Courthouse Wedding Alternative in Indianapolis
Looking for a simple way to get legally married without a large wedding? Diamond Wedding Chapel offers a private, affordable courthouse wedding alternative in Indianapolis for couples who want a marriage license signing, elopement, or small chapel ceremony.
IMPORTANT: Most courthouse or government buildings, including Marion County, only issue marriage licenses. They do not perform the ceremony or sign the license to make your marriage legal. After you receive your license, our officiant can complete the legal signing through a marriage license appointment, elopement, or chapel wedding ceremony at Diamond Wedding Chapel.
Simple, Legal, and More Personal Than the Courthouse
The Courthouse Gives You the License — We Help Complete the Marriage
Many couples think getting a marriage license means they are already married, but the license still needs to be completed and signed after a ceremony or legal signing. Diamond Wedding Chapel helps couples finish that step in a simple and stress-free way.
You can keep it quick with a marriage license signing, or choose a chapel ceremony with vows, rings, music, photos, and guests.
Choose the Option That Fits You Best
Marriage License Signing
Best for couples who want the simplest legal option.
This is a quick appointment with our in-house officiant to complete and sign your Indiana marriage license. Vows and ring exchange are optional. This option does not include use of the chapel.
Best for: couples who want something simple, private, and affordable.
Starting at $150
Elopement Ceremony
Best for couples who want a small, romantic ceremony.
An elopement can be just the two of you or include a few close loved ones, depending on the package.
Best for: couples who want a beautiful wedding moment without a big guest list.
Starting at $350
Simple Chapel Ceremony
Best for couples who want a short ceremony in a decorated chapel.
You can exchange vows, rings, and have a more meaningful ceremony experience without planning a large wedding.
Best for: couples who want more than a license signing, but still want to keep things easy.
Starting at $450
Small Wedding or Micro Wedding
Best for couples who want family and friends present.
Our chapel can host intimate ceremonies with up to 50 guests, bridal suite, cake cutting, toasting glasses, wedding favors, photo booth, complimentary dessert bar, and more!
Best for: couples who want a real wedding feel on a smaller scale.
Starting at $1275
A Better Option Than a Courthouse-Style Experience
Diamond Wedding Chapel is a good option for couples who want the legal part handled, but still want the moment to feel more personal than a government office.
You may be a good fit for our Ruby Package if you are searching for:
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Courthouse wedding near me
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Courthouse marriage in Indianapolis
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Civil wedding ceremony
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Justice of the Peace wedding
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Someone to sign our marriage license
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Simple wedding ceremony
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Get legally married in Indianapolis
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Marriage license signing
Starting at $150
What to Bring
Please bring:
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Your Indiana marriage license -
Valid photo identification for both people getting married
Both people getting married must be present. We cannot complete the legal signing without your marriage license and valid identification.
Why Couples Choose a Chapel Instead
Couples choose Diamond Wedding Chapel because they want something simple, legal, and affordable, but still meaningful.
This is a great option if you want:
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A private appointment
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A simple legal signing
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A short civil ceremony
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A decorated chapel instead of a courthouse setting
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A place to exchange vows and rings
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A few guests present
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An affordable option without planning a full wedding
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Help understanding the next step after getting your marriage license
FAQ Section
How Do I Get Married in Indiana?
To get legally married in Indiana, you must first apply for a marriage license through the county clerk’s office. If you are applying in Marion County, you can start here: Marion County Marriage License Application Process.
After you receive your marriage license, bring it with valid photo ID to Diamond Wedding Chapel. Our in-house wedding officiant can perform your ceremony and sign your license after your wedding.
When you are ready to reserve your date, complete our Diamond Wedding Chapel Order Form and submit your payment.
Can we get married at the courthouse in Marion County?
Most courthouse or government buildings, including Marion County, only issue marriage licenses. They do not perform the ceremony or sign the license to make your marriage legal. After you receive your license, you still need an authorized person to complete the ceremony or legal signing.
Is Diamond Wedding Chapel a courthouse?
No. Diamond Wedding Chapel is a private wedding chapel in Indianapolis. We are not a courthouse or government office.
Can you sign our marriage license?
Yes. Our in-house wedding officiant can complete and sign your Indiana marriage license during a marriage license signing appointment or chapel ceremony.
Do we need to apply for a marriage license first?
Yes. You must apply for and receive your Indiana marriage license before your signing appointment or wedding ceremony.
Is this legally the same as getting married by a courthouse?
Yes, as long as your Indiana marriage license is completed and signed by an authorized person, your marriage can be legally recorded. The difference is that Diamond Wedding Chapel offers a private chapel setting instead of a government office.
Can we just sign the marriage license?
Yes. We offer a simple marriage license signing option for couples who do not want a full chapel ceremony.
Can we say vows and exchange rings?
Yes. Depending on your package, you may say short vows and exchange rings during your signing or ceremony.
Can we bring guests?
Yes. Guest count depends on the package you choose. Our simple signing option allows up to 4 guests, while chapel ceremony packages allows more.
Can we take photos?
Yes. Photo time depends on the package you select. If photos are important to you, choose a chapel ceremony package instead of a basic signing appointment.
Do you offer same-day weddings?
Same-day or short-notice appointments may be available depending on our schedule. You must already have your Indiana marriage license before we can complete the legal signing.
Is this the same as a Justice of the Peace?
Many couples search for “Justice of the Peace” when they are looking for someone who can legally marry them. Diamond Wedding Chapel is not a courthouse or government office, but our in-house officiant can complete your ceremony or marriage license signing at our chapel.
What if we forget our marriage license?
We cannot complete the legal signing without your marriage license and valid identification. If you forget your license or required ID, you may need to schedule a return appointment and an additional fee may apply.
Do you provide a photographer?
No. Diamond Wedding Chapel does not provide a professional photographer, but the officiant can take a few pictures with your own device after the ceremony.
You are welcome to bring your own photographer to capture your ceremony and special moments. The Diamond Package does include a self-service photo booth, up to 30 printed 4x6 photo booth keepsake prints, and unlimited digital photo booth copies through an online gallery.
For more available options, please view our Add-On section.