How does a courthouse wedding work?

No religion, you will just say the I do's. It's very boring actually. Not like a real wedding but totally legal.

No religion, you will just say the I do's. It's very boring actually. Not like a real wedding but totally legal.

In a Courthouse wedding, you are required to say "vows". There are certain particular words (or vows/promises) that are required to be repeated in every marriage ceremony. (Do you, Joe, take Jane to be your lawfully wedded wife" .... "in sickness and in health", etc.). That sort of thing.

If you are married at the Courthouse, it won't be a "religious" ceremony in the way you are probably thinking of a "religious" ceremony. It will be completely secular, and it will be conducted by a Judge or a Justice of the Peace who is an official of the Court. But it will still be a legal ceremony and, at its conclusion, you will be just as much married as you would in a religious ceremony.

In a courthouse wedding you can dress any way you like You could wear a long white dress and carry a bridal bouquet, or you could wear a pair of blue jeans.

If you want a "religious" ceremony with all the "religious" overtones, then you will have to arrange for an ordained minister to marry you somewhere other than in the Courthouse. An ordained minister can conduct a religious ceremony anywhere you want to hold it - in your back yard; on top of the Empire State Building, or sitting in a tree. He just can't conduct a religious-type ceremony (blessings, prayers to a specific God, Bible passages, etc.) in a public Courthouse.

You can use the judge there or hire an officiant of any religious affiliation. You would need to meet with the judge to discuss his program.

No religion, you will just say the I do's. It's very boring actually. Not like a real wedding but totally legal.

It's not much different thansigning a contract, or taking out a permit to build a garage.

You need a couple of witnesses, but often the personnel in the office can do that.

Each location has different rules, and you wouldn't be allowed more than a couple of witnesses as guests.

It's also not romantic- not processional, no clergy, just say this, and sign here.

It's for when you need to get it over with, not when you want a memorable wedding.

Be careful, it's the source of a lot of regrets, and you don't get a do-over in a church.

You're either married or you're not.

No, it's not religious.

Vows are typically required.

Call and ask if you are confused about the rules.

In the US, it depends on where you live.

The state I live in does not have courthouse weddings.

Other states, just larger cities have courthouse weddings.

Other states, have courthouse weddings any where in the state.

Your best bet is to google courthouse weddings where you want to get married.

Get the information

It depends on where you live (most jurisdictions don't have a religious component- it's a simple exchange of vows and getting your marriage licence signed off on). If you want a religious ceremony you should probably look at a venue beyond a courthouse.

You might want to ask your local courthouse if they perform weddings at all. Not all do. If they do, no, it's not religious. Very short and to the point, a verbal affirmation from each of you that you are entering the marriage by choice.