How Much Does it Cost to Have a Courthouse Wedding? Experts Tell All
If you've found yourself asking, "How much does it cost to have a courthouse wedding," you've landed on the right page. From the officiant to the rings and photographer, there are several factors that play a role in pricing. Of course, a courthouse wedding wouldn't be complete without a courthouse. Fortunately, The Knot Vendor Marketplace makes it easy to search for the most beautiful courthouses in the US by using the specialized "city halls" option located just beneath the "more filters" section on the site.
To learn more about the cost of courthouse weddings (and a bit about how to elope), we tapped Carol Guedes, principal planner and creative director at Flying Little Birds, as she has worked with several couples to plan a courthouse wedding from her NYC-based wedding planning and design studio.
In this article:
- How Much Does It Cost to Have a Courthouse Wedding?
- Courthouse Wedding Cost Factors
- How to Determine Your Local Courthouse Wedding Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Courthouse Wedding?
When it comes to the overall courthouse wedding costs, you can expect to pay less than you would for a larger-scale wedding. "Eloping in a courthouse or anywhere in NYC has become a great alternative for couples looking to avoid the stress and the level of investment that often comes with planning a big wedding," Guedes explains. On the low end, you should expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for a courthouse wedding. However, additions such as expensive attire, skilled wedding photographers and external officiants may drive up the cost.
Courthouse Wedding Cost Factors
How much is it to get married at a courthouse? When it comes to the cost of courthouse weddings, there are several factors to keep in mind when creating and allocating your wedding budget.
Marriage License
There won't be any tying of the knot without a marriage license. That said, prioritizing the wedding budget for the marriage license cost is imperative. The cost of a marriage license varies by state, but typically shouldn't be accompanied by a price tag of more than $100. "The cost of the marriage license in New York City is $35, payable via credit card or money order," Guedes says. Make sure to take note of the period of validity of your marriage license (this varies by state) because not only will you have to wait to say "I do" until you get another one, but you will also have to pay again—and nobody wants that.
Venue
Although most courthouse venues don't charge a fee for the venue itself, per se, they might charge for a ceremony option (if offered). "For example, the courthouse in NYC offers a quick and efficient ceremony option at a $25 fee," Guedes says. However, the ceremony fee (if offered) varies by courthouse.
Officiant
If external officiants are permitted (and you and your partner would like to have one present), that is going to cost you. The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study has discovered that the average cost for a wedding officiant is $250. That said, you may be able to find an officiant (using The Knot Vendor Marketplace) for less money (or potentially a higher cost depending on their skill level and any travel fees).
Rings
Rings can be a factor that greatly adds to your courthouse wedding cost depending on how much you and your partner want to spend. Wedding rings have an average cost of $1,000 (according to our 2023 Jewelry and Engagement Study). However, wedding rings can cost more or less depending on the size and materials.
Wedding Attire
The type of clothing you decide to wear when tying the knot will influence the cost of your courthouse wedding. "Finding the perfect attire or wedding dress can range anywhere from $200 to $8,000, depending on your style and designer," Guedes explains. If you want to keep your attire expenses on the lower end, we recommend shopping at a local reputable retailer that offers a selection that is both attractive to the eye and wallet.
Hiring a Photographer
If the courthouse where you plan on tying the knot permits photography and/or wedding photographers, we'd recommend hiring a wedding photographer specializing in courthouse weddings to capture your special moment. "From our experience, we see couples opting to bring a photographer along who can also serve as their witness if needed," Guedes says. "Most photographers charge for their services on an hourly basis, and their prices range according to their level of experience and the service offered."
Morgan Archer, Fort Worth courthouse and wedding photographer, adds that you should expect to spend within the $800 to $1,500 range (on average) on courthouse wedding photography costs. Don't know where to start when it comes to finding a wedding photographer for your special day? The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great tool to utilize to search for wedding photographers in your area or marrying location. The platform allows you to filter by location, budget and other factors to show results of photographers that will best match your needs.
Post Ceremony Dinner
If you're planning a micro-wedding, ensure the venue for your post-ceremony dinner is not too large. However, if you plan on having a larger post-ceremony dinner, it is important to note that this may add some extra dollars to your overall courthouse wedding cost. Some courthouses, especially larger ones such as the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, can accommodate celebrations of up to 150 guests. With the increased guest count will come an increased price. The type of cuisine and meal style offered will also dictate its price. Generally, buffets tend to be more cost-effective whereas plated dinners tend to be more costly.
How to Determine Your Local Courthouse Wedding Costs
To gather pricing information for a wedding at your local courthouse, you can start by checking the website of your local clerk. Many clerk websites often contain the information needed to start the process of planning a courthouse wedding (including pricing information). If you don't find all of the pricing information you're looking for, you can send an email or make a phone call. As a last resort, you can visit your local clerk's office or courthouse in person to inquire about any pricing information that you are unable to locate otherwise. Just make sure to make note of any public visiting hours or if appointments are required.