Congratulations, you’re getting married! If you are looking to avoid the high costs and complexities of a traditional wedding, a courthouse wedding—also known as a civil wedding, civil union, or civil ceremony – can be a perfect choice.
A courthouse wedding is different from a religious ceremony, which is typically led by a religious official and involves various rituals and traditions. Instead, a courthouse wedding is a non-religious event conducted by a legal official, such as a judge or court clerk. This type of wedding creates an official record of your marriage, resulting in a marriage certificate.
One of the greatest advantages of a courthouse wedding is that it does not prevent you from having a larger, more traditional celebration later. Many couples choose a simple courthouse ceremony to meet the legal requirements, especially for immigration purposes. Once the legalities are taken care of, you can plan a bigger religious wedding with friends and family later. This approach allows you to handle the necessary paperwork first and still enjoy a grand celebration when the time is right.
Benefits of Courthouse Weddings for Immigration
Cost Saving
- Affordable: Courthouse weddings are significantly cheaper than traditional weddings which can cost around $33,000.
- Low Fees: You only need to pay for the marriage license and ceremony, typically under $100.
- Financial Relief: Savings can be allocated towards visa application fees, legal fees, and travel costs.
Fast Track
- Quick Setup: Obtain a marriage license in a matter of days and schedule the ceremony soon after.
- Fast Ceremonies: Ideal for meeting immigration deadlines, such as the 90-day window for K-1 fiancé(e) visa holders.
- Rush: Courthouse weddings are quicker to plan and execute, catering to urgent immigration timelines.
Less Paperwork
- Official Document: A certified marriage certificate simplifies proof of a good faith marriage.
- Easy Process: Recognized by immigration authorities, reducing the effort needed to gather documents for visa applications and status adjustments.
- Minimal Documents: Less paperwork is required for immigration applications.
To ensure all necessary documents and items are prepared, it is important to have a courthouse wedding checklist.
Courthouse Wedding Requirements
Required Documents
- ID: Valid government issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
- Proof of Legal Presence: Valid visa, green card, or employment authorization document.
- Divorce/Death Certificates: Proof of previous marriage termination if applicable.
State Specific Requirements
- Florida’s Premarital Course: In Florida, residents must either take a 4-hour premarital preparation course or wait three days before the marriage license becomes effective. Completing the course within a year of getting the marriage license can waive the waiting period and reduce the fee from $86 to $61.
- Note: Other states may have different requirements, so check with your local county clerk’s office.
Waiting Periods and Expiration Dates
- Jurisdiction Specific: Waiting periods range from a few days to several weeks. For instance, Florida has a 3-day waiting period unless a premarital preparation course is taken.
- Expiration Dates: Marriage licenses expire within 30 to 90 days. Schedule the ceremony before expiration.
Age Requirements
- Legal Age: 18 to 21 without parental consent.
- Parental Consent: Required for couples under legal age in some states.
Witness Requirements
- Number of Witnesses: One or two depending on the jurisdiction.
- Legal Age: Witnesses must be of legal age and provide ID if required.
Important! All parties must consent to the marriage and be mentally capable of understanding they are getting married.
How to Get Married at the Courthouse
Step 1: Choose Your Location
- Local vs. Destination: Decide if you want to get married in your hometown, another city, or at a city hall. Research local regulations and requirements for marriage licenses and ceremonies.
- Special Meaning: Choose a location that holds special meaning to your relationship, such as where you met or fell in love. It can also be the first stop on your honeymoon.
Step 2: Check Marriage License Requirements
- Research Requirements: Each city/county has different requirements. Some states have a waiting period between obtaining your marriage license and the ceremony.
- Expiration Dates: Ensure the marriage license’s expiration date is after your wedding date.
Step 3: Apply for the Marriage License
- Visit Courthouse: Apply at the local courthouse or county clerk’s office.
- Bring Documents: Valid ID, proof of legal presence, divorce/death certificates (if applicable).
- Pay Fees: Marriage license fees vary by jurisdiction, usually under $100. In some states, the fee can be reduced if you take a premarital preparation course.
- Payment Forms: Some city halls only accept specific payment forms like credit cards or money orders. Check this ahead of time.
Step 4: Get All Your Ducks in a Row
- Documents: Assemble a packet with your marriage license, identification forms, and payment for the ceremony. A valid passport is acceptable even if you do not have lawful immigration status in the US.
- Witnesses: Ensure you have the required number of witnesses, usually one or two.
- Essentials: Verify accepted payment forms and bring necessary paperwork to the courthouse.
Step 5: Choose Your Wedding Date and Plan for It
- Make an Appointment: Depending on the city or county, you may be able to make an appointment for your ceremony in advance. Some courthouses allow walk-ins, but making an appointment ensures your preferred date.
- Plan Your Day: Consider outfits, guest lists, and personal touches to make the day special. Whether you prefer traditional wedding attire or something more casual, the key is to feel good in what you wear.
- Photography: Check if photos or videos are allowed during the ceremony.
- Legal Stuff: Understand all the legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Some places may require specific forms of documentation or waiting periods before you can get married.
Step 6: Show Up and Get Married!
Be Here: Be present in the moment. A courthouse wedding ceremony usually takes 20 minutes.
Sign the Certificate: You and your spouse will sign the marriage certificate, making your marriage official.Post-Ceremony: Plan a celebration that suits your style, whether dinner, a small gathering, or big party.
Courthouse Wedding Details (Ceremony Outline)
- Introduction: The officiant will welcome you, your partner, and any guests.
- Declaration of Intent: The officiant will ask each of you to confirm your intention to marry.
- Vows: Choose from traditional vows, write your own, or opt for none.
