Fort Worth Courthouse Wedding Guide: Planning Tips, Packages, & Photos
by Courthouse Wedding Photographer, Morgan Archer
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How to Get Married at the Courthouse
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Email: hello@morganarcher.com
Text/Call: (713) 822-3902
I'm ear-to-ear that you're here.
Before you hop into this short, answer-packed guide, you need to hear it from me:
Courthouse weddings are smaller, more intimate, and more budget-friendly than a big bash, yes...
But there's a misconception that you have to scale back to the bare minimum when going this route.
I'm not of that belief and in this guide, I invite you to entertain the idea that maybe you can make a big deal about your small wedding.
1. get your marriage license
Grab your lover and go in person (or online) to get your marriage license.
This license is valid for 90 days so plan your ceremony date accordingly.
Visit the Tarrant County Courthouse's wedding page to apply for a license.
1.
2. schedule an appointment
When getting married at the Tarrant County Courthouse, you'll need to set an appointment for your marriage ceremony. They only take appointments M-F, 8am-4:30p.
Take a look at your calendar, check in with your photographer, and pick your favorite date!
Call the Tarrant County Courthouse to set your date. (817) 884-1111
Don't forget, you'll need to bring $100 (cash only) for your ceremony on the day of.
2.
3. book photo, makeup, and flowers.
I'm a photographer who lives just 20 minutes from the Tarrant County Courthouse and I help couples step out of the box when it comes to courthouse weddings.
I also have a florist and makeup artist on deck that you're more than welcome to use, but of course if you have your eyes on someone specific, I support it!
3.
The planning checklist is short, thank god
The specific process below is for Tarrant County Courthouse (Fort Worth, TX) but while it may be similar, the process may be different at each courthouse.
Courthouse Wedding Photo Gallery
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Courthouse Wedding Photography Packages
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Just want photos of the essential moments at the courthouse? This simple package is just that.
Couples Photos................45m
Check-In & Wait...............20m
Ceremony........................15m
Family Photos..................20m
Friday............................$950
Mon-Thurs.....................$850
Package 1
Going somewhere after the courthouse to celebrate and want photos of it? This one's your best fit!
Couples Photos................45m
Check-In & Wait...............20m
Ceremony........................15m
Family Photos..................20m
2nd Location...................60m
Package Price................$1600
Package 2
Skip the hassle of finding your own florist and hair and makeup artist - I have recommendations I will send you.
Bridal Hair.............................
Bridal Makeup........................
Bouquet................................
Average Spend for Additional Vendors..........................$635
**With this, hair and makeup will come to you and florals will meet us at the courthouse.
Other Vendors
Photography packages for those who find these small moments worth documenting.
Don't get me wrong, the photos are gonna be amazing, but my packages go beyond just photos. In the planning phase, I help couples find the sweet-spot for celebration - chill in all the right places, but appropriately celebrating this big deal of getting married!
Tattoos after?
Dinner & cake with family?
Bar hop for free drinks?
I'll be there, camera in hand 📸
My packages below reflect pricing for Fort Worth & Dallas courthouse weddings. Not in DFW? Don't be shy! I fly all over✈️
Let's chat about your courthouse wedding!
Can you get married at the Fort Worth courthouse?
You can! Judge Swearingin (yes, that's his real name!) performs marriage ceremonies every day at the Tarrant County Courthouse.
As a historical landmark in Fort Worth, it's also the most beautiful courthouse in DFW.
Do I need to have a marriage license?
Yes! You'll both need to appear in person (or schedule an online appointment) to apply for your marriage license.
After it's issued to you, you'll schedule your wedding ceremony within the next 4-89 days.
**You do NOT need a license to schedule your ceremony appointment date.
Do I have to set an appointment?
Yes - the courthouse holds marriage ceremonies during the week (M-F, 8:30am-4pm). Once you have your license, you can call to schedule your ceremony!
On the day of, you'll check in 30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time.
Is family allowed to be there?
You're allowed up to 14 guests at the Tarrant County Courthouse.
FAQ
Do I need to pick a "witness?"
You do NOT need to bring a witness to your courthouse ceremony at Tarrant County Courthouse.
So if you want it just you two, that's perfect!
Can I have a photographer?
Yes, yes, and yes. The Tarrant County Courthouse and Judge Swearingin are very photographer-friendly.
They know how special these moments are and have always been so hospitable to me when I'm "getting the shot."
Is there a specific place to park?
There is metered parking all around the courthouse for $2/hr. Even though the process is normally 1-1.5hrs (with photos and everything), I always set my parking for 2 hours in case the ceremony wait time is unexpectedly longer.
What all do I need with me?
On the day of your appointment, bring your:
☑️ Marriage License
☑️ ID
☑️ $100 CASH (No card!)
