23 Functional Tips for Planning a Memorable Courthouse Wedding

When planning a wedding, many people get caught up in finding the perfect venue, picking out fancy decor, and figuring out how to pay for it all. But there’s an easier, more budget-friendly alternative to the traditional big wedding.

A courthouse wedding is a great option if you want to keep things simple and private while saving money. 

Planning a small courthouse wedding can be an exciting and stress-free way to say “I do.” 

Whether you’re looking to save money, skip the big wedding stress, or just love the idea of a more intimate celebration, a courthouse wedding might be perfect for you.

It’s all about making the day uniquely yours without all the fuss. In this article, we’ve got 23 tips to help you plan an awesome courthouse wedding that feels special and personal. Keep reading!

What is a courthouse wedding?

A courthouse wedding is a civil, non-religious ceremony held at a courthouse. It is a simple and straightforward way to get married.

Instead of a big, traditional ceremony, you have a direct, unelaborate one at a courthouse. No need for a pastor or priest—here, a judge or court official takes care of the ceremony and signs off on your marriage, making it completely legal.

When you go for a courthouse wedding, you just pick a date that works for you and fits the courthouse schedule. The court provides an officiant, usually a judge or another court staff member, to handle the ceremony. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something low-key, intimate, and budget-friendly.

What type of ceremony is a courthouse wedding?

A courthouse wedding is a civil, legally binding ceremony that’s a great alternative to a religious wedding. 

Instead of having a pastor, priest, or rabbi officiate, you’ll have a judge or another court official overseeing your vows.

Even though it’s at the courthouse, you can still include many traditional wedding elements. 

You can walk down the aisle, exchange vows and rings, and even have a recessional. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to get married, but it can still feel special and personal. 

Plus, once the ceremony is done, your marriage is legally recognized everywhere in the U.S. It’s a straightforward yet heartfelt way to make it official!

How to plan a courthouse wedding

Thinking about a courthouse wedding? Well, it’s a nice way to keep the process simple and effortless.

Here are five key things to keep in mind: 

• Some religious institutions might not recognize a courthouse wedding. For example, the Catholic Church requires weddings to be performed by a Catholic priest in a church.
• You still need a marriage license for a courthouse wedding. Don’t assume you can just show up and get married. 
• Courthouses often have strict policies about the number of guests you can bring. When planning, find out the guest limit so you can keep it within the allowed number.
• Courthouse ceremonies are typically brief compared to traditional church weddings. There won’t be lengthy sermons or hymns.
• Even though courthouse weddings are simple and affordable, you can still celebrate afterward. A small gathering, like a dinner at a local restaurant with close friends and family should suffice.

Also, a few things to be prepared for:

• Make sure to get your marriage license ahead of time. Check what documents you need and the waiting period in your area.
• Be aware of any fees associated with the ceremony and the marriage license.
• Expect a short ceremony. It will be quick but meaningful, so plan any additional celebrations accordingly.
• Consider planning a small reception or dinner after the ceremony to celebrate with your loved ones.

How to make a courthouse wedding special: A quick dos and don’ts list

Here’s a quick courthouse wedding checklist to help you add some extra magic to your big day. Follow these dos and don’ts to ensure your occasion is unforgettable.

23 tips for planning a small courthouse wedding

Planning a courthouse wedding is simpler than a traditional ceremony, but it still needs some thought put into it – it’s your wedding, after all. 

Here are 23 tips to help you make it a success:

1. Schedule a date early

Courthouses often have limited wedding appointments, so you may need to get something on the books well in advance. 

What you can do: Call as soon as you decide on a date to get your preferred time.

2. Research courthouse policies

Before your ceremony, you’ll need to know how to get married at the courthouse-, which requires that you learn the policies of the courthouse where you intend to get married. 

Some courthouses require you to get the license a few days before the ceremony.

What you can do: Determine when you need to get the marriage license and how long it’s good for so you don’t run into any surprises on your wedding day. 

3. Decide on a guest list

You may wonder how many guests can attend a courthouse wedding.

When researching policies at the courthouse where you’re holding your wedding, look into how many guests you can have. 

You need to have a number in mind; it’s time to narrow down the guest list for a simple courthouse wedding.

What you can do: Plan for about 10-15 guests, focusing on close family and friends.

4. Send invitations

A simple ceremony means that you can send unique wedding invites. Since you’re keeping the guest list small, you can put more time and money into your invites because you won’t have to send hundreds of them. 

Sending invitations is essential to understanding how to have a courthouse wedding.

What you can do: Send out your invitations about two months before the wedding.

5. Pick an outfit you feel good about

A courthouse wedding may not be as formal as a religious ceremony, but you can certainly wear traditional wedding attire if you’d like. 

What you can do: Wear a traditional wedding dress if you like, or a chic suit or dress for a more relaxed vibe.

6. Plan for a photographer

You’ll want a photographer to capture memories from your wedding day. Since you’ll be limited in the number of guests you can have in the courthouse, you might want a known person to handle the lens for you. 

What you can do: Ask a friend who’s good with a camera to take photos if you’re on a budget.

7. Add personal touches

One of the courthouse wedding ideas may seem a little impersonal, but you can still add your unique flair to the day. 

Make the day your own by adding some personal touches.

