Planning a Dubuque courthouse wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to keep things simple, stress-free, and meaningful. Whether you’re planning a quiet elopement or an intimate celebration with family, here’s everything you need to know to plan your courthouse wedding—and how to capture it beautifully with images you’ll love!
At Elite Images, we believe that small weddings deserve beautiful wedding photographs just as much as the big parties. Your wedding day, no matter the size, is one of life’s most important moments, and we’re here to ensure your memories are preserved with care.
#1 KNOW THE COURTHOUSE WEDDING SCHEDULE AND TIME SLOTS:
Weddings at the Dubuque County Courthouse are held Fridays only, with four available ceremony slots:
🕐 1:00 PM
🕐 1:15 PM
🕐 1:30 PM
🕐 1:45 PM
Each ceremony lasts around 15 minutes, making it easy to keep your day focused and gives you the time to celebrate they way you want to. When you and your guests arrive, you'll pass through security first. This should be is quick and handled by courteous officers, but we still recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early so nobody feels rushed and you have some time to relax before the ceremony.
#2 APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE AHEAD OF TIME
Before your ceremony, you’ll need to apply for your marriage license at the Recorder’s Office in the Dubuque County Courthouse. Plan for:
✅ Applying 2-3 weeks before your desired wedding date
✅ A 3-day waiting period after your license is issued before it becomes valid
✅ Bringing two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate
At Elite Images, we believe that small weddings deserve beautiful wedding photographs just as much as the big parties. Your wedding day, no matter the size, is one of life’s most important moments, and we’re here to ensure your memories are preserved with care.
#1 KNOW THE COURTHOUSE WEDDING SCHEDULE AND TIME SLOTS:
Weddings at the Dubuque County Courthouse are held Fridays only, with four available ceremony slots:
🕐 1:00 PM
🕐 1:15 PM
🕐 1:30 PM
🕐 1:45 PM
Each ceremony lasts around 15 minutes, making it easy to keep your day focused and gives you the time to celebrate they way you want to. When you and your guests arrive, you'll pass through security first. This should be is quick and handled by courteous officers, but we still recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early so nobody feels rushed and you have some time to relax before the ceremony.
#2 APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE AHEAD OF TIME
Before your ceremony, you’ll need to apply for your marriage license at the Recorder’s Office in the Dubuque County Courthouse. Plan for:
✅ Applying 2-3 weeks before your desired wedding date
✅ A 3-day waiting period after your license is issued before it becomes valid
✅ Bringing two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate
#3 KNOW THE GUEST CAPACITY AND CEREMONY OPTIONS
The courtroom holds up to 32 guests, allowing you to celebrate with your closest family and friends. For the ceremony itself, you can create your own custom vows for a personal touch, or let the magistrate lead you through a simple script to keep your ceremony stress-free.
#4 DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
While courthouse weddings are relaxed, your wedding day is still special. Consider dressing up, especially if you're planning on having photos taken.
👔 Grooms often wear suits or tuxes for a timeless look (like Ryan, who looked sharp in his tux).
👗 Brides can wear anything from a beautiful gown (like Rosalia, who was glowing) to a simple, elegant dress.
🌸 Flowers like a bouquet or boutonniere can add a personal, bright touch for your photos.
The courtroom holds up to 32 guests, allowing you to celebrate with your closest family and friends. For the ceremony itself, you can create your own custom vows for a personal touch, or let the magistrate lead you through a simple script to keep your ceremony stress-free.
#4 DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
While courthouse weddings are relaxed, your wedding day is still special. Consider dressing up, especially if you're planning on having photos taken.
👔 Grooms often wear suits or tuxes for a timeless look (like Ryan, who looked sharp in his tux).
👗 Brides can wear anything from a beautiful gown (like Rosalia, who was glowing) to a simple, elegant dress.
🌸 Flowers like a bouquet or boutonniere can add a personal, bright touch for your photos.
#5 ADD PERSONAL TOUCHES
Even a small courthouse wedding can feel beautiful and unique. Consider adding:
✨ Writing your own vows or a short letter to read to each other
✨ Taking portraits at a beautiful location nearby after your ceremony
✨ Celebrating afterward with brunch, coffee, or a dinner with family and friends
✨ A simple, joyful exit with bubbles or cheers from your guests
Your courthouse wedding deserves to feel like a celebration, not “just paperwork.”
#6 HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Even if it is small, your wedding still deserves professional, timeless photography. At Elite Images Weddings, we specialize in short coverage on Fridays for courthouse weddings. Our Dubuque courthouse wedding photography package includes:
✅ Professional coverage of your ceremony
✅ An additional hour for portraits of you, your partner, and your family at a second location of your choice (we have suggestions if you're not sure where to go!)
✅ A relaxed, efficient photography experience that respects your schedule while ensuring you receive meaningful images you will treasure forever
Your wedding day, no matter how big or small, deserves to be documented with care, artistry, and professionalism.
#7 EXTEND YOUR DAY WITH PORTRAITS AT THE DUBUQUE ARBORETUM
Speaking of wedding photography, consider taking some wedding portraits at the Dubuque Arboretum after the ceremony. We photographed Ryan & Rosalia’s courthouse wedding followed by portraits at the Dubuque Arboretum, capturing timeless images of their love and family.
At Elite Images Weddings, we purchase an annual photography pass for the Dubuque Arboretum, so you don’t need to worry about extra fees. The gardens and shaded paths are the perfect backdrop for family and couple portraits, adding beauty and variety to your wedding day memories.
Even a small courthouse wedding can feel beautiful and unique. Consider adding:
✨ Writing your own vows or a short letter to read to each other
✨ Taking portraits at a beautiful location nearby after your ceremony
✨ Celebrating afterward with brunch, coffee, or a dinner with family and friends
✨ A simple, joyful exit with bubbles or cheers from your guests
Your courthouse wedding deserves to feel like a celebration, not “just paperwork.”
#6 HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Even if it is small, your wedding still deserves professional, timeless photography. At Elite Images Weddings, we specialize in short coverage on Fridays for courthouse weddings. Our Dubuque courthouse wedding photography package includes:
✅ Professional coverage of your ceremony
✅ An additional hour for portraits of you, your partner, and your family at a second location of your choice (we have suggestions if you're not sure where to go!)
✅ A relaxed, efficient photography experience that respects your schedule while ensuring you receive meaningful images you will treasure forever
Your wedding day, no matter how big or small, deserves to be documented with care, artistry, and professionalism.
#7 EXTEND YOUR DAY WITH PORTRAITS AT THE DUBUQUE ARBORETUM
Speaking of wedding photography, consider taking some wedding portraits at the Dubuque Arboretum after the ceremony. We photographed Ryan & Rosalia’s courthouse wedding followed by portraits at the Dubuque Arboretum, capturing timeless images of their love and family.
At Elite Images Weddings, we purchase an annual photography pass for the Dubuque Arboretum, so you don’t need to worry about extra fees. The gardens and shaded paths are the perfect backdrop for family and couple portraits, adding beauty and variety to your wedding day memories.
HOW TO BOOK ELITE IMAGES FOR YOUR COURTHOUSE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Contact us here to check your Friday date and secure your wedding photography coverage.
Your courthouse wedding is still your wedding day, and it deserves to be celebrated and remembered with beautiful images! Let us capture your ceremony and portraits so you can focus on the joy of your day while preserving it forever.
📸 Contact Elite Images Weddings now to check your date and book your Dubuque courthouse wedding photography.
