How to plan your Phoenix Courthouse Elopement

Before your big day, you’ll need a marriage license from any Maricopa County Clerk’s Office. Here’s what to know:
- No appointment needed
- Both parties must be present
- Bring valid photo IDs
- Cost: $98 (this can change, so please refer to the
                                                         for the most up to date fees)
- No waiting period (you can marry the same day!)
- License is valid for 12 months
- If you are a non-Arizona resident, the marriage license will need to be applied to in-person. AZ residents can apply online

*Tip: Head to the Central Clerk’s Office at 601 W. Jackson St. for convenience—it’s just blocks from the courthouse!*

You can walk in for a same-day ceremony, but I recommend calling ahead to check judge availability. Civil ceremonies are performed at:
- Downtown Justice Court, 620 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Monday–Friday after 5pm (excluding holidays)
- A judge or justice of the peace will officiate and ceremonies can last around 5-10 minutes
- Bring your marriage license and one witness (I can be that person if needed!)

What You’ll Need for a Courthouse Elopement:
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Marriage license 
- Two witnesses over age 18 (I’m always happy to help!)
- Cash Payment for the ceremony ($98 for marriage license)
- Optional: Rings, vows, outfits, flowers—make it your own!
- You can even bring along your friends and family if you want! The court rooms comfortably hold 20 people so any more than that may be tight. 

Some courthouses will allow for an appointment but for Phoenix Courthouse, walk-ins are the most common. It is recommend to get there at 4:30pm to make sure you can get through security and sign in at the court window.



The area around the courthouse is full of gorgeous photo spots—vintage doors, desert murals, palm-lined streets, and modern architecture. After the ceremony, we can do a photo walk to capture those just-married vibes in true downtown style. We can also make our way to the iconic historical courthouse which is featured in the photos on this blog. This is the part of the day where you get to decide what happens next. We can hit up your favorite restaurant for a celebratory drink or dinner, head up to the art museum or check out local murals, or even head over to one of the nearby nature parks to explore and capture photos in the gorgeous desert setting. Papago Park is only 15 minutes away from the courthouse and South Mountain is about 20 minutes away but has tons of great trails to check out!

Although elopements can be shorter than a traditional wedding, there are plenty of things we can do to make the day even more special. As your photographer, I am there to capture this day for you so that you'll walk away with a gallery of dreamy, urban elopement photos that tell your love story—no stress, just magic. 

Pro Tips from a Phoenix Courthouse Elopement Photographer
- Dress in layers—Arizona mornings can be cool, but it heats up fast
- Weekdays other than Friday = fewer crowds
- Plan for parking: There’s paid street parking and garages nearby at 555 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ or City Scape Parking Garage.
- Plan ahead! You don't need to have every moment of the day planned but having some idea on what you would like to do is super important to keep your day as stress-free as we can



Want a printable checklist to make your courthouse elopement stress-free? I’ve created a free downloadable guide with:
- What to bring
- Local vendor recommendations
- Sample photo timeline
- Ceremony day tips

👉 

If you're ready to make your elopement beautifully simple, I’d love to help capture it. Let’s create something intentional and unforgettable—right in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

Why Choose a Downtown Phoenix Courthouse Elopement?

How to Elope at the Phoenix Courthouse

1. Get Your Marriage License

2. Schedule Your Civil Ceremony

3. Plan Your Special Day

What to do after your ceremony:

Maricopa County Website

Free Downtown Phoenix Courthouse Elopement Checklist

Here’s the magic of eloping downtown: you get an iconic, city-chic backdrop, a short and sweet ceremony, and the flexibility to celebrate however you want afterward. Whether it’s drinks at your favorite Roosevelt Row bar or golden hour portraits on a rooftop—your day is 100% yours. We can incorporate your favorite activities to celebrate your wedding day or keep it simple and enjoy the quick ceremony to start your future together!