Rob & Jill Futrell
St. Johns County Courthouse Wedding
Your complete guide to getting married at the courthouse in St. Augustine.
Awards & Recognition
Recent Courthouse & Elopement Sessions
Real couples at the St. Johns County Courthouse and beyond.
Rob & Jill — Courthouse Photographers
We Know This Courthouse Inside and Out
We've been photographing courthouse ceremonies in St. Augustine since 2014. We know every angle of the building, the best light at different times of day, and where to take portraits afterward. Jill is also a licensed officiant — so we can handle both the ceremony and the photos.
Getting Married at the St. Johns County Courthouse
The St. Johns County Courthouse is one of the most popular places to get married in Northeast Florida. Whether you want something quick and simple, you're on a budget, or you just don't need the big production — a civil ceremony here is a perfectly valid way to start your life together.
Quick Facts
St. Johns County Courthouse
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Official Clerk of Courts Website
Step-by-Step: How It Works
Check Eligibility
Both parties must be at least 18. No citizenship or residency requirements. If previously married, you'll need divorce decree dates.
Premarital Course (Optional)
Florida residents save $32.50 on the license AND skip the 3-day waiting period with an approved 4-hour course. Check approved providers.
Get Your Marriage License
Both parties appear in person at the Clerk of Courts. Bring valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and payment ($93.50, or $61.00 with course).
Wait (If Applicable)
Florida residents: 3-day waiting period (waived with course). Out-of-state: No waiting — marry the same day.
Say "I Do"
Arrive 15 minutes early. The civil service takes 5-10 minutes. Bring your license, photo ID, $30.00 fee, and rings if exchanging. Both indoor and outdoor gazebo options available.
Money-Saving Tip
The premarital course saves $32.50 AND eliminates the waiting period. Most courses cost $20-50 and can be completed online in one day.
Photo Locations at the Courthouse
Before you leave the property, there are three spots we use for portraits:
- The inner hallway — an arched walkway with soft window light that frames couples beautifully
- The front pergolas — rustic wood surrounded by palm trees and greenery
- The inner courtyard — open green space with mature trees and brick pavers
After the Ceremony
Most couples spend 1-2 hours taking portraits in the historic district. The courthouse is a short drive from downtown. Our favorite spots:
- Lightner Museum courtyard — Spanish Renaissance architecture and reflecting pool
- The Bayfront — Bridge of Lions, Matanzas Bay, golden hour light
- Plaza de la Constitucion — shady oaks and the heart of the old city
- St. Augustine Beach — sunset sessions for a coastal look
What to Expect on the Day
Check in at the Clerk of Courts window, wait briefly, and a notary performs the civil service in about 5-10 minutes. You'll exchange vows, rings if you have them, and seal it with a kiss. Afterward, sign your license and order certified copies for name changes.
What to Bring
- Marriage license
- Photo ID for both parties
- $30.00 service fee
- Rings (if exchanging)
- Your vows (if written)
- Comfortable shoes for portraits
Courthouse Photography Packages
Whether you need just the ceremony covered or want portraits across the historic district afterward, we have a package that fits.
- Ceremony coverage
- 40-60 edited images
- Portraits at the courthouse
- Online gallery with downloads
- Full ceremony coverage
- 80-120 edited images
- Portraits at 2 locations
- Online gallery with downloads
- Full ceremony coverage
- 200-250 edited images
- Portraits at multiple locations
- Beach or dinner session
All packages include: professionally edited images delivered via online gallery with full download and print rights.
Courthouse Wedding FAQ
Common questions about the St. Johns County Courthouse
Total cost is approximately $123.50 — the marriage license ($93.50) plus the $30 civil service fee. Florida residents who complete a premarital course pay just $91 total.
No. The St. Johns County Courthouse accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday during business hours. Calling ahead is still a good idea during busy seasons.
Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period (waived with premarital course). Out-of-state couples have no waiting period — you can get your license and marry the same day.
Both parties need valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and payment. If previously married, bring divorce decree dates. No blood tests or witnesses required in Florida.
Yes. Photography is allowed. The building has beautiful architecture — an arched hallway, wood pergolas, and a courtyard that all work well for portraits.
Yes. The space is intimate, so most couples bring 2-10 guests. There's no official limit, but room is limited.
There's no dress code. Couples wear everything from jeans to full wedding attire. Wear whatever makes you feel like yourselves.