Planning a courthouse wedding in Topeka, KS is a smart and intimate decision for your and your fiance. Whether you’re eloping, keeping it simple, or just prioritizing what matters — this guide walks you through everything you need to know, from applying for your marriage license to saying “I do” in front of a judge.
Step 1: Apply for Your Kansas Marriage License
Before anything else, you need a marriage license. In Kansas, the entire application process is done online — no office visit required. Apply here.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Have the following ready for both you and your fiance before you start the application:
- A valid email address
- Full legal name (First, Middle, Last)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Social Security number
- Current address
- Parents’ full names and places of birth
- Previous marriage details (if applicable)
- Name change details (if you plan to change your name)
- Phone number
- A way to pay online (credit card, debit card, or electronic check)
How Much Does a Kansas Marriage License Cost?
The marriage license fee is $85.50.
- Credit or debit card: add a $2.14 transaction fee
- Electronic check: add a $1.25 transaction fee
How Long Does Processing Take?
Once you submit your application, the court clerk is alerted and begins processing. It typically takes three business days, though it can take up to two weeks. The completed license is emailed to you as a PDF — print it out and bring it to your ceremony, unless you’ve made arrangements for it to go directly to the judge’s chambers (more on that below).
How Long Is a Marriage License Valid?
Your Kansas marriage license is valid for six months from the date it is issued. If you don’t get married within that window, just reapply!
Step 2: Choose Your Judge
This is where a courthouse wedding in Topeka, KS gets a little more personal. The Shawnee County Courthouse has a list of judges who are available to officiate weddings. You’ll want to contact each judge directly to discuss their availability, fees, and scheduling. Here is the full list of judges.
Pro tip: Call or email your chosen judge’s chambers well in advance to confirm availability and lock in your date. Judges’ schedules change, so don’t assume a date is open until you’ve confirmed it directly.
Step 3: Send Your License to the Judge’s Chambers (Optional but Smart)
Here’s a little insider detail most guides skip: when you fill out your marriage license application, you don’t have to list your officiant’s name. But if you’re getting married at the Shawnee County Courthouse and you already know which judge will be officiating, you can enter the judge’s name on the form and request that the license be sent directly to the judge’s chambers.
This saves you the hassle of printing and keeping track of the document yourself — the judge will already have it ready on your wedding day.
Step 4: Show Up and Get Married
On your wedding day, arrive a few minutes early. Courthouse weddings in Topeka are wonderfully sweet and intimate.
Bring:
- Your printed marriage license (if you didn’t send it to chambers)
- Your form of payment for the judge (cash is safest — confirm with your judge beforehand)
- Your witnesses, if you’d like them present (check with your judge on guest capacity)
The ceremony itself is short, but meaningful and intimate. You’ll exchange vows before the judge, who signs the license to make it official.
Step 5: Celebrate with Photos by Hiring a Local Elopement Photographer
A courthouse wedding doesn’t mean skipping photos. Preserving the moment for your current and possibly future families is important.
I specialize in full elopement sessions right here in Topeka — covering your ceremony at the Shawnee County Courthouse and continuing on to one or more of the photo spots above. My style is true-to-color and artful, meaning no stiff poses — just genuine moments captured beautifully on one of the most meaningful days of your life.
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Topeka, KS, booking a photographer who already knows these locations and understands the elopement timeline. Learn more or reach out to me here!
Step 6: Return the Completed Marriage License
After your ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the court that issued it within 10 days. Either you or the officiant can return it using one of these methods:
- U.S. Mail — addressed to the court
- Hand-delivered to the clerk’s office
- Courthouse drop box — seal it in an envelope and place it in the drop box
Once it’s filed, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate through the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics.
Why a Courthouse Wedding in Topeka, KS Might Be Perfect for You
Besides the obvious factor of cost, there is a special beauty in the intimate moments where it is just the two of you. The ceremony becomes quiet, authentic, and sweet. Let’s celebrate you on your special day with a photo package that includes a celebratory champagne toast at the end! Reach out here.
Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm fees, judge availability, and processing times directly with the Shawnee County District Court Clerk’s office at (785) 251-6700, as details may change.
