Did you know that in 2022, the average wedding cost $30,000? For many couples, this amount is hard to stomach.
Do you think there are better ways to spend your money, but want to tie the knot with your sweetheart still? Then you might be considering a city hall wedding. Not only is it significantly cheaper, but it’ll take less time to plan and get through too.
That doesn’t mean you can just turn up unprepared though. Keep reading for a quick guide on getting married at the courthouse.
Choose the Actual Courthouse
There’s a common misconception that you need to get married at your local courthouse. But the truth is, you can pick any you wish!
Perhaps you started dating in another city, or maybe you just like the look of another city hall better. Whatever the reason, you might want to get married outside of your city, and that’s ok!
Check the Marriage License Requirements
Different city halls will have varying marriage license requirements, so do your research before committing to a courthouse.
If you’re in a rush to tie the knot, then it’s worth it to pick a city hall that has no required waiting periods. You’ll be able to get the marriage license and even get married on the same day! Otherwise, some will make you wait anywhere between 30 to 90 days to get from a marriage license to the actual marriage.
Do note that there are expiration dates too. So ensure your scheduled wedding date isn’t later than that.
Apply for a Marriage License
Once you’re set on the courthouse, apply for your marriage license. While every place will have its own requirements, you’ll generally need a government-issued ID.
Also, if you or your significant other’s been married before, you’ll need to present your divorce papers.
Prepare for the Big Day
Once you’ve paid for your marriage license, you can either pick it up or have it mailed to your house. Bring that with you on your wedding day, as well as the government-issued IDs and other required paperwork.
You’ll also need to get a witness or two for your civil ceremony (the exact number depends on the location). You can spend a little money and make it fun for them by getting dusty rose bridesmaid dresses for your witnesses!
You can also ask them to be your photographers during your wedding ceremony. That way, you’ll have wedding photos to look back on.
Choose a day that works for everyone and schedule it with the courthouse. It’s true that some allow walk-ins, but it’s best to schedule your marriage ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Getting Married at the Courthouse Is Simple
Getting married at the courthouse is an easy way to solidify the relationship between you and your loved one. It’s perfect for those who don’t want something extravagant but still desire a special and intimate day.
Now that you know what you need to do to get married at the city hall, it should be smooth sailing from here on out. All that’s left is to propose to your SO!
Read the rest of our blog page for more helpful tips on marriage.
