Planning Your Perfect San Antonio Courthouse Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide
A courthouse wedding in San Antonio offers a beautiful, intimate, and stress-free way to say "I do." Whether you're looking for simplicity, efficiency, or just want to avoid the hassle of a big event, a courthouse wedding can be the perfect solution. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a San Antonio courthouse wedding, from obtaining your marriage license to why hiring a professional photographer is essential for capturing your special day.
The first and most important step in planning a San Antonio courthouse wedding is obtaining your marriage license. This legal document is necessary for your marriage to be recognized by the state of Texas.
Where to Go: Visit the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, located at the Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W Nueva St, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78205.
What to Bring: Both parties must be present and bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. If you’ve been divorced within the last 30 days, you’ll also need to bring your final divorce decree.
Fee: The fee for a marriage license in Bexar County is $81. You can pay by cash or credit card.
Waiting Period: After obtaining your marriage license, Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period before you can get married. However, this waiting period can be waived if one or both parties are active military members, or you’ve completed a state-approved premarital counseling course.
San Antonio offers a few options for your courthouse wedding. The most common choice is the Bexar County Courthouse, a historic and beautiful venue located in the heart of downtown San Antonio.
Bexar County Courthouse: Located at 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205, this courthouse is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. It’s the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Choosing a Judge or Justice of the Peace: You’ll need to schedule an appointment with a judge or justice of the peace to officiate your ceremony. You can contact the Bexar County Clerk’s Office for a list of available judges, or you can arrange for an outside officiant if you prefer a more personal touch.
A courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the elements that make a wedding special. With a little planning, you can create a memorable ceremony that reflects your love and commitment.
Guest List: Decide who you want to be present for your ceremony. Courthouse weddings are typically small and intimate, so consider inviting only your closest family and friends.
Attire: Even though it’s a courthouse wedding, you can still dress up! Whether you opt for a traditional wedding gown, a simple dress, or a suit, choose something that makes you feel special. Don’t forget to coordinate your attire with your future spouse for beautiful photos.
Vows: Many couples choose to write their own vows to make the ceremony more personal. If you prefer, you can also use traditional vows provided by the officiant.
Just because you’re having a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate afterward. San Antonio offers plenty of options for a post-ceremony celebration, from a simple lunch with family to a more elaborate reception.
Dinner or Lunch: Consider making a reservation at one of San Antonio’s many restaurants. Whether you prefer a cozy café or a fine dining experience, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Reception: If you want to host a reception, you can rent a small venue or even host it at home. Some couples opt for a backyard celebration or a small gathering at a friend’s house.
Photoshoot: Plan a photoshoot at one of San Antonio’s many scenic locations. Whether it’s the historic King William District, the River Walk, or the San Antonio Botanical Garden, these spots provide stunning backdrops for your wedding photos.
One of the most important aspects of your wedding day, no matter how big or small, is capturing the memories. While you might be tempted to have a friend or family member take photos, hiring a professional photographer ensures that your special moments are captured beautifully and professionally.
Why Hire a Professional Photographer?
Experience: Professional photographers have the experience and skills to capture your wedding day perfectly. They know how to work with lighting, angles, and composition to create stunning images.
High-Quality Photos: With a professional, you’ll receive high-quality photos that you can treasure for a lifetime. They’ll provide you with edited images that reflect the joy and beauty of your wedding day.
Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional means you can relax and enjoy your day, knowing that your memories are in good hands. You won’t have to worry about missed shots or blurry images.
Why Choose Mayfield's Photography?
At Mayfield's Photography, we understand the importance of your wedding day, whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate courthouse ceremony. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your San Antonio courthouse wedding:
Personalized Service: We take the time to get to know you and your vision for your wedding day. We’ll work with you to ensure that your photos reflect your unique love story.
Documentary-Style Photography: Our approach is to capture your day authentically, focusing on candid moments and genuine emotions. We believe that the best photos are those that tell the story of your day as it unfolds.
Experienced Team: Our team of photographers is passionate about weddings and has years of experience in capturing special moments. We know how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, so your photos will look natural and effortless.
Timeless and Romantic Images: We strive to create images that are both timeless and romantic, so you can look back on your wedding photos for years to come and feel the same emotions you did on your wedding day.
A San Antonio courthouse wedding is a beautiful way to begin your married life together. With careful planning and the right support, your day can be as special and memorable as any traditional wedding. Remember to take the time to enjoy every moment, and don’t forget to hire a professional photographer to capture the memories that will last a lifetime.
At Mayfield's Photography, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your San Antonio courthouse wedding photography needs, and let’s make your wedding day unforgettable.
FAQ: San Antonio Courthouse Wedding
Q: How do I obtain a marriage license for a San Antonio courthouse wedding?
A: You can obtain your marriage license at the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, located at the Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W Nueva St, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78205. Both parties must be present with valid identification. The fee is $81, and there is a 72-hour waiting period after obtaining the license.
Q: Where can I have my courthouse wedding in San Antonio?
A: The most popular location is the Bexar County Courthouse at 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205. You can also choose a judge or justice of the peace to officiate the ceremony, or bring your own officiant if you prefer.
Q: How many guests can I bring to my San Antonio courthouse wedding?
A: Courthouse weddings are typically intimate affairs, so it’s best to limit your guest list to close family and friends. Check with the courthouse in advance for specific guest limitations.
Q: Do I need to dress up for a courthouse wedding?
A: While there’s no formal dress code, many couples choose to dress up for the occasion. You can wear anything from a traditional wedding gown to a simple dress or suit.
Q: Can we have a reception after our courthouse wedding?
A: Yes! Many couples choose to celebrate with a small reception at a local restaurant, or even host a gathering at home or a rented venue.
Q: Why should I hire a professional photographer for my courthouse wedding?
A: A professional photographer ensures that your wedding memories are captured beautifully and professionally. They have the experience and skills to create high-quality images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Q: Why should I choose Mayfield's Photography for my courthouse wedding?
A: At Mayfield's Photography, we offer personalized service, documentary-style photography, and an experienced team dedicated to capturing your special day authentically and beautifully. We focus on creating timeless and romantic images that reflect your unique love story.
We'd love to hear from you! You can reach us through our website contact form listed on our website. Whether you have questions about our services, pricing, or availability, we're here to help and excited to be a part of your wedding day!
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