Getting Married at the Travis County Courthouse: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Austin—especially at the historic Travis County Courthouse (Precinct 5)—this post will walk you through everything you need to know.

Judge & Ceremony Location

Your wedding ceremony can be officiated by Judge Rick Olivo, who currently presides at Precinct 5 in the Travis County Courthouse located on Guadalupe Street.

Obtaining Your Marriage License

• You can get your license at any Travis County Clerk’s office—the main one is at 5501 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751. Both parties must appear in person with ID.

  👉 Marriage License – Travis County Clerk

• The fee is $80, unless you qualify for the $20 Texas Twogether Program discount.

• The license is valid for up to 89 days and expires on the 90th.

Ceremony Logistics

• The ceremony takes place inside the courtroom on the first floor of 1000 Guadalupe St, Suite 112.

• It lasts only 5–10 minutes, so couples often decide whether to do photos before or after the ceremony.

• Options for photos:

  • Before: calm, fresh looks, and pre-ceremony glow.

  • After: joyful, celebratory energy with backdrops like the courthouse steps, the nearby live oak, or the adjacent park.

👉 Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony – Precinct 5

Great Photo Locations Around the Courthouse

• Courthouse steps — timeless and dramatic.

• Nearby live oak tree — shaded and natural.

• The Seaholm District.

• The Capitol — inside or outside.

• Butler Park — skyline views.

• Commodore Perry Estate — if you book a stay and arrange permission.

Steps to Plan Your Courthouse Wedding in Austin

1. Get your marriage license at the Travis County Clerk’s Office.

2. Schedule your courthouse ceremony at Precinct 5.

3. Choose your photo timing — before or after the ceremony.

4. Pick your photo locations — from the courthouse to nearby landmarks.

5. Book your photographer (that’s me!) to handle logistics and capture the day beautifully. You can book directly here:

   👉 Schedule with Eli Samuel Photography

Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding?

Courthouse weddings are efficient, intimate, and flexible. They may last just 10–15 minutes, but with thoughtful planning and the right photographer, they can become deeply meaningful.

Pro tip: Book the earliest or latest appointment of the day to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos.

Final Thoughts

A Travis County Courthouse wedding blends simplicity with elegance. Whether you capture photos before or after the ceremony, the courthouse and surrounding areas provide timeless backdrops for your day.