Eloping in Dallas usually starts with one of two searches: "courthouse wedding Dallas" or "where can we elope that still feels special?" First, we walk through exactly how a Dallas County courthouse wedding works — the marriage license, the 72-hour waiting period and its exceptions, and who is allowed to officiate — using the county's and the state's own published rules. Then we list the 20 best places to elope in and around Dallas: justice of the peace courts, public parks with permit rules, botanical gardens, wedding chapels, historic hotels, and a private estate where you can say your vows and stay the night.
Every venue fact below (capacity, lodging, published prices) was checked against that venue's own website in October 2026. Where a venue does not publish a number, we say so. Confirm details before you book.
How a Courthouse Wedding in Dallas Works
In Dallas County, a "courthouse wedding" almost always means a short civil ceremony performed by a justice of the peace (JP). Several JP courts publish their own wedding information, and the process looks the same at each one:
- Apply for your marriage license online. Dallas County requires the application to be completed online first. You receive an order number, which you bring to your in-person visit at the County Clerk's office or a satellite location (Dallas County Clerk).
- Pick up the license together. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID or state ID) and your Social Security number; the card itself is not required, and the name on the license must match your ID (JP Court 3-2).
- Wait 72 hours unless you qualify for an exception (see below).
- Book or walk in to a JP ceremony. Some courts take walk-ins during office hours; others ask you to book through an online calendar or by email.
- Marry within 90 days. If no ceremony takes place before the 90th day after the license is issued, the license expires (Dallas County Clerk).
The main County Clerk vital records office is in the Records Building at 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, in downtown Dallas. The JP court at the South Dallas Government Center also issues formal marriage licenses, but notes that it accepts the license fee in cash only and sends informal-marriage and special-circumstance cases to the main Clerk's office (JP Court 1-2).
Texas Marriage License Rules: The 72-Hour Wait, Exceptions & Who Can Officiate
The 72-hour waiting period
Texas Family Code Section 2.204 says a marriage ceremony may not take place during the 72 hours immediately after the license is issued. The statute lists four exceptions (Tex. Fam. Code § 2.204):
- An applicant who is an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces.
- An applicant who works for the U.S. Department of Defense as an employee or under a contract with the department.
- An applicant who gets a written waiver from an eligible judge who finds good cause.
- An applicant who completes a qualifying premarital education course and gives the county clerk a completion certificate dated no more than one year before the license application.
That last option is the state's Twogether in Texas program. Dallas County notes that completing it waives the 72-hour waiting period and reduces your marriage license fee by $60 (Dallas County Clerk).
Who can officiate a wedding in Texas
Under Texas Family Code Section 2.202, the people authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony are licensed or ordained Christian ministers and priests, Jewish rabbis, officers of a religious organization who are authorized by that organization to conduct marriage ceremonies, and current, former or retired federal or state judges (Tex. Fam. Code § 2.202). In practice: a justice of the peace, clergy, or a friend properly ordained through a religious organization.
Dallas County Courthouse Wedding Options (1–5)
These are the Dallas County JP courts that publish clear wedding details online. Hours, guest limits and fees are taken from each court's own page. A sixth court, JP 2-1, also offers walk-in ceremonies in English or Spanish on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with evenings and weekends by appointment (JP 2-1).
