Your DFW Courthouse Wedding Deserves World-Class Photography & Videography.

Whether you are trading vows at the historic red-sandstone courthouse in downtown Fort Worth or keeping it simple at a justice of the peace in Dallas, your wedding day is a profound milestone. You don’t need a 300-person guest list or a ballroom gala to justify heirloom-quality documentation. Through Sarah & Coy—an intimate wedding brand backed by the trusted standards of the Drae Knox Experience—we bring elite creative coverage to smaller unions across Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties.

Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding in DFW?

Modern couples are increasingly trading stress and massive budgets for intimacy and authenticity. A courthouse wedding allows you to focus entirely on what truly matters: your marriage.

However, "simple" should never mean sacrificing quality when it comes to preserving your memories. From the quiet anticipation in the hallway to the celebratory confetti toss on the courthouse steps, we capture the raw emotion, elegance, and cinematic beauty of your day with the exact same care and grandeur as a full-scale traditional wedding.

The Universal Texas Marriage License Rules

Before diving into county specifics, every couple getting married in North Texas must follow these statewide legal guidelines:

The 72-Hour Waiting Period: Texas requires a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between the exact time you purchase your license and when your ceremony can take place. Pro-Tip: This fee is discounted and the waiting period is waived if you complete the state-approved "Twosome Together" premarital counseling course or if either applicant is active-duty military.

The 90-Day Expiration: Your ceremony must take place within 90 days of the license issuance date.

Statewide Flexibility: A marriage license obtained in any Texas county is valid anywhere in the state. You can buy your license in Collin County and get married at the Tarrant County Courthouse!

What to Bring: Both applicants must appear in person at the county clerk's office with a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and know their Social Security number.

County-by-County Guide: Locations, Process & Photo Spots

Navigating the logistics of local courts can feel overwhelming. Below is your step-by-step guide to securing your license, booking a judge, and finding the best photo backdrops in each DFW county.

Important Logistical Note: County Clerks issue marriage licenses, but they do not perform wedding ceremonies. To get married at the courthouse, you must contact a Justice of the Peace (JP) or a judge in that county to schedule your appointment, or hire a mobile officiant to perform the ceremony on the courthouse grounds!

1. Tarrant County (Fort Worth)

The Process: You can start your marriage license application online to save time, but both parties must visit a Tarrant County Clerk location in person to finalize and pay for the license. To get married at the courthouse, you will need to contact a Tarrant County Justice of the Peace court directly to book an appointment for a civil ceremony.

Primary Clerk Location: Tarrant County Plaza Building, 200 Taylor Street, Suite 301, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

Official Website & JP Directory: Tarrant County Clerk Marriage License Info & JP Links

The Photo Experience: The historic Tarrant County Courthouse (100 E. Weatherford St) is an 1895 pink-granite architectural masterpiece. We love utilizing its sweeping indoor staircases, arched windows, and shaded outdoor lawns. After you say "I do," we can take a short walk to Sundance Square or the Fort Worth Water Gardens for cinematic, editorial portraits.

2. Dallas County (Dallas)

The Process: Dallas County requires couples to submit an online marriage license application before scheduling an in-person appointment at the County Clerk's office to pick it up. Once you have your license and your 72 hours have passed, you must contact a Dallas County Justice of the Peace to schedule your ceremony.

Primary Clerk Location: Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm St, Suite 2100A, Dallas, TX 75270.

Official Website & JP Directory: Dallas County Marriage License Portal & Court Directory

The Photo Experience: Downtown Dallas offers sleek, metropolitan energy. Whether your JP is located near the Renaissance Tower or the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building, you are just steps away from world-class urban backdrops. We frequently transition couples from their civil ceremony directly to the Dallas Arts District, Klyde Warren Park, or the reflective glass of the Winspear Opera House for a high-fashion, modern portrait session.

3. Denton County (Denton)

The Process: Fill out the online application via the Denton County Clerk portal, then visit one of their offices in person (no appointment necessary at most locations, though checking line times online is recommended) to complete the process. Reach out to one of Denton County's six Justice of the Peace precincts to schedule your ceremony date and time.

Primary Clerk Location: 1400 FM 424, Suite 142, Cross Roads, TX 76227 (or the Denton County Courts Building at 1450 E. McKinney St, Denton, TX 76209).

Official Website & JP Directory: Denton County Clerk Marriage Licenses & JP Roster

The Photo Experience: Tie the knot, then head straight to the iconic Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square (110 W. Hickory St). Built in 1896, this picturesque limestone building sits in the heart of historic downtown Denton. The shaded oak lawns, vintage war memorials, and surrounding brick-paved streets and eclectic boutiques offer a timeless, romantic, and rustic-chic setting for your bridal portraits and video highlights.

4. Collin County (McKinney & Plano)

The Process: Submit your marriage license application online, then schedule an appointment or do a walk-in at the Collin County Clerk's office in McKinney or Plano. To arrange a civil ceremony, reach out to one of the Collin County Justices of the Peace (many JPs here perform ceremonies in their courtrooms or even outdoors upon request!).

Primary Clerk Location: Collin County Administration Building, 2300 Bloomdale Rd, Suite 2106, McKinney, TX 75071 (Plano office also available at 900 E. Park Blvd).

Official Website & JP Directory: Collin County Marriage License Guidelines & JP Contacts

The Photo Experience: While the Collin County administrative buildings are modern and streamlined, the real visual magic happens just minutes away in Historic Downtown McKinney. After your vows, we will take you to the charming town square, where ivy-covered brick walls, rustic alleys, and historic storefronts provide an intimate, boutique feel that perfectly matches the Sarah & Coy aesthetic.

The Sarah & Coy Courthouse Experience

We designed our intimate wedding packages specifically for micro-weddings, elopements, and civil ceremonies. When you book with us, you receive:

Comprehensive Ceremony Coverage: We discreetly capture the vow exchange, the ring placement, and the official signing of your marriage certificate.

Creative Portrait Session: A dedicated 45- to 60-minute photography and videography session around the courthouse grounds and surrounding downtown landmarks.

We’ll Be Your Witness: If you are eloping just the two of you and need an official witness to sign your marriage license, we are honored to step in!

Signature Audio & Video: We don't just take photos; we capture the audio of your vows and the atmosphere of your day, weaving them into a cinematic highlight film you can share with friends and family who couldn't be there.

High-End Digital Gallery: Receive a fully edited, high-resolution online gallery and digital video download, delivered with the professional excellence of Drae Knox Media.

Your Courthouse Wedding Checklist

Apply Online: Visit the website for your preferred county (linked above) and submit your initial marriage license application online.

Book Your Officiant/JP: Call the Justice of the Peace office in your chosen county to secure your ceremony date and time. Do this early, especially for Friday ceremonies!

Book Sarah & Coy: Reach out to us as soon as your date is set so we can lock it into our calendar and begin planning your portrait timeline.

Pick Up Your License: Visit the County Clerk in person together at least 72 hours before your ceremony date to pay for and pick up your official license.

Get Married & Celebrate: Show up dressed to the nines with your marriage license in hand. Say "I do," and let us handle capturing the magic!

Ready to Make It Official?

Your love story deserves to be told with artistry and care, no matter the size of the room. Let’s capture the start of your legacy.

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Would you like me to add a specific FAQ section (for instance, covering topics like what happens if it rains, or how many guests are usually allowed in a JP courtroom) to help streamline inquiries from couples even further?