Where to Elope in Dallas–Fort Worth: Places, Permits, and Fees
A guide from Small Hour Wedding Photography. Every rule and fee was checked against its official source on September 22, 2026.
The best places to elope in Dallas–Fort Worth are a county justice of the peace court for the fastest legal ceremony, a city park such as White Rock Lake for $25 an hour, the Dallas Arboretum or the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for gardens, Old City Park or the Stockyards for history, or a small venue with a published package. Nearly all of them let you bring a photographer, and most charge for it: a city permit in Dallas and Fort Worth parks, a pass at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Stockyards, and admission at the Arboretum. The table compares all 11, and each place has its own section below with the source for every rule.
Quick answers
What are the best places to elope in Dallas–Fort Worth?
For the quickest legal ceremony, a justice of the peace: $150 at Dallas County's North Dallas court or $200 cash at the 1895 Tarrant County Courthouse, plus the license. For open air, any City of Dallas park, such as White Rock Lake or Lake Cliff Park, reserved for $25 an hour. For gardens, the Dallas Arboretum and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, both booked as weddings. For history, a ceremony at Old City Park in Dallas or portraits in the Fort Worth Stockyards. For a small private venue, published packages run from $250 in Arlington to $3,500 in Waxahachie.
Do I need a photo permit to elope in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Often, yes. Dallas refers professional photography in its parks to the Office of Special Events, whose permit application is $50 per location. Fort Worth requires a permit for professional or staged portrait photography in any city park, with a fine of up to $500 without one. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden sells a $30 two-hour pass, the Stockyards charge $100 an hour, and Old City Park charges $75. The Dallas Arboretum requires admission for everyone, photographer included. Neither courthouse posts a photography permit, but the 1895 Courthouse counts your photographer toward its 14-person limit.
Compare 11 Places to Elope in DFW
Ceremony, photography, and cost at a glance. Where a source was silent, the table says to confirm with the venue rather than guess.
| Location | Ceremony? | Photo permit? | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas County Justice of the Peace 3-1Courthouse · North Dallas | Yes, weekdays | No rule posted; ask the court | $150 ceremony, plus the license | Dallas County JP 3-1 wedding ceremonies |
| 1895 Tarrant County CourthouseCourthouse · Downtown Fort Worth | Yes, weekdays | Allowed; counts toward 14 people | $200 cash, plus the license | Tarrant County JP Precinct 1 weddings |
| White Rock LakeCity park · East Dallas | Yes, by city reservation | Yes, a city permit | $25 an hour (2-hour minimum), plus a $50 permit application | Dallas Parks FAQ |
| Lake Cliff ParkCity park · Oak Cliff, Dallas | Yes, by city reservation | Yes, a city permit | $25 an hour (2-hour minimum), plus a $50 permit application | Dallas Parks Lake Cliff Park |
| Dallas Arboretum and Botanical GardenBotanic garden · East Dallas | Yes, as a booked wedding | Admission for all; no portrait fee posted | Admission from $21.95 an adult | Dallas Arboretum photography guidelines |
| Fort Worth Botanic GardenBotanic garden · Fort Worth | Only as a booked rental | Yes, a $30 photography pass | $30 pass plus admission | Fort Worth Botanic Garden photography |
| Fort Worth Water GardensCity park · Downtown Fort Worth | Yes, as a city rental | Yes, a city permit | $150 half-day rental; permit fee not posted | Fort Worth Water Gardens rental fees |
| Fort Worth StockyardsHistoric district · North Fort Worth | Not on a photo pass; confirm with the venue | Yes, a special event pass | $100 an hour, 2 hours max | Stockyards Heritage 2026 filming and photography application |
| Old City ParkHistoric district · Dallas | Yes, as a booked rental | Yes, a $75 portrait fee | $75 portraits; ceremony rates on request | Old City Park photography |
| The Abbey EstatePrivate venue · Waxahachie | Yes, officiant included | Bring your own photographer | $3,500 micro wedding | The Abbey Estate weddings |
| Skip The CourthousePrivate venue · Arlington | Yes, packages from $250 | Ask about outside photographers | From $250 | Skip The Courthouse packages |
Each Location, Rule by Rule
What the place is like, whether you can marry there, what the photography rules are, and how to book, each with its official source.
