The Complete Guide to Getting Married at the Allegheny County Courthouse
Skip the Seating Chart. Keep the Grand Staircase.
If you’re thinking about getting married at the Allegheny County Courthouse, you’re in the right place.
Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m a Pittsburgh wedding photographer and the owner of Ashley Sara Photography. Over the last 10 years, I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings including dozens right here at the Allegheny County Courthouse. It’s easily one of my favorite places to photograph in the city, and I’ve learned a thing or two about making the most of a courthouse wedding.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony for just the two of you or celebrating with your closest family and friends, this guide covers everything you need to know before saying “I do” at the Allegheny County Courthouse.
Why Choose the Allegheny County Courthouse for Your Wedding?
I’ll be honest. I think the Allegheny County Courthouse is one of the most underrated wedding venues in Pittsburgh.
When most people picture a courthouse wedding, they imagine a quick ceremony in everyday clothes before heading back to work. They don’t picture a wedding gown, a bouquet, or portraits that look like they belong in a magazine. But that’s exactly why I love photographing weddings here.
The architecture is incredible, the natural light is gorgeous, and every corner of the building feels like a new photo location. I’ve photographed dozens of weddings at the courthouse, and every single one has been different. Every couple brings their own story, and I still find new ways to photograph the space every time I walk through the doors.
Courthouse weddings are proof that you don’t need 200 guests or a ballroom for your wedding to feel unforgettable. Whether you’re eloping with just the two of you or celebrating with your closest family and friends, your wedding deserves to feel like a wedding—and the Allegheny County Courthouse is the perfect place to do just that.
Getting Your Marriage License
Before planning your ceremony, you’ll need to apply for a Pennsylvania marriage license through Allegheny County.
Pennsylvania has a mandatory three-day waiting period before your marriage license becomes valid, so be sure to give yourself enough time before your wedding day. Once it’s issued, your license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Pennsylvania.
When you apply, you’ll choose between a traditional marriage license or a self-uniting marriage license. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through the differences below.
Since fees and application requirements can change, I always recommend checking the Allegheny County Department of Court Records website for the most up-to-date information before applying.
Traditional vs. Self-Uniting Marriage License
One of the questions I get asked the most is, “Do we need an officiant?”
The answer is, it depends on which type of marriage license you choose.
A traditional marriage license requires an officiant to perform your ceremony and sign your marriage license. This could be a judge, an ordained minister, a religious officiant, or anyone else legally authorized to perform marriages in Pennsylvania.
If you’re getting married at the Allegheny County Courthouse, it’s important to know that the courthouse does not provide an officiant. If you choose a traditional marriage license, you’ll need to bring your own.
A self-uniting marriage license is a little different. It doesn’t require an officiant at all. Instead, you and your partner sign the marriage license in front of two witnesses. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers this option, which is one of the reasons courthouse weddings and intimate elopements are so popular here.
If you’re dreaming of a private ceremony with just the two of you or a handful of your favorite people, a self-uniting marriage license is definitely worth considering.
Planning Your Courthouse Wedding
Once you’ve received your marriage license, it’s time for the fun part: planning your wedding.
Most couples choose to bring their own officiant and exchange vows inside the courthouse before exploring the building for portraits. If you’ve never been inside, you’re in for a surprise. There are so many beautiful spots tucked throughout the courthouse that make your wedding gallery feel anything but ordinary.
The Allegheny County Courthouse also offers weekday Grand Staircase ceremonies in two-hour reservation blocks. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy your ceremony, celebrate with your guests, and soak in the experience without feeling rushed. If you’re interested in reserving the Grand Staircase, I recommend contacting the courthouse directly for current pricing, availability, guest limits, and reservation policies, as those details can change.
If you’re planning a larger celebration, the courthouse can also be rented as a private event venue outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
Quick Facts
- Pennsylvania has a mandatory three-day waiting period for marriage licenses.
- Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days.
- Traditional marriage licenses require an officiant.
- Self-uniting marriage licenses do not require an officiant but do require two witnesses.
- The courthouse offers weekday Grand Staircase ceremonies in two-hour reservation blocks.
- Weekend weddings require a private venue rental.
- The current guest limit for weekday Grand Staircase ceremonies is up to 30 guests.
- There are several public parking garages within a short walk of the courthouse.
What Nobody Tells You About Getting Married at the Allegheny County Courthouse
After photographing many weddings at the Allegheny County Courthouse, I’ve learned that it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.
Arrive Early to Set the Scene
I always recommend arriving at least 15 to 20 minutes before your ceremony. Not just because everyone has to go through security, but because it gives you time to make sure everything is exactly how you want it.
This is the perfect time to place your bouquet, talk through the ceremony with your officiant, decide where you’ll stand, where your officiant will stand, and where you’ll walk in from. Taking five minutes to think through those little details makes your ceremony feel much more relaxed once it begins.
I always recommend removing any extra chairs that won’t be used. The courthouse doesn’t set up or rearrange chairs for your ceremony, so that’s up to you. If you’re only expecting 12 guests, there’s no reason to leave 30 chairs set up. It may seem like a small detail, but empty chairs are incredibly noticeable in wide photos. A few minutes of rearranging before your ceremony will make your space feel much more intimate and your photos look even better.
Just Because It’s a Courthouse Doesn’t Mean It’s Casual
I’m going to hold your hand when I say this… wear the dress.
One of the biggest misconceptions about courthouse weddings is that you have to keep everything casual. You don’t.
