Eloping at Pulaski County Courthouse in Little Rock, Arkansas

How to Elope at Pulaski County Courthouse in Little Rock, Arkansas

The Pulaski County Courthouse in Little Rock is hands down the most beautiful of our courthouses in Arkansas! The stained glass ceiling along with the white marble makes for the perfect indoor option for an elopement in Arkansas. Learn everything you need to know to plan your courthouse elopement in Little Rock with this comprehensive planning guide!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Expectations to Elope Here
• When to Elope Here
• Best Spots at the Courthouse
• Where to Stay + Eat
• What to do in Little Rock
• Getting Your Marriage License
• Pulaski Co. Courthouse Vendors

Pulaski County Courthouse Expectations

Hosting an elopement with a few guests or just the two of you present is a very easy process, and free! The only thing you need to prepare for is walking through security and a metal detector at the entrance. There are no reservations or permits to elope inside the courthouse. It’s public access and remains open to other courthouse visitors, so be sure to find a spot you can be tucked away with minimal foot traffic.

Where to Park: I always park in the lot across from the old courthouse (right behind the new one) on the corner of 2nd and S Spring Street. I’ve never had issues finding a spot there, but there’s street parking along the area as well. A lot of the other nearby lots are employee or monthly parking only, so plan on arriving early to ensure you find a spot on time.

Guest Capacity: There isn’t a strict capacity rule for guests at the courthouse, but you should ideally not exceed more than 10 guests if you don’t want to get cramped and limited on your options for the ceremony. When you have more than 2-4 guests, it becomes pretty difficult to arrange everyone upstairs due to the narrow walkways. You can use the open lobby space downstairs if you have 5+ guests.

Best Time to elope at the Pulaski County Courthouse

Anytime of year is a great time to get married at the courthouse, but especially during the peak of summer and winter when outdoor weather is less than ideal.

Courthouse Availability: You do have to get married at the courthouse on a Monday-Friday during business hours (generally 8am-5pm). They are closed for most holidays, so be sure to call ahead of scheduling to ensure they will be open if your date falls on a holiday. You may also want to check that no events will be occurring on the day you’re interested in that may cause heavier crowds than normal.

Best Spots for Your Elopement at Pulaski County Courthouse

You’ll have free roam to set up and do your ceremony most anywhere you please at the courthouse. There are spots downstairs, but if you want the star of the show in the photos (aka the stained glass dome) head upstairs and set up along the main area – just as long as you’re not in the way of other occupants needing to pass by. Keep in mind that upstairs is narrow, so it gets cramped very quickly if you have guests.

There are many areas nearby the courthouse to take additional photos and/or to go out and do things to add to your elopement experience in Little Rock as well.

Where to Stay + Eat

Lodging: If you need somewhere to stay during your elopement at the courthouse, there’s loads of options in the Little Rock and surrounding area!

• Capital Hotel
• The Baker
• The Empress of Little Rock

Eats: You won’t find a shortage of food in Little Rock. There are some absolutely delicious options all over the city and close by in North Little Rock!

• Capital Bar & Grill (Southern)
• Sonny William’s Steak Room (Steakhouse)
• Allsopp + Chapple Restaurant & Bar (American
• Capeo (Italian)
• Cypress Social (American)

What to do Here

Aside from your ceremony and portraits at the courthouse, there’s many things in the River Market area that you can do during your elopement to have a full day of fun!

• Grab ice cream at Loblolly Creamery in SoMa
• Visit the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (portraits are only allowed outside)
• Go bowling at Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge
• Walk around the River Market along the Arkansas River
• Go to the State Capitol for more portraits
• Grab food or drinks from one of the many restaurants and bars

Getting Your Marriage License

Eloping at the Pulaski County Courthouse is made easy when you can grab your marriage license right inside! Applying for an Arkansas marriage license is also super quick and simple:

• Licenses are issued inside the courthouse – You can get it the day of your elopement, ideally before your photo coverage begins, or you can get it days or weeks in advance to ensure you have it ready to use on elopement day.
• You can return the license to the courthouse the day of your elopement before you leave, or otherwise within 60 days of when you initially picked it up so it doesn’t expire.
• The fee for your license is $60 (cash or card only)
• Both you and your partner must be present to apply for the license, and must be 18 years or older.
• You both must provide identification, such as drivers license or passport.

Pulaski County Courthouse Photographer + Officiant + Planning Assistant

This is truly such a beautiful place to elope and a great option for the summer and winter. If you’re ready to start planning your Pulaski County Courthouse elopement, I’d love to chat! I’ve been photographing elopements at the courthouse and the Little Rock area for the last decade and know many great spots nearby to explore. I offer a multi-service experience that includes photos + planning assistance + officiant services, so I’ve got you covered on all the big things to let you sit back and enjoy your day.

Want more suggestions of where to eat in the Little Rock area? You can read my Romantic Restaurants in Little Rock blog and find out! I also have a blog of Things to do in Little Rock if you’ll be staying in the area for a few days.