Make Your Courthouse Wedding Special And Memorable

Courthouse weddings are rising in popularity, with many couples opting for a more intimate and budget-friendly celebration. While a courthouse wedding may seem simple, there are several ways to make the event feel more special. From sending out paper invitations to live-streaming the ceremony, here are some ideas to enhance your courthouse wedding.

Firstly, don't skip the invitations. While courthouses are great for time-crunched brides, it's important to properly invite your guests. You can send out paper invitations or create and send an online invitation. If you're only inviting a few people, you can splurge on more luxurious invites. Be sure to clearly communicate with your guest list, providing them with all the necessary information.

Hiring a photographer is another way to make your courthouse wedding special. This will ensure you have beautiful photos to capture the love and excitement of the day. Many photographers offer elopement packages, so you can find one that fits your budget.

Incorporating personal touches, such as customised vows, a special song, or meaningful readings, can also add a unique and heartfelt touch to your courthouse wedding. You can even bring some decorations, such as flowers, a guest book, and framed photos, to make the event more personalised.

Other ideas to consider include creating a playlist, putting together a wedding party, grabbing some flowers, getting pampered before the big day, and wearing a special outfit. You can also plan a post-wedding reception, rent a hotel room, or go on a honeymoon to extend the celebrations.

By incorporating some of these ideas, you can create a courthouse wedding that is intimate, meaningful, and reflective of your unique love story.

Wear a special outfit

Wearing a special outfit is a great way to make your courthouse wedding memorable. You can go for a traditional full-length wedding dress or a classic tuxedo, or choose a fun party outfit or spunky costume. It's your day, so wear something that makes you feel amazing!

If you want to wear a dress but want to avoid the full-length gown, a cocktail dress is a great option. You could even opt for a short white bridesmaid dress or a chic shades-of-grey number like one bride who wore a ruffled, tiered BCBG dress with a sweet ribbon belt. If you're not into dresses, a white skirt or pantsuit can be a fabulous alternative. For grooms, a classic tuxedo or a suit in a fun colour or pattern can be a great choice.

Don't be afraid to express your personal style. Courthouse weddings offer the flexibility to choose more casual or non-traditional outfits. You could even match with your partner by wearing coordinating suits or semi-formal wear. If you want to add a unique touch, consider incorporating vintage pieces or family heirlooms into your outfit.

When choosing your outfit, consider the practical aspects of a courthouse wedding. You'll likely be navigating security checks and bag inspections, so avoid wearing anything too cumbersome or delicate. Comfort is also key, as you'll be standing and walking during the ceremony and photos. Choose shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in, and avoid anything that will make you feel restricted or uncomfortable.

Lastly, don't forget the accessories! A statement hairpiece, a beautiful veil, or a unique piece of jewellery can elevate your look and make it even more special. You can also involve your loved ones in the process, like picking out your wedding outfit with your mom or having a friend fashion a veil for you.

Get a photographer

Getting a photographer is a must for your courthouse wedding. After all, you'll want to capture the precious moments of your special day and have them as cherished mementos. Most photographers offer hourly rates, so you can splurge on a better photographer for a few hours without breaking the bank.

When choosing a photographer, consider their experience and familiarity with the venue. Some photographers specialise in courthouse wedding photography, and these professionals will know all the best spots for photos and what to expect on the day. If you're getting married in a popular location like San Diego, for instance, you'll find plenty of photographers who are familiar with the grounds and can help you get the most out of your special day.

If you're getting married on a popular date, it's recommended to book your photographer in advance, even before your ceremony date is confirmed. This will ensure you don't miss out on capturing those all-important memories. It's also a good idea to ask your photographer about their policy if your preferred date and time aren't available. Many photographers who cover courthouse weddings will have a flexible policy, so you can rest assured that you'll be covered even if things don't go according to plan.

Your photographer can also double up as your witness, which is a requirement for most courthouse weddings. So, if you're keeping your guest list small, your photographer can play a dual role and capture the memories while also signing as a witness to your nuptials.

Send invitations

Sending invitations is an important part of making your courthouse wedding special. While it may be tempting to cut corners and simply call up your guests, it is worth taking the time to create and send a proper invitation. This is a special occasion, and your invitations should reflect that.

