Creative Ways To Decorate Your Courthouse Wedding

Courthouse weddings are a great option for couples seeking a simpler, more intimate, and budget-friendly celebration. While they may seem simple, these weddings offer a unique and charming way to exchange vows and create lasting memories.

Couples opting for a courthouse wedding can still incorporate decorations and personal touches to make their special day memorable. In this article, we will explore the topic of decorating a courthouse wedding and provide tips and ideas to make your ceremony unique and special.

Flowers, a guest book, and framed photos are all possible decorations

Flowers

Flowers are a traditional and meaningful way to decorate your courthouse wedding. You can carry a bouquet down the aisle, have your witnesses carry bouquets, or even decorate your wedding transport with flowers. Since you don't need to decorate an entire venue, you may want to splurge on more extravagant floral arrangements. Consider your wedding theme, your personal style as a couple, and which types of flowers complement your wedding attire.

Guest Book

A guest book is a wonderful way to involve your guests in the celebration. It creates a tangible memory of your special day and allows guests to share their well-wishes and congratulations. Choose a guest book that reflects your style and consider providing pens or other decorative items to accompany it.

Framed Photos

Framed photos can add a personal touch to your courthouse wedding. Displaying photos of you and your partner, as well as family and friends, can create a warm and intimate atmosphere. Consider using a variety of frame styles and sizes to create visual interest. You can also get creative with photo displays, such as hanging photos on a string or creating a photo collage.

When incorporating these decorations into your courthouse wedding, remember to check with the courthouse in advance to ensure that they allow decorations. You may also want to consider the ease of transporting and setting up these decorations, as courthouse weddings are typically brief and require efficient setup and cleanup.

You can wear a traditional wedding dress or a chic suit or dress

If you're wondering what to wear to your courthouse wedding, the good news is that anything goes! Whether you want to wear a traditional wedding dress, a chic suit or pantsuit, or a fun dress, the choice is yours. Here are some ideas to help you decide:

Traditional Wedding Dress

If you want to wear a wedding dress, go for it! Just keep in mind that space might be limited, so you may want to avoid dresses with large amounts of fabric like ball gowns or styles with long trains. Opt for something more form-fitting and easy to move around in. You can also add a veil if you like—a short to medium-length veil, such as a birdcage, blusher, or fingertip style, will be easier to manage in a courthouse setting.

Chic Suit or Pantsuit

For a more modern look, consider a chic white suit or pantsuit. This is a great way to show off your personal style and makes for a unique bridal look. Plus, you can easily rewear the separate pieces after your wedding day. You can also add a touch of glamour with a stylish blazer dress—the perfect blend of sophistication and edginess.

Fun and Flirty Dress

If you want to stray from the traditional, a fun and flirty dress is a great option for a courthouse wedding. Think short hemlines, playful prints, and unique details like feather necklines or floral embroidery. You can also add a pop of colour and opt for something other than white if that's more your style.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and reflects your personality. It's your wedding day, so don't be afraid to have fun with it!

You can incorporate personal touches like customised vows, a special song, or meaningful readings

A courthouse wedding is a wonderful way to create a unique and intimate celebration. While the setting may be simple, there are many ways to add personal touches and make your special day memorable.

One way to add a personal touch to your courthouse wedding is through customised vows. Writing your own vows allows you to express your love and commitment in your own words, making the ceremony even more meaningful and heartfelt. You can also incorporate special songs or meaningful readings that resonate with you as a couple. These elements can add emotional depth to the ceremony and make it feel truly unique.

If you wish to bring decorations, be sure to check with the courthouse in advance. Some suggestions for personal and easy-to-carry items include flowers, a guest book, and framed photos. If your local courthouse has restrictions on decorations, remember that you can always plan a reception later and decorate to your heart's content!

In addition to these personal touches, there are other ways to make your courthouse wedding special. For example, you can wear a stunning outfit that reflects your personal style, hire a talented photographer to capture the memories, and invite your closest family and friends to share this intimate moment with you.

