Courthouse Weddings in Australia: Why They're Not What You Think (And What to Do Instead)
Thinking about a courthouse wedding in Australia? You’ve seen it in American movies—couples rushing to a courthouse, exchanging vows with a judge, and walking out married in minutes. But here’s the truth: Courthouse weddings in Australia don’t actually exist.
Can You Get Married at a Courthouse in Australia?
The short answer? No.
In Australia, you can't simply walk into a working courthouse and get married by a judge or clerk. Courthouses are legal institutions for criminal and civil matters — not marriage ceremonies.
What most Australians actually mean by a "courthouse wedding" is getting married at a Registry Office run by the State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
What is a Registry Office Wedding?
Registry Office weddings are simple, legal ceremonies performed by government-appointed officers.
They usually happen in a small government building, not a courthouse.
Here’s what you should know about Registry Office weddings in Australia:
Limited Times & Availability: Some offices book out months in advance.
Minimal Personalization: You’ll have a short, standardised ceremony.
Government Location: Often plain offices rather than scenic or meaningful venues.
Cost: Fees vary between $500–$700 depending on the state.
Celebrant Wedding vs Registry Office Wedding : Which is Better?
Celebrant Wedding
Can get married in one month (minimum legal timeframe)
Get married wherever you like, home, park, beach
Booking system: easy
Personalised service
Support a small business
Registry Office Wedding
Limited Dates - Some wait times are up to 8 weeks, with limited hours
Old/Stale setting
Booking system: difficult
Impersonal service
Government led service
Why Eloping with I Do Drive Thru is the Best Alternative
At I Do Drive Thru, we offer an affordable, fuss-free, fully-legal wedding experience for couples who want more than a rushed government service:
From only $400 for a legally binding ceremony every Tuesday (we price according to the day of the week)
Get married anywhere you want: Your backyard, a park, a beach, a cafe, even your living room.
No Stress: We take care of the paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Truly Personal: Your wedding, your way — relaxed, fun, and full of meaning, you are assigned a Celebrant and iyou have as little or as muchn contact with them as you need
Top Locations to Elope in Australia - we suggest plenty of locations in our other blogs here
A quiet local park
A breathtaking beach
Your favorite lookout point
Your own backyard with family and friends
You’re free to make your day YOURS — no government building necessary!
How to Book Your $400 I Do Drive Thru Ceremony
Pick your date.
Choose your location.
Book online easily!
FAQs About Courthouse and Registry Weddings in Australia
Can I get married in a courthouse in Australia?
No, you cannot. Courthouse weddings do not exist in Australia. You must use a Registry Office or a private celebrant. You must have two witnesses present at the ceremony - we can provide them for you
How much does a Registry Office wedding cost?
Between $500–$700 depending on the State or Territory.
What’s the fastest way to get married legally?
Booking an elopement with a private celebrant like I Do Drive Thru is often quicker and more personal than Registry Offices!
Ready to Ditch the Courthouse Idea? Let’s Make Your Wedding Amazing!
Forget the stress and limits of government weddings.
Say “I Do” your way, for just $400 — wherever your heart leads you.