Dallas County Justice of the Peace 3-1
Courthouse · North Dallas
A working justice court on the third floor of the North Dallas Government Center, at LBJ Freeway and Hillcrest Road. The judge welcomes your own vows and religious or cultural elements, and guests can sit in the courtroom.
- Ceremony
- Appointments run weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for up to 15 guests. Walk-ins, when there is room, allow up to 5. Witnesses are not required. Your license must be issued at least 72 hours before the ceremony unless you qualify for an exception.
- Photography
- The court's wedding page sets no photography rule. Mention your photographer when you book, and ask whether they count toward the guest limit.
- Cost
- $150 for a weekday ceremony. Weekend, after-hours, and off-site ceremonies are priced by the court and paid in advance. The Dallas County license is $80, or $21 with a premarital course certificate.
- Hours and limits
- Weekdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Up to 15 guests by appointment, 5 as a walk-in.
- How to book
- Get the license first, then request a date through the court's online form or at JP31Wedding@dallascounty.org.
1895 Tarrant County Courthouse
Courthouse · Downtown Fort Worth
Tarrant County finished its courthouse in 1895 in pink granite from central Texas, and it is still a working court building. Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 holds court in Room 450 and performs weddings there.
- Ceremony
- Ceremonies take place weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are booked one month ahead, by the couple, once you have the license. There are no evening or weekend ceremonies, and the court can move your appointment for court business.
- Photography
- The courtroom holds 14 people, and the court counts children and photographers in that number. The courtroom cannot be decorated.
- Cost
- $200 in cash for the ceremony. The Tarrant County license is $76, or $16 with a Twogether in Texas or premarital counseling certificate, plus $100 if neither of you can prove Texas residency.
- Hours and limits
- Weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 14 people in the room, photographers included.
- How to book
- Call the court at 817-884-1395 once you have the license. Friends and relatives cannot book for you.
White Rock Lake
City park · East Dallas
A 1,015-acre city lake about five miles northeast of downtown Dallas, circled by a 9.33-mile hike and bike trail. Dallas Parks calls it one of the most heavily used parks in the city, so expect runners and cyclists nearby.
- Ceremony
- Any City of Dallas park can host a wedding through the Parks reservation office. Reservations run 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a two-hour minimum and a three-hour limit. The terms cap the party at 50 people and 20 chairs, ban alcohol, sparklers, and anything thrown or released, allow only handheld instruments or a cappella music, and do not give you the park to yourselves.
- Photography
- Dallas Parks refers professional filming and photography to the City of Dallas Office of Special Events, whose commercial filming permit covers still photography on public property. The Dallas Film Commission lists the standard application at $50 per location, with at least 3 business days for review. Ask the office whether your wedding reservation covers your photographer.
- Cost
- A two-hour ceremony reservation is $50, paid when you book, and a change or cancellation costs $25. The photography permit application is $50 per location.
- Hours and limits
- Park open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wedding reservations 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., two to three hours, up to 50 people.
- How to book
- Reserve through the Dallas Parks Athletics, Events and Reservations Office (214-670-8740) or its online Reservation Request form. For the photography permit, contact the Office of Special Events (214-939-2701).
Lake Cliff Park
City park · Oak Cliff, Dallas
A 44.5-acre Oak Cliff park established in 1914, at 300 E. Colorado Blvd., with garden areas, a lake, and a pavilion. Dallas Parks lists it among its preferred outdoor wedding sites.
- Ceremony
- Any City of Dallas park can host a wedding through the Parks reservation office. Reservations run 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a two-hour minimum and a three-hour limit. The terms cap the party at 50 people and 20 chairs, ban alcohol, sparklers, and anything thrown or released, allow only handheld instruments or a cappella music, and do not give you the park to yourselves.