By incorporating these special elements, your courthouse wedding will undoubtedly be a day to remember.

You can invite your closest family members or friends

A courthouse wedding is a great option for couples seeking a simpler, more intimate, and budget-friendly celebration. While the guest list is typically small, you can absolutely invite your closest family members or friends to share this special moment with you. Here are some tips to consider when inviting guests to your courthouse wedding:

• Check the courthouse rules and regulations: Every courthouse has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the number of guests allowed. Check with your local courthouse in advance to find out the maximum number of guests permitted. This information will guide your guest list planning.
• Communicate clearly with your guests: Since courthouse weddings are often smaller and more intimate, it's important to communicate clearly with your chosen guests so they can plan accordingly. Send out invitations, whether electronic or mailed, and provide all the necessary details, including the date, time, and location of the ceremony.
• Consider the witness requirement: Most jurisdictions require at least one or two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate. You can invite your closest family members or friends to fulfil this important role. They can also help with bringing in decorations, getting ready with you, and taking photos.
• Plan for a potential reception: If you're inviting guests to your courthouse wedding, you may want to consider hosting a small reception or gathering afterward. This could be a casual get-together at someone's home, a private room in a restaurant, or even a simple lunch at a local restaurant. Be sure to plan this in advance to give your guests enough time to make arrangements.
• Keep the guest list intimate: Courthouse weddings are typically characterised by their small guest lists. While you can invite your closest family members and friends, it's important to keep the group intimate. This allows you to focus on your inner circle and create a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.
• Consider a maid of honour or best man: If you're looking for ways to involve your closest family members or friends, consider having a maid of honour or best man serve as one of your witnesses. This can add a special touch to your ceremony and create lasting memories for those involved.

Remember, the key to a successful courthouse wedding is proper planning and clear communication. By following these tips, you can ensure that your closest family members or friends are included in your special day while still maintaining the intimate and budget-friendly nature of a courthouse wedding.

You can plan a post-ceremony celebration, such as a small reception or dinner

Planning a post-ceremony celebration is a great way to honour your marriage and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Here are some tips for planning a small reception or dinner after your courthouse wedding:

Choose a Venue

Opt for a venue that holds a special significance to your relationship. This could be a restaurant that you and your partner frequent, the backyard of your house or a family member's property, or a small space in a larger venue, such as a library or courtyard. If you're planning a destination wedding, consider choosing a scenic location for your reception, such as a rooftop restaurant with stunning views.

Create a Guest List

Courthouse weddings typically have a small guest list, usually limited to a handful of close family members and friends. When planning your reception, consider the size of the venue and any restrictions on guest numbers. Be mindful that a larger guest list may require a bigger space or adjustments to your budget.

Set a Date and Time

When choosing a date for your reception, consider the availability of your desired venue and guests. If you're planning an outdoor reception, keep in mind that you might need a backup plan in case of inclement weather. As for timing, you may want to host the reception shortly after the ceremony to keep the celebrations going, or you could schedule it for later in the day to allow for travel or setup time.

Select a Menu

The food and drinks you serve at your reception will depend on your budget, the time of day, and your personal preferences. Consider offering a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. If you're having a more casual gathering, you might opt for a buffet or food stations. For a more formal affair, a plated dinner with a limited number of entree options is a good choice. Don't forget to include some unique or interactive elements, such as a sushi station or a build-your-own-mozzarella bar.

Decor and Ambiance

Even though it's a small reception, you can still add personal touches to the decor and ambiance. Consider incorporating flowers, candles, or string lights to create a romantic atmosphere. You can also display family heirlooms or use customised napkins and place cards to add a special touch. If you're looking for entertainment, you could hire a live band or musician, set up lawn games, or have a live painter during the event.

Other Considerations

Don't forget the small details that will make your reception memorable. Send out invitations, whether electronic or handwritten, to your guests. You may also want to create a timeline for the reception to ensure everything runs smoothly. Finally, don't forget to plan for any cleanup or teardown that may be required after the event.

Frequently asked questions