free planning tool
Plan the paperwork and courthouse ceremony
Find the county rules that shape your timeline. Use the planner to see when to get your license, what to bring, and whether you need witnesses or an officiant.
Texas marriage licenses cannot be used for 72 hours and expire 90 days after issue.
Texas Family CodePhiladelphia offers a self-uniting license, so a couple can officiate their own ceremony.
City of PhiladelphiaIn New York City, any person 18 or older can apply to officiate one wedding day.
NYC City ClerkState guide
Marriage licenses and courthouse weddings by state
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Why it matters
Less guessing, fewer courthouse surprises
A simple wedding still has moving parts. The hard part is usually not the ceremony. It is lining up the license timing, office rules, and required signatures.
People often find the official answer only after opening a stack of county pages, PDFs, and statutes. We bring the basics together so you can see what matters first.
That helps whether you are planning months ahead, trying to marry on one trip, or figuring out if a courthouse ceremony fits your budget and timeline.
Guides
Plain answers, sourced
How to get married at the courthouse
Learn how to get married at the courthouse: license steps, ceremony booking, fees, witnesses, and how to check local county rules.
Read →What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
A practical checklist for marriage license appointments: what ID, payment, prior marriage papers, and extra details to bring before you go.
Read →Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates explained: how long licenses last, when you can marry, and how to avoid common timing mistakes.
Read →Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?
Witness rules for courthouse weddings vary by state and county. Learn when you need 0, 1, or 2 witnesses and how to check before you book.
Read →Deputy for a day: letting a friend officiate your civil wedding
Can a friend legally officiate your civil wedding? Learn where one-day appointments exist, how they work, and what to verify before you apply.
Read →How much does a courthouse wedding cost?
Courthouse wedding costs usually include the marriage license, ceremony, witnesses, and copies. Learn typical fees and what can raise the total.
Read →Featured partners