Douglas County Courthouse Weddings & Elopements in Omaha Nebraska
The Rising Popularity of Courthouse Weddings in Omaha
More couples are discovering the intimate charm of courthouse weddings at the historic Douglas County Courthouse in downtown Omaha. These micro-weddings offer the perfect blend of elegance, affordability, and personal meaning without the stress of planning a large traditional celebration. As an Omaha-based photographer specializing in intimate ceremonies, I've witnessed firsthand how these streamlined celebrations allow couples to focus on what truly matters - their love and commitment to each other.
The Douglas County Courthouse, with its stunning architectural details, grand marble staircases, and beautiful natural light, provides a surprisingly romantic backdrop for your special day. My courthouse wedding packages are designed specifically for these intimate ceremonies, capturing authentic moments in this historic Omaha landmark while giving you heirloom-quality images that rival those from any elaborate venue.
Planning a courthouse wedding in Omaha is refreshingly straightforward compared to traditional venues. Here's everything you need to know about the booking process:
Apply for Your Marriage License: Visit the Douglas County Clerk's office at least one day before your ceremony. Both parties must appear together with valid photo IDs. The license fee is $34 (cash only), and there's no waiting period in Nebraska.
Schedule Your Ceremony: Call the courthouse at (402) 444-6080 to schedule your ceremony. Weddings are typically performed Monday through Friday between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
Choose Your Witnesses: Nebraska requires two witnesses for your ceremony. If you don't have someone in mind, courthouse staff can sometimes serve as witnesses or I can also serve as a witness.
Click here for more information on marriage licenses.
Consider Timing: The most sought-after times for courthouse weddings are Friday afternoons and during lunch hours. For the most intimate experience with better photography lighting, consider a mid-morning or early afternoon slot.
Plan for Weather: If you're hoping for outdoor portraits around the courthouse, have a backup plan for inclement weather. The courthouse interior offers plenty of beautiful photography locations regardless of weather conditions.
Your courthouse wedding experience will be brief but meaningful. Here's what typically happens:
Photography Coverage: Most couples book 2 hours of coverage. This is perfect for capturing ceremony, family portraits, and couples portraits.
Arrival: Plan to arrive about 15 - 30 minutes before your scheduled time to check in and prepare.
The Ceremony: The actual ceremony usually lasts 5-10 minutes. The officiant will perform a simple but meaningful service. You can exchange traditional vows or, in some cases, write your own (check with the clerk beforehand).
Photography Opportunities: After your ceremony, we'll have time to capture portraits throughout the courthouse. The building features gorgeous marble columns, historic architecture, and abundant natural light—perfect for creating stunning images.
Documentation: You'll receive your marriage certificate immediately after the ceremony. Additional certified copies are available for $34 each.
Making Your Courthouse Wedding Special
Here are my favorite ways couples make their courthouse weddings just a little more special:
Pre-Ceremony Photos: Have a first look or get ready together at a nearby hotel like the Magnolia or The Farnam, both within walking distance of the courthouse.
Personalized Details: Bring meaningful items like family heirlooms, special jewelry, or custom vow books to incorporate into your photos.
Celebration Afterwards: Many couples book a private dining room at nearby restaurants like Memoir, V. Mertz, Mercury, The Cottonwood or Le Bouillon for an intimate celebration after their ceremony with family and friends.
Flowers: A simple but elegant bouquet and boutonniere add color and personality to your photos. Looking into local florists or building your own from the selection of flowers at Trader Joes are both great options.
Ready to book your Douglas County Courthouse wedding photography? Contact me directly at hello@andreanuxoll.com or fill out the form below to check availability and reserve your date. Courthouse dates often book 1-3 months in advance, with Friday appointments filling quickly.
