

{"id":85373,"date":"2023-04-12T15:13:25","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T15:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=85373"},"modified":"2026-03-10T06:20:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T06:20:16","slug":"courthouse-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/marriage-preparation\/courthouse-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"23 Functional Tips for Planning a Memorable Courthouse Wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85377\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shutterstock_201734885.jpg\" alt=\"Happy young couple \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&rsquo;s an easier, more budget-friendly alternative to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/en-us\/credit-cards\/credit-intel\/average-wedding-cost\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">traditional big wedding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A courthouse wedding is a great option if you want to keep things simple and private while saving money.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Planning a small courthouse wedding can be an exciting and stress-free way to say &ldquo;I do.&rdquo;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Whether you&rsquo;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.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s all about making the day uniquely yours without all the fuss. In this article, we&rsquo;ve got 23 tips to help you plan an awesome courthouse wedding that feels special and personal. Keep reading!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-a-courthouse-wedding\"><\/span><b>What is a courthouse wedding?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A courthouse wedding is a civil, non-religious ceremony held at a courthouse. It is a simple and straightforward way to get married.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of a big, traditional ceremony, you have a direct, unelaborate one at a courthouse. No need for a pastor or priest&mdash;here, a judge or court official takes care of the ceremony and signs off on your marriage, making it completely legal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&rsquo;s a great option if you&rsquo;re looking for something low-key, intimate, and budget-friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/marriage-preparation\/courthouse-marriage\/\" title=\"5 Things to Know When Contemplating a Courthouse Marriage\">5 Things to Know When Contemplating a Courthouse Marriage<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-type-of-ceremony-is-a-courthouse-wedding\"><\/span><b>What type of ceremony is a courthouse wedding?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A courthouse wedding is a civil, legally binding ceremony that&rsquo;s a great alternative to a religious wedding.&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of having a pastor, priest, or rabbi officiate, you&rsquo;ll have a judge or another court official overseeing your vows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Even though it&rsquo;s at the courthouse, you can still include many traditional wedding elements.&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can walk down the aisle, exchange vows and rings, and even have a recessional. It&rsquo;s a simple, no-fuss way to get married, but it can still feel special and personal.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, <\/span><b>once the ceremony is done, your <\/b><b>marriage is legally recognized<\/b><b> everywhere in the U.S.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It&rsquo;s a straightforward yet heartfelt way to make it official!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-plan-a-courthouse-wedding\"><\/span><b>How to plan a courthouse wedding<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85376\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shutterstock_376188475.jpg\" alt=\"Wedding rings \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinking about a courthouse wedding? Well, it&rsquo;s a nice way to keep the process simple and effortless.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Here are five key things to keep in mind:&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Some religious institutions might not recognize a courthouse wedding.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For example, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catholic Church requires<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> weddings to be performed by a Catholic priest in a church.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You still need a marriage license for a courthouse wedding.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Don&rsquo;t assume you can just show up and get married.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Courthouses often have strict policies about the number of guests you can bring.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When planning, find out the guest limit so you can keep it within the allowed number.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Courthouse ceremonies are typically brief compared to traditional church weddings.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There won&rsquo;t be lengthy sermons or hymns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Even though courthouse weddings are simple and affordable, you can still celebrate afterward.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A small gathering, like a dinner at a local restaurant with close friends and family should suffice.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><b>Also, a few things to be prepared for:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Make sure to get your marriage license ahead of time.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check what documents you need and the waiting period in your area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be aware of any fees associated with the ceremony<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the marriage license.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expect a short ceremony.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It will be quick but meaningful, so plan any additional celebrations accordingly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consider planning a small reception or dinner after the ceremony<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to celebrate with your loved ones.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pre-marriage\/6-basic-steps-to-getting-married\/\" title=\"10 Basic Steps to Getting Married and Living Happily Ever After\">10 Basic Steps to Getting Married and Living Happily Ever After<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-make-a-courthouse-wedding-special-A-quick-dos-and-don%E2%80%99ts-list\"><\/span><b>How to make a courthouse wedding special: A quick dos and don&rsquo;ts list<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&rsquo;s a quick courthouse wedding checklist to help you add some extra magic to your big day. Follow these dos and don&rsquo;ts to ensure your occasion is unforgettable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-18\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-18\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Dos<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019ts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do personalize your ceremony: Add special readings, poems, or songs that are meaningful to you and your partner.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t skip celebrating after: Even if it\u2019s just a small gathering, make sure to celebrate your big day with family and friends.