How to Plan a Downtown Phoenix Courthouse Elopement
A Simple and Stress-Free Guide to Your Phoenix Courthouse Wedding
A Phoenix courthouse ceremony offers a straightforward, elegant alternative to traditional weddings. For couples seeking simplicity without sacrificing significance, this approach eliminates a lot of the conventional planning stress that can come with weddings. Whether you envision a brief, no-frills exchange of vows or plan to incorporate meaningful personal elements, this guide provides everything you need to navigate a courthouse wedding in Phoenix, Arizona with confidence.
Why Choose a Phoenix Courthouse Elopement?
Affordable and Stress-Free: A courthouse wedding is budget-friendly and requires minimal planning.
Quick and Simple: Ideal for couples who want to skip the long engagement and get married quickly (and/or just have a quick ceremony)!
Endless Photo and Celebration Opportunities: Phoenix offers incredible backdrops for stunning elopement photography giving you lots of options to memorialize this moment. As well as lots of places to explore and eat to celebrate your day afterwards!
Step 1: Obtain Your Marriage License
You can get this from any county clerk in Arizona that issues marriage licenses.
You both must be present and have a photo ID and provide your SS#.
No blood test or waiting period is required.
The fee for a marriage license is $98 (subject to change, so check the Maricopa County website for the latest fees). A certified copy is an additional fee (but recommended)!
There is no waiting period so once the license is issued–you can get married right away! You will bring this license TO your ceremony.
The license is valid immediately and for up to 12 months.
You can apply for your marriage license online to save time if you are an Arizona resident. Non-Arizona residents must apply in person.
Step 2: Choose Your Phoenix Courthouse
The Phoenix Metro has several courthouses where you can legally get married by a Justice of the Peace:
Central Phoenix: Downtown Justice Center–620 W. Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003 (Marriage licenses are not available, but the Clerk of Court is across the street for licenses).
This is the location that the photos featured in this blog are from!
Courthouse elopements (at the downtown Justice Center) take place Monday through Friday AFTER 5 p.m. – you must be inside the building before 5 p.m. I recommend getting there around 4 p.m. to be first in line!
Chandler and East Valley: Ocotillo Regional Court Center–201 E. Chicago St, Chandler, Az 85284 (Marriage licenses are available here).
Gila Bend: Ironwood Justice Court–209 E. Pima, Gila Bend, AZ 85337 (Marriage licenses are available here, but ceremonies are not done on-site. Contact the court to setup a location).
Mesa: Southeast Justice Center–222 E. Javelina, Mesa, AZ 85210, Second Floor (Marriage licenses are NOT available, but the Clerk of Court does have an office in the same building that issues licenses).
North Phoenix: Northeast Regional Court Center–18380 N. 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85032 (Marriage licenses are NOT available, but the Clerk of Court does have an office in the same building that issues licenses).
Northwest Valley: Northwest Regional Court Center–14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374 (Marriage licenses are NOT available, but the Clerk of Court does have an office in the same building that issues licenses).
Southwest Valley: Southwest Regional Court Center–10420 W. Van Buren St, Avondale, AZ 85323 (Marriage licenses are available here).
The most popular location is the Maricopa County Superior Court, located in Downtown Phoenix, but some couples opt for a Justice Court location closer to them. Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability and requirements for courthouse weddings.
Step 3: Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony and Choose a Date
Once you have your marriage license, it’s time to choose a date to get married! Courthouse elopements are held Monday through Friday (but exclude some holidays). Check online and/or call the courthouse you plan to get married at to confirm they will be open on your chosen date. Some key things to keep in mind:
Appointments may be required, call the courthouse whenever you start planning to find out if you can/need to schedule an appointment for you chosen date.
Some courthouses allow walk-ins (the downtown Phoenix location does), but availability isn’t guaranteed–get there early to be first in line!
Bring your marriage license and two witnesses over the age of 18.
Court ceremonies are typically short and sweet, lasting around 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Plan Your Attire and Details
Just because you're eloping at the courthouse doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Whether you opt for classic wedding attire or something more casual, wear something that’s special for this moment.
Things to consider including:
Wedding attire
A bouquet and/or boutonniere
Rings to exchange, with a ring box
Vow books (if you plan to read vows during your ceremony)
Any details you may want to use outside, post-ceremony (ie. bubble blowers, “Just Married” sign, sparkling cider)
Step 5: Hire a Photographer
Hiring a Phoenix elopement photographer is a great way to make your courthouse wedding feel extra special. Just because you’ve chosen to have a simple, stress-free day, doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve to be documented!
When you work with me, I’ll help you coordinate the day to go as smoothly as possible. We talk and plan beforehand for how the flow of the day will go–and I’ll send you reminders about our meeting times and things to consider bringing along. We’ll meet inside the courthouse and wait for your number to be called. We go inside the courtroom where the judge will help you get setup and tell you what to do for your ceremony! I document your ceremony (I have lots of experience with indoor, fluorescent lighting inside courtrooms so don’t worry). Afterwards, we’ll head outside and take any photos you may want with any guests present. Then we can head to some other locations!
The classic photos you see at city hall (pictured here) are at the Historic City Hall a few blocks over from where ceremonies take place – this building is not used for wedding ceremonies anymore, but is, in my opinion, the best building to document that you had a courthouse elopement!
