How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at City Hall?

The cost to get married at city hall usually runs between $30 and $200 on the day itself, covering the marriage license and, in some places, a small civil ceremony fee. The license is the bigger of the two charges, typically $20 to $120 depending on the county. The ceremony fee is $0 to $100 on top of that, and plenty of jurisdictions don’t charge one at all. If you plan to change your name or order extra copies of the marriage certificate, budget more.

The Marriage License Fee

No one skips this one. Every county requires a marriage license before a ceremony can legally happen, and the fee covers the clerk’s processing and official recording. Most couples pay somewhere around $50 to $75. The cheapest counties sit near $20; the most expensive push past $120.

A few things shift the number. Some states discount the fee, sometimes by $30 or more, for couples who complete a premarital education course. Some jurisdictions charge out-of-state applicants more than residents. And payment method matters: many clerk offices only accept cash, money orders, or certified checks, so showing up with just a credit card can turn into a second trip. Call ahead.

The Civil Ceremony Fee

Whether the ceremony itself costs anything depends on where you go. In some counties the ceremony is bundled into the license cost. In others, you’ll pay an additional $25 to about $100 for the officiant’s time and the use of the room. That fee is handled when you schedule the ceremony or when you arrive, not at the license window.

Most city halls and clerk offices require an appointment, and some don’t take walk-ins at all. Popular offices in large cities can book out weeks ahead, especially around Valentine’s Day and through the summer. If you want a specific date, schedule early.

What Comes With the Ceremony

City hall ceremonies are short, usually five to ten minutes. A judge, justice of the peace, or city clerk officiates, you exchange vows, and rings are exchanged if you want them. No custom vows or rings are required.

You will need witnesses. Most jurisdictions require at least one adult witness; some require two. Witnesses bring valid photo ID and sign the license along with you and the officiant. Friends, family, or people recruited on the spot can serve. After signing, the officiant files the license with the county to record the marriage.

Documents and ID You’ll Need

Both partners have to appear in person at the county clerk’s office. Each needs a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. Most offices also ask for Social Security numbers, and if either of you was previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or the former spouse’s death certificate.

Blood tests are no longer part of the picture anywhere in the country; that requirement was phased out by 2019.

If any required document is in a language other than English, most clerk offices require a certified English translation with a signed certificate of accuracy from the translator. You can’t translate your own documents, even if you’re fluent. Professional translation for a single document typically runs $25 to $75.

Waiting Periods and License Expiration

About a third of states impose a waiting period, usually 24 to 72 hours, between when the license is issued and when you can hold the ceremony. Some states waive it for couples who complete a premarital education course, and judges can sometimes waive it case by case.

Every license also has an expiration date. Depending on the state, it stays valid anywhere from 30 days to 12 months, with most falling in the 60- to 90-day range. If it expires before the ceremony, you reapply and pay the full fee again. No partial credit, no extension. Build in a comfortable buffer.

Costs After the Ceremony

The ceremony-day cost is only part of what most couples actually spend. A few follow-up expenses catch people off guard.

Certified Marriage Certificates

Once the marriage is recorded, you’ll need certified copies of the marriage certificate for name changes, insurance, and other administrative tasks. Most counties charge $10 to $20 per copy. Order several upfront; most couples need three to five to cover the Social Security Administration, the DMV, banks, and employers, and ordering more later is slower and no cheaper.

Name Change Fees

If one or both of you is changing a name, the fees stack up across agencies:

  • Social Security card: free. There’s no charge to update your name with the Social Security Administration, and this should be the first stop, because other agencies often ask for the updated card as proof.1Social Security Administration. What Does It Cost to Get a Social Security Card
  • Driver’s license: varies by state, typically $15 to $50. Some states charge nothing if the license isn’t up for renewal; others treat it as a standard replacement.
  • Passport within one year of issuance: free, unless you want expedited processing, which adds $60. You submit Form DS-5504 with your current passport, a certified marriage certificate, and a new photo.2U.S. Department of State. Name Change for U.S. Passport or Correct a Printing or Data Error
  • Passport more than one year after issuance: $130 for the book renewal using Form DS-82, the same as a standard renewal.3U.S. Department of State. United States Passport Fees

The one-year passport window is worth knowing about. If you recently renewed before the wedding, handle the name change inside that window and the $130 fee drops to zero.

Putting the Full Cost Together

A realistic range from license through name changes:

Keep it minimal and skip the name change, and you can walk out legally married for under $100. Change names, order several certified copies, and renew a passport, and you’re closer to $400 to $500. Either way, the marriage is just as legal as one that costs fifty times more.