How to Get Married at Douglas County Courthouse

May 28

How to Get Married at the Douglas County Courthouse in Omaha, NE

Planning to tie the knot at the Douglas County Courthouse in Omaha, Nebraska? Here’s a complete guide to help you navigate the process with ease!

Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License

Before you can officially get married, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.

Where to Apply: The Douglas County Clerk’s Office is located in Room H08 on the Harney Level of the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center:

Address: 1819 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68183
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

What You Need to Bring:

Both applicants must appear in person.
Bring a non-expired, valid government-issued ID. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.

Fee:

The marriage license application fee is $34, which includes a prepaid certified copy of your marriage license.
Payment can be made by cash or credit/debit card (checks are not accepted).

Step 2: Schedule Your Ceremony

Once you have your marriage license, it’s time to schedule your civil ceremony. The courthouse offers a list of judges who perform marriage ceremonies, which you can request when you apply for your license.

How to Schedule:

Contact the court administrator’s office at 402-444-5428 or 402-444-7004 to arrange your ceremony.

Judges’ Fees:

Judges may charge a fee to perform the ceremony, which can vary depending on their availability and preferences.

Witnesses: Nebraska law requires two witnesses to be present at your marriage ceremony. They must attend the ceremony, but they do not need to be present when you apply for the marriage license.

Step 3: The Big Day!

On the day of your wedding, make sure to bring:

Your marriage license
Your two witnesses
Any required ceremony fees for the judge

Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to ensure everything runs smoothly. Your civil ceremony will typically be brief, yet meaningful. Many couples appreciate the simplicity and intimacy of a courthouse wedding.

Step 4: After the Ceremony

Once you’ve said “I do,” you’ll need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage license for legal purposes, such as changing your name.

Certified Copies:

You can prepay for a certified copy when you apply for your marriage license.
The fee for a certified copy is $9.
You can also request additional copies later by contacting the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.

Important Notes

Marriage licenses issued in Nebraska are only valid for ceremonies performed within the state.
The marriage license is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

For any additional questions or to confirm details, you can contact the Douglas County Clerk’s Office:

Phone: (402) 444-6080
Email: marriage@douglascounty-ne.gov

Why a Courthouse Wedding?

Couples choose courthouse weddings for various reasons: simplicity, budget-friendliness, or the desire for a low-key and intimate ceremony. The Douglas County Courthouse provides a straightforward way to make your union official without the hassle of planning a large event.

Embrace the beauty of your special day, whether it’s just the two of you or a small gathering of loved ones. Your courthouse wedding can be just as meaningful and memorable as a grand celebration—because it’s all about your love story!

For more tips and resources for couples planning their wedding, stay tuned to our blog. Here’s to your happily ever after!