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do choose a meaningful location for photos: Plan to take photos at a location that holds special meaning to you, like a favorite park or the place you first met.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t forget to plan a backup: Have a plan B in case your first choice of photo location is unavailable or the weather doesn\u2019t cooperate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do incorporate family traditions: Include any family traditions that are important to you, even if they\u2019re small, like a special toast or a particular song.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t overlook comfort: Ensure your attire is comfortable enough for the whole day, including any walking or standing for photos.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do create a unique playlist: Make a playlist of your favorite songs to play before and after the ceremony, adding a personal soundtrack to your day.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t forget the details: Small details like custom vow books, special pens for signing, or even personalized masks can add a unique touch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do bring mementos: Carry something sentimental with you, like a piece of jewelry from a grandparent or a handkerchief with a special message.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t ignore the legal requirements: Make sure all your paperwork is in order well before the big day to avoid any last-minute stress.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do share your story: Consider writing a brief story of your relationship to share with guests, either in a small booklet or on a wedding website.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t rush the day: Take your time to enjoy each moment. Rushing can make the day feel less special and more stressful.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do arrange a first look: Plan a private moment before the ceremony to see each other for the first time. It can be incredibly special and emotional.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t forget to eat: Ensure you have a plan for food. A light breakfast or lunch can help keep your energy up for the day.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Do have a signature drink: Create a special cocktail or mocktail for your post-ceremony celebration to add a personalized touch.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Don\u2019t neglect communication: Keep your guests informed about the schedule and any changes to avoid confusion.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-18 from cache -->\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pre-marriage\/crafting-your-perfect-wedding-ceremony\/\" title=\"How to Craft the Perfect Wedding Ceremony for You: 5 Tips\">How to Craft the Perfect Wedding Ceremony for You: 5 Tips<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23-tips-for-planning-a-small-courthouse-wedding\"><\/span><b>23 tips for planning a small courthouse wedding<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning a courthouse wedding is simpler than a traditional ceremony, but it still needs some thought put into it &ndash; it&rsquo;s your wedding, after all.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are 23 tips to help you make it a success:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Schedule a date early<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courthouses often have limited wedding appointments, so you may need to get something on the books well in advance.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Call as soon as you decide on a date to get your preferred time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Research courthouse policies<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before your ceremony, you&rsquo;ll need to know <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seattle.gov\/courts\/programs-and-services\/marriage-ceremonies\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to get married at the courthouse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-, which requires that you learn the policies of the courthouse where you intend to get married.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some courthouses require you to get the license a few days before the ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Determine when you need to get the marriage license and how long it&rsquo;s good for so you don&rsquo;t run into any surprises on your wedding day.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Decide on a guest list<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may wonder how many guests can attend a courthouse wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When researching policies at the courthouse where you&rsquo;re holding your wedding, look into how many guests you can have.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to have a number in mind; it&rsquo;s time to narrow down the guest list for a simple courthouse wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Plan for about 10-15 guests, focusing on close family and friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Send invitations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple ceremony means that you can send unique wedding invites. Since you&rsquo;re keeping the guest list small, you can put more time and money into your invites because you won&rsquo;t have to send hundreds of them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sending invitations is essential to understanding how to have a courthouse wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Send out your invitations about two months before the wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Pick an outfit you feel good about<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-85375\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Shutterstock_448311787.jpg\" alt=\"Happy couple love \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A courthouse wedding may not be as formal as a religious ceremony, but you can certainly wear traditional wedding attire if you&rsquo;d like.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Wear a traditional wedding dress if you like, or a chic suit or dress for a more relaxed vibe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Plan for a photographer<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&rsquo;ll want a photographer to capture memories from your wedding day. Since you&rsquo;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.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask a friend who&rsquo;s good with a camera to take photos if you&rsquo;re on a budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Add personal touches<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the courthouse wedding ideas may seem a little impersonal, but you can still add your unique flair to the day.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the day your own by adding some personal touches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring a bouquet or wear a unique accessory to add a personal touch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Make a budget<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A courthouse wedding can be a great way to get married on a tight budget, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you don&rsquo;t have to budget at all. You may need to list all your expenses, from the marriage license to the reception.