How to get married at the courthouse

To get married at the courthouse, you usually need to do two things: get a marriage license and then have a civil ceremony with a court, clerk, or county office that offers weddings. The exact steps can change a lot by state and county, including where you apply, how long you must wait, whether you need a witness, and whether a friend can officiate, so always check the office that will issue your license or perform your ceremony. (health.ny.gov)

Start with the right office

A "courthouse wedding" is often handled by a county clerk, city clerk, registrar-recorder, or register of wills, not always by a courtroom judge. In New York State, couples apply to a town or city clerk and the license can be used only within New York State. In Philadelphia, the city says a marriage license can be used in any county in Pennsylvania. That is a good reminder that the right office and the right place matter from the start. (health.ny.gov)

A simple way to begin is to find your local rules first, then build your plan around them. If you are still comparing places, start with the site's state-by-state pages. Because rules can differ by state, county, and even license type, confirm the details with the clerk or court office that will issue your license or host your ceremony. (health.ny.gov)

Apply for the marriage license

For many couples, the license appointment is the most important step. New York State says both applicants must apply in person before a clerk. Philadelphia says both applicants must appear in person. Los Angeles County says both parties must be present together to obtain a marriage license. (health.ny.gov)

The office will also tell you what identification to bring. Los Angeles County says photo and age verification are mandatory, and it lists a driver's license or passport as acceptable ID. New York State says applicants must show documentary proof of age, and possible documents include a birth record, passport, driver's license, or a government or school ID with a photo. Philadelphia requires two forms of identification, including a current valid photo ID and proof of a Social Security number or ITIN as the second ID. (lavote.gov)

If either of you was married before, ask what extra papers you need. Los Angeles County says a certified copy of a divorce judgment or dissolution is required if the divorce happened within the last two years. That is a local example, not a nationwide rule, so do not assume your office will ask for the same thing. (lavote.gov)

A good license appointment checklist is:

1. Pick the county or city office that will issue your license.
2. Check whether both of you must appear together.
3. Gather your IDs and any prior-marriage documents.
4. Bring payment in the method the office accepts.
5. Ask about the waiting period, expiration date, and ceremony scheduling.
6. Ask what happens after the ceremony and how to get certified copies.

For a deeper prep list, see What to bring when you apply for a marriage license.

Do not assume you must live in the county where you apply. Los Angeles County says there is no residence or citizenship status requirement to obtain a marriage license there. But where you can use that license is a separate question, and that part can still vary by state. (lavote.gov)

Check the waiting period and expiration date

One of the most common courthouse wedding surprises is learning that you cannot always marry the same day you apply. New York State says the ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the exact time the license was issued unless a judge waives the wait. Philadelphia says its marriage license is valid on the third day after you apply. (health.ny.gov)

Expiration matters just as much. New York State says a marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued, or 180 days if a party is active U.S. military and gives proof at the time of application. Philadelphia says its marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the issue date. If you miss that window, you may need to apply and pay again. (health.ny.gov)

This is why it helps to plan your license and ceremony together instead of treating them as separate errands. Before you pay, ask two questions: "When can we legally marry?" and "What is the last day we can use this license?" For more help, see Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates.

Book the courthouse or clerk's office ceremony

Once the license piece is clear, find out whether your local office actually performs civil ceremonies. Some do, some do not, and the rules can be very different even within the same state. Los Angeles County says all civil ceremonies are by appointment only, must be prepaid, and cannot be scheduled until the couple has a marriage license. It also says ceremonies are scheduled for 15 minutes. (lavote.gov)

Fees vary too. New York City's fee page lists $35 for a marriage license and $25 for a marriage ceremony. Los Angeles County says the ceremony fee is $35. Those numbers are useful examples, but they are not national averages, and your county may charge something very different. (cityclerk.nyc.gov)

When you call or book online, ask practical questions, not just price. Ask whether appointments are required, how many guests are allowed, whether photos are okay, how long the ceremony lasts, and what time you should arrive. If you want a small, simple day with less stress, keep a checklist and use the site's Courthouse wedding planner.

