St. Augustine Courthouse Wedding

Your complete guide to getting married at the St. Johns County Courthouse

📅 Last Updated: December 2025

Complete St. Augustine Courthouse Wedding Guide

Thinking about a courthouse wedding in St. Augustine? You're in good company. Whether you want something quick and simple, you're on a budget, or you just don't need the big production—a courthouse ceremony is a perfectly valid way to start your marriage.

We've photographed over 600 ceremonies, including dozens at the St. Johns County Courthouse. This guide covers everything: the step-by-step process, costs, scheduling, what to expect on your ceremony day, and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Facts: St. Johns County Courthouse Weddings

License Cost $93.50 ($61 with course)
Ceremony Fee $30
Total Cost ~$123.50
Waiting Period 3 days (FL residents) / None (out-of-state)
Appointment Required Yes
Ceremony Length 5-10 minutes

📍 St. Johns County Courthouse

Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: (904) 819-3600

Official Clerk of Courts Website →

📋 Free Printable Checklist

Get our complete courthouse wedding checklist—everything to bring, costs, and post-wedding tasks in one printable page.

Download Checklist →

Step-by-Step: How to Get Married at St. Augustine Courthouse

Here's the complete process from start to finish:

1

Check Eligibility

Both parties must be at least 18 years old (17 with parental consent). If either party was previously married, you'll need to know the date of divorce or spouse's death. Florida has no citizenship or residency requirements.

2

Complete Premarital Course (Optional but Saves Money)

Florida residents can save $32.50 on the license fee AND skip the 3-day waiting period by completing an approved premarital preparation course. The course takes 4 hours and can often be done online. Check the Clerk's website for approved providers.

3

Get Your Marriage License

Both parties must appear together in person at the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts. Bring:

  • Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Social Security numbers
  • Payment ($93.50, or $61 with premarital course completion certificate)
  • Divorce decree dates or death certificate info if previously married

No witnesses or blood tests required in Florida.

4

Wait (If Applicable)

Florida residents: 3-day waiting period after obtaining license (waived with premarital course).

Out-of-state couples: No waiting period. You can get licensed and married the same day!

5

Schedule Your Ceremony

Contact the Clerk of Courts to schedule your civil ceremony. Ceremonies are performed by a judge during business hours, Monday through Friday. Appointments are required—you cannot walk in for a same-day ceremony.

Book 1-2 weeks in advance when possible, especially during busy seasons.

6

Get Married!

Arrive 15 minutes early. The civil ceremony takes about 5-10 minutes. Bring your marriage license, photo ID, the $30 ceremony fee, and (optional) rings. Guests are welcome—the ceremony room is intimate but can accommodate a small group.

7

Get Your Certified Marriage Certificate

After your ceremony, the officiant will sign your license and file it with the Clerk. You can order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Clerk's office—these are the official documents you'll need for name changes, insurance, etc.

Courthouse Wedding Costs in St. Augustine

One of the biggest advantages of a courthouse wedding is the cost. Here's the complete breakdown:

Item Cost
Marriage License (standard) $93.50
Marriage License (with premarital course) $61.00
Civil Ceremony Fee $30.00
Certified Marriage Certificate Copy $5.00 each
Total (without course) $123.50 + certificates
Total (with course) $91.00 + certificates

💡 Money-Saving Tip

If you're Florida residents, the premarital course saves you $32.50 AND eliminates the 3-day waiting period. Most courses cost $20-50 and can be completed online in one day. It's almost always worth it.

How to Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony

Unlike some Florida counties where you can walk in for a same-day ceremony, St. Johns County requires appointments for civil ceremonies.

Scheduling Steps:

  1. Obtain your marriage license first. You must have a valid license before scheduling a ceremony.
  2. Call the Clerk of Courts at (904) 819-3600 to check available ceremony times.
  3. Choose your date and time. Ceremonies are typically available Monday–Friday during business hours.
  4. Confirm your appointment and note any specific instructions.

Best Times to Schedule

Mornings are typically less crowded at the courthouse. If you're planning photos downtown after your ceremony, consider a late morning ceremony (10-11 AM) so you have time for portraits before lunch crowds.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Plan to book 1-2 weeks in advance. During busy seasons (spring, fall, around holidays), book as early as possible. The Clerk's office can tell you current availability when you call.

