How to Plan a Courthouse Wedding in West Palm Beach, Florida (2026 Guide)
If you are dreaming of a simple, intimate wedding without the stress of a big venue, a courthouse wedding in West Palm Beach might be exactly what you are looking for. Palm Beach County makes it surprisingly easy — and honestly, some of the most beautiful and emotional weddings I have ever photographed have happened right here at the Palm Beach County Courthouse.
Here is everything you need to know to plan yours.
Step 1 — Get Your Marriage License
Before anything else, you need a marriage license from the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts office, located at 205 N Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Both partners need to appear in person with a valid photo ID. Florida has a 3-day waiting period after you apply before the license becomes valid — unless you complete a premarital preparation course, which waives the waiting period. Your license is valid for 60 days once issued, so time your application accordingly.
Step 2 — Schedule Your Ceremony
The Clerk of Courts office performs civil ceremonies at the courthouse. You can schedule your ceremony online or by calling their office directly. Ceremonies are typically short — between 10 and 20 minutes — and are performed by a deputy clerk. You are allowed guests, though the space is intimate so most couples bring just a small group of their closest people.
Step 3 — Plan Your Photos
This is where courthouse weddings in West Palm Beach have a secret advantage — you are minutes away from some of the most beautiful photography locations in South Florida. Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront, and the historic architecture around Clematis Street are all within a short drive. Most couples spend an hour or two after the ceremony taking portraits before heading to celebrate.
As a West Palm Beach courthouse wedding photographer, I always recommend planning at least one hour after your ceremony for photos — that is when the nerves are gone, the happiness is real, and the light in downtown West Palm Beach is absolutely gorgeous.
Step 4 — Think About Who You Want There
One of the most beautiful things about courthouse weddings is the freedom to keep it small. Some couples bring their whole family, others prefer just two witnesses. Florida law requires two witnesses to sign your marriage license, so plan for that minimum. If you do not have witnesses, I am always happy to serve as one — it is one of my favorite parts of this kind of wedding day.
Step 5 — Book Your Photographer Early
Courthouse weddings tend to come together quickly — sometimes in just a few weeks. A good photographer who knows the courthouse, knows the light, and knows how to work with an intimate ceremony is worth booking as early as possible. My courthouse wedding package starts at $375 and includes two hours of coverage, a portrait session on Worth Avenue or downtown West Palm Beach, and a next-day sneak peek gallery with a private shareable link — so your family and friends anywhere in the world can see your photos within 24 hours.
Ready to Plan Your West Palm Beach Courthouse Wedding?
Whether you are weeks away or just starting to think about it, I would love to hear from you. Reach out through my contact page and let's talk about your day — I will help you figure out the details and make sure your photos are everything you imagined.