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allocate funds for a small celebration after the ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Plan your reception<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The courthouse wedding reception is your opportunity to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/words-of-wisdom-from-couples\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">celebrate your marriage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This reception can look however you&rsquo;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dinner at your favorite restaurant or a backyard BBQ can be perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Enlist help<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning a courthouse wedding can be challenging, and it&rsquo;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having someone to help with little details takes some of the stress off you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a friend help with decorating or managing small tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>11. Make a marriage announcement<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you opt for a small courthouse wedding, you deserve to be recognized!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making a marriage announcement in the local newspaper would be good. This spreads the news to those who weren&rsquo;t on the guest list.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post an announcement on social media or in your local newspaper.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>12. Plan a getaway<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book a night at a nice local hotel or a weekend getaway.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>13. Visit the courthouse before the ceremony<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as you would before <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pre-marriage\/6-basic-steps-to-getting-married\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">getting married<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at a church, it&rsquo;s a good idea to do a little rehearsal and visit the courthouse before the ceremony.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visiting the courthouse before the wedding allows you to figure out the parking situation, learn where you&rsquo;ll go on the wedding day, and ease some of your nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Familiarize yourself with the layout beforehand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>14. Be prepared to arrive early<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&rsquo;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.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>15. Expect other couples<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many courthouses schedule multiple wedding ceremonies back-to-back on certain days. This means you likely won&rsquo;t be the only couple getting married.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Be patient and respectful of other ceremonies happening around you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>16. Write your vows<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you say vows at a courthouse wedding? Well, of course!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can usually write and exchange your vows during a courthouse ceremony. If you don&rsquo;t want to use traditional <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/vows\/basic-wedding-vows\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marriage vows<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, consider writing your own to make the day unique.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check with the courthouse to ensure you can recite your own vows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch this video to learn more about what our wedding vows should include:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qb0LIvuyaOU?si=XhmxGQKvEZKIUZZe\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>17. Get some pampering<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schedule a haircut, manicure, or makeup session before your big day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>18. Choose a wedding party<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ask a couple of close friends or family members to be part of your ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>19. Consider live streaming<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can&rsquo;t invite as many people as you&rsquo;d like to your courthouse wedding, consider having someone use a live-streaming app to stream the wedding to people who aren&rsquo;t present.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use a smartphone and a live-streaming app to broadcast your wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>20. Have a bridal shower<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting married at a courthouse doesn&rsquo;t mean you can&rsquo;t participate in other wedding traditions, like having a bridal shower.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Host a small gathering with friends and family before the wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>21. Coordinate with the judge or officiant<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some courthouses allow you to speak with the judge or officiant beforehand to discuss your ceremony preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Schedule a brief meeting to talk about any specific requests or personal touches you&rsquo;d like to include.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>22. Bring necessary documents<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure you have all the required documents for your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/license\/the-importance-of-a-marriage-license\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marriage license<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and ceremony. This typically includes identification, Social Security numbers, and possibly divorce decrees if applicable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Double-check the courthouse&rsquo;s list of required documents a week before your wedding to avoid any last-minute issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>23. Plan a memorable exit<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though it&rsquo;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you can do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Bring along some fun props to create a festive and memorable moment as you walk out as newlyweds.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/marriage-preparation\/civil-wedding-ceremony\/\" title=\"5 Ways To Plan a Civil Wedding Ceremony\">5 Ways To Plan a Civil Wedding Ceremony<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keeping-it-simple-and-unforgettable\"><\/span><b>Keeping it simple and unforgettable<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a bit of planning, your courthouse wedding can be smooth and memorable. Besides the tips mentioned, consider taking a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/pre-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pre-marriage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> course to kickstart your marriage on a positive note.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&rsquo;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.&nbsp; Planning a small courthouse wedding can be an exciting and stress-free way to say &ldquo;I do.&rdquo;&nbsp; Whether you&rsquo;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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1262,"featured_media":85377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2505],"tags":[2635],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85373"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1262"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85373"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":117865,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85373\/revisions\/117865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}