Another wedding at the Fort Worth courthouse, and another set of incredible photos to share with you. With only their moms in attendance, Shelby & Kevin tied the knot with Judge Swearingin (yes, that's his real name).
When Shelby inquired with me, she included her moodboard and yallll - MY PHOTOS WERE ALL OVER IT. Honored hardly describes the feeling.
I've been really enjoying helping my couples navigate the steps to getting married at the courthouse - having been there so many times, I learned a few things. You can actually check out my guide, "How to Get Married at the Fort Worth Courthouse."
9:00 We arrive and begin couple's portraits around the courthouse
9:30 We head inside, go through the metal detectors
9:35 Begin couple's portraits inside, family meets us for checkin
9:45 Checkin and wait to be called back for ceremony
10:00 Get called back for ceremony! it's Marriage time!!!
10:10 Ceremony completed, head outside for photos with parents
10:20 Finish family photos, continue couple's portraits
10:45 Head to AMC for final photos
10:55 Arrive at AMC & park
11:20 Wrap up portraits and they enjoy their day!
Pre-Ceremony Couple's Portraits
Courthouse Ceremony Photos
Post-Ceremony Family Formals
Added
+ Additional Portraits at AMC in downtown Fort Worth
This couple goes to the movies every Friday so getting photos at AMC was representative of them in the best way!
Because the outcome of photos is so dependent on lighting, I help all of my couples with their wedding day timeline (or collaborate with their planners!)
Your timeline can really make or break how you feel on your wedding day. You don't want to feel too rushed, but you also don't want to be waiting around for hours before the next big thing.
If you like how this gallery felt, you can see their wedding package and their exact day-of timeline below.
Email: hello@morganarcher.com
Text: (713) 822-3902
Of all of the courthouses in DFW, the Tarrant County Courthouse is the best option for courthouse weddings. The process is simple, which if you're eloping at the courthouse, is right up your alley!
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.
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.
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!
The Fort Worth historical courthouse has room for 14 guests, so if you're inviting family and friends, there will be a spot for them to sit and watch your ceremony. After the ceremony, we can take the party to the steps of the courthouse to get photos of you and your lover with everyone you invited.
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.
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.
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.
You're allowed up to 14 guests at the Tarrant County Courthouse.
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!
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."
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.
On the day of your appointment, bring your:
☑️ Marriage License
☑️ ID
☑️ $100 CASH (No card!)