What Happens During the Ceremony

Wondering what to expect on your big day? Here's a minute-by-minute breakdown:

15 min before

Arrival & Check-In

Arrive at the courthouse. Go through security screening. Check in at the Clerk of Courts window with your marriage license and photo ID.

5 min before

Waiting Area

You'll wait briefly in a designated area. Use this time for a quick mirror check and to gather your guests.

Ceremony start

The Ceremony (5-10 minutes)

A judge performs the civil ceremony. You'll stand together, exchange standard vows (you can write your own if you prefer), exchange rings if you have them, and seal it with a kiss. Simple, meaningful, official.

Good to know: The courthouse has both an indoor ceremony room and an outdoor gazebo option—ask when scheduling if you have a preference.

After ceremony

Signing & Payment

Sign your marriage license. Pay the $30 ceremony fee. Congratulations—you're married!

5-10 min after

Certificates (Optional)

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Clerk's window. These are the official documents you'll need for name changes and legal purposes.

What to Bring

  • Your marriage license
  • Photo ID for both parties
  • $30 ceremony fee (cash or card accepted)
  • Wedding rings (if exchanging)
  • Your vows (if you've written your own)
  • Your photographer (if you've hired one)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (downtown St. Augustine has cobblestone streets—bring flats for photos if you're in heels)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After photographing hundreds of courthouse ceremonies, we've seen couples run into the same issues. Here's how to avoid them:

❌ Assuming Same-Day Walk-Ins Are Possible

St. Johns County requires appointments for civil ceremonies. Don't show up expecting to get married without scheduling first.

❌ Forgetting the Waiting Period

Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period unless they complete a premarital course. Out-of-state couples have no wait—but verify your status before planning.

❌ Arriving Without Required Documents

Both parties need valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. If previously married, know your divorce dates. Missing documents = no license that day.

❌ Not Bringing Cash for Fees

While cards are often accepted, having cash ensures no hiccups. Bring exact amounts to avoid delays.

❌ Scheduling Too Tight

Plan extra time for parking, security, and any unexpected delays. Don't schedule photos or dinner immediately after.

❌ Not Ordering Certified Copies

You'll need certified marriage certificates for name changes, insurance updates, etc. Order a few copies the same day to save a return trip.

After Your Ceremony: What's Next

Congratulations—you're married! Here's what to do in the days and weeks following your courthouse wedding:

Same Day

  • ✓ Order certified marriage certificate copies from the Clerk ($5 each)
  • ✓ Take photos! Downtown St. Augustine is minutes away and perfect for portraits
  • ✓ Celebrate! Many couples head to a nice lunch or dinner after

Within 1-2 Weeks

  • ✓ Social Security card name change (if applicable)
  • ✓ Driver's license update
  • ✓ Update bank accounts and credit cards
  • ✓ Update insurance policies (health, auto, life)
  • ✓ Update employer records

Where to Celebrate

You just got married—time to eat! Here are a few of our favorite spots for a post-ceremony meal:

  • Old City House: Upscale dining in a historic building. Perfect for a special occasion (make a reservation)
  • Casa Reina: Mexican-inspired cuisine with amazing bayfront views. Great cocktails and atmosphere
  • Taco Shop: The best tacos in downtown St. Augustine, right on St. George Street. Casual, delicious, no reservations needed

Want More Than a Courthouse Ceremony?

Many couples get legally married at the courthouse, then have a separate celebration—a beach ceremony, backyard party, or formal reception—on another date. This lets you lock in the legal paperwork while planning a bigger celebration on your own timeline.

Planning a beach ceremony or downtown celebration after your courthouse wedding?

Check out our elopement photography page →

St. Augustine Courthouse Wedding Photos & Pictures

Yes, you can (and should!) have photos of your courthouse wedding. Here's what you need to know:

Can You Take Photos at the Courthouse?

Yes. Photography is allowed at the St. Johns County Courthouse. You can have someone take quick phone photos during your ceremony, or hire a professional photographer for higher-quality images.

