A courthouse wedding, sometimes referred to as a civil ceremony or union, is often preferred for a number of reasons. Generally, a courthouse wedding is faster to plan and simpler than a traditional wedding, and the cost is significantly lower. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the process to plan a courthouse wedding, how to obtain your marriage license, and much more!
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The average American wedding costs around $36,000 in 2025. That includes things like the venue, catering for the ceremony and reception, formal attire, a cake, and a wedding planner. For many couples, it’s easy to go over their budgeted amount, especially as guest lists increase and inflation continues to rise. A courthouse wedding is one way to keep costs manageable while still obtaining the required documentation for immigration processing.
The K-1 visa is a prime example of when a courthouse wedding could be an ideal choice. On a K-1 non-immigrant visa, the foreign fiancé has 90 days from the time they enter the U.S to marry their partner. If the foreign fiancé(e) doesn’t get legally married, they have to return to their home country. Four months is quite a short period of time, let alone planning an entire wedding, so a courthouse marriage for immigration purposes can be a suitable option. There’s nothing stopping couples from planning a larger, more extravagant ceremony later down the line with all their friends and family.
How Does a Courthouse Wedding Work?
A courthouse marriage is non-religious and legally binding. As the name suggests, it takes place in a courthouse or it can be at city hall within the U.S. At the end of the ceremony, you receive a marriage certificate, which is considered an official government document that can later be provided when applying for a marriage green card.
Step 1: Decide Which Courthouse
One of the first decisions to make when planning a courthouse wedding is to decide where to have it. This decision coincides with the preliminary step of obtaining a marriage license.
Step 2: Confirm Marriage License Requirements
Certain counties require a waiting period from the time you get your marriage license to when you get married. Others allow you to do it on the same day. Check with your local country clerk’s office to confirm this detail, as well as the expiry date, to ensure it is later than the actual wedding date.
- Ask for waiting period requirements
- Make sure that your license expiration extends past your wedding date
Step 3: Decide your Preference
Depending on the state, some states may require you to obtain a marriage license in the state where you plan to live after marriage. Most of the time, the local courthouse is the most convenient. However, if you are debating another state, you need to look into that state’s jurisdiction first.
Step 4: Schedule your Appointment
Book your wedding ceremony in advance. Appointment availability can vary depending on your location and demand.
- Reserve your marriage license appointment
- Schedule the wedding ceremony
Step 5: Gather the Documents
Here is a list of some documents you should be prepared to bring. However, depending on the state’s county, these may differ:
- Government-issued photo IDs
- Proof of previous marriages ending
- Birth certificates
- Proof of residency (if applicable)
- Witnesses (if applicable)
Step 6: Pay the Fees
Both the marriage license and courthouse ceremony typically have a fee, and they vary. Confirm the accepted forms of payment in advance to avoid delays.
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Step 7: Preparation for the Wedding Day
The big day has arrived!
Here’s a checklist to make sure everything is prepped on the day of:
- An appointment is typically required by the courthouse (some permit walk-ins)
- Valid Marriage License (paid for and valid)
- Take into consideration the waiting period, if your state requires it, before marriage
- Government-Issued ID for both partners
- Any special details to make the day memorable (photographer, formal attire, champagne toast, etc.)
- Some courthouses require more than one witness to be present during the ceremony. Double-check with your local jurisdiction.
- The ceremony will last roughly 20 minutes, and then, once it’s official, you’ll have your marriage certificate!
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What Do You Need To Get Married at The Courthouse?
To get married at the courthouse, you will need:
- Marriage License
- Government-issued ID (Ex, Driver’s license, passport, certificate of naturalization)
- Required payment for the courthouse ceremony fees
- Witnesses (Depends on the state)
- Appointment confirmation
What If I’ve Been Married Before?
If either you or your partner has been married before, bring the divorce papers.
Again, check your local jurisdiction requirements. In Florida, for example, if either one of the parties is a Florida resident, they must take a four-hour premarital preparation course or wait 3 days before the marriage license is effective. “To receive a waiver of the new three-day waiting period, a premarital preparation course must be completed within one year before obtaining a marriage license, and a valid certificate of completion must be presented to the Clerk’s office. Taking the premarital preparation course also lowers the application fee.”
Green card wait times can be much longer if your application is completed incorrectly or if you choose an application pathway that does not apply to your situation. VisaNation ensures that your application is tailored to the correct application pathway.
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How Much is a Courthouse Wedding?
License fees vary (typically under $100), and sometimes there is a possibility to have it reduced further. In Florida, the marriage license fee is around $86, but it can be lowered if both individuals have taken a premarital class. Check out this article on marriage license costs by state.
Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a simple and affordable way to make your marriage official. It’s ideal for couples who don’t want a big wedding and want a smaller, private ceremony. You can always celebrate the wedding later, but a courthouse marriage ensures that your marriage is legally recognized.
Courthouse Wedding Frequently Asked Questions
Who presides over a courthouse wedding?
A judge or county clerk officiates the ceremony.
Do you need rings to get married at the courthouse?
No, it is not required to have rings when you get married at the courthouse. Many couples like to exchange rings at the courthouse, however, it is not required.
Does a courthouse wedding qualify for a marriage-based green card?
Yes, this is a great way to obtain an official document of your marriage for immigration purposes including obtaining lawful U.S. residency.
What's the difference between a marriage certificate and a marriage license?
The marriage license is what you obtain prior to the ceremony and the marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony at the courthouse.
Can I get married if my marriage license is expired?
No, it must be valid. Schedule your ceremony so it takes place before your marriage license expires.
Can I record or bring a photographer to my courthouse wedding?
This will depend on the courthouse and their rules - inquire with them.
Is there a dress code for my courthouse wedding?
You can dress as formally or informally as you'd like. However, some immigration lawyers recommend staying on the formal side so the wedding photos reflect you're taking it seriously.
Are proxy marriages considered valid by the U.S. government?
A proxy marriage is when a third party stands in the place of the bride or groom. The only time this is recognized is if the couple consummates the marriage afterward.
Will my marriage from my home country be recognized in the United States?
If your marriage in your home country was recognized under the law in that place, then it should be valid for U.S. immigration purposes. Exclusions may be made if one spouse was underage, married to another person at the time, or closely related by blood. The State Department's Reciprocity Tables provide information on the availability of marriage certificates by country. If the table shows that marriage records are available in the country where your marriage took place, then you will be required to submit those documents as evidence to USCIS. Information is also available in the reciprocity tables about whether religious ceremonies are recognized. In the event that your marriage is not recognized, you may need to have another marriage ceremony in the U.S. Get started with VisaNation and learn more about marriage-based green cards!