1. Justice of the Peace Court 3-1 — North Dallas Government Center
Location: 6820 LBJ Freeway, 3rd floor, Dallas | Capacity: Up to 15 guests by appointment, up to 5 for walk-ins | Lodging: No | Style: Civil courtroom ceremony
JP 3-1 is the most transparent court about cost and guest count. Regular appointments run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at a published fee of $150 for up to 15 guests, and walk-ins (as available) are $150 for up to 5 guests. Weekend, after-hours and off-site ceremonies are quoted in advance. Official page
2. Justice of the Peace Court 3-2 — North Dallas Government Center
Location: 6820 LBJ Freeway, 2nd floor, Dallas | Capacity: Courtroom seats 60 | Lodging: No | Style: Bright courtroom with floor-to-ceiling windows
In the same building, JP 3-2 is the best courthouse pick if you want family there. The court says it comfortably seats 60, allows photos and video from several angles, and holds ceremonies in English or Spanish. Weekday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment or walk-in. Official page
3. Justice of the Peace Court 5-2 — Oak Cliff
Location: 702 E. Jefferson Boulevard, Dallas | Capacity: Not published | Lodging: No | Style: Civil ceremony, English or Spanish
JP 5-2 takes walk-in ceremonies during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays) and schedules evening and weekend ceremonies in advance. The judge will also travel to perform ceremonies across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Call the court for fees. Official page
4. Justice of the Peace Court 4-1 — Grand Prairie
Location: Grand Prairie Government Center, 106 W. Church Street | Capacity: Guests welcome (no limit published) | Lodging: No | Style: Quick civil ceremony
This court is open for weddings Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment. Ceremonies take 10 to 15 minutes, and the judge can also come to your venue. Official page
5. Justice of the Peace Court 1-2 — South Dallas Government Center
Location: 8301 S. Polk Street, Dallas | Capacity: Not published | Lodging: No | Style: Civil ceremony
JP 1-2 handles both the license and the ceremony. Wedding appointments are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in 30-minute slots. Official page
Parks & Gardens to Elope In Around Dallas (6–11)
An outdoor elopement is the most popular courthouse alternative. The catch is permits, so here is what each one allows.
6. City of Dallas Parks (Outdoor Wedding Reservation)
Location: Any City of Dallas park | Capacity: 50 people, 20 chairs | Lodging: No | Style: Public lawns, lakes and trails | Published price: $25 per hour, 2-hour minimum
Dallas Park and Recreation lets you reserve a spot in any city park for a wedding. The terms and conditions are strict: reservations run a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 hours between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.; groups are limited to 50 people; no more than 20 chairs; no alcohol; no sparklers or open flames; and only hand-held instruments or a cappella music. There is no electricity or water, and a reservation does not give you exclusive use of the park, so expect joggers in the background. Payment is due when you book through the Athletics, Events and Reservations Office. Official page
7. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Location: Dallas | Capacity: Varies across 18 ceremony sites | Lodging: No | Style: Formal gardens
The Arboretum lists 18 ceremony locations and 4 reception locations. Its wedding experience includes a single point-of-contact event manager, a one-hour rehearsal, setup and teardown, and guest tables and seating. Capacities and prices for each site are shared after you submit an inquiry. Official page
8. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Location: Fort Worth | Capacity: Varies across 14 outdoor and 16 indoor spaces | Lodging: No | Style: Japanese and rose gardens
Fort Worth's garden offers ceremony spots including the Japanese Garden Pavilion, Fuller Garden, the Lower and Oval Rose Gardens, The Grove and Lake Arbor. Pricing is by request through the booking office, and tours are by appointment. Official page
9. Fort Worth Water Gardens
Location: Downtown Fort Worth | Capacity: Under 100 people at the lowest tier | Lodging: No | Style: Modernist concrete water park | Published price: $150 half-day / $300 full-day (individual, under 100 people, per location)
The City of Fort Worth rents areas of the Water Gardens for private events, including weddings. Private event reservations must be made at least two weeks ahead, can be booked up to a year out, and are confirmed only once paid in full. Official page
10. Klyde Warren Park
Location: Arts District / Uptown, Dallas | Capacity: Not published | Lodging: No | Style: Skyline-view urban park
The park hosts private events in six rentable areas, including the Muse Family Performance Pavilion and the Ginsburg Family Great Lawn. You need a permit if you want to reserve an area at a set time, put up a table or any structure larger than 4 by 4 feet, use amplified sound, or bring a commercial photographer. Official page
11. Cedar Hill State Park
Location: 1570 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill | Capacity: Ask the park | Lodging: Campsites only | Style: Lakeshore and prairie | Published price: $7 adult day-use entry
About 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park is the closest state-park setting to the city. The park lists group sites and asks groups to contact the park office directly to arrange events, so call before you plan a ceremony here. Official page
Want the privacy of a park without the permit rules?
See The Penrose House Elopement Package →Wedding Chapels Around Dallas (12–15)
Chapels give you an indoor, weather-proof ceremony with a sense of occasion. Two of these were built specifically as courthouse alternatives.
12. Chapel of Thanks-Giving at Thanks-Giving Square
Location: Downtown Dallas | Capacity: 75 seated | Lodging: No | Style: Modern spiritual chapel and garden | Pricing: See their pricing.