- Ring Exchange: Optional but common.
- Declaration of Marriage: The officiant will pronounce you married
- Sign the Marriage License: Sign in front of witnesses (if required) and the officiant.
- Conclusion: The officiant may offer congratulations or a reading.
Will a Small Courthouse Wedding Hurt My Green Card Chances?
A small courthouse wedding will not harm your green card chances. However, there are key points to consider to make your application as strong as possible.
Key Points
- Genuine Relationship: USCIS is concerned with the authenticity of your marriage. A small wedding is fine as long as it is clear your marriage is genuine and not just for immigration benefits.
- Special and Respectful Ceremony: Make the ceremony special and respectful to show the seriousness of your commitment. Dress nicely and avoid casual clothes like T-shirts and jeans.
- Invite Family and Friends: If possible, invite close family members and friends. This adds meaning to the event and provides additional witnesses to your relationship.
- Document the Day: Take lots of photos and videos of the ceremony and any post-wedding celebrations. These can be useful evidence when you submit your green card application.
Bona Fide Marriage Evidence
- Joint Documents: Collect joint leases, mortgages, bank accounts, and tax returns.
- Photos and Affidavits: Provide photos from various life events and affidavits from friends and family about your relationship.
- Daily Life Evidence: Show you’re building or have built a life together, such as living together, having kids, and sharing responsibilities.
Prepare for the Interview
- Study the Questions: Look up the most common questions and prepare your answers.
- Watch Out for Traps: Be aware of common interview pitfalls and ensure your answers demonstrate your relationship’s genuineness.
Who Can Get Married?
- Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent. Minors can get married with parental consent and in some states, a court order.
- Prohibited Marriages: Marriages between close relatives such as siblings, half-siblings, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews are not allowed. Some states also prohibit marriages between first cousins and certain step-relatives.
Do States Require Blood Tests?
Most states no longer require blood tests before marriage. As of 2022, New York is the only state that requires a blood test for certain ethnic groups to screen for sickle cell anemia.
Why Do We Need a Marriage License?
- Legal Verification: A marriage license verifies your identity and makes sure you meet the age and other state requirements for marriage.
- Official Record: It initiates the process of documenting and recording your marriage with the authorities.
- Legal Requirement: In most states, a marriage license is required to get married. Some states fine anyone who performs a wedding without one.
What are the waiting periods between obtaining a marriage license and holding the ceremony?
Waiting periods vary between states and can range from one to several days. They are intended to prevent impromptu weddings and give couples time to prepare for marriage.
How can I obtain a certified copy of my marriage certificate if I have lost the original?
You can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate by contacting the office where you obtained your marriage license. Alternatively, you can request a copy from the State Office of Vital Records. The National Center for Health Statistics provides state-specific information on how to request a copy.
State Marriage License and Requirements Comparison
Accessing State-by-State Links for Marriage License Requirements
To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the state-by-state links provided below for specific marriage license requirements and related details:
- Alabama:Marriage Certificates
- Alaska:Marriage Licenses and Applications
- Arizona:Marriage Licenses
- Arkansas:Marriage License InfoSheet
- California:Marriage License: General Information
- Colorado:Apply for a Marriage or Civil Union License
- Connecticut:Marriage in Connecticut
- Delaware:Applying for a Marriage License
- District of Columbia:Marriage Matters
- Florida:Marriage License
- Georgia:Apply for a Marriage License
- Hawaii:About Marriage Licenses
- Idaho:Getting a Marriage License
- Illinois:Marriage Licenses
- Indiana:Apply for a Marriage License
- Iowa:Vital Records
- Kansas:Apply for Marriage License
- Kentucky:Marriage and Divorce Certificates
- Louisiana:Apply for Marriage License
- Maine:Getting Married in Maine
- Maryland:Marriage | Maryland Courts
- Massachusetts:Marriage and Divorce (https://www.mass.gov/)
- Michigan:Marriage License Application
- Minnesota:Minnesota Marriage License Application
- Mississippi:Marriage License
- Missouri:Marriage and Divorce
- Montana:Marriage – Common Law Marriage – Getting Married
- Nebraska:Marriage License Information – Nebraska
- Nevada:Marriage License Requirements
- New Hampshire:Marriage Licenses
- New Jersey:Entering into a Marriage or Civil Union in New Jersey
- New Mexico:Marriage Licenses
- New York:Getting Married in New York State
- North Carolina:Marriage
- North Dakota:Marriage Licenses
- Ohio:Marriage Licenses
- Oklahoma:Marriage Licenses
- Oregon:Marriage in Oregon
- Pennsylvania:Marriage Licenses
- Rhode Island:Marriage Licenses
- South Carolina:Marriage License Division
- South Dakota:Marriage License Requirements
- Tennessee:Online Application for Marriage License
- Texas:Marriage Licenses
- Utah: Marriage certificate
- Vermont:Marriage License FAQs
- Virginia:Marriage License Pre-Application
- Washington:Marriage License
- West Virginia:County Clerk
- Wisconsin:How to Apply for a Marriage License
- Wyoming:Marriage Licenses
Get Expert Immigration Support
Courthouse weddings offer a unique charm and intimacy that many couples find irresistible. They are straightforward, personal, and budget-friendly, making them ideal for those who prefer a simple, low-key celebration over a grand affair.
By recognizing the key differences between courthouse and traditional weddings, focusing on what matters most, adding your personal touches, and planning meaningful post-ceremony celebrations, you can create a memorable event that beautifully tells your love story.
At Herman Legal Group, we are dedicated to supporting you with all your immigration needs. Let us make your journey smoother and more straightforward. Reach out to us today at +1-216-696-6170 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and explore how we can assist you.
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