How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at the Courthouse?
The complete guide to courthouse weddings, elopement costs, church ceremony fees, and how to make a small wedding unforgettable. Updated with 2026 state-by-state pricing.
Getting married does not have to cost tens of thousands of dollars. A courthouse wedding is the most affordable way to legally tie the knot. The official fees (license plus a courthouse ceremony) run from about $30 in Colorado, where you can marry yourselves, to $177 for a license and ceremony in Las Vegas (more in states with pricey licenses like Washington), and most couples spend $50 to $500 once they add small extras like flowers or certified copies (our estimate). For couples who want something more personal, elopements offer a romantic alternative at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding.
This guide covers every option: courthouse ceremonies with state-by-state pricing, elopement costs for every style, church ceremony fees, and practical tips for making any small ceremony feel special. Whether you are eloping to save money, avoid the stress of a big wedding, or simply prefer an intimate moment, this resource gives you the real numbers you need. For couples planning a larger celebration later, the free tools at Pix Wedding can help with everything from budget allocation to planning checklists.
Courthouse Wedding Costs by State
Marriage license and ceremony fees for the most popular states
A courthouse wedding involves two costs: the marriage license fee and the ceremony fee. The license fee is set by state or county law and is non-negotiable. The ceremony fee covers the judge or officiant who performs the legal ceremony. Some courthouses include the ceremony in the license fee, while others charge separately.
New York City: a $35 license plus a $25 ceremony at the City Clerk covers the full legal cost of a city hall wedding.
NYC Office of the City Clerk fees ->Chicago: a $60 Cook County license plus a $10 fee for a judge to marry you at the Marriage and Civil Union Court.
Circuit Court of Cook County ->Las Vegas: a $102 Clark County license plus $75 for a ceremony at the county Office of Civil Marriages.
Clark County Clerk fee schedule ->| State | License Fee | Courthouse Ceremony | Waiting Period | Good to Know | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $91 public, $85 confidential (LA County) | $35 (LA County), plus $20 if the county provides your witness | None | Each county sets its own fee, so check yours. LA County figures shown. Confidential licenses do not require a witness. No blood test required. | LA County fees, LA County ceremonies |
| New York | $35 (New York City) | $25 (NYC City Clerk) | 24 hours | Fees shown are the New York City Clerk figures. Towns and cities elsewhere in the state set their own amounts, so check with the local clerk. License valid for 60 days. | NYC City Clerk fees |
| Texas | $76 (Tarrant County), $16 with Twogether in Texas | Set by the judge or justice of the peace, ask ahead | 72 hours | The 72-hour wait is waived with a Twogether in Texas or premarital counseling certificate, for active-duty military, or with a district judge waiver. Couples who cannot prove Texas residency pay an extra $100. License valid for 90 days. | Tarrant County Clerk |
| Florida | $86 ($61 with course) | $30 (Miami-Dade Clerk) | 3 days (FL residents) | No waiting period for out-of-state couples. A four-hour course from a registered provider cuts the fee to $61 and waives the wait. The ceremony must take place within 60 days of issuance. | Miami-Dade Clerk |
| Illinois | $60 (Cook County) | $10 (Cook County Marriage Court) | 1 day | Cook County judges perform ceremonies at the Marriage and Civil Union Court in Chicago: walk-in Tuesday through Friday, Saturday mornings by appointment, and by Zoom on Mondays. Some suburban Cook County courthouses take the $10 fee in cash only. Get your license at least one day before. License valid for 60 days. Other Illinois counties set their own fees. | Cook County Clerk, Circuit Court of Cook County |
| Georgia | Varies by county (Paulding $56, or $16 with counseling) | Varies by probate court | None | Paulding County needs at least six hours of premarital counseling for the $16 rate and does not accept checks. No blood test. Ask your probate court whether it performs same-day ceremonies. | Paulding County |
