Having a courthouse wedding offers you the opportunity for an intimate ceremony with just your immediate family. If you’re planning to get married in a courthouse, here are some helpful tips on making your ceremony special.
1- Know Your Options for a Courthouse Wedding
There are many courthouse wedding options available that are simple, quick, and affordable. Some courthouses even host regular wedding ceremonies on particular days each month. There are three main types of courthouse weddings: civil, civil with a minister, and justice of the peace (JP). Civil courthouse weddings are the most basic and quickest option. Couples getting married at a courthouse can choose to have a JP, a trained official who leads the wedding ceremony without being affiliated with a religious institution. A JP wedding is not considered a legal wedding. You can add a minister for an additional fee for a more formal, religious ceremony.
2- Choose Beautiful, Comfortable Dresses
Wedding dresses are often the most expensive and complicated part of getting married. One must be able to buy a unique dress that is beautiful and comfortable. You may also want to add jewelry, a shawl, or other accessories to make your dress stand out. If you’re getting married in a courthouse and want to wear a traditional white gown, you can find affordable lightly worn or gently used white dresses online or at thrift stores.
3- Invite Your Closest Family Members or Friends
If you decide to have a courthouse wedding, keep the guest list as small as possible. Invite only your spouse, immediate family members, and closest friends. You can also ask your best friends or a couple of close friends. That way, the ceremony feels intimate and unique. Having a courthouse wedding can help you avoid the stress of planning a significant event. If you decide to invite more people, a large courthouse wedding can be just as unique, especially if you personalize it. For example, you can ask your friends and family who can’t attend your private courthouse wedding to a celebratory gathering afterward.
4- Hire a Photographer and Videographer
If you want your courthouse wedding special, hire a photographer and videographer. If you don’t have a photographer or videographer in mind, you can search online for photographer and videographer services in your area. You can ask your friends or family members if they know someone who can help. If you can’t find photographers or videographers willing to work at a courthouse, you can ask your witnesses to take photos and videos during the ceremony. However, witnesses are not allowed to take photos or videos at most courthouses.
5- Plan a Small Reception
Have a small reception with your closest family members and friends if you want to throw a mini celebration after your courthouse wedding. If you don’t have time to throw a traditional wedding reception after your courthouse wedding, consider having a low-key gathering with food and drinks. You can also throw a theme party or a mini weekend getaway for you and your spouse after your courthouse wedding. You can get creative with decorations and activities if you throw a reception after your courthouse wedding.
An intimate courthouse wedding can be a great way to get married quickly and inexpensively. If you choose to have a courthouse wedding, make your ceremony special by keeping it simple and unique.
