Planning a courthouse wedding in Omaha? Whether you’re looking for a simple, intimate ceremony or a quick and stress-free way to make it official, getting married at the Douglas County Courthouse is a great option. But how exactly does it work?

As an Omaha courthouse wedding photographer, we capture courthouse ceremonies for couples who want beautiful, timeless images—even for a smaller, low-key wedding.

If you’re considering a courthouse wedding in Omaha, here’s everything you need to know in eight easy steps to make your day as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Get Your Marriage License from Douglas County

Before you can officially tie the knot, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license through the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.

Where to Apply:

• Douglas County Clerk’s Office – 1819 Farnam St, H08, Omaha, NE 68183
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Fee: $25 (cash or card accepted)

What You Need:

• Both applicants must appear in person.
• A valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
• Social Security numbers (if applicable).
• If previously married, proof of divorce or spouse’s passing.

Your marriage license is valid for one year from the issue date, so you have plenty of time to plan your courthouse wedding.

2. Schedule Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony

While some courthouses allow walk-ins, it’s best to schedule your ceremony in advance to avoid delays. The Douglas County Courthouse does not provide an in-house officiant, so you’ll need to hire a judge or authorized officiant to perform the ceremony.

Who Can Officiate?

• A judge or magistrate
• An ordained minister (can be online-ordained)
• A justice of the peace

For a seamless experience, book your officiant at least a few weeks in advance—especially if you’re getting married on a Friday when appointments fill up fast.

3. Choose the Best Time & Day for Your Wedding

Douglas County Courthouse is busiest on Fridays and afternoons, so if you want a quieter, more private ceremony, opt for:

• Best Days: Monday – Thursday
• Best Time: Mornings (before 11 AM)

Not only will the courthouse be less crowded, but the lighting for photos outside the building will also be better.

4. Bring at Least One Witness

In Nebraska, you must have at least one witness present to sign your marriage certificate.

Who Can Be a Witness?

• A family member, friend, or colleague
• Anyone 18 or older
• Some officiants provide witnesses if needed

If you’re eloping or having a very private ceremony, I’m happy to serve as your witness while capturing your special moments.

5. What to Wear for Your Courthouse Wedding

Just because it’s a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you can’t dress up and make it special. Whether you go classic, casual, or bold, your outfits will help set the tone for your day and look great in photos.

Popular Outfit Ideas:

• Wedding attire: A suit, dress, jumpsuit, or any outfit that feels special to you
• Accessories: Small bouquet, stylish shoes, or meaningful jewelry

 

6. Capture the Moment: Hire a Courthouse Wedding Photographer

A courthouse wedding is simple, but your love story is anything but ordinary. Hiring a professional courthouse wedding photographer ensures that you’ll have beautiful images to look back on from this special day.

Why Hire a Photographer?

• The ceremony itself is quick, so you’ll want timeless photos to remember it.
• Professional courthouse portraits can be just as stunning as a traditional wedding.
• I’ll guide you to the best photo locations near the courthouse for amazing post-ceremony shots.

Some of the best courthouse wedding photo locations in Omaha include:

• Douglas County Courthouse Steps – Classic and elegant shots right outside the building.
• Old Market District – Brick streets, cozy alleys, and charming urban scenery.
• Gene Leahy Mall – A mix of greenery and modern backdrops for timeless portraits.

We offer photography packages for courthouse weddings starting at $1200. This special pricing is separate from our traditional wedding packages, making it an accessible option for those who want beautiful images of their courthouse celebration.

7. Sign Your Marriage Certificate & Make It Official

Once your ceremony is complete, it’s time to sign your marriage certificate and have your officiant and witness do the same.

Final Steps:

• Your officiant will complete the necessary paperwork.
• Submit the signed certificate to the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.
• You’ll receive your official marriage certificate in the mail within a few weeks.

8. Celebrate Your Newlywed Status

Even if you’re keeping it small, take some time to celebrate your marriage. Many courthouse couples head to a local restaurant, bar, or scenic spot for a mini reception.

Great Places to Celebrate in Omaha:

• V. Mertz – A romantic fine-dining experience in the Old Market.
• Le Bouillon – French-inspired cuisine with an intimate atmosphere.
• The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel – Stylish rooftop drinks with city views.

You can also plan a bigger wedding reception later to celebrate with friends and family.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Book Your Courthouse Wedding Photographer?

A courthouse wedding is a meaningful and intimate way to start your marriage. Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it should go undocumented.

As an Omaha courthouse wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing small yet significant moments. If you’re planning a courthouse wedding and want timeless, elegant photos, I’d love to be part of your day.

Contact me here to check availability for your courthouse wedding.