What you can do: Bring a bouquet or wear a unique accessory to add a personal touch.

8. Make a budget

A courthouse wedding can be a great way to get married on a tight budget, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to budget at all. You may need to list all your expenses, from the marriage license to the reception.

What you can do: Allocate funds for a small celebration after the ceremony.

9. Plan your reception

The courthouse wedding reception is your opportunity to celebrate your marriage. 

This reception can look however you’d like it to. You may have a backyard cookout with just the people who joined you at the courthouse for the ceremony, or you might meet at a local restaurant afterward.

What you can do: A dinner at your favorite restaurant or a backyard BBQ can be perfect.

10. Enlist help

Planning a courthouse wedding can be challenging, and it’s okay to ask for help. You might ask a close friend or a relative to assist with little details, like booking the reception hall and choosing flowers for the ceremony.

Having someone to help with little details takes some of the stress off you. 

What you can do: Have a friend help with decorating or managing small tasks.

11. Make a marriage announcement

Even if you opt for a small courthouse wedding, you deserve to be recognized! 

Making a marriage announcement in the local newspaper would be good. This spreads the news to those who weren’t on the guest list.

What you can do: Post an announcement on social media or in your local newspaper.

12. Plan a getaway

If you’re getting married at the courthouse to save money, you can still book a low-budget honeymoon. Even a night in a local hotel can be refreshing.

What you can do: Book a night at a nice local hotel or a weekend getaway.

13. Visit the courthouse before the ceremony

Just as you would before getting married at a church, it’s a good idea to do a little rehearsal and visit the courthouse before the ceremony. 

Visiting the courthouse before the wedding allows you to figure out the parking situation, learn where you’ll go on the wedding day, and ease some of your nerves.

What you can do: Familiarize yourself with the layout beforehand.

14. Be prepared to arrive early

You don’t want to arrive at the last minute on the day of your wedding. Plan to arrive early so you have plenty of time to park and get inside. This allows you to be ready as soon as your name is called. 

What you can do: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

15. Expect other couples

Many courthouses schedule multiple wedding ceremonies back-to-back on certain days. This means you likely won’t be the only couple getting married.

What you can do: Be patient and respectful of other ceremonies happening around you.

16. Write your vows

Do you say vows at a courthouse wedding? Well, of course!

You can usually write and exchange your vows during a courthouse ceremony. If you don’t want to use traditional marriage vows, consider writing your own to make the day unique. 

What you can do: Check with the courthouse to ensure you can recite your own vows.

Watch this video to learn more about what our wedding vows should include:

17. Get some pampering

Remember to schedule some pampering into your day. This might mean getting your hair and makeup done on the morning of your wedding, or you might schedule a haircut and facial the day before.

What you can do: Schedule a haircut, manicure, or makeup session before your big day.

18. Choose a wedding party

One of the top ways of how to make a courthouse wedding special is to include a wedding party, just like you would if you were getting married in a place of worship.

What you can do: Ask a couple of close friends or family members to be part of your ceremony.

19. Consider live streaming

If you can’t invite as many people as you’d like to your courthouse wedding, consider having someone use a live-streaming app to stream the wedding to people who aren’t present.

What you can do: Use a smartphone and a live-streaming app to broadcast your wedding.

20. Have a bridal shower

Getting married at a courthouse doesn’t mean you can’t participate in other wedding traditions, like having a bridal shower. 

What you can do: Host a small gathering with friends and family before the wedding.

21. Coordinate with the judge or officiant

Some courthouses allow you to speak with the judge or officiant beforehand to discuss your ceremony preferences.

What you can do: Schedule a brief meeting to talk about any specific requests or personal touches you’d like to include.

22. Bring necessary documents

Ensure you have all the required documents for your marriage license and ceremony. This typically includes identification, Social Security numbers, and possibly divorce decrees if applicable.

What you can do: Double-check the courthouse’s list of required documents a week before your wedding to avoid any last-minute issues.

23. Plan a memorable exit

Even though it’s a courthouse wedding, you can still make your exit special. Think about having your guests blow bubbles, toss confetti, or wave ribbons as you leave.

What you can do: Bring along some fun props to create a festive and memorable moment as you walk out as newlyweds.

Keeping it simple and unforgettable

A courthouse wedding is a fantastic way to keep things simple and stick to a budget. It takes away the stress of hiring an officiant, booking a venue, and all the decorating that comes with traditional ceremonies.

You can keep it simple and budget-friendly by having a small ceremony at the courthouse and then celebrating with dinner with close friends and family.

With a bit of planning, your courthouse wedding can be smooth and memorable. Besides the tips mentioned, consider taking a pre-marriage course to kickstart your marriage on a positive note.

Whether you go all out with a big wedding or choose a modest courthouse ceremony, learning skills like healthy communication can set the foundation for a successful marriage. Enjoy your special day!

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Dr. Jenni Schulz is a licensed social worker with a master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University, and she earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology from National University. She has worked in the social work field for 14 years and is currently a professor at Ashland University.... Read more She writes website content about mental health, addiction, and fitness. Dr. Schulz is licensed as both a social worker through Ohio Board of Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage/Family Therapists and a school social worker through Ohio Department of Education. She currently works primarily as a crisis therapist at her local hospital and jail, while engaging in mental health consulting virtually. Read less

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