Hire the professional hair and makeup artist. Bring the bouquet. Put on the veil. If you’ve been eyeing those designer heels for months, consider this your sign. This is your wedding day, not a trip to the DMV.
The Allegheny County Courthouse is one of the most beautiful venues in Pittsburgh, and your wedding deserves to feel just as special as any traditional celebration. Some of my favorite courthouse brides have gone all out, and it never feels like too much. If anything, the historic architecture makes it feel even more magical.
Don’t let the words “courthouse wedding” trick you into thinking you have to dress down. Celebrate your day exactly the way you’ve always imagined.
Create an Experience
One of the biggest mistakes I see couples make is treating the courthouse like it’s just a place to sign paperwork. It isn’t. It’s your ceremony venue, so make it feel like one.
Dress the Grand Staircase like it’s your ceremony venue… because it is. Bring in the flowers. Rent the floral arch. Add large floral arrangements to the bottom of the Grand Staircase. If your ceremony setup allows, line the aisle with candles. The courthouse already has incredible architecture. Adding a few intentional design elements takes it to an entirely different level.
Then think about the atmosphere. Hire a live pianist or violinist to play as your guests arrive and while you walk down the staircase. It’s one of those details that people never expect at a courthouse wedding, and it completely changes the feeling of the ceremony.
Just because you’re skipping a traditional venue doesn’t mean you have to skip the experience. In fact, some of the most beautiful courthouse weddings I’ve photographed felt every bit as intentional as a 300-person celebration.
Don’t Let the Day End at the Courthouse
One of my favorite things about courthouse weddings is that the rest of the day is completely yours.
Make a reservation at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Book a suite at a downtown hotel. Grab cocktails with your favorite people. Pop a bottle of champagne. Wander through Market Square in your wedding clothes. Hire a private chef. Rent a vintage car. Whatever sounds like the two of you, do that.
Some of my favorite photos have happened after the ceremony was over because that’s when couples finally relax. The timeline disappears, the nerves are gone, and they’re simply soaking in the fact that they just got married.
Your courthouse wedding doesn’t have to end when you walk out the front doors. Sometimes, that’s where the best part of the day begins.
How Much Photography Coverage Do You Really Need?
Your courthouse wedding may only last 20 minutes, but your wedding day doesn’t have to.
While the courthouse offers two-hour reservation blocks, I usually find that six to seven hours of coverage tells the story so much better.
Imagine getting ready together at Hotel Monaco or the Omni William Penn. Do you need a hotel? Probably not. It might even feel a little silly if you live 15 minutes away. But there’s something special about slowing down together. He zips your dress. You fix his tie. You share a quiet moment before walking to the courthouse to get married.
Those are the moments you’ll never get back, and they’re often the ones that end up meaning the most.
Sample 6-Hour Courthouse Wedding Timeline
1:00 PM – Getting ready together at Hotel Monaco or the Omni William Penn
2:00 PM – First look and portraits around the hotel
2:45 PM – Walk to the Allegheny County Courthouse
3:00 PM – Arrive early, greet guests, finalize ceremony details, and set up the ceremony space
3:30 PM – Ceremony on the Grand Staircase
4:00 PM – Family photos followed by portraits throughout the courthouse
5:00 PM – Downtown Pittsburgh portraits around Grant Street, Mellon Square, and Market Square
6:00 PM – Champagne toast and dinner at your favorite downtown restaurant
7:00 PM – Photography coverage concludes
My Favorite Places for Photos After Your Ceremony
One of the best parts about getting married downtown is that so many beautiful portrait locations are just a short walk away.
Some of my favorite spots include:
- Grant Street
- Mellon Square
- Market Square
- Omni William Penn Hotel
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco
- The Commoner
- Roberto Clemente Bridge
- Any of the beautiful downtown streets surrounding the courthouse
I love to help couples plan the logistics of the day and it’s something I offer once we are booked. From recommending portrait locations and mapping out the best walking route to suggesting hotels, restaurants, and the perfect timeline, I’ll help you create a wedding day that feels effortless from start to finish.
Where to Celebrate Afterwards
Just because your ceremony is over doesn’t mean your wedding day has to be.
One of the best parts about a courthouse wedding is that you have the freedom to celebrate however you want. Make a reservation at The Commoner inside Hotel Monaco, enjoy dinner at Pusadee’s Garden, celebrate with friends at Ritual House, grab cocktails at Palm Palm, or share homemade pasta at DiAnoia’s Eatery.
Share a toast with your favorite people. Cut a small wedding cake. Have an intimate first dance where the rest of the world melts away. Order dessert, stay a little longer, and soak in the fact that you just got married.
A courthouse wedding doesn’t mean skipping the traditions. It just means creating the ones that matter most to you.
My Biggest Piece of Advice
If I could give every courthouse couple one piece of advice, it’s this.
Don’t rush it.
Don’t treat it like an errand on your to-do list.
Slow down.
Read private vows.
Hold hands a little longer.
Go to dinner.
Order dessert.
Dance in the restaurant if they’re playing your song.
Your wedding day isn’t measured by how many guests attended.
It’s measured by how it felt.
Now All You Need Is Someone to Photograph It.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re seriously considering getting married at the Allegheny County Courthouse. I’d love to help you create a day that’s just as meaningful as any traditional wedding.
Whether it’s just the two of you or thirty of your favorite people, I’ll help you plan a day that feels effortless, intentional, and completely yours.
