steps to getting married at the courthouse
4 Steps to Getting Married at the Courthouse
Getting married is a beautiful event in one's life, but if you are planning a short and sweet ceremony without any wedding hassles and just a few of your loved ones around, then a courthouse wedding is just right for you. This Buzzle article gives you a step-by-step guide on how to get married at the courthouse.
Quick Check!
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Plan a mid-week wedding and schedule it early during the day, as Mondays and Fridays are the busiest after 3 pm.
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Check if your city or county has online forms and documents to download, it saves time by printing and filling out forms before heading to the office.
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Check the respective city and county laws, as some require a time period between getting the license and conducting the wedding ceremony.
Legal Process of a Courthouse Wedding
Step 1: Get a Marriage License
There are two major ways to obtain a marriage license. Firstly, you can visit the county Probate court from Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 4.00 pm for the form. Or secondly, visit your county website and go to Probate, then click on Marriage License, download, and fill the online pdf form. A point to remember though that according to legislation passed on July 1, 2003, marriage licenses issued after this date do not require the couple to undergo a blood test.
Step 2: Pay the Fees
Each state charges a fee for the license and the courthouse ceremony. This fee may vary from state to state. Usually, couples who have completed the mandatory premarital educational program have to pay USD 21.00, and couples who have not undertaken the course have to pay USD 56.00.
Step 3: Gather Documents and Witnesses
These documents are to be carried along with you during the ceremony; Government-issued photo identification, birth certificate, marriage license, and proof of termination of previous marriage only if required. The number and nature of witnesses vary according to the state laws. Some states require one witness, while some demand two. After the ceremony, make sure you sign your marriage license along with the witnesses and the officiant to validate your wedding.
Step 4: Appointment for the Date and Ceremony
Make a prior appointment in the courthouse for the ceremony. Some courthouses even permit walk-in ceremonies. Prior permission will be needed for reciting personal wedding vows and readings during the ceremony.
Perks of a Courthouse Wedding
It provides an intimate setting: With only a few of your chosen loved ones, only thing the couple need to do is look into each other's eyes and say 'I Do' making it really special as if the moment was just about the two.
It doesn't take much time: Gives the couple more time to spend with each other clicking pictures, having a hearty lunch with friends and guests, or reliving memories around the city.
It's budget friendly: Think of the money saved, this can be used for buying a house, redecorating the house or just spending it on a grand honeymoon.
Forget the stress: No pre-wedding jitters, bridesmaid worries, decorative invitations that keep you up all night, seating charts to worry about or stressing over the wedding dress.
All are welcome: No matter which state, city, religion, race, or sexual orientation, no one can be turned down from getting married at the courthouse. Currently, same-sex marriages are performed in: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
A short wedding can be accompanied with a short party, one can organize an intimate lunch for the group of invitees at a beautiful restaurant, or simply have a backyard party. A courthouse wedding is a simple, romantic, and intimate affair that can provide fond memories for a lifetime.