Durham Courthouse Wedding Photography

Last Updated: 09/25/2024

 

If you’re looking for an easy, stress-free spot to say “I do,” the Durham Courthouse at 510 S Dillard St, Durham, NC is a fantastic choice. Located right in the heart of downtown Durham, this courthouse is perfect for couples who want a simple yet meaningful ceremony without all the fuss. Whether you’re from the area or planning a small destination wedding, the courthouse offers a modern and convenient setting for your big day.

And don’t worry, just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s not special! Our Durham Courthouse wedding photography will capture all the magic—whether it’s on the courthouse steps or around the lively streets of downtown. From beautiful murals to stylish hotels nearby, you’ll have plenty of options for stunning photos.

Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about getting married at Durham Courthouse, from the ceremony details to the best local spots for your wedding pics!

 

Durham Courthouse Wedding Photos

One of the best things about getting married at Durham Courthouse is the variety of stunning photo opportunities nearby. Whether you’re looking for classic, urban, or quirky shots, Durham offers plenty of spots to capture memories of your special day. Here are a few favorites:

 

1. The Courthouse Itself
The Durham Courthouse provides several perfect settings for your wedding photos:

• Front Steps with Large Columns: These classic columns create a dramatic and elegant backdrop for your first portraits as newlyweds.
• Interior Staircase with Glass Windows: For softer, more intimate photos, the natural light coming through the courthouse windows adds a beautiful glow.
• The Elevator: Surprisingly, the courthouse elevator offers unique and creative photo opportunities with lighting that creates interesting reflections.
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2. American Tobacco Campus
Just a few blocks from the courthouse, the historic American Tobacco Campus is filled with red-brick buildings, water features, and industrial vibes. It’s perfect for couples who want a mix of modern and rustic backdrops.

 

3. Downtown Durham Streets
Take a short walk from the courthouse, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by urban photo spots:

• Murals and Street Art: Durham’s vibrant murals add pops of color and personality to your photos.
• Brick Buildings: The historic charm of downtown Durham’s architecture provides warm and textured backgrounds.
• Urban Vibes: Trendy storefronts, urban greenery, and industrial details offer a modern, city-chic aesthetic for more candid shots.
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4. Fun Bars and Hotels
If you’re looking to capture some playful or unique moments, Durham’s bars and hotels offer fantastic options:

• 21c Museum Hotel: Known for its underground vault and quirky penguin statues, this spot offers an eclectic and artistic vibe for creative wedding photos.
• Unscripted Hotel and Durham Hotel: Both locations feature rooftop views that are perfect for romantic, scenic shots.
• Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge & Alley 26: These stylish, laid-back spots make for more relaxed, intimate photos that show off your personality as a couple.

 

No matter what your style is, Durham Courthouse and its surroundings offer diverse and picture-perfect locations to capture the beauty and joy of your wedding day.

Wedding Ceremonies at Durham Courthouse

Durham Courthouse is known for offering simple, no-frills wedding ceremonies. If you’re looking for something stress-free and affordable, this is a fantastic option. The courthouse typically hosts civil ceremonies officiated by a magistrate, and the process is straightforward.

Here's everything you need to know to plan your Durham courthouse wedding.

 

1. Getting a Marriage License

 

The first step in your courthouse wedding journey is obtaining a marriage license. Here’s what you need to know:

• Location: 201 E Main St, 2nd Floor, Durham, NC 27701
• Appointment Required: You must schedule an appointment to obtain the license.
• Cost: $60 (cash, certified check, or money order)
• Requirements:
  • Both applicants must not already be married.
  • The wedding must take place within 60 days of license issuance.
  • The marriage must be in the state of North Carolina.
  • You’ll need to present one of the following forms of photo ID (valid and not expired):
    • Current Driver’s License
    • Current State-Issued Identification Card
    • Current Passport
    • Military Identification
  • Proof of Social Security number is also required.

Make sure to bring all necessary documents to avoid any delays. Once you have your license, you’re ready for the next step!

 

2. Getting Married at the Courthouse

 

Once you’ve secured your marriage license, it’s time to head to the courthouse for your ceremony:

• Location: 510 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701
• No Appointment Required: The courthouse ceremonies are performed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Ceremony Times: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM, and 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Tip: We recommend avoiding Fridays, as it can get crowded. Arriving at least 30 minutes early will help ensure you're among the first in line.
• Cost: $50 fee (bring your marriage license with you)

There is a parking deck attached to the courthouse, so parking shouldn’t be an issue. The ceremony itself is brief but meaningful, and you can always bring a photographer to capture your special moment.

 

3. Collecting Your Marriage Certificate

 

After your ceremony, you’ll need to collect your official marriage certificate. This can be done through the Register of Deeds office:

• Processing Time: Typically, the certificate is available 2 to 3 days after the magistrate submits it.
• Cost: $10 per copy
• Parking: There’s a parking lot located directly behind the office, though parking is limited, so plan accordingly.

 

Durham Courthouse Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and having the right wedding photographer to capture those special moments is crucial. We specialize in courthouse weddings and understand the importance of making even the simplest ceremonies feel magical. Whether you want a few candid shots of the ceremony or a full photo session around downtown Durham, we’ve got you covered.

 

If you’re planning to get married at Durham Courthouse, we’d love to chat with you about how we can help capture your big day. Get in touch with us today to discuss availability and learn more about our wedding photography packages.