Your Guide to Having the BEST Courthouse Ceremony in Spartanburg, SC
Skip the boring government website, because I’ve made a one stop shop with all the info! (Including photos and links!) Courthouse weddings mean understated elegance, stunning architecture, movement and vibes, with zero fluff and budgeting is much easier. They are for those couples intentionally focusing on the why, not the production and weddings at the courthouse give you so much room and flexibility when it comes to your memories. I’ve become a go-to guide for couples planning their wedding at the Spartanburg Courthouse so that they can avoid all the stress (and still keep it luxe). Let’s get into it!
The Beauty of the Spartanburg Courthouse
Spartanburg’s Courthouse offers a backdrop that feels timeless without trying too hard—towering white columns, elegant stonework, and light-filled steps that make every moment feel cinematic. It’s the perfect blend of formality and intimacy, giving you stunning photos without the stress of a large venue. And because I know the best angles, hidden corners, and times of day for that golden glow or shadow fun, we can create images that look like they belong in a magazine with no extra staging required. Plus a timeline with one priority, and that IS photos.
The inside of the courthouse is equally as photogenic. From it’s stunning entrance with the tallest windows that cascade beautiful shadows on the ground, the marble staircase, to the wooden framed elevators you really set the stage for clean, modern and refined moments that have never gone out of style.
There are times that are better than others for when the sun is high, because it limits you when nobody wants the sun in their eyes or the harsh shadows in every photo. HOWEVER, there is still so much to do on the property you will always have options! These shots above were captured in overcast of morning light, and the bottom were at high noon! I adapt to the situation easily and what the courthouse offers allows you to do so!
Exploring Downtown Spartanburg for Portraits
Before or after the vows are exchanged, Spartanburg’s downtown offers the perfect blend of character and charm for (pre)post-ceremony portraits when planning your wedding at the Spartanburg courthouse. Just steps from the courthouse, you’ll find brick-lined streets, historic façades, and pockets of charm that add personality and depth to your wedding gallery. I love guiding couples through my favorite tucked-away spots, capturing both the architectural elegance and the relaxed, in-between moments that happen when you’re simply enjoying your first stroll as newlyweds. By pairing the grandeur of the courthouse with the warmth of downtown, we create a wedding day story that feels timeless with some added edge. (My favorite combo!) You can also go to multiple locations if you add that on as an option! I’ve shot in downtown Greenville too and it’s always stunning! But let’s highlight this hidden gem!
The downtown area is seemingly small too! Which, to me, is great when you’re walking around to get as many little spots you can find! Mixing both architectural, urban, and green scenery you just can’t go wrong. (All within walking distance even on those hot months)
Check out more of downtown!
The PREP work for your Ceremony at the Spartanburg Courthouse
First things first! Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way. You can apply for Marriage Licenses between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday at Spartanburg County Courthouse! This is needed BEFORE you can schedule an appointment to get married at the courthouse.
180 Magnolia Street
4th Floor, Suite 4113
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Do both of you need to go? Typically both bride and groom need to apply together in person. The cost is $80 & $5 for a certified copy, payable in cash, and once you’ve submitted your application, there’s a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the license can be issued—no wiggle room on that so plan ahead!
But if showing up together in person is a stretch—because of scheduling conflicts or something—they do have a mail-in option. You fill out the wedding application, include photocopies of both your IDs and a cashier’s check or money order for $80, and send it to the court. They’ll mail the license back to the first applicant’s address! Cake! Once the wait is up, that license never expires, so you have total flexibility—use it whenever and wherever in SC. One of my collections has this all included, so I will do all the prep work for you!
Okay, and can you actually say “I do” right there at the courthouse?
Now that you have your marriage license, let’s get you married! You can schedule a courthouse ceremony by phone—just call 864‑596‑2556. They’ll help you book a time slot. The court performs ceremonies during these windows:
- 8:30–9:00 AM
- 12:00–1:00 PM
- 4:00–5:00 PM
If you’re using this during business hours, the fee is $85 (cash). Want evenings, weekends, or something outside the courthouse work hours? That’s still an option, but it’ll cost more—$150 for after hours/weekends, or $200 for an off-site ceremony. (Like downtown)
What about witnesses or who performs the ceremony?
Good question! No need to fret—witnesses aren’t required when it comes to planning a wedding at the Spartanburg Courthouse South Carolina. The court can perform the ceremony, or if you bring someone like a minister, notary, or other authorized officiant, that’s valid too—but make sure they’re legally qualified. (You are welcome to have family there and I always offer family photos too!)
The Parking Details for Downtown Spartanburg
One last thing to keep in mind: security and parking. The courthouse can be busy, so plan to arrive early. It’s better to set yourself up for a calm, smooth ceremony than rush in stressed. However, I’ve photographed at each time of day and the FREE PARKING at the Library Street Parking Garage is almost never full. It’s also only a quick 2 minute walk over, so it’s also super convenient and I use it as out main meeting location to start the whole adventure!