Thanks-Giving Square rents its chapel, its hall (about 100 seated) and its garden areas for weddings. A distinctive downtown space for a mid-week elopement with close family. Official page
13. The Chapel at Chestnut Square
Location: 315 S. Chestnut Street, McKinney | Capacity: Up to 150 | Lodging: No | Style: Historic early-1900s chapel
Set in Chestnut Square's historic village a few minutes from downtown McKinney, this chapel has the early-1900s charm couples want in photos. Pricing is by inquiry. Official page
14. Drive Up & Wed
Location: 658 Grapevine Highway, Hurst | Capacity: Up to 100 | Lodging: No | Style: Decorated wedding chapel | Pricing: See their pricing.
Drive Up & Wed is built for simple elopements, intimate chapel ceremonies and micro weddings in the Mid-Cities, with fresh flowers and photography available. They also do on-location ceremonies within about 30 minutes of Hurst. Official site
15. Skip The Courthouse
Location: 2102 Roosevelt Drive, Suite A, Arlington | Capacity: 20 maximum | Lodging: No | Style: Cottage-style elopement chapel | Pricing: See their pricing.
As the name says, this is a dressed-up courthouse alternative: white Chiavari chairs, linens, candlelit centerpieces and backdrops already in place. Official site
Small Venues & Historic Hotels for a Dallas Elopement (16–19)
If you want a ceremony and a celebration dinner in one place, or a hotel room upstairs, these are worth a call.
16. Little Wren Weddings & Events
Location: Rockwall | Capacity: 99 guests or fewer | Lodging: Not listed | Style: Indoor chapel, gardens, rustic charm
About 25 miles east of Dallas, Little Wren specializes in intimate weddings and runs micro wedding specials. Pricing is shared on a tour or by request. Official site
17. The Stoneleigh
Location: 2927 Maple Avenue, Uptown Dallas | Capacity: 5,700 sq ft of event space | Lodging: Yes | Style: Historic "Grand Dame of Uptown" hotel
The Stoneleigh hosts weddings and celebrations in its Grand Salon, courtyard, terrace and music room, with Dorothy Draper-inspired interiors and suites upstairs. Official site
18. The Adolphus
Location: 1321 Commerce Street, Downtown Dallas | Capacity: 4 to 400 (John Neely Bryan Room up to 50) | Lodging: Yes | Style: Historic downtown hotel
The Adolphus has more than a century of wedding history and five event rooms. The smallest, the John Neely Bryan Room, holds up to 50, and the hotel's planners work with groups as small as four. Official site
19. Southfork Ranch
Location: 3700 Hogge Road, Parker | Capacity: Varies by package | Lodging: Not listed | Style: Iconic Texas ranch
Southfork offers customizable packages, including ceremony-only options. Pricing is by inquiry. Official site
20. The Penrose House — A Courthouse Alternative With an Overnight Stay
Location: Princeton, TX (about 45 minutes from downtown Dallas) | Capacity: Elopements for small groups; events up to 50 | Lodging: Yes — overnight suite for elopements; full house (7 bedrooms) sleeps 28 | Style: Private 5-acre luxury estate
Every option above has a trade-off: the courthouse is over in minutes, parks are public with chair limits and no champagne, and chapels send you somewhere else afterward. The Penrose House was built for couples who want the simplicity of eloping without giving up the day itself.
Our DIY elopement package includes a private ceremony space, an overnight suite and the estate's resort amenities. The whole 5-acre property is yours: no other events and no strangers in your photos. Say your vows in the garden at golden hour, at the pavilion, poolside, or by the fire pit circle; have a private dinner; then stay the night instead of driving home.
- Exclusive use: the entire gated estate for your group, from just the two of you to a small circle of close guests.
- Stay the night: an overnight suite for the two of you, with room for a few close guests; the full house (7 bedrooms, sleeps 28) is available if your plans grow.
- Resort amenities: pool with swim-up bar, game room, cinema, fire pit and lawns for photos.
- Bring your officiant: a judge, clergy member or ordained friend; we can connect you with officiants who travel to the estate.
- Easy from Dallas: about 45 minutes from downtown via US-75 North and US-380 East, and about 20 minutes from McKinney.
Packages start at $2,500 for the DIY elopement; full details are on our pricing page. For a deeper look at what an estate elopement weekend looks like, see our elopement venue near Dallas page.
Featured Venue
Skip the Courthouse Line. Keep the Whole Day.
