How to have a Tulsa Courthouse Wedding

How to have a Tulsa Courthouse Wedding

[updated] 2024

Consider this a your go-to guide on how to get married in Tulsa at “the courthouse”. First of all, a Tulsa Courthouse Wedding actually takes place at the County Clerk & Administration Building. It is a few blocks from the judicial building, located along the Harbor on Pacific Highway and has wonderful views of the Bay!

The grounds are quite large and have four main areas that include fountains, gardens, and playgrounds. There is even a little café on the South side of the building in case you need a bite or forget your water. Bookmark their website for future reference. You can find everything from palm trees to flowers to sculptures there.

Here are the 6 steps on how to have a Tulsa Courthouse Wedding:

Step 1: Online Paperwork & Appointment Scheduling

You can complete the initial paperwork for your Marriage License online. You can also do this in-person but I would recommend the online option. There, you will also be able to request your Marriage Ceremony Appointment up to 7 weeks in advance. Your Marriage License is good for 90 days. Once your ceremony appointment is confirmed, you can relax, shop around for dresses or suits, and let the fun begin!

Step 2: Prepare for your Special Day

Have fun and keep it simple! Go dress shopping with your best friends and order a bouquet. If you’re planning to have a bigger ceremony in the future, I would suggest to use this as your chance to have your hair & makeup trial. You can keep it as simple or as detailed as you want. Make it special and keep it fun!

Step 3: Hire a Photographer

Hiring your Tulsa Courthouse Wedding Photographer even before your ceremony date is confirmed is highly recommended- especially if you want a more popular date, ie. 2/5/25, etc! Make sure to ask your photographer what will happen if your preferred date and time is not available. You will be able to find a photographer that has a fairly flexible policy for Courthouse Weddings just in case things don’t go as planned. Your photographer can also serve as your Witness if needed!

Step 4: Arrive to your appointment early

Arrive early as not to feel rushed and to potentially take a few photos before you head upstairs to your appointment. There, you will check-in, finish your paperwork with a clerk, and before you know it you will be having your ceremony and saying “I do”!. The ceremony will literally take 5 minutes max, so try to be present and enjoy the moment of exchanging rings! Oh, and by the way, The Marriage Hut, which was in service during Quarantine, has officially been closed despite what Google Maps may say.

Step 5: Finish your Photography Session

Have your first official portrait session as a married couple with your photographer before heading out to celebrate! Your photographer will pose you and guide you and make you feel at ease. There are so many beautiful locations on the property so if you are wearing heels, you might want to bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops to help you get around and to avoid any blisters.

Step 6: Your Marriage Certificate will arrive

After 10 days or up to a few weeks after your ceremony, your marriage certificate, (purchased during registration) will arrive and you can begin the process of updating your name change to various entities and accounts. For more information on name changes provided by the County, you can read more by clicking here.

I hope this helps to plan your Tulsa Courthouse Wedding and honestly, it really is super easy!

Most of all, keep in mind that planning your Tulsa Courthouse Wedding should be fun! With a little planning you’ll be able to get the most out of your Special Day!

Make sure to schedule your appointment and find more information on the County’s Website.

Here is a list of dates the County has scheduled for events on their property.

If you would like to have me as your Photographer, I will go over all of these steps in much more detail with you to make sure you get the most out of your special day!