Understand witness rules and officiant options

Witness rules are one of the biggest local differences. New York State says the ceremony must happen in the presence of the officiant and at least one other witness. Los Angeles County says its express ceremonies require one witness at the marriage license window when the couple is using a public marriage license, but a confidential marriage license does not require a witness. If the couple does not have a witness, Los Angeles County says it can provide one for a $20 fee. (health.ny.gov)

That means there is no one-size-fits-all answer to "Do we need witnesses?" The answer can change by state and, in California, even by the kind of marriage license you choose. For more on that topic, read Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?.

If you want a friend or family member to officiate, ask early whether your state or county allows a one-day authorization. New York City says that, beginning March 28, 2023, a person age 18 or older can get a One-Day Marriage Officiant License, and the fee is $25. The city says the one-day license is valid only for the named couple, and the application can be submitted only after the couple has obtained the marriage license. (cityclerk.nyc.gov)

Los Angeles County has a similar but different option called the Deputy Commissioner for a Day program. The county says the fee is $75, the application should be mailed two months before the ceremony, and applications submitted less than one month before the ceremony must include a $13 expediting fee. The county also says this program is valid in California, not in another state. If this is the route you want, start early and read the local instructions closely. For the bigger picture, see Deputy for a day: letting a friend officiate your civil wedding. (lavote.gov)

Get ready for the wedding day

A courthouse or clerk's office wedding is usually simple, but simple still needs a plan. Bring the marriage license if your office tells you to, bring the same IDs you used for the application unless the office says otherwise, bring your witness if one is required, and arrive early enough to get through building security or check-in.

It also helps to keep your expectations realistic. Many civil ceremonies are brief. Los Angeles County schedules its ceremonies for 15 minutes, which gives you a good idea of how streamlined the process can be. If you want to invite guests, wear something special, or take photos inside the building, ask before the wedding day instead of guessing. (lavote.gov)

After the ceremony

You are not fully done when the ceremony ends. The completed marriage paperwork still has to be returned and recorded. New York State says the officiant must return the original license to the town or city clerk where it was purchased. Philadelphia says that with a regular marriage license, the officiant must return the signed license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days. New York City's one-day officiant materials say the completed license, with the one-day officiant license attached, must be returned within five days after the ceremony. (health.ny.gov)

After that, ask how to get certified copies of the marriage record. You may need them for a name change, benefits, insurance, banking, or updating your ID. The steps after the wedding matter just as much as the ceremony itself, so it helps to read After the wedding: certified copies and changing your name before the big day.

Frequently asked questions

Can we get married the same day we apply for the license?

Maybe, but not everywhere. New York State has a 24-hour waiting period unless it is waived by a judge. Philadelphia says its licenses are valid on the third day after you apply. Your local office may have a different rule, so check before you book the ceremony. (health.ny.gov)

Do we need a witness for a courthouse wedding?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. New York State requires at least one witness. Los Angeles County says a public-license express ceremony needs one witness, while a confidential marriage license does not require one. Los Angeles County also says it can provide a witness for $20 if you do not bring one. (health.ny.gov)

Can a friend or family member officiate our civil wedding?

In some places, yes. New York City says a One-Day Marriage Officiant License is available for someone age 18 or older, costs $25, and is valid only for the named couple. Los Angeles County says its Deputy Commissioner for a Day program allows a person to be deputized to perform a wedding ceremony, but that authority is valid only in California. (cityclerk.nyc.gov)

What if we want the simplest possible courthouse wedding?

The easiest path is usually to choose the office first, confirm the license rules, ask about the waiting period, and then book the ceremony only after you know your license dates. Keep it simple: bring the right ID, pay the correct fees, line up a witness if needed, and double-check what happens after the ceremony so your marriage record gets returned and recorded on time. (health.ny.gov)