The fastest way to find a Justice of the Peace to marry you is to call the county clerk’s office where you plan to hold the ceremony. The clerk either performs civil weddings directly or keeps the list of Justices of the Peace, magistrates, and judges authorized to do so in that county. One phone call usually gets you a name, a fee, and an available date.
Before you start dialing, though, confirm that your state actually uses the title. It matters more than it sounds.
Check Whether Your State Has Justices of the Peace
Justices of the Peace are common in states like Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. Plenty of other states have either eliminated the position or never created it. Where the title doesn’t exist, the officials authorized to perform civil wedding ceremonies go by different names: district court judge, magistrate, mayor, county clerk, or a court-designated commissioner. In Florida, South Carolina, Maine, Montana, Nevada, and Tennessee, a notary public can also solemnize a marriage.
If you search for “Justice of the Peace” in a state that doesn’t use the title, you’ll come up empty. Ask your county clerk’s office directly who is authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies in your jurisdiction. The clerk handles this question constantly and will point you to the right official.
Start With the County Clerk’s Office
The clerk’s office is the single most reliable starting point. In many counties, the clerk performs ceremonies on the spot once your license is ready, sometimes for as little as $30. Where the clerk doesn’t officiate, staff can hand you a list of local Justices of the Peace or magistrates who do.
When you call, ask three things:
- Does the office perform civil ceremonies, and do you need an appointment?
- If not, can they give you a list of authorized officiants?
- Are witnesses required, and can courthouse staff serve as witnesses if needed?
That last question saves a return trip if you’re planning to show up alone or as a couple.
Search County and Court Websites
Many county court systems publish directories of Justices of the Peace, magistrates, and judges who officiate weddings. Look for headings like “marriage services,” “civil ceremonies,” or “vital records” on the county or parish government site. Individual JPs often list contact information, availability, and whether they’ll travel to an off-site location like a park or private home.
Court websites are also where you’ll find the specific rules that apply in your county, including whether a JP outside the courthouse charges a travel fee and whether ceremonies can be scheduled outside business hours.
Use Officiant Directories
Online platforms let you search for Justices of the Peace and other civil officiants by state, county, or ZIP code. Profiles typically include reviews, pricing, and contact details. These directories are especially useful if you want an officiant willing to travel to a restaurant, backyard, or scenic spot rather than performing the ceremony in a courthouse room.
Ask for Referrals
Friends and family who had civil ceremonies are a good source. Wedding planners and venue coordinators also keep lists of reliable local officiants. A personal referral tells you what the experience is actually like, which no directory can.
Book Early
Popular Justices of the Peace in busy counties book up weeks or months in advance, particularly during peak wedding season from May through October. Reach out as soon as you have a date in mind. When you contact an officiant, confirm:
- Their fee and what it includes
- Whether they perform ceremonies outside the courthouse and any travel charge
- Whether they can accommodate personal vows or readings if you want them
If you don’t mention personalization, expect a standard script covering only the legal essentials. Most JPs are happy to work in a reading or vows you’ve written, but they need to know ahead of time.
You’ll Need a Marriage License First
No officiant can legally marry you without a valid marriage license, so this piece runs in parallel with your search. You apply at the county clerk’s office (or county auditor, in some states) in the county where the ceremony will take place. Both partners appear in person.
The basic requirements are consistent across most of the country:
- Age: generally at least 18. Nebraska sets the bar at 19 and Mississippi at 21. Most states still allow minors to marry with parental or judicial consent, with specifics varying.
- Identification: a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
- Social Security number: required on the application in most states.
- Prior marriages: if either partner was previously married, some states require proof the marriage ended through divorce or death; others accept a sworn statement.
Waiting Periods and Expiration
Roughly half of all states have no waiting period. Among those that do, the wait runs from 24 hours to three days. A few states waive the waiting period for couples who complete a premarital education course or demonstrate hardship.
Licenses also expire. The window ranges from 30 days in Delaware, Hawaii, and Kentucky to a full year in Arizona, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. Georgia and Mississippi impose no expiration. Most states fall between 60 and 90 days. If your license expires before the ceremony, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again.
A good rule of thumb is to apply about one to two weeks before your ceremony. That clears typical waiting periods without pushing against expiration.
Witnesses and Venue
About half of U.S. states require witnesses at a marriage ceremony, usually two, sometimes one. Witnesses generally must be at least 18 and able to sign the marriage license. Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia are among the states that don’t require witnesses. New York requires one; Alaska, Michigan, and Wisconsin require two.
If your state requires witnesses and you’re planning to marry just the two of you, plan to bring someone or ask whether courthouse staff can serve. Many will if asked.
A JP or civil officiant can typically perform your ceremony anywhere within their jurisdiction. Courthouse ceremonies happen in a designated room or the judge’s chambers. Many JPs will also travel to private residences, parks, or restaurants for an additional fee. Confirm with your officiant that they’re authorized to work outside the courthouse in your state, and settle any travel charges upfront.
What It Costs
A civil wedding through a Justice of the Peace is one of the least expensive ways to get legally married. The two main costs:
- Marriage license: roughly $20 to $110 depending on state and county. Some jurisdictions discount the fee for couples who complete premarital counseling.
- Officiant: JP ceremony fees typically run $25 to $100 for a standard courthouse ceremony. Clerk-performed ceremonies sit at the lower end. Off-site or customized ceremonies cost more.
All in, a basic civil ceremony with license usually runs under $200. That price is much of the reason courthouse weddings stay popular.
One Last Check Before the Date
A week or two out, confirm three things: your license has been issued and hasn’t expired, your officiant has the date on their calendar, and you know where to meet and who’s bringing witnesses if your state requires them. If you’re getting married outside the courthouse, verify one more time that your officiant is authorized to perform the ceremony at that location.