Smaller, more personal nuptials are becoming more and more common in recent years. Many couples want to make it official without having to worry about all of the other details, expenses and other opinions that come from planning an elaborate ceremony and reception—and just focus on the two of them. Other brides and grooms like the idea of a super-small crew of their nearest and dearest to celebrate their vows, and then throw a big reception days, weeks or months later. If you’re leaning toward a courthouse wedding ceremony, but want to make sure it will definitely transform into your dream day, we’re here to help! From sending out wedding invites to springing for hair and makeup, these courthouse wedding ideas and courthouse wedding planning tips for brides and grooms have got you covered. So whether you’re doing a private ceremony ahead of a bigger celebration with all of your friends and family, or you’ve always wanted a simple, courthouse wedding—these 30 ideas and tips for how to plan a courthouse wedding will make saying your “I do’s” on the courthouse steps anything but boring.
30 Ways to Plan a Courthouse Wedding
- Send out invitations Whether it’s classic paper or E-invitations, you can still make your big day feel special by including the people closest to you. Be mindful though, most courthouses have a limit on the number of guests you can invite!
- Think about your desired style Wearing white on your wedding day is a classic way to make your big day one to remember. Check out sites like ModCloth, Unique Vintage, and other online boutiques to browse their selection of courthouse wedding dresses.
- Spring for some good flowers Nothing says “wedding day” more than floral arrangements. Since you won’t be paying for flowers to decorate a whole venue, you’ll be able to splurge on the important flower arrangements like the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere.
- Get a good photographer Since courthouse weddings do without the pomp and circumstance of a traditional wedding, it’s easy to downplay. But, remember, your wedding only happens once in your life and those memories will last a lifetime. Finding a good photographer who is skilled in courthouse weddings will help you preserve those memories to last a lifetime.
- Have an awesome reception Since courthouse weddings are notorious for being a cheaper option, why not live a little and throw an awesome reception either right after with a few family members?
- Don’t forget to ask for help Whether it takes place at a courthouse or a different venue, planning a wedding is notoriously stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask a loved one or family member for a little extra support like making dinner reservations or arranging transportation.
- Say a prayer If religion is a big aspect of your life, many courthouses will allow you to say a prayer before the ceremony formally starts. You can also opt for a circle prayer with a small group of loved ones right before the big moment.
- Mind the details Because you’re not spending the big bucks on a traditional venue or reception, why not take that money and spend it on yourself? Most courthouse brides splurge on things like shoes and hair accessories to make their big day even that more special.
- Send out marriage announcements To avoid awkward talks at big gatherings, be sure to send out marriage announcements after your courthouse wedding. This is a great idea to let everyone in on the big secret!
- Register Despite what others may think, you and your new boo are now tied together legally and are preparing for a long life journey together. If you feel comfortable, create a small registry at places like Target or Bed Bath and Beyond in case people ask.
- Spend the night someplace special Despite the anticipation of the big day, your wedding night is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Splurge on a five-star hotel or a unique getaway for you and your sweetie to celebrate your first night as a married couple.
- Get your hair and makeup done All brides should feel like a princess on their big day. Pamper yourself and schedule a hair and makeup appointment before you drive off to the courthouse.
- Dream destination When you think of a courthouse wedding, your local city hall may come to mind. But, did you know many international venues offer elopement packages? If you and your honey can swing it, check out some of your dream destinations for your big day.
- Create a playlist A big to do for a courthouse wedding is to remember the music. Create a short playlist on either Spotify or Pandora to play in the background!
- Make something together Incorporate some art into your post courthouse wedding plans! After the big “I Do,” stop into your local painting studio to paint either a bowl, plate, or ornament with your new life partner to help commemorate the big day.
- Backyard reception If big reception venues aren’t your thing, gather some friends in your backyard or a backyard of a family member for your own private reception. You can even ask guests to bring their favorite meals for a giant wedding potluck!
- Splurge on a fancy meal Your wedding day should feel magical and luxurious. In your post courthouse wedding plans, gather close family members and friends and splurge on an expensive meal. You can even have toasts and speeches for a more traditional wedding feel.
- Include your friends Who says courthouse weddings can’t have a wedding party? Include your best friends as witnesses and have them wear traditional bridal party garb.
- Do your research Not all state laws are the same and the same goes for courthouses and city halls. If you two have decided a courthouse wedding is best for you, make sure to do your research and look into your venue to see what particular rules and regulations they have.
- Book early There really has been a giant spike in the popularity of courthouse weddings. Before you go and tell everyone the date, check the availability of the judge or justice of the peace.
- Arrive ready Courthouses are mainly places of business so they have to keep on a tight schedule. Make sure you arrive with your hair and makeup done so you can be ready to go when your name is called.
- Respect the other soon-to-be newlyweds Unlike traditional wedding venues, you and your sweetie will probably not be the only couple there waiting to exchange rings. Make sure you don’t dawdle after your ceremony and make room for the other lovebirds who are looking to tie the knot after you.
- Invest in a killer honeymoon Many married couples agree that the best part of their wedding day is the honeymoon. If you are saving beaucoup bucks with your courthouse ceremony, why not celebrate your new life together with an exotic ceremony?
- Splurge on transportation To get to the courthouse on time, why not spring for a classic car, limo, or even a horse-drawn carriage to get you there? You’ll feel much more luxurious than taking the bus or subway!
- Take some time to be together In a traditional wedding, many couples say that they are more occupied with greeting everyone and the moving parts than spending time together. After your courthouse ceremony, make sure you take some time to truly be alone together.
- Get a tour of the courthouse in advance In a giant setting like city hall, there is often security to maneuver and it can feel almost impossible to find the correct administrator’s office. Have a “dress rehearsal” before the big day to find out where you need to go to avoid any stressful situations.
- Plan a bigger party in the future Have the best of both worlds! Plan a small courthouse wedding with just you and your sweetie or some close family members. Then, down the line, plan a large reception with more of a traditional wedding feel down the road to include relatives and friends.
- Livestream your ceremony If you were planning to have a couple of close family members at your ceremony, but one or two of them aren’t able to able to make it, consider livestreaming your ceremony via Zoom or Skype so that they can still be a part of the day. Make sure you check the city hall’s WiFi before you start!
- Have a send-off If your courthouse wedding involves a gathering, big or small, make sure they whisk you and your sweetie away in a proper send-off! This can include sparklers and a classic car or even just a bottle of champagne and an Uber X.
- Send personal wedding favors Commemorate your special day with unique and personal wedding favors. They can be passed out on the day or even sent out as a personal thank you! Don’t forget to show off pictures of the fabulous courthouse wedding you planned. Check out these 125 wedding Instagram captions that’ll complement your pics perfectly!
