How to Get Married at the Tarrant County Courthouse: A Guide to Courthouse Weddings and Elopements

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Queer-owned. Creative-led. Two hype babes capturing love with heart. We’re Adeline and Valerie, your married duo serving up inclusive photo and video magic across Texas, Arkansas, San Francisco, and anywhere your story calls us.
We don’t just photograph weddings. We bring all the energy, empathy, and main-character vibes so you feel seen, hyped, and fully celebrated from the first hello to the last dance.

If you’re asking, “How do I get married at the Tarrant County courthouse?” or “Do I need a photographer for a courthouse wedding in Fort Worth?”—this blog has the answers. We’ll walk you through what to expect, how much it costs, and why courthouse weddings and elopements can be just as meaningful as a big celebration.

Is a Courthouse Wedding Considered a Real Wedding?

Yes. When you say your vows at the courthouse, you are legally married in the state of Texas. A marriage license signed by a judge or justice of the peace holds the same legal weight as a license signed at a chapel or a vineyard. The only difference is the setting and the size of the guest list.

Courthouse weddings are often overlooked, but they’re one of the most intentional and stress-free ways to celebrate love. In Tarrant County, couples choose the courthouse for all kinds of reasons: some want to keep things simple, others love the idea of a small, intimate elopement, and many just want to focus on their marriage without the pressure of planning a full-scale wedding. Whatever the reason, a courthouse wedding in Fort Worth can be just as meaningful as a ballroom celebration. If you’re considering a Tarrant County courthouse wedding or elopement, here’s what you need to know.

What Happens During a Tarrant County Courthouse Wedding?

We might be biased, but yes.

Do People Dress Up for Courthouse Weddings? Absolutely. Some couples wear full wedding attire—dresses, suits, and flowers—while others keep it casual. The beauty of a courthouse wedding is that there are no rules. If you want to wear a gown, do it. If jeans feel more authentic, that’s just as valid. The focus is on your commitment, not tradition.

Should You Hire a Photographer for a Courthouse Wedding?

We might be biased, but yes.

Courthouse weddings are just as worthy of being documented as traditional weddings. Your ceremony might only last a few minutes, but the emotions are the same. A photographer ensures you’ll have photos to look back on—whether it’s the moment you exchange vows, the way your partner looks at you, or the walk outside the courthouse as newlyweds. Many couples also use this time for portraits in downtown Fort Worth or at nearby spots like Sundance Square.

How Much Does a Courthouse Wedding Photographer Cost in Tarrant County?

Photographers typically offer smaller packages for courthouse weddings, since coverage is shorter than a full-day wedding.

Rates in the Dallas–Fort Worth area usually start around a few hundred dollars for a short session and go up from there depending on what’s included. At Hey Love Studios, we offer customized coverage for courthouse weddings and elopements so you get exactly what you need without paying for more than you want.