Make Your Courthouse Wedding Special And Memorable

Planning a courthouse wedding and want to make it special? From small touches like flowers and a nice outfit to bigger gestures like hiring a photographer or live-streaming the event, there are plenty of ways to enhance your big day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Send out paper invitations.

- Hire a photographer.

- Put together a wedding party.

- Grab some flowers.

- Wear a special outfit.

- Write your vows.

- Host a small reception.

- Share the news on social media or with personalised announcements.

Wear a special outfit

Wearing a special outfit is a great way to make your courthouse wedding feel more intimate and unique. You can go traditional with a full-length wedding dress or a classic tuxedo, or choose something more casual or non-traditional that reflects your personal style. You could even wear a spunky party outfit or dress up in costumes! It's your day, so wear something that makes you feel amazing.

If you want to wear a wedding dress, there are many styles that would be perfect for a courthouse wedding. You could opt for a shorter dress, such as a cocktail frock or a chic, knee-length dress. Or, if you want to wear a full-length gown, choose a simple and elegant style that will be comfortable and practical for your courthouse ceremony.

For the groom, a classic tuxedo is always a stylish choice. But if you want to mix it up, consider a suit in a fun colour or pattern, or go for a more casual look with a nice pair of trousers and a button-down shirt.

Don't forget about accessories! A beautiful veil, hairpiece, or jewellery can add a special touch to your outfit. And for the groom, a pocket square or a stylish watch can complete the look.

If you're not sure what to wear, consider browsing online or in stores for inspiration. You can also reach out to your friends and family for ideas or help with choosing your outfit. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident on your wedding day. So choose an outfit that makes you feel like the best version of yourself!

Hire a photographer

Hiring a photographer is a great way to make your courthouse wedding feel special and ensure you have lasting mementos of the day. Many photographers offer hourly rates, so you can splurge on a better photographer for a few hours instead of a whole day. This is a good way to get beautiful photos without breaking the bank.

To find the right photographer, search the Instagram hashtag of the courthouse name and see which photographers have been tagged. These professionals will know the best photo spots and what to expect. You could also look for a photographer who specialises in City Hall photographs.

If you want to save money, ask a guest with a professional-level camera and skills to take photos. You could also ask your witness to take photos, as you will need at least one.

After the ceremony, head to a nearby scenic spot for more photos. This could be a municipal building, park, historic site, cafe, or street. Let your guests tag along and get group shots!

Invite your closest family and friends

Inviting your closest family and friends to your courthouse wedding is a great way to make the day feel more special. Here are some tips to make it happen:

Communicate Clearly

It's important to communicate clearly with your chosen guests so they can plan accordingly. Treat your courthouse wedding with the same level of organization you would a traditional wedding. Have a central point of contact where everyone can get important information, obtain RSVPs, and coordinate any additional activities you plan to do with your guests, such as a post-wedding celebration.

Check Guest Limits

Courthouse weddings typically have small guest lists due to space limitations. Be sure to check the guest limit with your local courthouse and communicate this to your family and friends. There will likely only be room for a handful of your closest loved ones, so choose your guest list carefully.

Choose Your Witnesses

Many jurisdictions require witnesses to sign the marriage certificate. Invite close friends or family members to be your witnesses and help bring in any decorations, get ready with you, or take photos. You may also want to consider asking your maid of honor, best man, or photographer to be a witness.

Plan Activities Together

Your closest family and friends will want to celebrate this special day with you. In addition to the ceremony, consider planning activities that include your guests. This could include a small reception at a local restaurant, a fun after-party, or even a destination celebration.

Send Invitations

Don't skip the invitations! Properly inviting your guests will make them feel valued and excited to share this day with you. Paper invitations can add a special touch, but if you're short on time, online invitations are also a great option. Choose an invitation design that suits your style and sets the tone for the day.

Share Important Details

Provide your guests with all the information they need to be a part of your courthouse wedding. This includes the date, time, and location of the ceremony, as well as any other activities you've planned. Let them know about any dress codes, and if there are any special requirements, such as bringing their own refreshments or limiting the number of guests they can bring.

By including your closest family and friends, you can create a memorable and intimate courthouse wedding surrounded by the people who matter most.

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 or over-the-top proclamations. You likely have limited time, so make every word count.

Tailor Your Vows

Consider the courthouse setting and your reasons for choosing a civil ceremony. If you're having a small wedding, you can include inside jokes or special memories that only the two of you will understand.

Prepare and Practice

Write your vows ahead of time and read them aloud to ensure a smooth delivery. Practising will also help you feel more confident and calm on the day.

Add Personal Touches

End your vows with a meaningful quote, inside joke, or nickname to make them uniquely yours. You can also include personal details, such as inside jokes or special memories, to make your vows even more intimate and special.

Collaborate and Share

Consider writing your vows together to add a more personal touch. You can also share your vows with each other before the wedding to ease nerves and ensure they complement each other.

Have a post-ceremony celebration

A courthouse wedding is a great option for couples seeking a simpler, more budget-friendly celebration. While it may seem simple, there are many ways to make your special day memorable and intimate. One way to do this is by having a post-ceremony celebration.

A post-ceremony celebration can be a wonderful way to mark the occasion and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Depending on your preferences and budget, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Intimate lunch or dinner: Host a small gathering at a local restaurant or your favourite spot to share a meal with your closest guests. This can be a rooftop reception with drinks at sunset, followed by a buffet dinner and a little dancing. Planning this at least six months in advance is recommended to take care of the logistics.
• Casual gathering: If you prefer something more low-key, consider having a casual get-together at someone's home immediately following the ceremony. This can be a great way to relax and celebrate with your loved ones in a comfortable setting.
• Cocktail party: Rent out a private room at your favourite restaurant and host a cocktail party for your guests. This can be a fun and elegant way to celebrate, offering a variety of drinks and appetisers in a more intimate setting.
• After-party: If you want to let loose and celebrate with a bigger group, rent out a small space and party the night away with your closest friends and family. This can be a fun way to let go of any wedding day jitters and simply enjoy being married.
• Reception: Plan a traditional wedding reception, either for the same weekend or a few months down the road. This option gives you the flexibility to have an intimate ceremony and then a larger celebration with all the wedding traditions you may desire. It's a great way to include more people in the festivities and create lasting memories.
• Honeymoon getaway: Turn your post-wedding celebration into a romantic escape for just the two of you. Whether it's an international excursion or a weekend at your favourite campsite, taking some time to focus on your new marriage can be a wonderful way to start your life together.

No matter which option you choose, don't forget to capture the precious moments with photography and/or videography. These mementos will allow you to relive your special day for years to come.

Frequently asked questions