- Photography
- Dallas Parks refers professional filming and photography to the City of Dallas Office of Special Events, whose commercial filming permit covers still photography on public property. The Dallas Film Commission lists the standard application at $50 per location, with at least 3 business days for review. Ask the office whether your wedding reservation covers your photographer.
- Cost
- A two-hour ceremony reservation is $50, paid when you book, and a change or cancellation costs $25. The photography permit application is $50 per location.
- Hours and limits
- Wedding reservations 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., two to three hours, up to 50 people.
- How to book
- Reserve through the Dallas Parks Athletics, Events and Reservations Office (214-670-8740) or its online Reservation Request form. For the photography permit, contact the Office of Special Events (214-939-2701).
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Botanic garden · East Dallas
Lawns and blooming gardens, water walls and koi ponds, two stately houses, sculpture, and views across White Rock Lake. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ceremony
- The Arboretum books weddings through its wedding team, with 18 ceremony sites to choose from. Its weddings page does not post ceremony prices; confirm with the venue.
- Photography
- Professional portraits are welcome. Everyone, the photographer included, pays admission or holds a membership. No professional photography before 9 a.m., and tripods, lights, or anything beyond a handheld camera only from 3 to 5 p.m. A separate commercial fee applies to shoots that promote or sell a product or service. Changing in the public restrooms is not allowed; a VIP room is $350 for two hours.
- Cost
- Adults $21.95 Monday to Thursday and $25.95 Friday to Sunday; children 3 to 12 $17.95 and $21.95; parking $15 per car. Members enter free.
- Hours and limits
- Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Tripods and lights 3 to 5 p.m. only.
- How to book
- Send a wedding inquiry through the Arboretum's weddings page. Commercial shoots go to arollins@dallasarboretum.org (214-515-6512).
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Botanic garden · Fort Worth
120 acres of gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the Rainforest Conservatory. Portraits are sold as a timed photography pass.
- Ceremony
- If an officiant is with you, the garden treats it as a wedding rental. Pop-up weddings are not allowed; every wedding is booked through the rentals office at least 24 hours ahead, and ceremony-only bookings are available.
- Photography
- The pass is $30 for two hours, plus admission for the photographer and everyone photographed, and it allows tripods, other equipment, and a change of clothes. Props go up and come down within the pass time. No passes during the spring and fall Japanese Festivals or the Día de Muertos Procession, no professional photography in the Rainforest Conservatory, and no sessions outside public hours.
- Cost
- Adult admission is $12 online and $14 to $15 in person; children 3 to 15 are $6 online. Supporter, Patron, Affiliate, and Giving Circle members get $15 off the pass.
- Hours and limits
- March to September: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last photography pass at 4 p.m. October to February: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., last pass at 3 p.m.
- How to book
- Pass questions go to Guest Services (817-463-4160, admissions@fwbg.org). Book a ceremony with the rentals office (817-463-4150, events@fwbg.org).
Fort Worth Water Gardens
City park · Downtown Fort Worth
A city park at 1502 Commerce Street, a gift of the Amon G. Carter Foundation, where water drops 38 feet into the Active Pool. It also has the Quiet Pool, the Aerated Pool, a central square of Bradford pear trees, and one small lawn. Swimming and wading are not allowed.
- Ceremony
- The city rents each area separately (the Quiet Pool, Amphitheatre and Lawn, Aerated Pool, or Central Plaza) and calls the park a perfect location for a wedding. Private events are booked at least two weeks ahead.
- Photography
- Fort Worth requires a permit for professional photography, whether paid or bartered, and for portrait sessions with props, lighting, or staging in any city park. Commercial photography without one can bring a fine of up to $500. No confetti, fog machines, or large props such as furniture or risers.
- Cost
- For a party under 100, one area costs $150 for up to four hours or $300 for a full day, plus a $75 damage deposit. The city's permit page does not list the photography permit fee; ask Park Reservations.
- Hours and limits
- Open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. A half day is four hours or less.
- How to book
- Reserve through the city's online park reservations or with Park Reservations (817-392-5700, parkreservations@fortworthtexas.gov).
