How to Plan a Courthouse Wedding You’ll Love

At one point or another, every young girl and woman daydreams about her wedding day. I certainly did. A courthouse wedding was never part of the vision. I thought of the way I’d style my hair, to the song I’d walk down the aisle to. I had a vivid mental image of my wedding dress and the exact length of the veil I’d wear and how it would fall perfectly on my lower back, just above the lace trim of my open-back dress.

However, when it comes to getting married, not everyone dreams of a grand, extravagant ceremony. Many couples opt for a more intimate and efficient approach, choosing to have a courthouse wedding.

Planning a courthouse wedding can be a stress-free and meaningful experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your love and commitment. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through how to plan a courthouse wedding that reflects your style and creates cherished memories without breaking the bank.

8 Steps to Planning a Simple and Memorable Courthouse Wedding

1. Research and Understand the Requirements

Before diving into the planning process, it’s essential to research and understand the specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license and having a courthouse wedding in your jurisdiction. Visit the local government website or contact the courthouse directly to gather information regarding necessary documents, waiting periods, and associated fees.

The process of a traditional civic wedding consists of three necessary things: the marriage certificate, the venue (courthouse or city hall) and the wedding officiant.

A marriage certificate, which is different from a marriage license you apply for after marriage, was required to book the chapel at our local civic center. 

Once the venue has been secured (typically for a nominal fee of less than $150) and a date has been set, you’ll need to find a registered wedding officiant to perform the ceremony. You can search for wedding officiants in your area through a Google search. Choosing the person that will conduct your ceremony is very important and intimate so you’ll want to meet with the potential officiants and see if they are a fit.

2. Choose a Date and Time

Select a date and time that works for both you and your partner. Consider the courthouse’s operating hours and any scheduling restrictions they may have. Since courthouse weddings are typically more intimate, you have the flexibility to choose a date that holds significance to you or coincides with your relationship milestones.

3. Determine the Guest List

Decide whether you want to invite guests to witness your special day. Courthouse weddings often involve a small gathering of close family members and friends. Keep in mind that the number of guests may be limited due to space constraints, so make a list of those closest to you who you’d like to share this moment with.

Find out if your jurisdiction requires witnesses during the ceremony (most require two people to sign as witnesses to your nuptials). If so, ask close friends or family members who will be in attendance to act as witnesses. They’ll be required to sign your marriage license along with your officiant.

4. Inform Your Guests

Once you’ve determined the guest list, inform everyone about the date, time, and location of your courthouse wedding. Consider sending out personalized invitations or using digital platforms to notify your guests efficiently. Don’t use this as an opportunity to order invitations and save the dates. A simple text message broadcast will also work!

5. Obtain the Marriage License

Visit the appropriate government office to obtain a marriage license. Be prepared to complete the necessary paperwork, pay fees, and provide identification documents as specified by your jurisdiction. Familiarize yourself with any waiting periods or expiration dates associated with the license. Most marriage licences are valid for a short period of time from the date of issue so keep this in mind when planning your wedding date.

6. Plan Your Attire

Though you might not be going the traditional route as far as ceremony and celebration, this does not mean you have to skip all the fun stuff. Indulge in the wedding dress/suit shopping experience. Besides it being a special and intimate time to share with loved ones, it’s also an opportunity to try different dress/suit styles.

Choose attire that aligns with your personal style and the overall ambiance of your courthouse wedding. While a traditional wedding gown or suit is not a must, you may still want to dress up to make the day even more special.

7. Consider Additional Elements to Personalise Your Courthouse Wedding

Although people opt for courthouse weddings so that they can go the simplistic route, you can still incorporate meaningful elements to enhance the ceremony. Consider writing personal vows, having close friends stand up with you, carrying a small bouquet, or having a photos taken post ceremony. These elements can add sentimental value to the moment without overwhelming the simplicity of the occasion. You’ll look back and be glad that you incorporated these personal touches.

Courthouse Wedding Dress Ideas

Choosing the perfect dress for your courthouse wedding doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You can find a dress you truly love without breaking the bank. Pro tip? You don’t have to shop in traditional bridal shops! You can find great dress options at some of your favourite stores.

Here are some great dress picks all under $200.

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8. Arrive Early and Embrace the Ceremony

To ensure a smooth process, arrive at the courthouse early on the wedding day. This will allow you time to complete any necessary paperwork or check-ins. Follow any instructions provided by the courthouse staff and be prepared for a short wait if there are other ceremonies scheduled. Once it’s your turn, proceed to the designated ceremony location within the courthouse. Mimic walking down the “aisle” if the venue allows. Enjoy the moment! Focus on the love and commitment you share with your partner in the presence of your loved ones.

Why We Decided on a Courthouse Wedding Ceremony

After my husband and I got engaged, we imagined throwing a fabulous wedding and then coming home to our tiny, one-bedroom basement apartment with hardly enough closet space for the both of us. Not very smart or practical, in our opinion. We decided we’d save all our money to buy a house rather than throw it all away on a one day celebration. We saw the house as a great investment that would allow us to see our hard work in tangible form. 

Regardless of how and where we got married, the important thing for us was to solidify our love and make it legally official. And so we planned a small, courthouse wedding with our closest family and friends. It was an intimate ceremony and we had the sweetest officiant who made everyone feel so welcome. 

The Takeaway from Our Courthouse Wedding

Looking back at our experience, I’m happy we did it the way we did. Planning a courthouse wedding offers a simple and intimate way to celebrate your love and commitment. While it may not be the go-to option for everyone, it is certainly a cost-effective way to start your life.

The great part about having a courthouse wedding is that when you’re in a better place financially, you can host a celebration of your life! My husband and I plan to have a wedding celebration/vow renewal in the near future so that all our friends and family that couldn’t make it to our impromptu ceremony can celebrate with us. You better believe that I’ll be rocking up in my dream dress on that day, veil and all.

QUESTION: Will you be planning an affordable wedding or are you considering splurging on your big day?

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