The Cost Breakdown for your Courthouse Wedding in Spartanburg SC
1. Marriage License Application + Certified Copy: Flat $85 fee—cash only and non-refundable
2. Courthouse Ceremony Fees: During office hours: $85, After-hours or weekends: $150, Off-site (if you want it somewhere other than the courthouse): $200 (all cash only)
The total costs will depend on what you want to do, availability, and your budget, (anywhere from $170 to $370)
Coordinating the Photography of your Wedding Day
Now for celebratory part comes in when planning a wedding at the Spartanburg Courthouse! I’m going to give you the breakdown of what I offer, with all my suggestions and tips and tricks to make this experience feel luxurious and unforgettable. Two things not typically associated with courthouse weddings, but I’m here to break that mold. Couples need options for the how, but that doesn’t mean comprising on their memories.
My Offering Exclusively for Courthouse Weddings
For couples who want their courthouse wedding to feel like an editorial love story, planned down to the last beautiful detail without the fuss of a full day event. Pricing starting at $750. Learn more about my Courthouse Collections!
Gallery & Delivery
100+ fully edited high-resolution images, a priority 3-day sneak peek, and a private online gallery with print release.
Full Coverage (up to 3 hours)
From your arrival at the courthouse to post-ceremony photos— capturing every moment.
Curated Planning & Timing Prep
A personalized pre-wedding planning session to map out the best ceremony time for lighting, avoid courthouse crowds, and create a seamless flow between locations with great communication.
Styling Guidance
Outfit and accessory consultation for both partners, ensuring your looks photograph beautifully and match the editorial vision. Mood boards will be made!
Custom Floral Design
A hand-picked bouquet or boutonniere designed to complement your style and color palette — perfect for courthouse steps portraits.
Multiple Locations
Includes courthouse coverage, a downtown Spartanburg photo walk, and one additional curated location (coffee shop, rooftop, park, or other meaningful spot).
Timing and Light : Pros & Cons
8:30–9:00 AM Ceremony
PROS:
- Softer light, more angled
- Less Busy, easy parking
- Still have the day to celebrate and plan events
- Cooler Temperatures during summer months
CONS:
- Early wake up call
- Sun directly facing the Courthouse (if not over casted can be too harsh)
- Colder during winter months
- Things aren’t typically open yet if you want photos at coffee shops or boutiques
Basically 8:30 am is a pretty ideal timeslot for most people! You have less crowds, it’s quiet, and the light is really workable. I suggest scheduling photos to start an hour prior to your ceremony, and then continue them after for multiple locations and lighting options. However, if you’re not a morning person, or want to use a local business for photos you’ll probably opt for another time frame!
12:00–1:00 PM Ceremony
PROS:
- Convenient for Family/Guests
- Easy wake up and schedule for hair and makeup
- Warmer for Winter/Fall
- Open businesses for photo opportunities
- Still have the day to plan other events or celebrations
CONS:
- Bright & Harsh Lighting at most angle
- Busier because it’s during lunchtime hours with more spectators
- Your hair might flatten and your skin will glisten (with sweat)
- Couples are usually hungry, so that can affect your mood and attention span! (Truth!)
Noon sounds scary, but it’s completely doable if that is what you need! Businesses will be open to extend photo opportunities, you still have the day for other celebrations, and nobody has to wake up at sunrise! I can work in any lighting situation and get great photos, however it’s important to still know what to expect. I still suggest scheduling photos to start an hour prior to your ceremony, and then continue them after for multiple locations and lighting situations if this is your most convenient time slot option. However, if you’re worried about things being busy, weather issues, or have a vision for more soft photos opt for sunset!
4:00–5:00 PM Ceremony
PROS:
- Golden hours, duh
- Easy wake up and schedule for hair and makeup
- Less Crowds, more romantic (except weekends downtown)
- Open businesses for photo opportunities
- Can plan for dinner celebration right after
- Cooler and more comfortable
- Perfect lighting variety
CONS:
- Seasonal light issues, plan for the ceremony based on the season and have photos before your after
- Potential for crowds during the weekends
- Towards the end of the day, so less time for celebrations, and energy levels might be lower
- Limited back up window for weather delays
What’s better than sunset? Planning a Spartanburg Courthouse wedding in this time slot is as ideal as it gets. In summer, you can schedule photos after; in winter, before — making timing a breeze. The sun sets behind the courthouse, giving you gorgeous backlighting and enough light to play with creative angles. Weekends bring a lively city vibe, but there are still plenty of tucked-away spots for romance. The only drawback? Weather. With limited backup options, bad conditions could force a reschedule — and possibly extra fees.
Let’s Make Your Courthouse Wedding Unforgettable
If you can already see yourself walking up those white courthouse steps, bouquet in hand, and stepping out as newlyweds with light pouring in behind you — let’s make it happen. From timing and locations to styling and stress-free planning, I’ll handle every detail so you can focus on each other. Whether you want chic and bustling or quiet and romantic, I’ll capture your Spartanburg courthouse wedding in a way that feels effortless, beautiful, and completely you. Your story deserves more than just “good enough” photos — it deserves to be unforgettable. Ready to make this your ceremony? I’ve got you.