Fort Worth Stockyards
Historic district · North Fort Worth
The Stockyards National Historic District. Stockyards Heritage property there includes Mule Alley, the Livestock Exchange Building, Stockyards Station, the Cowtown Coliseum exterior, and the Swift/Armour site.
- Ceremony
- The Stockyards Heritage pass covers portraits, not a ceremony. For vows in the district, book a venue there and confirm its rules.
- Photography
- Bridal, engagement, and similar portrait sessions on Stockyards Heritage property need a special event pass, paid in advance. A session lasts two hours at most, for the couple, the photographer, one assistant, and up to four guests. The 2026 application asks for 10 business days to review requests. Hotel Drover and the Coliseum interior are excluded.
- Cost
- Special event photography is $100 an hour, for up to two hours.
- Hours and limits
- Two hours at most; the couple, photographer, one assistant, and up to four guests.
- How to book
- Apply to Stockyards Heritage (dnewell@stockyardsheritage.com, 817-710-7357).
Old City Park
Historic district · Dallas
The original city park in Dallas, where 28 historic Texas structures stand on 13 acres at 1515 S. Harwood Street, among them the 1877 Pilot Grove Church and a brick-paved Main Street. It hosts one event at a time.
- Ceremony
- Ceremonies are held in the 1877 Pilot Grove Church, on the lawn under the oak, on Main Street, or at the bandstand, booked through the rentals office. Rates are not published; confirm with the venue.
- Photography
- Outdoor portrait photography is $75 during museum hours, and admission is free. Larger shoots, building interiors, and times outside museum hours are booked through the rentals office. Bride and groom suites can be booked for changing.
- Cost
- The outdoor portrait fee is $75. Ceremony and rental rates come from the rentals office.
- Hours and limits
- Portraits during museum hours; confirm the hours with the venue.
- How to book
- Contact the rentals office (rentals@oldcityparkconservancy.org, 469-928-3711).
The Abbey Estate
Private venue · Waxahachie
A private, tree-lined five-acre property with a modern farmhouse, a party barn, a pergola and lawn, and a patio gazebo. Each event has the whole property.
- Ceremony
- The published Micro Wedding package covers five hours for up to 50 guests, with exclusive use, a day-of coordinator, a licensed officiant, cake, and a champagne toast. Shorter elopements of 1.5 to 3 hours are also offered; their price is not posted, so confirm with the venue.
- Photography
- The venue welcomes licensed vendors of your choice, so you can bring your own photographer.
- Cost
- $3,500 for a five-hour micro wedding for up to 50 guests. Extra hours and guests can be added for a fee.
- Hours and limits
- Micro weddings: five hours, up to 50 guests.
- How to book
- Schedule a tour or email info@theabbeyestate.com.
Skip The Courthouse
Private venue · Arlington
A small, budget-minded wedding chapel with a cottage feel at 2102 Roosevelt Drive, Suite A, in Arlington.
- Ceremony
- The published $250 package is a 30-minute ceremony for the two of you, with a backdrop and a bouquet to hold; bring your own officiant or ask for a referral. $550 covers up to 10 guests for two hours, and packages run to $2,450 for 20 guests over four hours.
- Photography
- The chapel sells its own photography and rents the room to photographers. Its site does not say whether an outside photographer can cover a ceremony; confirm with the venue.
- Cost
- $250 for the two of you, $550 for up to 10 guests, up to $2,450 for 20 guests.
- Hours and limits
- Up to 20 guests; 30 minutes to four hours, by package.
- How to book
- Call or text 214-709-9556.
- Sources
Courthouse Weddings: License, Wait, and Witnesses
Every Texas ceremony needs a Texas marriage license, and a license from any county works anywhere in the state. The two counties charge:
Dallas County
$80, or $21 with a premarital course certificate
Apply online, then collect the license at the Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, or a satellite office, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dallas County license feesTarrant County
$76, or $16 with a premarital course certificate
Add $100 if neither of you can prove Texas residency. Cards add a 1.73% fee.
