1910 Courthouse Chic: Your Guide to a Houston Hitch-Fest!

How to Get Married at the 1910 Courthouse in Harris County

Forget the pressure of planning a guest list longer than your train! Houston's historic 1910 Courthouse weddings are the new "it" thing, and for all the right reasons. Imagine: an intimate ceremony bursting with love, followed by an epic adventure (and maybe some delicious cake) with your favorite people. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Well, hold onto your fascinators, because this guide is about to show you how to make your Houston courthouse wedding a day to remember!

Choosing Your Courthouse Ceremony Adventure

The Historic 1910 Harris County Courthouse offers two charming ceremony locations to tie the knot: indoors or outdoors!

• Grand Courthouse Glamour: Imagine saying "I do" amidst the architectural beauty of the rotunda on the second floor. This option is available Thursdays and Fridays only, but the elegance is totally worth it.
• Courtyard Cuties: Want a touch of fresh air? The courthouse grounds offer a lovely backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. This option is available most days, so you have more flexibility.
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Whichever location you choose, keep in mind that guest lists are intimate at the courthouse – no more than 12 attendees (including the happy couple) plus your fabulous photographer, for a total of 13 people. Think quality over quantity – surround yourselves with your nearest and dearest for a truly special ceremony.

Here's the nitty-gritty:

• Location: 301 Fannin St, Houston, TX (phew, you remembered the address!)
• Parking: Public covered parking is nearby at 1019 Congress St, or you can try your luck with surface lots or street parking within 3 blocks.
• Ceremony Times (Inside): Appointments begin at 12:30 pm, with the last slot at 2:30 pm.

So, whether you crave indoor grandeur or outdoor charm, your courthouse ceremony can be both intimate and unforgettable.

Step 1: Finding Your Pre-Wedding Perch

First things first, you need a place to get ready. Think of it as your pre-wedding oasis! Whether it's a swanky hotel suite or your childhood bedroom (with way fewer embarrassing posters this time around), choose a spot that makes you feel relaxed and radiant. Bonus points if it's close to the courthouse (hence Hotel ICON and Lancaster Hotel) – you don't want to be sprinting in stilettos because you forgot about rush hour traffic!

Step 2: The Marriage License Mambo

Now, let's get official! Head to your county clerk's office within 90 days of your big day and apply for your marriage license. Think of it as your VIP pass to wedded bliss! Check out Texas Marriage Requirements.

Step 3: Scheduling Shenanigans (But the Fun Kind!)

Time to make it official! Head over to the City of Houston website and schedule your ceremony. A friendly city wedding representative will be in touch within 48 hours to chat about the details and make sure your special day is on their calendar.

Step 4: Fee Fabulous

On your wedding day, be prepared to pay the ceremony fee. Think of it as an investment in your happily ever after! Weekday ceremonies are a cool $100, while Saturdays are slightly more at $150 (with special holiday rates).

Step 5: The "I Do" Moment

After you've settled the fees, head to the second-floor courtroom with your marriage license and receipt in hand. This is where the magic happens! Your ceremony will be short and sweet, lasting about 10 minutes, but filled with enough love to last a lifetime.

Step 6: Portraits that Pop

Now, let's capture those "just married" smiles! Hiring a photographer to snap some epic portraits after the ceremony is a fantastic idea. The courthouse grounds or a nearby park (hello, Discovery Green!) can be your personal fairytale backdrop.

Step 7: The Celebration Continues!

The beauty of a courthouse wedding? All that free time to celebrate with the people who matter most! Rent out a private room at a nearby restaurant, or have a backyard bash – the possibilities are endless! Pro-tip: Houston has some amazing restaurants that are perfect for a post-wedding feast.

Bonus Tip: Heard of Judge Jay Karahan? This wedding officiant is a local legend, known for conducting ceremonies at the 1910 Courthouse. Consider him your secret weapon for an unforgettable "I do!" moment.

Dream Team for Your Houston Elopement: Small Ceremony, Big Fun!

Just because it's an elopement doesn't mean it can't be epic! Here's your guide to assembling the dream team to make your elopement unforgettable:

Wedding Planner: Your Elopement Guru

Elopements might be intimate, but there's still a surprising amount of "I dos" and "don'ts" to navigate. Skip the stress and snag a wedding planner and/or photographer who specializes in elopements. Think of them as your elopement fairy godmother (or godfather, whoever you vibe with). They'll handle permits, transportation, and your budget, so you can focus on the fun stuff – like picking out the perfect adventure for your special day!

Elopement Photographer: Capturing Every "Wow" Moment

Elopements are bursting with raw emotions and unforgettable moments. Don't let those precious memories fade away! Hiring an elopement photographer is like hitting the jackpot. They'll capture the joy, the tears (happy ones, we hope!), and the stunning scenery – basically, everything that makes your elopement uniquely yours. Plus, if you're keeping it super private, these photos become your way to share the magic with loved ones back home.

Hair & Makeup Artist: Because You Deserve to Feel Like a Million Bucks (Even in the Middle of Nowhere)

There might not be a hundred guests fawning over you, but hey, there's still the most important person in the world by your side! And with a photographer on speed dial, you'll be sharing these memories forever. So ditch the idea of DIY hair and makeup unless your idea of a pre-wedding ritual is a six-hour hike. Treat yourself to a professional who can make you feel glam, even if your ceremony backdrop is a breathtaking mountain vista.

Florist: It's All About the Details (Big or Small!)

Forget the floral arch and centerpieces (unless that's your jam!), but a stunning bridal bouquet and a dapper boutonnière are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your elopement photos. Plus, imagine the amazing Instagram snaps you can get!

Officiant: Sealing the Deal (Legally Speaking)

Unless your best friend secretly moonlights as a licensed officiant, you'll need to hire one to make your Texas elopement official. Think of them as your official "love ambassador" – they'll help you write personalized vows and pronounce you husband and wife.

So there you have it! With a little planning and this handy guide, your Houston 1910 Courthouse wedding will be a stress-free, joyful celebration of your love. Now go forth, conquer those courthouse steps, and start your happily ever after!