Best Photo Opportunities

  • Inside the ceremony room: Capture the vows, ring exchange, and first kiss
  • Courthouse steps: Classic "just married" photos with the building as backdrop
  • Downtown St. Augustine: After your ceremony, head downtown (10-minute drive) for photos at iconic locations
  • St. Augustine Beach: Some couples head to the beach for sunset portraits after morning courthouse ceremonies

Our Favorite Downtown Photo Spots

  • The Lightner Museum courtyard: Spanish Renaissance architecture, lush greenery, and that iconic reflecting pool—gorgeous any time of day
  • The Square (Plaza de la Constitución): The heart of downtown with its shady oaks and historic charm. Locals call it "the square"
  • The Bayfront: Views of the Bridge of Lions, Matanzas Bay, and the marina. Golden hour here is unbeatable

Our Courthouse Wedding Photography

We offer 2-hour coverage packages perfect for courthouse ceremonies. This includes ceremony coverage plus portraits at a nearby location of your choice. We've photographed dozens of courthouse weddings and know how to capture the intimacy and emotion of these ceremonies.

Courthouse Wedding Photography Pricing

Whether you need just ceremony coverage or want to explore downtown for portraits after, we have a package that fits.

Courthouse Ceremony

$450
30 minutes
  • A 30 minute session
  • 40-60 professionally edited high-resolution images
  • Ceremony pictures at the St. Johns County Courthouse
  • Pictures with friends and family
  • Couples pictures at the Courthouse

Extended Elopement

$1,000
120 minutes
  • A 2 hour session
  • 200-250 professionally edited high-resolution images
  • Ceremony pictures
  • Pictures with friends and family
  • Couples pictures at multiple locations
  • More time for exploring the city

Add additional time: $350/hr

All packages include: professionally edited, high-resolution images delivered via online gallery with full download and print rights.

Why Couples Choose Courthouse Weddings

A courthouse wedding isn't "less than"—it's a choice. Here's why many couples prefer it:

💰 Budget-Friendly

Total cost under $125. Put the savings toward a honeymoon, a home, or a future celebration.

⏱️ Quick & Simple

In and out in under an hour. No months of planning, vendor coordination, or guest logistics.

💑 Intimate

Just the two of you (plus a few witnesses if you want). The focus is entirely on your commitment to each other.

📋 No-Drama Legal

Lock in the legal paperwork now, celebrate with family and friends whenever you want.

🌴 Destination-Friendly

Out-of-state couples can get married the same day they get their license. Perfect for destination courthouse weddings.

🎯 Intentional

You want to be married, not put on a show. Courthouse ceremonies honor that priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about St. Augustine courthouse weddings

Getting married in St. Augustine requires two steps: (1) Obtain a Florida marriage license from the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts, and (2) Have your ceremony performed by a licensed officiant. You can get married at the courthouse, on the beach, at a venue, or anywhere in Florida. The courthouse offers civil ceremonies performed by a judge, which is the quickest and most affordable option.

Total cost for a St. Johns County courthouse wedding is approximately $123.50. This includes the marriage license fee ($93.50) and the civil ceremony fee ($30). If you're Florida residents and complete a premarital course, the license fee drops to $61, bringing your total to about $91. This makes a courthouse wedding one of the most affordable ways to get legally married.

Yes, appointments are required for civil ceremonies at the St. Johns County Courthouse. You cannot walk in for a same-day ceremony. Contact the Clerk of Courts to schedule your ceremony—available times are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. Plan to schedule at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons.

Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period after obtaining their marriage license before they can get married. This waiting period is waived if you complete a premarital preparation course. Out-of-state couples have no waiting period—you can get your license and get married the same day, which makes St. Augustine perfect for destination courthouse weddings.

Both parties must appear in person with: (1) Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), (2) Social Security numbers, (3) Payment for the license fee ($93.50, or $61 with premarital course). If previously married, you'll need divorce decree dates or death certificate information. No blood tests or witnesses required in Florida.

Yes, you can bring a small number of guests to witness your courthouse ceremony. The ceremony room is intimate, so most couples bring 2-10 guests. There's no official guest limit, but space is limited—contact the Clerk's office if you're planning to bring more than a handful of people.

Yes! Photography is allowed at the St. Johns County Courthouse. Many couples hire a photographer to capture their ceremony and portraits outside the historic building. The courthouse architecture and downtown St. Augustine provide beautiful backdrops. Just be respectful of other courthouse business and keep photo sessions brief inside the building.

There's no dress code for courthouse weddings. Couples wear everything from jeans to full wedding attire. Many brides opt for a simple white dress or elegant jumpsuit. Grooms often wear dress pants and a button-down. Wear whatever makes you feel like yourselves—it's your wedding day.

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