Many couples do not necessarily desire grand ballrooms or overwhelming guest lists and prefer not to spend months planning their ceremonies and receptions. Many modern couples find that a courthouse wedding ceremony is much more meaningful to them due to its simplicity and intimacy, as they are able to focus on the marriage itself rather than the surrounding chaos. If you are searching for a stress-free and inexpensive means of getting married, a courthouse wedding ceremony may suit you.
The courthouse wedding has gained popularity over the last few years within the United States by engaged couples. Some couples select a courthouse wedding as a way to save money, while other engaged couples wish for an immediate wedding or prefer a more private experience or simply desire a more intentional and relaxed celebration. Regardless of the reason, a courthouse wedding can be incredibly personal, stylish, and memorable.
This guide from Wedwinks will give you the necessary information to successfully and efficiently plan your courthouse wedding.
Step-by-Step Guide For A Courthouse Wedding
Planning a courthouse wedding may be less complicated than planning an elaborate traditional wedding but still requires several critical steps to complete. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help prevent confusion and potentially last-minute problems later on.
Get a Marriage License
Getting a marriage license is the first and most important part of the planning process for a courthouse wedding. Each state and county has its own requirements for obtaining a marriage license. Check with your local courthouse or clerk’s office for instructions that apply specifically to where you live.
Generally, you and your partner must appear in person with valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state identification card) in order to apply for your marriage license together at the same time. In addition, if either of you has been previously married, some counties require proof of divorce (usually a finalized divorce decree). Some states have waiting periods from the date the marriage license is issued until you can legally marry, so don’t assume you will be able to do everything in the same day.
Making An Appointment for a Courthouse Ceremony
Some courthouses allow for walk-ins; however, most will now require or request that you make an appointment. When planning to have your wedding at the courthouse, you should book a time to have your ceremony as soon as possible, especially if you want to get a wedding on a Friday, during a busy time of year like August, or on some other significant date.
Larger metropolitan areas will usually be busier than rural areas and will generally run out of available wedding schedules much more quickly than smaller counties. Always verify that you know exactly where your wedding is taking place, what time it will take place, and any rules regarding the ceremony prior to the wedding.
Gather All Required Items
Before your courthouse wedding, make sure to have everything that you will need at the ceremony with you. This may include:
- Identifications for both of you issued by a government agency
- Your marriage license application
- A method to pay for any fees that you are required to pay
- Any witnesses that your state requires you to have
Forgetting any item listed above can postpone your scheduled wedding, so ensure you check for your items the night before the wedding to make sure you have all necessary items.
Understanding Guest Policies
One of the most overlooked items in scheduling a courthouse wedding is understanding the rules regarding guests who may wish to attend. Some courthouses permit the couple and the spouse-to-be to be present during the marriage ceremony. Other courthouses permit the couple and a number of their family members and friends to be present at the wedding.
Why Do Couples Choose Courthouse Weddings?
With the modern trends in weddings, it is not hard to see why so many couples are choosing a courthouse wedding. The following are the main reasons why couples are opting to have a courthouse wedding over a traditional ceremony.
Affordable And Budget Friendly
The cost of a traditional U.S. wedding can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars, and most couples do not wish to begin their married life with this type of financial burden. By having a courthouse wedding, couples can take advantage of lower costs while still being able to celebrate their marriage together in a meaningful way.
Simple and stress-free Wedding
A second reason couples choose to have their wedding at the courthouse is to make the entire experience easier. Organizing a wedding can quickly get out of hand; coordinating different vendors, creating and managing a seating chart, handling guest list drama, and dealing with an infinite number of logistical issues can be extremely stressful. A courthouse wedding simplifies the process so that couples can enjoy the true significance of the day.
Intimate And Personal Experience
A third reason couples choose to have their wedding at the courthouse is that it allows them to have an intimate experience on their wedding day. There are a number of people who do not want to be the center of attention in front of a crowd or simply want to have a more personal, intimate moment on their wedding day before having their wedding reception at a later time. In both instances, a courthouse wedding provides an opportunity for couples to have the wedding of their dreams while still being able to celebrate their marriage together in a meaningful way.
What Should You Wear to the Courthouse Wedding?
The courts are not bound by any one type of attire for couples. Some people get married in traditional wedding clothes, and others wear something comfortable and contemporary.
When it comes to dresses for brides at the courthouse, there’s no shortage of options: tailored suits, midi dresses, jumpsuits, or simple white gowns can all work for a courthouse wedding because most brides want to look sophisticated without being too formal or over-the-top. The key is to feel cute, chic, and comfortable.
Grooms can wear either tailored suits with a blazer and dress pants or modern monochromatic outfits to very well fit into the wedding theme. Couples have even coordinated their outfits based on their city/location and season of the year. These types of coordinated outfits take great photos!
Season also matters when deciding what outfits are appropriate to wear to the courthouse wedding. In a summer courthouse wedding, choosing fabrics that are lightweight or breathable will work perfectly. If it is a winter wedding, wearing long coats, boots, or layered formal attire could be the best idea.
FAQs About Courthouse Wedding
Can I invite guests to your courthouse wedding?
Yes, you can invite guests; however, this will depend on the courthouse. Some courthouses allow many guests, while others only allow the couple and witnesses. Please make sure that you confirm with the courthouse prior to your scheduled wedding date.
How long will my courthouse wedding take?
The courthouse wedding will typically last between five and fifteen minutes. However, you should allow approximately one hour for the entire process, including check-in and paperwork.
Do I need witnesses at my courthouse wedding?
Yes, many states require couples to have at least one to two witnesses for a courthouse wedding; however, some do not. To confirm this information, please check out your local county clerk office or courthouse website for the rules and regulations in your area.
Can I personalize my vows at a courthouse wedding?
This varies by courthouse. Some courthouses will allow short personal vows, but most courthouses follow the standard ceremony script. Many couples opt to privately exchange personal vows outside of the ceremony if personalized vows cannot be part of the official ceremony.
Can I still have a celebration after my courthouse wedding?
Yes! Many couples plan to host a dinner, reception, party or destination celebration after their courthouse wedding. A courthouse wedding does not mean that a couple must forego celebrating the occasion. Number of Ways to Celebrate Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies and Provide Higher Levels of Flexibility.
Conclusion
A wedding can be fun, and it doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does it have to be a long, complicated affair to create a memorable wedding. Many modern couples are finding comfort in taking the simple route for an intentional and less stressful way to have an emotional wedding.
A courthouse wedding can still be beautiful and stylish and reflect the couple’s spirit, even when done in a hurry, or on a budget, or with a minimal amount of people, or by simply choosing intimacy over tradition. How you plan to take this journey is different than the next person’s. You need to do some research on how to prepare for your wedding day. You should also know what to expect from your court wedding and determine how to incorporate details that will make your court wedding feel personal. After all, marriage is about celebrating love and partnership, much like the heartfelt moments shared on husband appreciation day, where couples express gratitude and love for one another.
