There is something quietly beautiful about a courthouse wedding. No months of seating chart stress, no venue deposits. Just you, your person, and the moment you have been looking forward to. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, some of the most genuine love stories I have ever documented happened right at a courthouse. The tears were real. Every laugh felt unscripted. The whole experience felt like exactly what a wedding should be.
If you are planning a courthouse wedding at Judge Helen Petry Stowe Courthouse 1, here is everything you need to know.
What to Know Before Your San Antonio Courthouse Wedding: Logistics and License Tips
1. Getting Your Marriage License
Start at the Bexar County Clerk’s Office to apply for your marriage license. Both partners need to appear in person with valid photo ID. The fee is around $82, though completing a premarital education course can reduce it. Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued. The license stays valid for 90 days, so plan your timing accordingly.
2. Scheduling Your Ceremony
Once you have your license, contact the courthouse directly to schedule your ceremony. Confirm fees and any current requirements while you are at it. Call a few weeks ahead. Walk-ins are not always welcome. Also worth noting: Texas law requires two witnesses, so have your people lined up before the big day. Plan to bring an additional $100 cash payment for the judge on the day of your ceremony.
The Courthouse Ceremony: Intimate, Simple, and Unforgettable
Civil ceremonies at Judge Helen Petry Stowe Courthouse 1 typically run five to ten minutes. A judge or justice of the peace performs the ceremony. Short, yes, but I have watched couples laugh, cry, and absolutely beam through every second of them.
If personalizing your vows matters to you, ask about it when you schedule. From a photography standpoint, courthouse ceremonies are some of my favorites to document. With no crowd or distractions, the focus stays entirely on the two of you.
Courthouse Wedding Portraits in San Antonio
Even if your ceremony is twenty minutes long, set aside time for portraits. You got dressed, you showed up, and you deserve photographs that reflect how beautiful this day actually was. The area around the courthouse offers some lovely opportunities with architecture and natural light. Plan for at least 30 to 60 minutes of portrait time. You will be glad you did.
How to Celebrate After Your San Antonio Courthouse Wedding
Some couples head to a favorite San Antonio restaurant for a long, leisurely meal. Others use the courthouse ceremony as a private moment just for the two of them, then plan a bigger celebration with friends and family later. A few venture out into the Texas Hill Country for a winery visit or a scenic drive.
There is no wrong answer. Do what feels like you.
A Few Final Tips for a Stress-Free Courthouse Wedding
- Arrive Early: Get there 15–20 minutes before your appointment to settle in and enjoy the moment.
- Confirm Details: Call a few days prior to reconfirm your appointment and necessary documents.
- Bring the License: Keep your marriage license in a visible spot the night before so it isn’t forgotten.
- Communicate with Your Photographer: Share your vision and timeline in advance so they can capture what matters most to you.
And finally, let yourself feel it. Courthouse weddings are sometimes given a lesser status than big elaborate celebrations, but I have never once found that to be true. Every ceremony I have photographed at a courthouse has been just as meaningful, just as full of love, and just as worth celebrating as any ballroom wedding I have ever shot. The size of the guest list has nothing to do with the size of the love.
If you are planning a wedding at Judge Helen Petry Stowe Courthouse 1, I would love to be there with you. Whether you want a quick ceremony session, portraits around the city, or a golden-hour adventure in the Texas Hill Country, reach out and let’s start talking. I cannot wait to hear your story.
Andrea Jang Photography is a San Antonio wedding photographer capturing a perfect blend of candid and editorial-inspired moments. Based in Texas, Andrea serves San Antonio, the Hill Country, and beyond, creating timeless images that tell your love story. Reach out today to learn more about collections, pricing, and availability.