There are a few options to consider when sending out invitations. The first is to send paper invitations. There is something special about receiving a paper wedding invitation, and if you are only inviting a few people, you can splurge on more luxurious invites. This is a good option if you want to create a sense of occasion and give your guests something tangible to remember the day by.

Another option is to send online invitations. E-invites are a perfectly acceptable alternative to paper invitations and can be a more cost-effective option. When choosing this route, be sure to select a design that is beautiful and personal and suits the tone of your wedding. There are many websites that offer a range of wedding invitation designs, so take some time to find one that feels right for you.

If you are sending out invitations to a virtual event, such as a live stream of your wedding, be sure to specify that on the invites so that your guests know what to expect.

It is also important to communicate clearly with your guests so they can plan accordingly. Provide them with all the necessary information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any other relevant details. If there are any restrictions or requirements that they need to be aware of, be sure to include that information as well.

Finally, don't forget to give your guests enough time to RSVP. Depending on the format of your wedding, you may need to give them a deadline to respond by. This is especially important if you are having a small wedding with a limited guest list, as you will need to ensure that everyone you have invited is able to attend.

Write your own vows

Writing your own vows is a great way to make your courthouse wedding more intimate and unique. Here are some tips to help you craft meaningful and heartfelt vows:

Focus on Your Love Story

Share how you met, when you knew your partner was "the one", or what you love most about them. Speak from the heart and use your own words to express your genuine love and commitment.

Keep it Simple and Sincere

Aim for a few concise, heartfelt sentences. Avoid clichés and over-the-top proclamations. You likely have limited time, so make your words meaningful, simple, and focused on your love.

Tailor Your Vows to the Setting

Consider the courthouse setting and your reasons for choosing a civil ceremony. You can incorporate elements that reflect your decision to get married in a courthouse, such as a mention of the location or a nod to the intimate nature of the ceremony.

Prepare and Practice

Write your vows ahead of time and read them aloud to ensure a smooth delivery. Practising will help you feel more confident and reduce nerves on the day. You can also share your vows with each other beforehand to ease any anxiety about speaking in front of your partner.

Add Personal Touches

Make your vows uniquely yours by including inside jokes, nicknames, or special memories. End with a meaningful quote or reference that holds significance for both of you. These personal touches will make your vows intimate and special.

Collaborate and Connect

Consider writing your vows together to add a more personal touch. During the ceremony, remember to make eye contact and hold hands to connect with your partner as you recite your vows. This will create a more intimate moment and help you feel truly present.

Writing your own vows for a courthouse wedding allows you to express your love and commitment in a way that is authentic and meaningful to you. With a little planning and preparation, your vows will be memorable and will add a special touch to your intimate ceremony.

Have a small reception

Having a small reception is a great way to make your courthouse wedding special. Here are some ideas to help you plan an intimate and memorable celebration:

Choose a Meaningful Location

Select a venue that holds a special significance for you and your partner. This could be a rooftop restaurant with a breathtaking view, a quaint café, or even a historic building. If you're feeling creative, you can also opt for a unique theme or a destination wedding.

Plan in Advance

Courthouse weddings are typically brief and need to be scheduled in advance. Be sure to book a time that works for you, your guests, and your photographer. Communicate clearly with your guests so they can plan and be part of your special day.

Create a Personalised Menu

A small reception allows you to splurge on a fancy meal. You can go crazy with your post-wedding menu, especially if it's an intimate gathering. Indulge in your favourite foods, or try something new and extravagant.

Decorate and Personalise

Even with a small reception, you can still add personal touches and decorations. Flowers, a guest book, and framed photos are excellent ways to add a unique touch to your celebration. You can also create a playlist with your favourite songs, even if they're a little unusual!

Make it an Intimate Gathering

Keep the guest list small and intimate. This allows you to focus on your inner circle and create lasting memories with those closest to you. A small reception provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations and connections.

Capture the Memories

Hire a photographer to capture the precious moments of your reception. These photos will become cherished mementos. You can also ask a talented guest with a professional-level camera to capture the story of the day, from getting ready to the joyous moments of the reception.

By incorporating these ideas, you can create a special and memorable small reception following your courthouse wedding. It's a wonderful way to celebrate your love and begin your married life together.

Frequently asked questions