If you want to get married without all the hassle, cost, and complications of an actual wedding, then a courthouse wedding is your solution. A courthouse wedding is legal and easy, and a civil wedding or civil ceremony. But that’s much cheaper and more informal, but you still have to plan it. So to make it as easy as possible for you, below is an in-depth walkthrough of the experience.
What You Need To Know About Courthouse Weddings.
A courthouse wedding is a nonreligious marriage ceremony conducted by an official of the law (judge, clerk of court, or other licensed minister). There’s no fussy ceremony or religious ceremonies, unlike the wedding — only the actual ceremony of marriage.
Even so, a courthouse wedding is still a legally registered marriage and therefore as legally binding as any wedding. And, if you are going to get a marriage visa or an immigration green card, then the courthouse wedding is ideal. That is because it makes a record of your marriage (a marriage certificate).
Here Are Few Important Things About the Marriage Certificate
You’ll be issued a marriage certificate when you get married in a courthouse. This is a legal document as it will establish that you and your spouse are officially married. Here’s a little something you should know:
- You need a marriage certificate to prove you were legally married to be a legal US citizen like applying for a green card or visa).
- Your marriage certificate is issued by a government agency, usually your county clerk’s office.
- Marriage license: You and your partner will have to file for marriage before the wedding. Think of it as the marriage proposal.
- The two spouses then sign the license and the celebrant returns it to the county. After the county records it, you’ll get your marriage certificate.
How to Prepare For Your Courthouse Wedding
And with that out of the way, let’s run through how to organize your courthouse wedding. Voici les principales dispositions:
1. Check Local Requirements
There may be a state, county, or even city that does not have courthouse wedding laws. Where you might need to book the wedding ahead of time and where you can walk on the same day. Consult your county courthouse to see what you need. Check if there are waiting times, fees, or any forms you need to submit.
2. Obtain Your Marriage License
You and your partner will need to obtain a marriage license from your local county clerk’s office before your ceremony. You will need some form of ID (passports, driver’s licenses, maybe residency). A marriage license usually has a cost and is for a limited time (30 days to 1 year). You’ll also likely be waiting several days before the license goes through so get organized.
3. Choose the Date and Time
After you have your marriage certificate, you will have to pick a courthouse date and time. There may be specific times that some courthouses will allow you to marry, and others that are less strict. Courtrooms can get full so if you are getting married in the busy season, book your ceremony as soon as possible.
4. Bring the Required Documents
When it comes to your wedding day, take all the papers along like your marriage license, your ID, and the fees. And you’ll have to bring a witness (if you have one) — many courts will let you bring a friend or relative to the ceremony to stand in for you. Check to see if there are any limitations at the courthouse regarding witnesses such as age or identification.
5. Plan the Ceremony
Courthouse weddings are short and sweet. You will follow the officiant through the ceremony and you will give each other vows and rings, if you like. These weddings are normally very quick, but they’re still meaningful and memorable. If you’d like to you can customize the ceremony with your own vows or short speech, but this isn’t necessary. You could even decide to add a short reading or a song.
6. Sign the Marriage License
You and your partner sign the license at the end of the ceremony, and the priest registers it with the county. This makes your marriage legal in force. After all that, your marriage certificate will be sent out by the county.
7. Celebrate Your Marriage
When you are finished with your ceremony, you might want to throw a small reception, dinner o, or a little party for family and friends. Although a courthouse wedding is more private and less formal, some couples have a bigger party afterward.
Advice for a Smooth Courthouse Wedding
For those of you who want insider advice on organizing your courthouse wedding:
Don’t Forget to Plan:
Courthouse weddings are easier, but even so, things should be thought of ahead of time. Check the requirements and fees of the courthouse and get your paperwork ready.
Think about Who You Want to Invite:
Courthouses are not the type of place where big parties go, so don’t overwhelm them with a big guest list. But you can still have your closest friends and family come to see your ceremony.
Wear What You Feel Like:
Another plus of a courthouse wedding is that there are no formalities and no mandates for you. You can go with whatever suits you — a fancy wedding dress or a simple dress. Don’t forget to be happy with what you wear.
Be Unique:
Even if it’s a short ceremony, you can still personalize it by having vows written on it, giving a special gift o,r infusing the ceremony with some cultural rituals.
Print Some Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate:
Following the wedding ceremony, order several certified copies of your marriage certificate. You might require them for a name change, visa, or other official reasons.
Courthouse weddings are a cheap, easy, and legally binding way to get married to your partner. If you do not want the hassles of an elaborate wedding or require a legal marriage certificate for immigration, then a courthouse wedding is for you. Just remember to plan and know what your local courthouse needs, and make sure you have your papers.
With these simple instructions and guidelines, you can experience a meaningful and stress-free ceremony where you begin your life as a married couple. And if you are seeking a marriage-based visa or green card, then a courthouse wedding is a great way to make sure your marriage is legally registered.
