Creative Courthouse Wedding: Making It Special During Covid

Planning a wedding during the pandemic can be challenging, but a courthouse wedding is a great way to get married if you want something simple and don't have the budget for a lavish celebration. Here are some tips to make your courthouse wedding special:

- Choose a location that is meaningful to you as a couple. Pick a courthouse in a place that holds a special memory, such as where you first met or fell in love.

- Send out invitations to your closest family and friends. While courthouses have guest limitations, including your loved ones will make your day more memorable.

- Wear an outfit that makes you feel good. Whether it's a traditional wedding dress or a fun pantsuit, choose an ensemble that reflects your style and personality.

- Add personal touches. Incorporate elements such as a bouquet, a toast at a post-ceremony celebration, or a first look to make the day more meaningful.

- Hire a photographer. Capturing high-quality photos will help you cherish the memories of your special day for years to come.

- Plan a reception or after-party. Celebrate your nuptials with a simple gathering or an elaborate reception, depending on your preference and budget.

- Respect the other couples getting married. As courthouses are busy places, be mindful of the time and make way for other couples waiting to exchange their vows.

Send invitations to your closest friends and family

Sending out invitations is a great way to make your courthouse wedding feel special. Whether you opt for classic paper or e-invitations, including your closest friends and family in your celebration will undoubtedly make the occasion more memorable. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

Choose the Right Invitation Style

Select an invitation design that reflects your personality and that of your partner. Opt for a style that is beautiful and personal, setting the tone for your special day. If time is on your side, mailed invitations can add a more traditional and formal touch, while e-invitations are a convenient and environmentally-friendly alternative.

Be Mindful of Guest Limits

Most courthouses have restrictions on the number of guests you can invite. Before finalising your guest list, be sure to check the specific rules of your chosen courthouse to ensure you don't exceed the maximum number of attendees. This is a crucial step, as you don't want to face disappointment on your big day.

Include Detailed Information

Provide your guests with all the necessary details in your invitations. Include the date, time, and specific location of your ceremony. If there are any dress codes or special instructions they need to be aware of, be sure to mention them. You may also want to include information about any post-ceremony celebrations you are planning, so your guests can join you in those festivities as well.

Consider Adding a Personal Touch

Make your invitations extra special by adding a personal touch. You can include a meaningful quote or a favourite photo of you and your partner. If you're feeling creative, you might even design the invitations yourself or add some decorative elements that reflect your style. This will make your invitations stand out and excite your guests about the upcoming nuptials.

Send Invitations with Plenty of Notice

It is generally a good idea to send out your invitations as early as possible, especially if your guests need to travel or make special arrangements to attend. This will give them ample time to RSVP and plan their attendance. It is considerate to send invitations at least a few weeks in advance, if not earlier, to ensure your guests can clear their schedules and be a part of your special day.

Follow Up with Guests

After sending out your invitations, it is a good idea to follow up with your guests, especially those you intend to have as witnesses. Confirm their attendance and ensure they have all the necessary details. This will help you manage expectations and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Wear a special outfit

While a courthouse wedding may be more low-key than a traditional wedding, it's still your wedding day, so you should definitely wear something that makes you feel special.

If you're the bride, you might want to wear a white dress or a pantsuit. You could opt for a simple, chic wrap dress, or a mini dress with a plunging neckline and billowy sleeves. If you want to go for a full-on glamorous look, a ball gown or a tuxedo could be a great choice. And don't forget the accessories! You could add a veil, a tiara, or a chic hat to complete your look.

If you're the groom, you can't go wrong with a classic suit in a colour like grey or tan. You could also add a touch of formality with a white sport coat.

For both the bride and groom, it's important to consider the space constraints of a courthouse wedding. Avoid outfits with cathedral-length veils or voluminous skirts that might not work in a narrow aisle or crowded waiting area.

And don't forget, you can always add your own personal touch to your outfit. Whether it's a bold colour, a fun pattern, or a unique accessory, this is your chance to showcase your style.

Finally, don't forget to plan ahead and try on different outfits to find the one that makes you feel the most confident and comfortable. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so make sure you take the time to find an outfit that truly makes you feel amazing.

Get a good photographer

A courthouse wedding is a great way to get married if you want something simple and intimate. However, you can still make it special and memorable by investing in a good photographer. Here are some tips to help you capture beautiful memories of your big day:

First, consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on photography. You can either hire a professional photographer or ask a talented friend or family member with a good camera to take your wedding photos. If you decide to hire a professional, look for someone who has experience shooting courthouse weddings and is familiar with the surrounding areas. This way, they can guide you to the best photo spots and backdrops.