| Colorado | $30 (Larimer County) | $0 if you self-solemnize | None | Colorado law (C.R.S. 14-2-109) lets couples solemnize their own marriage with no officiant, and witnesses are not required. Use the license within 35 days of issuance. Popular for elopements. | Larimer County Clerk |
| Nevada | $102 (Clark County) | $75 (Clark County Office of Civil Marriages) | None | Las Vegas is the best known wedding destination in the US. Clark County figures shown; other counties set their own fees. Card payments add a processing fee of 2% plus $1.25. No waiting period and no blood test. | Clark County Clerk fees |
| Virginia | $30 to $33 (approximate) | Varies (civil celebrant or officiant) | None | We could not load an official Virginia fee page during our check, so confirm the fee with your circuit court clerk before you go. | No official page fetched, confirm locally |
| Massachusetts | $50 (Boston) | Varies, arrange your own officiant or justice of the peace | 3 days | Each city or town sets its own fee. Skipping the 3-day wait takes a court Marriage Without Delay waiver, which Boston says costs $195. The license expires 60 days after your Registry appointment. | City of Boston Registry |
| Washington | About $159 to $172 (Franklin County $159) | Varies; some district court judges perform ceremonies | 3 days | HB 1498 added $100 to every license from July 27, 2025 (Franklin County went from $59 to $159). The 3-day wait cannot be waived. License valid for 60 days. | Franklin County, HB 1498 |
| Pennsylvania | $60 to $100 (Delaware County $60, Philadelphia $90) | $0 with a self-uniting license ($100 in Philadelphia) | 3 days | Self-uniting marriages (Quaker tradition) are legal, so you can officiate your own ceremony with two witnesses. In Philadelphia the license becomes valid on the third day after you apply and lasts 60 days. | Delaware County, City of Philadelphia |
Sources: fees and waiting periods were checked in September 2026 on the linked county clerk, court, and state pages. Where a state lets each county set its fee, the named county is an example, not a statewide rate.
Pro tip: Call your local county clerk office directly for the most current fees. Prices change periodically, and neighboring counties in the same state can charge different amounts for the identical service. In Pennsylvania, for example, Delaware County charges $60 for a license while Philadelphia next door charges $90. Many offices now accept online applications and let you schedule a ceremony slot the same way you would book a restaurant reservation, which can save you a wasted trip.
Watch: Why More Couples Are Choosing the Courthouse
CBS Los Angeles talks with couples who picked a courthouse ceremony over a big wedding as costs keep going up.
Source: CBS Los Angeles on YouTube, "Couples opt for courthouse ceremonies as wedding costs rise"
What You Need for a Courthouse Wedding
Documents, requirements, and what to expect on the day
Valid government-issued photo ID
Both partners need a current driver license, state ID, or passport. If your name on the ID does not match your birth certificate, bring documentation of the name change.
Social Security numbers
Required in most states for the marriage license application. You do not always need the physical card, just the number.
Birth certificate or proof of age
Some states and counties ask for this, so check your clerk's document list. A certified copy is preferred over a photocopy.
Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
If either partner was previously married, you must provide proof that the prior marriage was legally dissolved. Some states have a waiting period after a divorce before you can remarry.
Witnesses (1 to 2 adults)
Most states require 1 to 2 witnesses over the age of 18. Some courthouses can provide witnesses from their staff if you do not bring your own. Check in advance.
Marriage license fee (cash or card)
Many offices accept credit cards, but not every fee does. Some suburban Cook County courthouses, for example, take the $10 ceremony fee in cash only. Bring both forms of payment to be safe.
Appointment confirmation (if required)
Many courthouses require advance appointments for ceremonies, especially in busy urban areas. Walk-in ceremonies are available in some locations but can involve long waits.
Elopement Costs: 3 Levels
From simple to adventurous, with full cost breakdowns
These three budgets are illustrative Pix Wedding estimates built from typical vendor ranges, not survey data. The price range on each card is the sum of its low and high line items. The license line uses the official fee range from the state table above.
