I first wrote this guide in 2024, and since then I've witnessed so many couples get married at City Hall that it was time for an update. Some basic information has changed, the prices went up in July 2026, and the booking system is completely new.
One thing hasn't changed: courthouse weddings keep getting more and more popular. Some couples choose City Hall as an addition to their big wedding, and many choose it as the wedding itself. Both make total sense, and this guide covers everything you need to know.
If you're deciding between the ceremony options, I compared all three in detail in a separate post: Civil Ceremony vs. Mayor's Balcony vs. 4th Floor.
The three ways to get married at City Hall
Civil Ceremony: the most popular option. The fee is $113, up to 6 guests are allowed, and you can book up to 90 days in advance. City Hall is open Monday through Friday, and Thursdays and Fridays are the busiest days. If you prefer a quieter experience, plan for Monday through Wednesday.
1-Hour Wedding: costs $1200 and includes private use of either the Mayor's Balcony or the 4th Floor Gallery for up to one hour, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. You bring your own officiant, and you can book up to a year in advance.
2-Hour Wedding: costs $6000 and is available on Saturdays only. This package includes the Grand Staircase, accommodates up to 200 guests, and covers chairs, insurance, and basic building services. Also bookable up to a year in advance.
The booking system is new (and easier)
City Hall's booking system is new, and easier. You book appointments directly on the County Clerk's website and see available dates right away.
Appointments still open 90 days out, with each date's calendar unlocking at 9 a.m. that morning. Popular dates go fast, so book the moment your window opens.
Didn't grab your date in time? City Hall is public and open to everyone during business hours, so you can bring your own officiant and marry anyway. I've seen it work great.
The process: two appointments
You'll have two separate appointments, back to back. First is the marriage license, which costs $129 and happens in Room 160. Then comes the ceremony itself, at $113. Both run in half-hour slots starting at 9 a.m., and the license appointment has to happen before the ceremony, on the same day. Plan for about 30 to 40 minutes total for both.
The best days and times
Monday through Wednesday are still the quietest days, and 9 a.m. or the afternoon slots are still your best bet. The building gets most crowded from about 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m.
One more thing to know: City Hall hosts a lot of events these days. On any given day you might share the building with other weddings, tour groups, and quinceañera photoshoots. It's part of the place's charm, and honestly, it's totally okay! Every single time, I do everything I can to make the experience feel intimate, and in your photos I make it look like you're the only two people in the building :)
Also keep in mind that certain areas may be closed on your day. The Mayor's Balcony or the 4th Floor can be booked for private ceremonies, so we adjust the photos around them. If you want the more private experience yourself, I'd suggest booking a floor for one hour and hiring your own officiant, and I explain exactly how that works in this post.
What actually happens on the day (and the one thing to plan for)
City Hall is public, so it's hard to know exactly how your day will go. Here's how a civil ceremony really unfolds.
You check in at Room 160, then get called to Room 168 to sign your license with your witness. The wait runs 5 to 20 minutes, sometimes longer. Stay nearby, since the license must be signed before the ceremony, and there's no time to wander once they call your name.
My advice: keep a rough plan, but leave buffer time. It keeps the day relaxed no matter what the schedule does.
Good to know
Out-of-state and international couples: the process is the same, no residency requirement.
Arrive early: plan to be there about 10 minutes before your appointment time.
Parking: the Civic Center Plaza Garage and the Performing Arts Garage are both close by.
Guest limit: civil ceremonies allow up to ~6 guests.