Next, think about the style of photography you want. Do you prefer traditional wedding photos, candid shots, or a mix of both? Discuss your preferences with your photographer so they can capture the moments that are most important to you. From getting ready to the ceremony, and your stylish departure from the courthouse, a good photographer will be able to tell the story of your wedding day through their lens.

If possible, arrive early or stay back after the ceremony to take advantage of the beautiful architecture and scenery that many courthouses offer. You can also head to a nearby park, historic building, or a favourite cafe or street for more diverse and scenic backdrops. Don't forget to include your guests in some of the photos! Group shots with your loved ones will be cherished memories for years to come.

Finally, consider doing a "first look" photo session before the ceremony. This is a wonderful way to capture the intimate moment when you and your partner see each other for the first time on your wedding day. These photos will be full of emotion and excitement as you prepare to say "I do".

Remember, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and having a good photographer will ensure that you can relive those precious moments through stunning visual memories.

Ask for help with planning

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're planning a courthouse wedding during COVID, you may have to navigate additional challenges, such as restrictions on the number of guests. Here are some ways to ask for help with planning to make your courthouse wedding special:

Delegate Tasks

Ask a congenial friend or family member to be your point person on the day of the wedding. They can arrive early and play the role of host or hostess, welcoming guests and making introductions. This will ensure that your guests feel welcome and well-attended, especially if they have to wait in a designated area.

Get Creative with Locations

If you're set on a particular date and location but are facing restrictions, consider asking your closest family members or friends to be your witnesses. In some places, photographers can also act as witnesses. You can also ask your witnesses to wear something similar, creating a sense of unity and making them easily identifiable.

Navigate COVID-Related Challenges

If you're planning your wedding during COVID, be mindful of any restrictions or safety measures in place. Ask your witnesses and guests to follow the necessary precautions, such as wearing masks or maintaining social distancing. You can also provide hand sanitiser or other safety amenities to make your guests feel comfortable.

Plan a Special Send-Off

Ask your witnesses or a small group of loved ones to help you create a memorable exit from the courthouse. This could be as simple as a bottle of champagne and a fun mode of transportation, or something more elaborate like sparklers and a classic car.

Seek Professional Help

Hire a wedding planner or coordinator who has experience with courthouse weddings and can guide you through the process. They can help you navigate any legal requirements, recommend vendors, and ensure that your special day runs smoothly.

Communicate with Vendors

If you're working with any vendors, such as a photographer, florist, or caterer, communicate your expectations and any COVID-related precautions clearly. Ask for their input on how to make your vision a reality within the given constraints.

Remember, your loved ones will likely be delighted to help make your courthouse wedding special. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask for their support and involvement in creating a memorable day.

Have a reception

Having a reception is a great way to make your courthouse wedding special. Here are some ideas to consider:

Choose the Right Location

Pick a location that has special significance to you as a couple. It could be a place where you met, fell in love, or currently live. If you can't think of a meaningful location, consider the courthouse itself—it may be the place where your love story began! Alternatively, you could choose an outdoor spot, such as your local park or a beach, and celebrate with a picnic.

Timing and Guest List

Courthouse weddings are typically intimate affairs with a small guest list. If you're planning a reception, consider the timing and number of guests. You may want to have a sit-down dinner or a cocktail party in a private room at your favourite restaurant, or a casual gathering at someone's home immediately after the ceremony. If you're planning a larger gathering, you might want to consider a different location that can accommodate more people.

Food and Drinks

Depending on the time of day and the formality of your reception, you can serve a variety of food and drinks. For an early celebration, consider meeting at a restaurant for breakfast or brunch. For a more traditional reception, you could cut a cake and serve it to your guests, perhaps with some early evening drinks. If you want to keep things more low-key, you could ask guests to bring their favourite meals for a wedding potluck!

Decorations and Details

Even if you're having a simple courthouse wedding, you can still add some special touches to your reception. Consider decorating the venue with flowers or other decorations that match your wedding colours or theme. You could also create a playlist to set the mood and entertain your guests. If you want to include some traditional wedding elements, you can give a toast, throw a bouquet, or even have a first dance.

Make it Memorable

To make your reception truly memorable, consider incorporating some unique elements. You could rent a trolley to drive you and your guests around town for a photo shoot, or ask your guests to bring disposable cameras to capture their own memories of the day. If you have children attending, involve them in the celebrations and make it a family affair. Finally, don't forget to capture the moments—hire a photographer or ask a talented guest to take photos so you can look back on this special day for years to come.

Frequently asked questions