Local Elopement
$500 to about $2,400A local elopement means getting married in your hometown or nearby area with just the two of you (plus witnesses if required) and perhaps a photographer. This is the most affordable elopement option and still allows you to celebrate at a meaningful local spot: a favorite park, rooftop, or scenic overlook.
Cost Breakdown
Destination Elopement
About $1,900 to $7,700A destination elopement takes you somewhere special: a beach in Hawaii, a vineyard in Napa, a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, or a lakeside retreat. The total cost depends heavily on travel distance, accommodation, and whether you hire a local photographer or bring one with you. Many popular elopement destinations have all-in-one packages that simplify planning.
Cost Breakdown
Adventure Elopement
About $3,100 to $9,900Adventure elopements involve getting married in a dramatic outdoor location: a mountain summit, glacier, waterfall, desert canyon, or remote forest. These require a specialized adventure elopement photographer who can hike with you for 4 to 8 hours and capture the entire experience. The premium cost comes from the photographer expertise, permits for national parks or protected lands, and sometimes helicopter or boat access.
Cost Breakdown
Church and Religious Ceremony Costs
What to expect for different denominations
Church ceremony fees are separate from the marriage license and from any reception costs. Most religious institutions charge a facility fee that covers the building, cleaning, and sometimes an organist or coordinator. Being a member or parishioner of the congregation typically qualifies you for lower rates, and non-members often pay more. The ranges below are rough illustrative estimates, since every congregation sets its own fees.
Catholic Church
$200 to $2,000Typically requires being a registered parishioner and completing Pre-Cana marriage preparation (4 to 6 months). Fees cover the church, organist, and often a coordinator. Non-parishioners pay significantly more.
Protestant Church
$200 to $1,500Varies widely by denomination and congregation size. Small community churches may charge nothing or ask for a donation. Large churches with event staff charge $500 to $1,500.
Jewish Synagogue
$300 to $2,000Member rates are substantially lower. Non-member couples may need to pay for the rabbi officiant separately ($500 to $1,000) plus the venue fee.
Non-denominational Chapel
$500 to $3,000These operate more like traditional venues. Prices include the space and sometimes an officiant. Popular in destination wedding locations like Las Vegas and Gatlinburg.
Outdoor Church Ceremony
$100 to $500Some churches have outdoor ceremony spaces or gardens. These are typically less expensive than indoor ceremonies and do not require the same level of church-specific preparation.
Registry Office Weddings (UK and International)
Equivalent of courthouse weddings outside the US
In the United Kingdom and many other countries, the equivalent of a courthouse wedding is a registry office wedding. These civil ceremonies are performed by a registrar in a local council building. Costs in England and Wales are structured in tiers.
England and Wales
A registrar costs 62 GBP at a register office, or 114.50 GBP at a registered religious building, according to GOV.UK (checked September 2026). Each partner also pays a notice fee, and you must give notice at least 29 days before the ceremony. Approved venues such as hotels set their own, higher prices.
Scotland
Scotland has its own marriage law and its own statutory fees, set through National Records of Scotland. Each partner pays a notice fee and a civil ceremony carries its own fee, with councils charging more for weekends or other venues. Notice has to go in weeks ahead of the date, so check with your local registrar early.
Australia
Under the Marriage Act 1961, you lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage at least 1 month and no more than 18 months before the wedding. Registry ceremony and certificate fees are set by each state or territory registry, so check your local Births, Deaths and Marriages office.
Courthouse vs Elopement vs Traditional Wedding
Side-by-side comparison to help you decide
| Category | Courthouse | Elopement | Traditional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cost | $100 to $500 | $500 to $10,000 | $15,000 to $50,000+ |
| Guest count | 0 to 10 | 0 to 20 | 50 to 300+ |
| Planning time | 1 to 2 weeks | 1 to 3 months | 8 to 18 months |
| Stress level | Very low | Low | High |
| Photo quality | Variable (phone photos) | High (hired photographer) | High (hired photographer) |
| Celebration factor | Intimate | Romantic and adventurous | Big party atmosphere |
| Family inclusion | Minimal | Optional | Full |
| Personalization | Limited | Very high | High |
The ranges in this table are illustrative Pix Wedding estimates, not survey results. For a benchmark, The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study puts the average US wedding at $34,200.
