If you’re considering a downtown Austin courthouse wedding, this is everything you need to know to plan the perfect intimate celebration.
Courthouse weddings are often my favorite weddings to photograph. Not just because they’re simple, but because they strip away the noise and bring the focus back to what actually matters: the two of you getting married.
How to Plan an Austin Courthouse Wedding
Planning an Austin courthouse wedding is actually fairly simple once you know the process.
1. Choose Which Precinct to Schedule Your Ceremony With
If you’re hoping for a downtown Austin experience, the most convenient option is typically the Travis County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 for their Austin courthouse wedding because it’s located closest to downtown Austin.
The precinct is located at:
1000 Guadalupe Street Suite 117
Austin, TX 78701
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call (512) 854-9049 or email JP5Weddings@traviscountytx.gov.
You can also get married at the new Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility, located at 1700 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX. While the Precinct 5 building has more historic architecture, this new building down the street is more modern and better lit inside.
2. Schedule Your Ceremony
Once you’ve decided which precinct works best for you, you’ll schedule directly through that office.
This is important: there is not one universal Austin courthouse wedding booking system.
Instead, you’ll typically contact the specific judge or precinct office directly. Here’s a helpful list of judges who do wedding ceremonies and their contact information.
When booking, be prepared with:
- Preferred wedding date
- Preferred ceremony time
- Guest count
- Marriage license timing
Since Friday appointments and popular dates can fill quickly, I recommend booking your ceremony in advance. The earliest you can book your appointment is 90 days in advance.
3. Apply for Your Marriage License
Before your ceremony, you’ll need to get a marriage license through the Travis County Clerk.
A few things to know:
- Both partners typically need to appear in person
- Bring valid government-issued IDs
- Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period after obtaining your marriage license before getting married (unless you qualify for a waiver)
- Marriage licenses are valid for 89 days
Because of the waiting period, I always recommend couples get this step done at least a few days before their ceremony.
4. Hire a wedding photographer
Because courthouse weddings are smaller and more casual, it can be tempting to skip photography or assume you only need a quick handful of photos. But in reality, these days are often some of the most emotionally rich and visually interesting weddings to document.
An experienced courthouse wedding photographer helps you:
- Plan a realistic, relaxed timeline around your ceremony
- Choose great downtown Austin portrait locations
- Make the most of hotel, bar, or getting-ready spaces
- Stay present instead of worrying about logistics or timing
- Capture both candid moments and intentional portraits throughout the day
Looking for a photographer who thrives with intimate celebrations like courthouse weddings? We should chat! Submit an inquiry today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Courthouse Weddings
How much does an Austin courthouse wedding cost?
An Austin courthouse wedding is one of the most budget-friendly ways to get married.
Typical costs include:
- Marriage license: around $80 in Travis County (or reduced with approved premarital education)
- Courthouse or Justice of the Peace ceremony fee: varies depending on judge/location
- Photography (optional, but highly recommended if you want to document the day)
Compared to a traditional wedding venue, an Austin courthouse wedding can save couples thousands.
What should you wear to an Austin courthouse wedding?
Anything you want. That’s the fun part!
Some couples go fully bridal with gowns, suits, florals, and heels. Others keep it casual in vintage dresses, boots, or city-chic outfits. Here are a few of my favorite outfits from past courthouse weddings I’ve photographed in Austin.
Can you bring guests to an Austin courthouse wedding?
Yes, though guest counts are often limited depending on the courtroom or judge.
Some locations allow small groups, while others are better suited for just the couple plus witnesses. It’s always best to confirm directly when booking. One Travis County courtroom notes a maximum of 25 guests including the couple.
Where are some nearby locations for wedding day portraits?
These locations are the most popular because they’re walkable or a very short drive from most courthouse ceremonies and downtown hotels. But I encourage you to think outside the box and choose locations that have special meaning to you.
- Texas State Capitol
- Congress Avenue (downtown)
- Auditorium Shores / Lady Bird Lake Trail / Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
- South Congress Avenue
- Mount Bonnell
An Austin Courthouse Wedding You Can Take Inspiration From
Instead of planning a large production, Riane and Jacob chose a day that felt effortless, personal, and deeply intentional. They exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in front of their closest friends and family, after spending the afternoon running around downtown Austin taking portraits with me.
What I loved most about this wedding wasn’t just the courthouse ceremony itself—it was how the couple treated the entire day like an experience.
Before their ceremony, we explored downtown Austin for portraits that felt equal parts editorial and documentary. There was no rigid timeline, no massive guest list, and no expectation to make the day look like anyone else’s version of a wedding.
That’s the magic of an Austin courthouse wedding: it gives you permission to do less, but feel more.
Take a look at some of my favorite photos from their courthouse wedding to see what I mean!
About Tess Leslie Photography
Tess Leslie Photography is an Austin wedding photographer specializing in candid, story-driven photos captured on both digital and 35mm film. She photographs weddings and elopements with a documentary approach that focuses on genuine moments, emotional connection, and the natural energy of the day.
From intimate courthouse weddings to full wedding weekends, Tess helps couples feel comfortable in front of the camera while creating images that feel relaxed and true to them. Her work is especially inspired by couples who value intentional experiences over tradition and want wedding photos that feel personal and honest.
