Make Your Courthouse Wedding Special And Memorable

Courthouse weddings are rising in popularity due to their simplicity, intimacy, and budget-friendliness. While they may be more straightforward than traditional weddings, there are still many ways to make the day special. From sending out invitations to hiring a photographer, and from wearing a special outfit to writing your own vows, there are plenty of options to customise your courthouse wedding and make it a memorable occasion.

Wear a special outfit, such as a traditional wedding dress or a fun party outfit

Deciding what to wear for your courthouse wedding can be a daunting task, but it's a great opportunity to express your personal style and have fun with bridal fashion. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect outfit and make your special day even more memorable:

Opt for a Traditional Wedding Dress

If you've always dreamed of wearing a traditional wedding dress, go for it! You can absolutely wear a full-length gown or a shorter, more casual dress to your courthouse wedding. Just keep in mind the space constraints of the courthouse and choose a dress that's easy to move around in. Avoid styles with large amounts of fabric, intricate corsets, or complicated button-up backs, especially if you'll be getting ready alone.

Choose a Fun Party Outfit

A courthouse wedding is a great opportunity to break the rules and wear something fun and unique. If a traditional dress isn't your style, consider a spunky party outfit or even a costume. You can go for a bold colour, a stylish jumpsuit, or a fun and flirty cocktail dress. It's your day, so wear something that reflects your personality and makes you feel amazing.

Accessorise with a Veil

Don't be afraid to accessorise with a veil, even for a courthouse wedding. You can go for a short to medium-length veil, such as a birdcage, blusher, or fingertip style. It's a fun way to add a touch of tradition to your outfit and make you feel like a bride.

Add a Touch of Glamour with Jewellery

Consider adding some special jewellery pieces to your outfit. You can go for simple and chic jewellery to complement your dress, or choose bold and glamorous pieces to make a statement. It's a great way to elevate your look and add a touch of sparkle to your courthouse wedding ensemble.

Don't Forget the Shoes

Complete your outfit with a pair of fabulous shoes. You can go for classic pumps, stylish flats, or even a fun and quirky pair of shoes that show off your personality. If you're wearing a full-length gown, you may want to choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in, especially if you'll be standing or walking for extended periods.

Consider the Weather and Location

When choosing your outfit, consider the weather and the location of your courthouse wedding. If you're getting married during the warmer months, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics. If it's a winter wedding, go for something warmer, like a sleek jumpsuit or a dress with long sleeves. Also, keep in mind the space constraints of the courthouse and choose an outfit that's comfortable and easy to move around in.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to your courthouse wedding outfit. It's your day, so wear something that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and true to yourself. Have fun with it and enjoy every moment of your special day!

Hire a photographer to capture the memories

A courthouse wedding is a simple and cost-effective way to tie the knot, but that doesn't mean you can't make it special. One of the best ways to ensure your big day is memorable is to hire a photographer to capture the beauty and emotion of the occasion.

A professional photographer will be able to provide you with timeless images that you can look back on for years to come. They can capture the candid moments, the emotional highlights, and the unique essence of your special day, crafting a visual narrative that tells your love story. While you may not think of yourself as a "picture person", you may regret not having any photos of your wedding day to look back on in the future. These photos are not just for social media – they are a personal choice to preserve precious memories. You and your partner can look back on these photos together, and they can also be shared with loved ones who couldn't be there or future generations.

Most photographers offer hourly rates, so you won't have to book them for a full day. You can also look for photographers who offer elopement or courthouse wedding packages, which are often more affordable. Reach out to local photographers and ask about their rates for a few hours of coverage. You'd be surprised how many wedding photographers are willing to offer an hourly deal for a courthouse wedding.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, you could ask a talented amateur photographer friend to take some photos. Just make sure they take some high-resolution images and that you get them printed so you have physical copies. You don't want your wedding photos to be lost to the digital sands of time or end up as a pixelated mess!

Whether you hire a professional or ask a friend, having a photographer at your courthouse wedding will ensure you have something memorable to look back on from your special day.

Write and exchange personalised vows

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

Focus on Your Love Story

Share how you met, when you knew they were "the one", or what you love most about your partner. This will add a personal touch to your vows and make them more heartfelt.

Keep it Simple

Courthouse weddings are typically short and intimate affairs, so aim for a few concise, heartfelt sentences in your vows. You likely have limited time, so make each word count.

Be Sincere

Speak from the heart using your own words and style. Avoid cliches or over-the-top proclamations. Be true to yourself and your feelings to make your vows authentic and meaningful.