Tarrant County license fees
- The ceremony cannot happen in the 72 hours after the license is issued unless one of you is on active military duty or works for the Department of Defense, a judge waives the wait for good cause, or you completed a premarital education course, such as Twogether in Texas, within the year before applying. The same certificate lowers the license fee.
- The license expires if you have not married within 90 days.
- Witnesses are not required, as Dallas County Justice of the Peace 3-1 states on its wedding page.
- For the lowest fee in Dallas County, Justice of the Peace 5-1 at the East Dallas Government Center lists weekday ceremonies from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $60 in cash, by appointment only (214-943-6980).
Apply for a Dallas County license through the County Clerk. For step-by-step planning, see our guides to Dallas courthouse weddings and Fort Worth courthouse weddings, which list every Tarrant County court that performs ceremonies.
Two Portrait Stops That Need Permission
- Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas allows personal photos but requires a permit for commercial filming or photography, and a permit and rental fee when a shoot restricts any part of the park or uses more than a single tripod. Its pages do not address weddings, so ask info@klydewarrenpark.org first.
- Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth is private property. Everyone, professional photographers included, needs permission in advance, ideally a week ahead, and security will ask an unapproved session to stop.
Photographing Your Elopement with Small Hour
Yvonne Nguyen photographs every Small Hour wedding herself. The Vow is 3 continuous hours for $1,200, with 150-300 individually edited images, 10-20 sneak peeks within 24 hours, and the complete gallery in 5 business days. That covers a courthouse ceremony and portraits at one or two of the places above. Tell us where you plan to marry, and we will plan the day around its hours and photography rules.
- The Vow3 hours · $1,200 · gallery in 5 business days
- The Affair4 hours · $1,650 · gallery in 10 business days
- The Soirée5 hours · $2,200 · gallery in 10 business days
- The Grand6 hours · $2,750 · gallery in 10 business days
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married in a Dallas city park?
Yes. Dallas Parks lets any City of Dallas park host a wedding by reservation: $25 an hour, a two-hour minimum and three-hour limit, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. The terms cap the party at 50 people and 20 chairs, ban alcohol, sparklers, and anything thrown, and do not give you exclusive use. Reserve with the Athletics, Events and Reservations Office at 214-670-8740.
Do we need a permit for wedding photos at White Rock Lake?
Plan on one for a professional photographer. Dallas Parks refers professional photography to the City of Dallas Office of Special Events, whose commercial filming permit covers still photography on public property. The Dallas Film Commission lists the standard application at $50 per location with at least 3 business days for review. Confirm with the Office of Special Events (214-939-2701) before your date.
Can we elope at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden?
Only as a booked wedding. The garden does not allow pop-up weddings: if an officiant is with you, it counts as a rental, booked through the rentals office at least 24 hours ahead (817-463-4150, events@fwbg.org). Portraits without a ceremony need the $30 two-hour photography pass plus admission.
How much does a courthouse wedding cost in Dallas and Tarrant County?
In Dallas County, the license is $80, or $21 with a premarital course certificate, and a weekday ceremony at Justice of the Peace 3-1 is $150. In Tarrant County, the license is $76, or $16 with a certificate, and a ceremony at the 1895 Courthouse is $200 in cash. Courts change fees, so confirm when you book.
Is there a waiting period, and do we need witnesses?
Texas bars the ceremony for 72 hours after the license is issued unless one of you is on active military duty or works for the Department of Defense, a judge waives the wait, or you finished a premarital education course such as Twogether in Texas within the year before applying. The license expires after 90 days. Dallas County Justice of the Peace courts 3-1 and 3-2 state that witnesses are not required.
How much does elopement photography cost with Small Hour?
The Vow is 3 continuous hours for $1,200, with 150-300 individually edited images and the complete gallery in 5 business days. The collections are The Vow (3 hours, $1,200), The Affair (4 hours, $1,650), The Soirée (5 hours, $2,200), The Grand (6 hours, $2,750). Yvonne Nguyen photographs every Small Hour wedding herself.