Clarisse & Dan got married at the St. Louis Courthouse on a beautiful, sunny afternoon here in the city. They knew they wanted to elope and reached out to me once they were engaged to document it.
I’m always excited about couples who know what they want, and make their day fully centered around their love story and what makes them happy. For Clarisse & Dan… that was eloping in front of a judge and taking photos outside after. As a documentary style photographer, this was a dream elopement day for me.
Getting married at St. Louis Courthouse is surprisingly simple.
But I know navigating the logistics can feel a little daunting. If you’re dreaming of a day like Clarisse and Dan, save this post because I’ll guide you through exactly what you need to make this happen.
How to Get Married at the St. Louis City Courthouse
This courthouse hosts civil wedding ceremonies on select Fridays throughout the year. Availability can vary, so I always recommend checking the courthouse website for the latest details and scheduling information.
In fact, this city website is where I would start your research. It is packed full of information. But if that feels daunting, here’s some info to keep in mind when you start planning:
- At least one partner must be a St. Louis City resident.
- You will need a valid Missouri marriage license.
- Ceremonies are offered on select Fridays.
- Reservations are required in advance.
- Requirements and availability can change, so always verify directly with the courthouse.
One of the fun things about getting married this way is that it’s so purely focused on your love story and the emotions between you. The formalities really melt away, and you can design a day that is so completely authentic. You get married in front of the judge, and then the world is your oyster. You can take photos. Wander in a park. Get a fancy dinner. Book a fancy hotel.
There is something really truly magical about having a day that is exactly how you want it, without having to factor in guests or timelines or planners.
Another perk? All the incredible locations nearby.
One of the biggest advantages of a St. Louis courthouse wedding is having so many portrait locations nearby.
After your ceremony, here are some areas you can consider exploring for photos (or just for fun!):
- Courthouse grounds and front steps
- Central Library
- Kiener Plaza
- Citygarden Sculpture Park
- Laclede’s Landing
- The Gateway Arch grounds
Each location offers a different feel. Historic architecture, urban textures, lush greenery, and iconic St. Louis views are all within a short distance. This makes it so, so easy to plan your day!
Clarisse and Dan spent their wedding day focused on what mattered most to them. No complicated timeline. No stress. Just the two of them doing a meaningful ceremony in a historic building. And then taking the time to soak in every moment together.
We spent the hour after their nuptials wandering around the courthouse, and the spaces outside, capturing their newlywed glow and giggles as the realization set in: THEY WERE FINALLY MARRIED!
It’s one of my favorite parts of any wedding day or elopement. No matter if you’re having a big celebration or an intimate elopement. Watching you two realize that you’re officially someone’s spouse… that joy never gets old.
So, if you are planning an elopement at the St. Louis courthouse, know that it can be every bit as beautiful, emotional, and intentional as a traditional wedding day.
Sometimes the simplest celebrations create the most unforgettable stories.