How to Make a Small Ceremony Special
10 affordable ways to elevate a courthouse or elopement
Write personal vows
Even a 5-minute courthouse ceremony becomes deeply personal when you share your own words. Use the free AI Wedding Vow Generator on Pix Wedding for inspiration and structure. Keep it 1 to 2 minutes per person. Try it free.
Hire a photographer for 1 to 2 hours
A professional capturing your courthouse moment costs $200 to $800 and gives you images you will treasure forever. Many photographers offer mini-session packages specifically for elopements and courthouse ceremonies.
Dress up, even just a little
You do not need a full wedding gown or tuxedo. A white sundress, a sharp suit, or even matching outfits make the day feel intentional and photographable.
Exchange meaningful rings
The rings are the one element that stays with you daily after the wedding. Invest in rings you love, even if the ceremony is simple. Budget $500 to $2,000 for the pair.
Bring a small bouquet or boutonniere
A single handful of flowers ($30 to $100 from a local florist or grocery store) adds color and ceremony to your photos. Choose flowers with personal meaning.
Plan a special celebration dinner
Book your favorite restaurant or a place you have always wanted to try. This is your wedding dinner. Make a reservation, order the best thing on the menu, and toast with champagne.
Set up QR photo sharing for your intimate group
Even with just 5 to 10 guests, QR code photo sharing through Pix Wedding lets everyone contribute their candid photos to one private album. Every angle and moment captured, no coordination needed.
Read a poem or meaningful passage
If the officiant allows it, include a short reading that is meaningful to your relationship. It could be a passage from a favorite book, a song lyric, or a letter you wrote to each other.
Create a time capsule
Write letters to each other, seal them in an envelope, and agree to open them on your 5th or 10th anniversary. Include photos from the day, your vows, and a note about what you are feeling in the moment.
Announce it with a celebration later
Many couples who elope at a courthouse host a casual celebration party weeks or months later. This separates the legal ceremony from the social celebration and removes the pressure of combining both on one day.
5 Questions to Decide Between Courthouse, Elopement, and Traditional
Work through these in order, each answer narrows your best option
Most couples researching courthouse weddings are not simply choosing between "cheap" and "expensive." They are weighing three separate variables: total cost, guest involvement, and family expectations. Answering these five questions in order usually surfaces the right path faster than reading every cost table on this page.
None of these questions have a wrong answer. The couple who spends $250 at a courthouse and the couple who spends $35,000 at a ballroom are both making a rational choice if it matches what they want, not what a wedding blog or a relative expects them to want.
Still torn between two options after working through this list? Book the cheaper, lower-commitment option (usually courthouse) as your legal fallback date, then keep planning the bigger version alongside it. You can always cancel the fallback once the larger wedding is confirmed.
Related Wedding Planning Guides
Whichever path you choose, these guides cover the practical steps that come next, from paperwork to what to say during the ceremony.
First dance
You guys!!
Simple ceremony, unforgettable photos.
Courthouse weddings are intimate and personal. A shared album makes sure those moments - and every guest shot - are never scattered across phones.
From Mom
Scan to join the album
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UPLOADING
Saving your moment
THE ALBUM
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June 21, 2026
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SCAN TO TRY
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your-wedding
Is a Courthouse Wedding Right for You?
Courthouse weddings are ideal for couples who value simplicity, want to save money for other priorities (a house down payment, travel, or a future celebration party), or prefer an intimate moment without the pressure of a large audience. There is no shame in choosing a courthouse ceremony. Local news outlets, including CBS Los Angeles in July 2026, have reported on couples picking courthouse ceremonies as wedding costs rise, and big cities make it easy: Cook County judges marry couples six days a week in Chicago, and Clark County runs its own Office of Civil Marriages in Las Vegas.
