Simone Biles Holds a Courthouse Wedding: Full Details of the 2023 Civil Ceremony

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens officially married in a civil ceremony at the Harris County 1910 Courthouse in Houston, Texas, on April 22, 2023. This intimate legal proceeding was a necessary precursor to their larger destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which took place several weeks later.

The courthouse wedding of Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, and Jonathan Owens, an NFL defensive back, remains a landmark moment in celebrity culture. Even as we look back from 2026, the event continues to influence how couples approach the "legal" side of marriage, particularly when planning international celebrations. By choosing a simple, local ceremony first, Biles and Owens prioritized legal efficiency and personal intimacy before their grander festivities.

The Journey to the Courthouse: An Evolution of a Relationship

The path to the Harris County courthouse began in March 2020, right at the onset of the global pandemic. Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens met via the high-profile dating app Raya. While Biles was already a household name globally, Owens admitted in later interviews that he was not initially aware of the magnitude of her fame, a fact that Biles found refreshing.

Their relationship developed rapidly during the "quarantine" phase of the pandemic, allowing them to bond without the usual pressures of their demanding athletic schedules. By February 2022, Owens proposed in a gazebo in Houston, presenting Biles with a bespoke oval-cut diamond ring. The couple spent the following year planning two distinct events: a domestic legal ceremony and an international destination celebration.

The decision to hold a courthouse wedding was not a replacement for a "real" wedding but a strategic and sentimental choice. In many jurisdictions, including Texas, the legal requirements for marriage are straightforward, whereas the legalities of marrying in a foreign country like Mexico can involve significant paperwork, blood tests, and translation services. By "holding" their courthouse wedding in Houston first, the couple ensured their union was recognized under U.S. law without the complications of international bureaucracy.

Inside the Harris County Courthouse Ceremony

On April 22, 2023, Biles and Owens visited the Harris County 1910 Courthouse. This historic building, located in the heart of downtown Houston, provided a classic, architectural backdrop for their legal union. Despite the grandeur of the building, the ceremony itself was incredibly intimate, attended by only a few witnesses and a professional photographer to capture the milestone.

The Logistics of a Civil Ceremony

A courthouse wedding in Houston requires a marriage license from the County Clerk’s office, which must be obtained at least 72 hours before the ceremony (unless an exception applies, such as for active-duty military personnel). Biles and Owens followed these standard procedures, proving that even global icons are subject to local administrative rules.

The couple shared their joy on social media, with Biles posting a series of photos captioned, "I do, officially Owens." The images depicted the couple signing their marriage certificate and posing on the courthouse steps. These photos quickly went viral, not just because of the couple’s fame, but because of the accessible, modern aesthetic they chose for the occasion.

Breaking the Internet: The $119 Bridal Fashion

One of the most discussed aspects of the Simone Biles courthouse wedding was her choice of attire. In an era where celebrity wedding dresses often cost tens of thousands of dollars, Biles opted for an incredibly accessible look that resonated with fans worldwide.

The Dress

Biles wore a tiered, floor-length white gown with a crisscross back, which she revealed was purchased from the online boutique Selfie Leslie. The dress retailed for approximately $119. This choice was widely praised as a "relatable" move, demonstrating that a legal ceremony does not require the same financial investment as the main event. By opting for a budget-friendly but elegant dress, Biles highlighted the distinction between the legal "signing" and the ceremonial "celebration."

The Accessories

To complement her affordable dress, Biles wore strappy heels purchased from Amazon. Her hair was styled in a sleek high ponytail, and she carried a simple bouquet of white flowers. Jonathan Owens complemented her look with a tan suit paired with a white button-down shirt (no tie), echoing the relaxed but respectful tone of a civil courthouse proceeding.

This fashion choice had a measurable impact on the bridal industry, leading to a surge in interest for "civil ceremony dresses" that are stylish yet affordable. It reinforced the idea that the legal wedding is an opportunity for personal expression that doesn't need to compete with the formality of the destination wedding.

Why a Courthouse Wedding? Understanding the Legal Strategy

For couples like Biles and Owens, a courthouse wedding is often a pragmatic decision. As of 2026, the trend of "dual weddings"—a legal ceremony followed by a symbolic destination wedding—remains highly popular for several reasons:

1. Legal Simplicity: Getting married in Mexico, where the couple held their second ceremony, often requires civil ceremonies to be conducted in Spanish, and the legal documents may not be automatically recognized in the U.S. without additional steps (like an Apostille).
2. Health Requirements: Some countries require blood tests for both parties before a legal marriage can take place on their soil.
3. Cost of Documentation: Translating and notarizing documents for an international wedding can cost hundreds of dollars. A local courthouse fee is significantly lower.
4. Privacy: A courthouse wedding allows the couple to share a private moment of commitment before the "performance" of a large-scale wedding in front of hundreds of guests.