Sample Timeline:
4:00 p.m. - Arrive and park, walk over to courthouse
4:15 p.m. - Get through security, head to window to get number for ceremony
4:30 p.m. - Wait outside (assigned) courtroom door
5:00 p.m. - Ceremonies begin! Typically lasting 5-10 minutes.
~5:15 p.m. - YOUR CEREMONY! Head inside courtroom, get setup, have ceremony, sign marriage license, pay judge, & walk back out!
5:30 p.m. - Head outside for photos with guests (if present)
5:45 p.m. - Explore around Downtown Phoenix for more photos (Historic City Hall and other nearby areas)
6:30 p.m. - Head to spot downtown for dinner & celebrations!
Ready to start planning your Phoenix Courthouse Elopement?
Step 6: Getting there and Parking
If you’re having your courthouse elopement at the Downtown Justice Center (620 W. Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003), there is public parking available between 5th and 6th street (555 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ) that is open until 6 p.m. or you can also pay for parking at nearby garages (City Scape Parking Garage or Ace Parking Garage).
If you’re taking the Light Rail, you will get off at the Washington/Central Ave stop (coming from the East), the courthouse is then about a 10 minute walk.
Step 7: Once You’re Inside the Courthouse
When you walk inside the courthouse, you will go through security. Once you’re through security, you will walk up to the windows inside the Justice Center and you will be given a number and then told where to wait based on which courtroom your ceremony will take place! You can schedule ahead or walk-ins are also available. I recommend calling ahead to make sure the courts are open the day you plan for and to know the fee the judges have for performing the ceremony (this is CASH ONLY and typically around $120).
You must have 2 witnesses over the age of 18 present and sign the marriage license. These are not provided and it’s important to plan for this ahead of time (I can count as 1 witness)!
Guests are allowed at your ceremony (not just your witnesses) and so is photography! Photos and video of any kind are not permitted until you get inside of the courtroom.
Step 8: Celebrate Your Marriage
After your courthouse ceremony, celebrate your new marriage in a way that feels right for you! Whether it’s a romantic dinner or just stopping at your favorite restaurant, grabbing slices of pizza, a small reception with loved ones, or an adventure session in the Arizona desert, you have options for however you want to celebrate.
If you're ready to plan your Phoenix courthouse elopement, I would love to capture your special day! I offer 2 hours of courthouse coverage for $650. This typically gives us time to meet shortly before your ceremony, have me document your ceremony, time for photos afterwards with any guests, then about 45 minutes to an hour of time to explore around downtown Phoenix for more photos, or I can come to dinner with you and document that celebration!
I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have about planing for a Phoenix Courthouse Elopement/Wedding. These days are so fun to be a part of and deserve to be documented–even if you want to keep things simple!
Think you may want something more than just a courthouse elopement? Check out these resources for inspiration.
Saguaro Lake Elopement in Mesa, Arizona
Saguaro Lake Elopement Photographer
Picture this: You & your partner have decided that you want to elope somewhere in the desert. You pick Arizona as your destination to say “I do” but don’t know where exactly in the state you want to go. Then you find a location that meets everything you’ve been looking for. Desert landscape filled with tall cacti, mountain views, & a lakeside oasis – it’s Saguaro Lake.
Located less than an hour from downtown Phoenix, this is the perfect location for a desert elopement.
Here is a step by step guide on how to plan the best Saguaro Lake elopement:
Do you need a permit to elope at Saguaro Lake?
No!
Is there an entry fee or Parking pass for Saguaro Lake?
Yes! A Tonto National Forest Daily Parking Pass is required.
How long is the hike at Saguaro LAke?
That’s all dependent on how far you want to go! Saguaro Lake offers hiking trails that are 3+ miles, leading to more private locations/areas. There are also spots that you just have to hop out of your car & you have beautiful views right in front of you.
Can you bring guests to a saguaro lake elopement?
There are certain areas along Saguaro Lake & the Salt River that could accommodate guests, but I recommend keeping your list to 5 or less people. This is a great location for those wanting to keep their day super intimate.
Looking for something to accommodate more guests? Consider Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch or Lost Dutchman State Park.
What time of year is best to elope at Saguaro Lake?
Late October, November, December, January, February, March, & early April are all great times to elope at Saguaro Lake (or anywhere in the Phoenix Metro). You can avoid the heat & monsoon season during these months. Late November through January tend to see more rain.
What day of the week is best to get married?
Weekdays will ALWAYS be less busy, especially during the cooler months. Weekends during the spring months, Saguaro Lake & other nearby recreation sites can be packed & closed down due to too many visitors.
What activities can you do at saguaro Lake?
Hiking, picnic sites, kayaking, boat rentals & tours!
Want other unique activities to include in your elopement day? Check out this blog post featuring over 20 unique elopement day activities.
What to bring?
No matter the time of year, always bring along lots of water, salty snacks, good walking/hiking shoes, & sunscreen in the desert!
Other useful items: A blanket for sitting, picnic basket to carry tasty treats in, lanterns to light the way & create unique photos once the sun is setting.
More useful info:
Saguaro Lake has pit toilets, but no running water.
Phone signals can be hit or miss so download your Google Maps ahead of time!
Always leave no trace! Stay on the trail & always leave what you find.
Read more about why I’m a Leave No Trace Aware Photographer here.
Think you may want to elope somewhere else in Arizona? Check out my blog post: Nine of the Best Places to Elope in Arizona
