Conforming to anti-formal anxieties, getting married at the courthouse seems very practical and cost-friendly. Everything, however, depends on the place and particular requirements.
We are going to look into the approximate costs for courthouse weddings in this all-inclusive guide so that you have an idea when you are planning your special day
Table of Contents
The Basics of Courthouse Weddings
Many pareja select courthouse weddings when seeking something easy and to the point, most of the time more affordable.
These ceremonies are usually held in any county courthouse building or sometimes in other government buildings, which the state government designates. The sitting judge or another court-appointed official will perform them.
One of the major advantages of a courthouse wedding is convenience. Most couples will have the option to obtain a license to wed and actually get married on the very same day.
This would not require months of planning or a big wedding party, which is reason enough to choose a courthouse wedding when a couple wants to get married quickly or cheaply.
Costs Associated with Courthouse Weddings
The cost of getting married at the courthouse can vary dramatically depending on county or state location, as well as the needs of that particular area. There are, however, some common expenses a couple will encounter.
Marriage License Fees
The first, and perhaps of the greatest importance, is the cost of the marriage license. This is usually required for one to legally obtain a license to get married.
This could be as low as $40 in some states or over $100 in others. One should call the local courthouse or check with the county clerk’s office for the correct fee.
Ceremony Fees
Some courthouses, in addition to the cost of a marriage license, will also have a higher fee for performing the actual wedding ceremony.
These can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars depending on where you live and your level of service.
Some courts will provide only a very plain, simple ceremony in exchange for just a nominal fee and others may have more elaborate services available, like a private room or having a judge there, for a higher fee.
Other Expenses
Additional courthouse wedding costs will have to be incurred depending on individual needs and choices.
For example, some couples may want a professional photographer to capture the moment and hence an added cost to the price of the occasion.
If you want to have more papers or documents, such as a certified copy of the marriage certificate, an extra charge will be incurred.
Things to Consider
When it comes to planning a courthouse wedding, some of the main factors that are sure to have the greatest impact on cost include:
Location: Prices can fluctuate sharply depending on your location. For example, courthouses in larger cities and more affluent areas might charge a higher fee than those in smaller, more rural communities.
Timing: This includes the time of the year or even the day of the week. Some courthouses have special deals on weekdays or even off-season weddings.
Additional Facilities: Any added luxury you require for your wedding, such as getting married in a private room or the presence of a judge there, will further raise its cost.
Residency Requirements: Some states or counties require residency in the area to obtain a marriage license. This could impact the total cost or procedure even more.
Conclusion
Getting married in the courthouse could be the most realistic and budgetary way available to many couples.
While the exact cost may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and other variables, typical costs would include the license fee, ceremony fees, and other costs regarding additional services or documents.