Why opt for a Dallas courthouse wedding?
A courthouse ceremony can be just as (if not more) special than a “normal” wedding. The two of you (plus me) getting married and doing WHATEVER you want to do. A Dallas courthouse wedding does still require a little bit of planning, so I put this guide together to help you know what to expect. You only get married once, after all.
I love being a Dallas courthouse wedding photographer because all you truly need to get married is each other. To me, there is nothing more romantic than a sweet and simple Dallas elopement amongst downtown Dallas. Opting for a courthouse wedding at Tarrant County Courthouse can simplify things quite a bit, but there is still some planning to do!
If you’re reading this, you may already know that you’re getting married at The Dallas County Courthouse (100 E Weatherford St.) Now it’s just a matter of making your wedding happen! As a Dallas wedding photographer, I love helping couples through the process of getting married at the courthouse. You can contact me here to inquire about my availability for your own Dallas courthouse wedding.
I want you to maximize your time with me during your wedding, so I’ve compiled this guide on how to get married at the Dallas County Courthouse.
Click here to see if I’m available for your courthouse wedding
Why get married at Dallas County Courthouse?
The architecture alone is reason enough. I’ve seen many a courthouse…and the Dallas Courthouse remains my favorite for wedding purposes hands down. If you are planning to have a courthouse wedding, this is the place!
1. Get a Marriage License
First things first, you will need to acquire your license to wed. You can get more information on obtaining your marriage license at the courthouse website.
2. Make an Appointment for Your Dallas Courthouse Wedding
For Dallas courthouse weddings, wedding appointments can be made up to 90 days in advance. You will first fill out the online application before being able to make an appointment online. I recommend making this appointment as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out on your most ideal time. For the lighting’s sake, I prefer to get either the earliest ceremony or the latest ceremony possible. This also depends on the time of year as the sunset time changes.
When choosing your ceremony, be in touch with your photographer to decide which time will be the best for photos! Your photographer will understand what time of day to photograph as well as the ins-and-outs of a wedding at Dallas County Courthouse. Sometimes we have to take the appointments that are available, but we always want to aim for the appointment at the best time of day in terms of light! Regardless, an experienced wedding photographer should be able to guide you on this.
3. Order Bouquets / Boutonnieres
Every bride needs a bouquet! Your bridal look won’t be your bridal look without it. This is a seemingly small detail that will really elevate your overall look.
4. Hire a Dallas Courthouse Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer, I’m obviously biased, but I believe this moment should be captured by a professional. Even though it is a small wedding, it is still a wedding!
Click here to see if I’m available for your courthouse wedding
5. Turn it into a Staycation
After your Dallas Courthouse wedding, you may or may not be going on a real honeymoon somewhere tropical or adventurous. You should still make the night before and/or after your wedding special and book a hotel for the experience! My favorite Fort Worth hotel is Hotel Drover located in the Stockyards (also a great spot for photos). Although, there are some hotels in downtown closer to the Tarrant County Courthouse.
Here are some great options for hotels in the area following your Dallas courthouse wedding:
The Joule
The Statler
The Adolphus
The Thompson
5. Book a Fun Car to Drive You Around Following Your Dallas Courthouse Wedding
This is such a fun and practical touch to a city hall wedding. Not only does it make for great photo opps, but it is a great way to get to different spots for your session.
A car can be particularly helpful in the event of a summer courthouse wedding so you can get out of the heat every now and then, which brings me to…
6. Consider the Season of Your Dallas Courthouse Wedding
I am all about leaning into the weather for you Dallas courthouse wedding, but knowing what to expect and how to prepare for each season can be
Summer: Texas summers are HOT, brutally hot. A game plan is always important, but especially when extreme weather is involved. Bring water, plan for breaks, and have a car to escape the AC every now and then.
Fall: To me, this is the most ideal time of year to photograph! The weather is nice and the foliage may be turning later in the fall. That might be why it is my busiest season by far as a Fort Worth wedding photographer!
Winter: Of course, it can be chilly in the winter. Get a nice bridal coat and stuff your pockets with some had warmers. You guys can cuddle up to stay warm!
Spring: Temperature wise, spring is overall great in Dallas. While rain can be expected any time of year, it is more likely to rain in the spring. Come prepared with umbrellas!
Click here to see if I’m available for your courthouse wedding
Dallas Courthouse Wedding FAQs
What should we expect at the ceremony?
Dallas courthouse wedding ceremonies are very short and sweet! You will be called into the courtroom by an officer. The judge may ask you a little about yourself and your relationship before jumping right into the ceremony. You will be able to exchange rings. After the judge pronounces you married, they usually allow you to take a few quick photos at the front of the courtroom with your signed marriage certificate as well as any guests in attendance. And that is a wrap!
Can you recommend a Dallas florist?
Of course, there are several Dallas florists I can recommend for your Dallas courthouse wedding.
Can you recommend a Dallas HMUA?
Of course, there are several Dallas hair and makeup artists I can recommend for your Dallas courthouse wedding.
HOW MUCH COVERAGE SHOULD WE BOOK WITH OUR Dallas COURTHOUSE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Most couples book about 3 hours of coverage for a courthouse wedding in Dallas. This can depend on a few different factors.
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