How much does a courthouse wedding cost? A 8-guest example (2026)
For example, a courthouse ceremony plus a restaurant lunch for 8 guests typically costs about $2,000 all-in ($250 per guest), including Extra buffer.
That total is about $70 for the marriage license, $80 for the clerk ceremony fee, $30 for the certified copies, $480 for the lunch, $80 for the lunch drinks, $110 for the lunch tip, $550 for the photography, $80 for the bouquet, $20 for the boutonniere, $320 for the couple attire, $0 for the invitations, and $180 for Extra buffer.
Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. It is already inside that $2,000. This example is a courthouse ceremony plus a restaurant lunch. It is not a hall wedding, and it is not a destination elopement week.
The example in one table
This is one mid-range example for the United States. Shares are rounded; the dollars are the source of truth. Source: Project ROI Calc Standard estimate, United States, 2026.
| Line | Dollars | Share of all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage license | $70 | 4% |
| Clerk ceremony fee | $80 | 4% |
| Certified copies | $30 | 2% |
| Lunch | $480 | 24% |
| Lunch drinks | $80 | 4% |
| Lunch tip | $110 | 6% |
| Photography | $550 | 28% |
| Bouquet | $80 | 4% |
| Boutonniere | $20 | 1% |
| Couple attire | $320 | 16% |
| Invitations | $0 | 0% |
| Extra buffer | $180 | 9% |
| All-in | $2,000 | 100% |
Courthouse wedding cost calculator
Walkthrough
Marriage license — $70
Marriage license is $70 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Clerk ceremony fee — $80
Clerk ceremony fee is $80 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Certified copies — $30
Certified copies is $30 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Lunch — $480
Lunch is $480 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Lunch drinks — $80
Lunch drinks is $80 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Lunch tip — $110
Lunch tip is $110 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Photography — $550
Photography is $550 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Bouquet — $80
Bouquet is $80 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Boutonniere — $20
Boutonniere is $20 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Couple attire — $320
Couple attire is $320 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Invitations — $0
This example leaves Invitations at $0. Change it on the calculator if you will spend here.
Extra buffer — $180
Extra buffer ($180) is spare money on top if something runs over.
All-in vs per guest
People quote both. All-in ($2,000) is money to have on hand for a courthouse ceremony plus a restaurant lunch. Per guest ($250) is for comparing catering menus or grocery lists. This page does not add a third “average.”
What would change your number
- A different guest count
- A nicer or simpler photography
- A quote you already have from a vendor
Change those amounts on the calculator — do not add a mental extra percent on top of Extra buffer.
Not in this number
- Guest gifts and the host's outfit
- Travel
- Sales tax if a vendor puts it on the invoice
How to use the calculator
- Enter how many guests you are hosting. This example starts at 8.
- Open a cost row and tap a starting-price button, or type the quote you already have.
- Tap Calculate. The all-in and per-guest figures update together.
Courthouse wedding cost calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 8-guest courthouse wedding cost?
This example is $2,000 all-in for 8 guests ($250 per guest), including Extra buffer. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. That is a courthouse ceremony plus a restaurant lunch.
What is included in this $2,000?
Every line in the table, plus Extra buffer. Items listed under “Not in this number” are left out on purpose.
Do I have to keep Extra buffer?
No. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. You can lower it or zero it on the calculator. Do not add a mental extra percent on top of it.
What if I invite more guests?
Raise the guest count on the calculator. Food and per-person lines usually move with the list. The $2,000 figure here stays this example.
Related
How much does an elopement cost?How much does a micro wedding cost?All event cost calculators