How to Make a Courthouse Wedding Feel Special (Without Spending a Fortune)
Forget the idea that a wedding has to mean a massive venue, a five-tier cake, and a year’s worth of planning headaches. Unless that’s your dream, but it’s highly unlikely if you stumbled upon this post. A courthouse wedding can be just as romantic, stylish, and unforgettable without the added stress or the price tag.
When my husband and I chose to skip the big wedding, it wasn’t because we didn’t love the idea of celebrating with friends and family. It was because we wanted to start our marriage focusing on us – not on seating charts and linen colours. And spoiler: it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
If you’re considering a courthouse wedding (or city hall ceremony), here’s how to make it feel personal, beautiful, and 100% you.
6 Steps to Planning a Memorable Courthouse Wedding
Step 1: Know the Rules Before You Plan
Every courthouse is different, so start by checking the requirements in your city.
- What documents do you need?
- Are there waiting periods?
- Do you need a marriage license in advance of the ceremony?
- How much does it cost?
- Do you need witnesses?
Pro tip: Even if it’s just paperwork, this step sets the tone for a stress-free day so handle it early and get it out of the way.
Step 2: Choose a Date That Matters
One of the perks of a courthouse wedding is flexibility. Pick a date that means something to you: your first date anniversary, the day you moved in together, or even a weekday for a more private experience. Most courthouses or city hall building offer private ceremonies so you’re not in a room with 50 other people waiting in line to tie the knot.
Step 3: Keep the Guest List Close
Most courthouses limit guests anyway, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. Invite only the people you can’t imagine not being there. Your day will feel a lot more intimate and meaningful. This is also an excuse to cut the person that does your fifth cousin twice removed, that your mom would have forced you to invite.
Step 4: Let Your Style Shine
You don’t need a traditional gown unless you want one. Whether it’s a chic mini dress, a jumpsuit, or a two-piece set, wear something that makes you feel amazing. You shouldn’t have to skip out on the dress shopping experience if that’s part of your vision. Grab your favourite girls and spend an afternoon trying on dresses, documenting the experience and just having fun.
Then, when you’re ready, order a dress you love based on your favourite styles. You don’t have to shop in traditional bridal shops. You can find great dress options at some of your favourite stores.
Courthouse Wedding Dress Picks Under $200:
Step 5: Add Small but Meaningful Touches
- Write personal vows.
- Carry a small, custom-made bouquet of your favourite blooms.
- Hire a photographer for an hour. Don’t skip out on the photo memories.
- Play a special song as you walk in.
It’s those details that make your day yours.
Step 6: Arrive Early & Take It In
Give yourself a buffer so you’re not rushed. Once it’s your turn, breathe, look around, and remember this is the moment you become a family.
Our Courthouse Wedding Story
When we got engaged, we were living in a tiny one-bedroom apartment and dreaming of buying our first home. Spending thousands on a wedding didn’t feel right for us. So we planned a small courthouse ceremony with our closest family and friends, and it was perfect.
Our officiant made us laugh, our favourite people were in the background cheering us on, and we left hand-in-hand knowing we’d done things our way. Then we had a beautiful lunch at one of our favourite restaurants to end the day.
The Takeaway
A courthouse wedding is proof that small can still be spectacular. With intention, a little style, and the right people by your side, it’s every bit as magical as the fairy tale wedding you dreamed of as a little girl.
If you still want to live out your big party dreams, you can plan a vow renewal ceremony down the line and have the big celebration party you’ve always wanted.
Related: 25 Fun and Conversational Questions to Ask Your Partner
There are so many ways to have a beautiful wedding with out having to take out a second mortgage on your house or end up in a ton of debt. My husband and I wanted a simple yet elegant wedding and we were able to utilize the wedding vendor events and interview and get information on what would work well for us. My mom and I made all the center pieces. My husband and I made a budget of what we wanted to spend and we did a great job really sticking to it. We had fun and it was a perfect day with friends and family and in the end isn’t that what it is really all about. Celebrating your love and being with family!
I love how you are showing that you can have a beautiful wedding without spending a fortune. My husband and I get married when we were 18 so we definitely could not afford a fancy wedding nor did we want one. We decided to have a small wedding in my grandparents backyard with our closest danish members. It so so special because that was the backyard where I grew up playing as a child. And to be honest, even if we have the money to have a big wedding, I wouldn’t have it any different. Thanks for sharing your amazing day and you looked beautiful in your wedding dress.
Its completely possible to plan a beautiful wedding even without all the “bells and whistles”. I think had we had a fortune to spend, we still would not have opted to. That’s so beautiful! The sentiment of getting married in your backyard is so priceless, especially with all those precious memories surrounding you on your special day. Thank you and I’m so glad that this post resonated with you xoxo
I totally agree, a marriage shouldn’t bust your budget! You offer great solutions to a beautiful but practical day. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much,so glad you agree! We had an amazing day and it was so special to us 🙂
Your wedding was perfect! I had the big wedding and if I could go back I really would juat ask my pastor marry us one day after church. In my opinion yall’s day was perfect and smart lol. So beautiful may I add!! Congratulations to you both. I pray a life of happiness for you guys.
Thank you so much, I’m glad you think so! It was so fitting for that moment in our lives and we just decided to do what we thought made the most sense at that time. It was simple but I was still nervous haha.
You’re so sweet, God bless you xoxo
It’s a great idea to save money on a wedding and you looked gorgeous!
Xo, Kelsey
http://www.petiteinherheels.blogspot.com
You’re so sweet- thank you so much!
I’m glad you think so! 🙂
This ceremony was beautiful. Congratulations on your nuptials and many blessings on your marriage. I love the dresses you tried on. I hope you all have an amazing baller, blowout vowal renewal!
Thank you so much, you’re so sweet. Haha yasss, a blowout vow renewal is definitely in the cards!!!
This is so cute! Nothing wrong with not blowing the bank on one day. Everything turned out beautiful. Totally worth it to make a smart financial decision and still have a great event!
I’m glad you agree and we managed to save money that we can spend on more long term purchases. Glad you agree and thank you xoxo
Smart decision and great celebration! Simple wedding with all the happiness is the best thing and I just love your wedding ring and the dress. Thanks for making us a part of your big day with this post. Celebrate and enjoy your family time xx
I love your dress! My wedding didn’t break the bank either. I’ve never once regretted my small, budget friendly wedding. Congratulations!
You two are so cute!
Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