Consider Your Venue

Tailor your vows to fit the courthouse setting and your reasons for choosing a civil ceremony. You can mention how the courthouse represents your commitment to each other or how the simplicity of the venue reflects your relationship.

Prepare and Practice

Write your vows ahead of time and practice reading them aloud to ensure your delivery is smooth and confident. This will help you feel more relaxed and present during the ceremony.

Add Personal Touches

End your vows with a meaningful quote, inside joke, or nickname to make them uniquely yours. These personal touches will make your vows even more special and intimate.

Write Them Together

Collaborating on your vows will add a special touch and ensure they complement each other. This also allows you to align the style, tone, and length of your vows.

Share in Advance

Consider sharing your vows with each other beforehand to ease nerves. This can help reduce anxiety and give you both a chance to provide feedback or suggestions.

Keep Them Nearby

Have a printed copy of your vows handy during the ceremony in case nerves make remembering difficult. This will help you feel more confident and ensure you don't forget any important parts.

Make Eye Contact

Glance up from your notes to connect with your partner while reciting your vows. This intimate gesture will make the moment more meaningful and intimate.

Speak Slowly and Clearly

Your vows are meaningful, so speak clearly and at a pace that allows them to be easily understood. This will help ensure your words are heard and appreciated.

Be in the Moment

Pause to take in the significance of the moment. This is your special day, so savour it and allow yourself to be fully present.

Add Personal Details

Include inside jokes, special memories, or quirky things you love about each other. These personal details will make your vows unique and showcase your relationship.

Have Fun

This is a happy and joyous occasion, so enjoy sharing these heartfelt promises. Let your personality shine through and don't be afraid to inject some humour into your vows if that's your style.

Invite your closest family members or friends

A courthouse wedding is a great way to have a simple, intimate, and budget-friendly celebration. If you're looking to make your big day extra special, inviting your closest family members or friends can be a wonderful idea. Here are some tips to make it memorable:

• Be mindful of the guest list size: Courthouse weddings typically have a small guest list due to space constraints. Check with your chosen courthouse in advance to determine how many guests you can invite. This will help you create a guest list that includes your closest family members or friends.
• Send out invitations: Even for a small gathering, sending out invitations adds a special touch. Consider paper invitations or e-vites with a beautiful and personal design that reflects your style as a couple.
• Involve your guests in the ceremony: Your guests will feel valued and included if you involve them in the ceremony. You can ask a talented guest to be your photographer or to capture videos of the day. You can also invite someone close to you to be your witness, maid of honour, or best man.
• Plan activities for your guests: To make the day enjoyable for your guests, plan activities they can participate in. This could include a post-ceremony celebration, such as a small reception, lunch, or dinner at a local restaurant. You can also suggest activities for them to do in the area if they're travelling to attend your wedding.
• Communicate clearly with your guests: It's essential to communicate all the necessary information to your guests, such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony. Provide clear instructions, especially if there are any specific procedures or requirements for entering the courthouse.
• Add personal touches: Involve your guests in the personal touches you add to your wedding. For example, you can ask a close friend or family member to give a speech or toast at the reception. You can also incorporate meaningful readings or songs that resonate with you as a couple, making the event more intimate and personal for your guests.

Add personal touches, like a bouquet or a special song

Flowers and music are two simple yet powerful ways to personalise your courthouse wedding. Here are some ideas for adding that special touch with a bouquet or a song.

Bouquet Ideas

A bouquet is a must-have, according to wedding guru David Tutera. You can make a statement with a unique arrangement of flowers, colours and sizes. For instance, you could opt for a petite bouquet, which, though small in stature, can still make a big impact. A single hydrangea or a clutch of just a few pink astilbe can be eye-catching and elegant. You could also step away from tradition with a floral hoop instead of a bouquet—a one-of-a-kind ceremony essential made with white roses and greenery.

If you're on a budget, carnations are a hardy and affordable option. You can get 24 of them for a very reasonable price. Or, if you're looking for something non-traditional, a single green succulent, two thistles and strands of wheat create a modern posy.

Special Song Ideas

Incorporating a special song is another way to make your courthouse wedding memorable. You could walk down the aisle to your chosen song, or have it playing as you and your partner exit the ceremony as newlyweds. If you're writing your own vows, you could even include a mention of the song and what it means to you both.

If you're having a reception, your special song could be the first dance, or you could ask the DJ to play it just before the toasts, so that everyone is gathered and can share the moment with you.

Remember to check with the courthouse if you're planning to play music, and whether there are any copyright issues to be aware of.

Frequently asked questions