This guide was created to help you prepare for your upcoming courthouse wedding and elopement.
Austin Elopement, Micro & courthouse wedding guide
YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED! Such an exciting and emotional time planning a wedding. Here is a guide that will hopefully help with any questions you might have while preparing for your Elopement, Intimate Micro Wedding or Courthouse Ceremony.
In recent years, elopements, micro wedding and courthouse ceremonies have become increasingly popular among couples looking for a simple and intimate way to exchange vows. While elopements or courthouse weddings may be more low-key compared to traditional weddings, they hold an incredible amount of significance and should be documented to cherish those cherished memories forever. Hiring a professional photographer for your micro wedding or elopement is a decision that will ensure you have beautiful and lasting mementos of your special day.
My husband and I actually had a very small intimate wedding as well. We were married in an office building in Houston for less than $200 and It was everything and more importantly I still have beautiful images to look back on and for my kids and future grandkids to cherish!
Congratulations!
If you are booking at a Courthouse you will need decide which judge and location you would like your ceremony to take place at. Travis County has a beautiful courthouse in precinct 5 on Guadalupe Street. Another great option is downtown in Georgetown, you can rent out the historic Williamson County Courthouse for a small fee. This next one is going to be a little further but the Caldwell County Courthouse is truly magical. No matter which location you choose there will always be a beautiful spot for images onsite or nearby.
Select the Judge and location
With any wedding, big or small, you will need a marriage license. You can get the application and all the information needed to apply for your license from your county clerks office. Be sure to ask them for all the documents you and your partner need for proof of identity. You are both required to be present at the courthouse. They do offer a few exceptions to this rule.
An important thing to not overlook is your marriage license is only valid for 90 days, if it expires you will need to apply for a new one. You also you can not get married till 72 hours after obtaining your marriage license. So make sure you schedule your wedding date accordingly.
Marriage License
first things first..
Austin Travis county charges $81 for your license fee, however if you take the Twogether Program you can save $60 by providing a copy of your completion certificate.
Williamson County charges $72 for their marriage License fee.
Courthouse Marriage License Fee
You will need someone to either perform your ceremony or sign your marriage license, most people opt to use a judge at the courthouse. However if you are planning to have a micro wedding or elopement in different location you can hire any officiant you choose, just make sure they are authorized by the county to sign your license. It is free for anyone to become ordained in Texas and can be done online.
Fees for a judge or other officiant can vary but I would estimate at least another $150 depending on location, day and time.
The Ceremony
Your signed marriage license needs to be submitted back to the county with in 30 days. You will receive your marriage license back in the mail after they have recorded and filed your marriage. If you get married at the courthouse, the judge typically handles this for you.
After the Ceremony
Do We Need Witnesses? No you do not.
Can we have guests? Absolutely, most court rooms seat at least 20 people, however I do recommend you confirm this with your location official.
How long does ceremony take? Usually your courthouse wedding ceremony is done in about 20 mins. This leaves a perfect amount time after to capture photos as newly weds with yours truly. See more information on my services below.
Can we say our own vows? Most definitely, however it is not required and your judge will have vows for you and your partner to exchange.
FAQ about Elopements, Micro Weddings & Courthouse Ceremony
Williamson County Courthouse Wedding
Caldwell County Courthouse Wedding
Travis County Courthouse Wedding
Another popular and beautiful option a lot of my couples choose for their wedding day location is Chapel Dulcinea, located in Austin Texas. They offer free options for wedding ceremonies during limited times and days of the week and for popular times their starting rate is incredibly affordable. Such an amazing place with spectacular views of the hill country that won’t nickel and dime you!
Looking for something besides a courthouse
Reasons to Hire
A Photographer
High-Quality Photography: While smartphones and digital cameras have improved significantly, nothing beats the skill and expertise of a professional photographer. They have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to capture your wedding day in the best possible way.
Attention to Detail: A professional photographer understands that every wedding is unique and pays close attention to the little details that make your courthouse wedding special. These details may seem insignificant in the moment but will hold tremendous sentimental value when looking back at your images.
Expertise in Posing and Direction: A professional photographer provides guidance and expertise to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. They guide you every step of the way, resulting in natural and authentic photographs that showcase your love and happiness.
A Different Perspective: A photographer can capture unique angles, candid moments, and the interactions between you and your partner, as well as your loved ones. These candid shots often become the most cherished, as they beautifully capture the raw emotions and genuine happiness of the day.
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I offer several packages for Courthouse Weddings, Elopements or Micro Weddings in the Austin area.. Opting for a courthouse wedding doesn't mean you have to forgo the cherished tradition of capturing beautiful memories through professional photographs.
Your wedding day, regardless of the location, is a milestone event in your life. Having a professional photographer present will ensure that every heartfelt moment, from exchanging vows to the first kiss, is captured in stunning detail. These photographs will become treasured memories that you can look back on with joy and share with loved ones for years to come.
Sharing and Celebration: Hiring a photographer for your courthouse wedding allows you to share the joyous occasion with family and friends who may not have been able to attend.
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Austin Elopement & Micro Wedding Photographer
Travis County Austin Courthouse Elopement Wedding
Austin Courthouse Micro Wedding Photographer
I almost always get a few ring shots during a wedding and engagement session. I suggest getting your ring cleaned or cleaning it yourself at home (which is so easy to do). Get a bowl of warm water, add a little dish soap and let your ring sit for about 20-30 mins. Then brush with a soft toothbrush and rinse.
Clean the rings
If theres any advice I can give it would be to wear your dress or fancy suit and bring the bouquet. Just because you aren't having a large wedding and spending thousands of dollars doesn't mean you should skip on all the traditional details. I promise you that your outfits and the flowers make the world of difference for your images regardless if you are hiring a professional photographer or taking photos yourself. You deserve to feel and look special, this IS one of the most special moments in your life.
Wear the dress & bring the bouquet
Your special day doesn't have to end after your ceremony and photo session. Send invitations to family and friends to meet at a restaurant, host an intimate reception at your home or you could even rent a small studio if you desired. Because even though your wedding may not be "big", this is still a BIG day to celebrate and you can achieve that feeling in a way that fits your budget, style and vision!
your day doesn't have to end
If you decided to hire me as your photographer, thank you for trusting me with these very important memories. My goal is to provide all of my clients with timeless images they will cherish for generations to come regardless of the type of session they book.
On the day of your wedding we will meet at the scheduled location. I am there to capture your wedding ceremony as well as additional images either before or after the ceremony. If your wedding ceremony is at a Courthouse, it will most likely has a beautiful space right outside their doors or even on their front steps for us to use for the remaining of your session. Theres also an option depending on the length of time you scheduled for your session for us to drive to another location as well and finish capturing your wedding day photos there. I am here to accomplish the vision you have for your wedding day and will accommodate this goal as much as I can. We should have gone over the plan for your day during booking but if for some reason you would like to make changes please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss.
wedding day session
what to expect