A private 5-acre estate for your ceremony, an overnight suite, and resort amenities, about 45 minutes from Dallas.
View the Elopement Package → Check Your Date →Comparison Table: Places to Elope in Dallas
"Not published" means the venue shares it only on inquiry.
| Venue | City | Capacity | Lodging | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP Court 3-1 | Dallas | Up to 15 guests | No | Courthouse |
| JP Court 3-2 | Dallas | Seats 60 | No | Courthouse |
| JP Court 5-2 | Dallas | Not published | No | Courthouse |
| JP Court 4-1 | Grand Prairie | Not published | No | Courthouse |
| JP Court 1-2 | Dallas | Not published | No | Courthouse |
| City of Dallas Parks | Dallas | 50 people | No | Public park |
| Dallas Arboretum | Dallas | Varies (18 sites) | No | Botanical garden |
| Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Fort Worth | Varies (30 spaces) | No | Botanical garden |
| Fort Worth Water Gardens | Fort Worth | Under 100 (tier A) | No | Urban park |
| Klyde Warren Park | Dallas | Not published | No | Urban park |
| Cedar Hill State Park | Cedar Hill | Ask the park | Campsites | State park |
| Chapel of Thanks-Giving | Dallas | 75 seated | No | Chapel |
| Chapel at Chestnut Square | McKinney | Up to 150 | No | Historic chapel |
| Drive Up & Wed | Hurst | Up to 100 | No | Wedding chapel |
| Skip The Courthouse | Arlington | Up to 20 | No | Elopement chapel |
| Little Wren Weddings | Rockwall | 99 or fewer | Not listed | Chapel & gardens |
| The Stoneleigh | Dallas | Not published | Yes | Historic hotel |
| The Adolphus | Dallas | 4 to 400 | Yes | Historic hotel |
| Southfork Ranch | Parker | Varies | Not listed | Texas ranch |
| The Penrose House | Princeton | Small groups (elopement), up to 50 | Yes (suite; full house sleeps 28) | Private estate |
How to choose
- Fastest and simplest: a JP court. Get your license, wait 72 hours (or complete Twogether in Texas), and you can be married in under 15 minutes.
- Outdoors on a budget: a City of Dallas park reservation, as long as you can live with 20 chairs, no alcohol and a public setting.
- Indoors with a sense of ceremony: Thanks-Giving Square, Chestnut Square, Drive Up & Wed or Skip The Courthouse.
- Ceremony plus an overnight stay: The Stoneleigh or The Adolphus in the city, or The Penrose House if you want a whole private estate.
Planning for more than 20 guests? Our guides to the best wedding venues in Dallas–Fort Worth and Texas wedding venues with lodging cover larger options, and our 25 best micro wedding venues in DFW covers celebrations up to 50.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in Dallas
How do I have a courthouse wedding in Dallas?
Apply for a marriage license online with Dallas County, pick it up in person with valid photo ID, wait 72 hours unless you qualify for an exception, then book or walk in to a ceremony with a Dallas County justice of the peace. Several JP courts, including 3-1, 3-2, 4-1, 5-2 and 1-2, publish their wedding hours online.
Is there a waiting period to get married in Texas?
Yes. Texas law does not allow a ceremony during the 72 hours after the license is issued. The wait does not apply to active-duty military, Department of Defense employees or contractors, couples with a judge's written waiver, or applicants who complete a premarital education course such as Twogether in Texas within the year before applying.
Who can officiate a wedding in Texas?
Licensed or ordained Christian ministers and priests, Jewish rabbis, officers of a religious organization authorized to perform marriages, and current, former or retired federal or state judges, including justices of the peace.
Do we need witnesses to elope in Dallas?
Dallas County JP Courts 3-1 and 3-2 state that witnesses are not required for their ceremonies, though guests are welcome. Both people getting married must be present.
Can we elope in a Dallas park?
Yes. Dallas Park and Recreation takes outdoor wedding reservations in any city park for 2 to 3 hours, with a limit of 50 people and 20 chairs. Alcohol, sparklers and open flames are not allowed, and only hand-held instruments or a cappella music are permitted.
How much does it cost to elope at The Penrose House?
Pricing depends on your date, stay length and guest count. See our pricing page for current packages, or contact us and we will send a quote for your date.
Ready to elope? See the elopement package or contact us to check your date →