For example (an illustrative scenario), imagine a couple in Cook County, Illinois who pays $60 for their marriage license, $10 for the courthouse ceremony fee, and spends $180 on a photographer for 90 minutes outside the courthouse steps. Total: $250. Compared to the $34,200 average wedding in The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study, that leaves plenty left over toward a down payment on a first apartment, plus a backyard party with 40 guests a few weeks later for about $2,200. If you feel pressure to have a big wedding from family or friends but your heart says courthouse, this two-step approach, quiet legal ceremony now, casual celebration later, gives you both outcomes without the $34,000 price tag. Use the Wedding Budget Allocator on Pix Wedding to plan how much to set aside for a post-elopement party.
- •Courthouse weddings cost about $50 to $500 total in most states once small extras are added (our estimate)
- •Elopements offer more personalization for roughly $500 to $10,000 (our estimate)
- •Colorado and Pennsylvania allow self-solemnizing (no officiant required)
- •Many couples follow up a courthouse ceremony with a celebration party later
- •Even a small ceremony deserves great photos, so hire a photographer or set up QR sharing
Courthouse Wedding Day Timeline
A typical courthouse wedding day takes about 2 to 4 hours from start to finish. Arrive at the clerk office 30 to 45 minutes before your appointment to complete paperwork. The ceremony itself usually lasts 5 to 15 minutes. Afterward, take photos outside the courthouse (many have beautiful architecture) and head to a celebration lunch or dinner.
If you have a waiting period in your state, you will need to visit the clerk office twice: once to apply for the license and once for the ceremony after the waiting period ends. Plan accordingly and confirm office hours, as some only perform ceremonies on certain days or at certain times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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A courthouse wedding typically costs $50 to $500 total once small extras are added (our estimate). The official part is the marriage license (about $20 to $172 depending on your state and county) plus a courthouse ceremony fee where one applies: $10 in Cook County, $25 at the New York City Clerk, $30 in Miami-Dade, $35 in Los Angeles County, and $75 in Clark County, Nevada. Colorado allows self-solemnizing, which means you only pay for the $30 license and can legally marry yourselves. The total cost varies by county, so call your local clerk office for exact pricing.
Most states require 1 to 2 witnesses who are at least 18 years old. Some courthouse offices can provide witnesses from their staff if you do not bring your own. Colorado does not require witnesses at all, according to the Larimer County Clerk. Check your specific state and county requirements before your ceremony date.
Based on our illustrative budgets, elopement costs range from about $500 to $10,000 depending on the style. A local elopement with just an officiant and photographer runs about $500 to $2,400. A destination elopement with travel and accommodation runs about $1,900 to $7,700. An adventure elopement in a remote outdoor location with a specialized photographer runs about $3,100 to $9,900. The largest expense is typically the photographer.
As a rough estimate, church ceremony fees range from $200 to $2,000 depending on the denomination, location, and whether you are a member of the congregation. Catholic churches typically charge $200 to $2,000 and require Pre-Cana preparation. Protestant churches range from free (with a donation) to $1,500. Non-denominational chapels charge $500 to $3,000. These fees are separate from the marriage license and any reception costs.
Absolutely. Many couples have a courthouse ceremony followed by a dinner at a nice restaurant, a backyard party, or a full reception at a later date. This approach separates the legal ceremony from the celebration, giving you flexibility on timing and budget. Some couples elope at the courthouse and host a celebration party weeks or even months later.
The ceremony itself is typically 5 to 15 minutes. However, plan for 2 to 4 hours total including arrival, paperwork, waiting time, the ceremony, signing documents, and photos afterward. If you need to apply for your license on the same visit (and your state allows it), add an additional 30 to 60 minutes for the application process.
Yes, most courthouses allow a small number of guests to attend the ceremony itself, usually anywhere from 2 to 10 people depending on the size of the ceremony room. Some busier metro courthouses limit attendance more strictly, so call ahead and ask directly, especially if you are hoping to bring parents or a small group of close friends.