By holding their courthouse wedding in Houston, Biles and Owens bypassed these hurdles. Their destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, which occurred in May 2023, was then free to be a purely celebratory and religious event without the pressure of legal filings.

Comparing the Two Ceremonies: Civil vs. Destination

The contrast between the Biles-Owens courthouse wedding and their Cabo San Lucas celebration illustrates the different roles these events play in a modern marriage.

The Cultural Impact of the "Biles Model"

As we analyze the influence of this event from the perspective of 2026, the "Biles Model" of wedding planning has become a standard blueprint for high-profile and middle-class couples alike. Her decision to be transparent about the courthouse wedding helped de-stigmatize the idea that a civil ceremony is "lesser than" a traditional church or ballroom wedding.

Authenticity in the Spotlight

Biles’ willingness to share the unpolished, administrative side of her life contributed to her image as an authentic and grounded athlete. Even though she is the "G.O.A.T." (Greatest of All Time) in gymnastics, she handled her wedding like many other Houstonians would. This accessibility is a key component of her enduring brand.

The Rise of the "Minimony"

Following Biles’ 2023 nuptials, the "minimony" (a miniature ceremony held for legal reasons) saw a spike in popularity. Couples began to realize that the legal date and the anniversary date do not necessarily have to be the same, allowing for more flexibility in planning.

Legal Requirements for a Texas Courthouse Wedding

For those looking to follow in Biles' footsteps, it is important to understand the specific requirements for a courthouse wedding in the state of Texas, which have remained largely consistent through 2026.

• Identification: Both parties must provide valid government-issued photo identification (e.g., Driver's License, Passport).
• Social Security Numbers: Applicants must provide their Social Security numbers, though the actual card is usually not required.
• The 72-Hour Rule: In Texas, there is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between the time you receive your license and the time you can have your ceremony.
• Expiration: A marriage license is valid for 90 days after it is issued. If you do not marry within that window, you must apply for a new one.
• The Officiant: While a judge often performs courthouse weddings, a licensed or ordained minister, or a retired judge, can also perform the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Simone Biles have two weddings?

Yes. Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens had two distinct wedding events. The first was a legal civil ceremony at a courthouse in Houston, Texas, on April 22, 2023. The second was a larger, celebratory destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on May 6, 2023.

Where exactly did Simone Biles get married?

The legal ceremony took place at the Harris County 1910 Courthouse in Houston, Texas. The destination ceremony took place at the Nobu Residences in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Why did she wear a cheap dress to her courthouse wedding?

Biles chose an affordable $119 dress from Selfie Leslie for her courthouse wedding because she saved her custom designer gowns for the destination celebration. This choice was widely seen as a practical move that highlighted the informal and intimate nature of the legal filing.

Is a courthouse wedding legally binding?

Yes, a courthouse wedding is a fully legal marriage ceremony. Once the license is signed by the officiant and filed with the county clerk, the couple is legally married in the eyes of the law. For Biles and Owens, this ensured their marriage was recognized in the United States before they traveled abroad.

Can anyone get married at the Harris County Courthouse?

Yes, any couple with a valid Texas marriage license can schedule a ceremony at the Harris County Courthouse, provided they follow the local rules for appointments and wait times. It is a popular venue for Houston residents due to its historic architecture.

Practical Recommendations for Planning a Civil Ceremony

If you are considering a courthouse wedding as Simone Biles did, consider the following steps to ensure the process is seamless:

1. Schedule Early: While it’s a "quick" ceremony, popular courthouses like Harris County often require appointments weeks in advance.
2. Hire a Photographer: Even though the event is small, these photos often become some of the most cherished because they capture the raw, unfiltered joy of becoming a legal couple.
3. Coordinate the License: Ensure you understand the "waiting period" in your state. In Texas, you cannot get the license and get married on the same day without a judicial waiver.
4. Embrace Simplicity: Follow Biles' lead and don't feel pressured to spend thousands on a ceremony that is primarily administrative. Focus on the commitment rather than the décor.

The Simone Biles courthouse wedding serves as a reminder that the heart of a marriage isn't the scale of the party, but the legal and emotional commitment made between two people. Whether in a $119 dress or a custom gown, the "I do" carries the same weight.