Hitching Up at the Bexar County Courthouse: A Guide for the Budget-Conscious and the Bridezilla-Tamed
So, you've found your lobster, your soulmate, your other half who (hopefully) won't steal all the fries. Congratulations! Now comes the nitty-gritty: tying the knot. But who says wedded bliss needs a price tag that would make royalty blush? San Antonio's Bexar County Courthouse offers a perfectly respectable way to say "I do" without breaking the bank.
How To Get Married At The Courthouse In San Antonio Texas |
Why the Courthouse?
Maybe extravagant weddings aren't your style (or your wallet's). Perhaps you crave a ceremony that's intimate and fuss-free. Or maybe you're eloping like a rom-com and need a quick and legal way to seal the deal. Whatever your reason, the Bexar County Courthouse is your knight in shining armor...minus the horse (parking can be a nightmare downtown).
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
Here's the Lowdown on the Legal Stuff (Don't worry, it's not that bad)
- Get Your License: This is where the magic starts (or the paperwork, depending on your outlook). Head down to the Bexar County Clerk's Office with your partner-in-crime (and valid ID, of course). You can even apply for the license online beforehand, which is pretty darn swanky for a courthouse wedding. Important Note: Cash only, folks. So ditch the plastic and hit the ATM.
- Wait There's More? (There's Kinda More) There's a mandatory 30-day waiting period after you get your license. Think of it as a pre-marital cooling-off period. Just in case you, you know, accidentally applied for a marriage license while possessed by a particularly enthusiastic karaoke rendition of "I Will Survive."
The Ceremony Itself (Cue the Judge in Fabulous Robes...Maybe)
Alright, so the courthouse might not have cascading floral arrangements and a string quartet, but it has something most wedding venues lack: a judge in a robe! They'll officiate the ceremony, making it official. You can even have a few guests witness your love story unfold (though space might be tight, so keep it to your nearest and dearest).
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
Bonus Tip: If you crave a touch of elegance, consider booking a ceremony at The Courthouse Wedding Chapel located right next door. They offer a charming space for a small ceremony with a bit more ambiance (and possibly fewer pigeons cooing outside the window).
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
FAQ: Courthouse Marriage Edition
- How much does it cost? The marriage license itself is a steal at $82.
- How long does the ceremony take? The judge will get you hitched in about 10 minutes, tops.
- Can I wear jeans? Technically, yes. But maybe dress it up a scoche? Khakis and a button-down for him, a nice sundress for her. You're getting married, after all!
- Do I need an appointment for the ceremony? Yep, contact your local Justice of the Peace to schedule your courthouse nuptials.
- Can we have a reception afterwards? Absolutely! Head to one of San Antonio's many amazing restaurants or bars to celebrate with your loved ones.
So there you have it! Getting married at the Bexar County Courthouse is a perfectly reasonable (and dare we say, romantic?) way to start your happily ever after. Remember, true love isn't about fancy frills, it's about finding someone to share your life with, courthouse wedding or not. Now go forth and get hitched, lovebirds!
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.