Dekalb Courthouse Wedding
Wedding Photos, cost, tips & more
Dekalb County Courthouse Wedding
Best georgia wedding venues / Dekalb Courthouse
Thinking about having a DeKalb Courthouse wedding? Whether you’re eloping or having a full wedding, getting married at the DeKalb County Courthouse is actually a pretty easy and stress-free option. We’ve photographed courthouse weddings here before and honestly, they can be just as meaningful (and way less expensive) than a “traditional” wedding day.
About Dekalb Courthouse Weddings
The Location
556 North McDonough Street, Decatur
The main DeKalb County Courthouse is located at 556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030—right in the heart of Decatur Square. It’s a charming, early-20th-century brick building with classic columns and a prominent entrance, giving it that timeless courthouse feel. You’ll spot a grand staircase leading up to large wooden doors, surrounded by stately pillars and framed by mature trees—perfect for those iconic post-ceremony photos.
The Venue
Elegant courthouse wedding venue
The Historic DeKalb Courthouse is a hidden gem in the heart of Decatur—think marble walls, soaring ceilings, and vintage charm that doesn’t need much dressing up. With its grand courtroom, natural light, and classic architecture, it’s the kind of place that makes even a small wedding feel iconic. Tucked right into Decatur Square, it’s walkable, photo-worthy, and full of character—perfect for couples who want a courthouse vibe with a little extra magic.
Why choose Dekalb Courthouse?
Benefits Of the venue for your Wedding
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s affordable, convenient, and full of character, the DeKalb Courthouse is a hidden gem in the heart of Decatur. With its elegant marble interiors, dramatic staircase, and grand arched windows, it offers a timeless backdrop for both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations.
Dekalb Courthouse Ceremony & Reception Options
Dekalb Courthouse Ceremony
Your ceremony takes place in the beautifully restored Old Superior Courtroom, bathed in natural light from soaring arched windows and framed by timeless marble walls and high ceilings.
Dekalb Courthouse Reception
Right after the “I do,” the courtroom smoothly transitions into reception mode. With space for up to 150 guests seated (or 250 standing), a built-in cocktail hour happens in the Lobby while vendors flip the room. The result? A seamless, stylish reception in the same stunning space—no extra venue needed.
Dekalb Courthouse Wedding Cost
updated for 2025
The cost of a DeKalb Courthouse wedding really depends on how simple or elaborate you want to go. If you’re planning a basic civil ceremony at the courthouse, you’ll first need to get your marriage license, which costs $66 (or just $26 if you’ve completed a qualifying premarital education course). There’s also a small $2 fee if you want a certified copy mailed to you. As for the ceremony itself, many couples opt for the Probate Court or Magistrate Court, where a civil ceremony is either free or around $10 depending on the judge and courtroom. This makes the total cost for a courthouse wedding somewhere between $28 and $78 if you keep things low-key.
On the other hand, if you’re considering renting out the Historic DeKalb Courthouse as a venue for a more formal ceremony or reception, prices start at $450 for a small weekday ceremony and can go up to $4,300 for a full-day weekend wedding with up to 150 guests. The exact rate depends on the day of the week, guest count, and rental duration. Keep in mind there may be additional charges like a refundable damage deposit or security fees if you’re serving alcohol. So whether you want a quick “I do” or a more traditional setup in a historic space, there’s a range of options to fit your budget.
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