one for a small fee; for example, Los Angeles County charges $20.
Certified Copies and Other Small Fees
After the ceremony, you will need certified copies of your marriage certificate in order to change your name or update official records. These usually cost between $10 and $30 each, and many couples order two or three copies. Some offices also add card processing fees, parking costs or charges for a souvenir certificate. If you plan to change your name, you can obtain a new Social Security card free of charge, but updating your passport may require a renewal fee. Adding these small costs to your budget in advance will prevent any surprises on the day.
Courthouse Wedding Costs in Major US Cities
Fees range from approximately $60 in New York City to around $180 in Las Vegas. As big-city clerk offices are often the busiest, booking early is just as important as budgeting. The table below compares the official license and ceremony fees in several popular locations.
| City or county | Marriage license | Ceremony fee | Total government fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $35 | $25 | About $60 |
| Cook County (Chicago), IL | $60 | $10 | About $70 |
| Los Angeles County, CA | $91 (public) or $85 (confidential) | $35 | About $120-126 |
| Miami-Dade County, FL | 86(61 with a premarital course) | $30 | About $91-116 |
| Clark County (Las Vegas), NV | $102 | $75 | About $177 |
Fees outside big cities are often lower, and some smaller courthouses still offer ceremonies for little or no extra cost. Bear in mind that fees change regularly, and many offices only accept certain payment methods. In New York City, for instance, the ceremony must take place at least 24 hours after the license is issued, whereas in Clark County, the ceremony fee must be paid by card. Smaller offices may also only offer ceremonies on certain weekdays, so check the schedule before setting a date.
How to Save on a Marriage License
The easiest way to save money on a courthouse wedding is to complete a state-approved premarital course before applying. Several states offer couples who complete these courses a lower license fee, a shorter waiting period or both. These courses can often be completed online in a few hours and cost far less than the discount itself. Here are some notable examples:
- Texas: an eight-hour course removes the $60 state portion of the fee and waives the 72-hour waiting period.
- Florida: a four-hour course reduces the fee by approximately $25 to $32.50, depending on the county, and waives the three-day waiting period for residents.
- Oklahoma: at least four hours of premarital counseling lowers the fee from $50 to $5.
- Tennessee: a course of at least four hours waives $60 of the license fee.
- Minnesota: 12 hours of premarital education reduces the fee from $115 to $40.
- Georgia and Maryland: both states offer reduced fees for qualifying courses, with the amounts set by law or by each county.
Before signing up, check that the course provider is approved in your state and that the certificate will be valid on your application date.
Extra Costs to Consider
A courthouse wedding can cost very little beyond the fees, but most couples choose to add a few personal touches to make the day memorable. The biggest optional expenses are usually photography, outfits and a celebratory meal. A professional photographer for a one-hour session at the courthouse often costs a few hundred dollars, but the images you receive will be treasured for years to come. Many couples also opt for a new outfit, rings, a small bouquet and boutonnière, and hair and makeup styling. Another popular addition is lunch or dinner with family and witnesses afterward.
Some couples opt to hold a larger celebration at a later date, such as a backyard party, a restaurant dinner or a symbolic ceremony abroad. This approach spreads the cost over time and keeps the legal step simple. However, if you plan a small celebration for 30 to 50 guests, expect costs to rise quickly, as catering and venue hire are usually charged per person. Setting a clear budget for each additional item will help you decide where to spend and where to save.
Tips for Planning a Courthouse Wedding
The key to a smooth day is to book early, bring the right documents and check local rules. Each county operates differently, so a quick phone call or visit to the clerk's website could save you hours on the day itself. Follow these tips to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Check whether the courthouse requires an appointment and book it as early as possible.
- Confirm the waiting period and how long the license remains valid.
- Bring valid photo ID and, if applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates from previous marriages.
- Ask how many guests are allowed in the ceremony room.
- Check what payment methods are accepted, as some offices only accept cards or cash.
- Arrange your witnesses in advance or ask whether the office can provide one.
- Book a photographer who is familiar with the courthouse and its photography rules.
Once these details are taken care of, you can focus on enjoying the ceremony itself rather than worrying about the paperwork. Looking for more ideas to make your courthouse wedding feel personal? Explore Wezoree for elopement ideas, budget tips and real wedding stories. You can also find photographers who specialize in intimate ceremonies there.
FAQ
How much does a courthouse wedding cost?
You can expect to pay between $60 and $250 in government fees for the marriage license and ceremony. When you factor in rings, outfits, photos and a meal, most couples spend between $500 and $1,500. The exact cost depends on your state and county.
How much does a marriage license cost?
It usually costs between $30 and $115, depending on the state and county. Some counties charge more for a public license than a confidential one. Several states offer discounts for couples who complete a premarital course.
Do you need an appointment to get married at the courthouse?
Most courthouses require an appointment for the ceremony, particularly in large cities. Some smaller offices still accept walk-ins on certain days. Always check the clerk's website before you go.
Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?
Most states require one or two witnesses aged 18 or over. Some offices can provide a witness for a small fee if you are unable to bring your own. However, a few states, such as Colorado, do not require witnesses at all.
How long does a courthouse wedding take?
The ceremony itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. With check-in, paperwork and photos, most couples spend around an hour at the courthouse. On busy days, such as Valentine's Day, you may have to wait longer.
