How to elope in Austin, TX at the Travis County Courthouse
You want to elope!! Yay! I always imagine myself and my partner eloping one day. Eloping offers a unique and intimate way to exchange your vows in a simple and meaningful ceremony. Whether you're local or from out of town, the courthouse in Austin offers a simple way to say "I do" in a place that blends historic charm with modern convenience. And I always love the photos from the downtown courthouse on Guadalupe!
I’ve photographed some incredible couples as they elope in Austin, and I’ve put together a simple guide to help you plan. To get started, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the Travis County Clerk's Office. See my How To list, below.
How to get a marriage license from the Travis County Clerk’s office
Go to Travis County Clerk's office (5501 Airport Boulevard) from M-F 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Bring proof of identity and your SSN number for each person.
Pay $81.00 license fee
Get your marriage license at least 3 days before your ceremony. Keep in mind that your ceremony cannot take place within the 72-hour period following the issuing of the marriage license.
A few notes:
A marriage license is valid for 89 days from the date it is issued. If the marriage license is not used before the 90th day, it expires and you will need to purchase a new license in order to get married.
After you get married, the marriage license must be returned within 30 day to the Travis County Clerk’s Office. The original license will be returned to you after it is copied and filed.
To request an appointment, email recording@traviscountytx.gov.
Once you have your license in hand, you can schedule a courthouse wedding ceremony at your convenience. The courthouse staff is experienced in conducting elopements, and from my experience with couples, they make the process pretty smooth and stress-free. For pricing details, payment options, scheduling your wedding or other information, please call 512-854-6763 or email JP3Weddings@traviscountytx.gov.
FAQs
Can I have you photograph my courthouse wedding?
Yes! I’d love to be there. Contact me here.
How much time do you need for photography for a courthouse wedding?
Plan for one hour of photography at the courthouse, and then at least one more hour for photos elsewhere. Many people head to their favorite restaurants, bars, parks, or their home to celebrate with friends and family after the ceremony, and this is a great time for photos. We can brainstorm ideas for locations if you’re curious!
How many people can we have in the courtroom with us? Do we need a witness?
I recommend up to 15 people, but contact the precinct where your ceremony will take place for exact numbers. You don’t need a witness.
How long does a courtroom ceremony take?
Appointments are in 30 minute time slots, but you don’t have to use the whole slot. Most ceremonies take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending if you choose to say your own vows. Make sure to show up early in order to keep your reserved appointment time.
Do we exchange rings at a courthouse ceremony?
You can! I think this is a beautiful tradition. But you don’t have to!
Can we say our own vows at a courthouse ceremony?
For most of the weddings I’ve photographed at the courthouse, couples say their own vows. I think this may vary by judge though, so check with your judge to confirm.
