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Top 10 Ways to Make Your Courthouse Wedding Unforgettable (on a budget)
This post is all about the best ways to make your courthouse wedding unforgettable
Planning a courthouse wedding but worried it might feel too simple or lack excitement? Who says a civil ceremony at your local courthouse can’t be just as memorable as a big wedding? With the right personal touches, your intimate wedding can be just as special as any grand traditional ceremony. And the best part is? It doesn’t have to cost the earth!
I love that a courthouse wedding keeps things simple while still giving you room to make it uniquely yours. So here are 10 fun and creative courthouse wedding ideas to make your big day unforgettable. Are you ready? Let’s delve in!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, I will only promote products I believe will be beneficial to my audience.
Top 10 Ways to Make Your Courthouse Wedding Unforgettable (on a budget)
1. Write Love Letters to Each Other
There’s something so priceless about a handwritten love letter. Before your wedding day, take a quiet moment to reflect on your relationship. Write down all the reasons you are so excited to marry each other and exchange letters before the ceremony.
It’s a personal way to kick off your memorable courthouse wedding and adds an sentimental touch to your type of ceremony. Plus, it’s a keepsake you’ll cherish forever.
I love these love letter templates on Etsy. They are super simple to edit and you can just print at home! I like to print on white cardstock (as it gives a lux still fits in the printer!)
2. Film It on a Retro Videocamera
Courthouse weddings are all about intimacy, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on capturing those special moments! Grab a retro-style 90s video camera and record your big day.
I love the idea of filming candid moments—the laughter, the happy tears, and those little glances you’ll want to remember forever. Whether it’s your civil ceremony vows or celebrating outside with your loved ones, having it on a home video style, will give you memories to look back on forever!
Recommended reading: Your Perfect Micro Wedding Timeline: Day-Of Schedules with FAQs & Checklist
3. Host a Themed Mini Reception
Just because your guest list is small doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in style! Pick a theme that fits your personal style and head to a local restaurant or café. How about brunch at a retro diner or cocktails at a rooftop bar?
A themed mini reception with close friends and family members is the perfect way to make your courthouse ceremony feel more like a party.
4. Enjoy a Customized Cake or Dessert
I love the idea of a wedding cake that’s just for you two (and maybe a few guests). Order a small, personalized cake or indulge in your favorite dessert.
Whether it’s cupcakes, macarons, or a tiny tiered cake, this is a simple courthouse wedding detail that makes your special day even sweeter. I love these retro heart-shaped cakes, they are the ultimate vibe!
5. Create a Custom Wedding Newspaper
This is such a fun and unique way to add personal touches! Design a custom newspaper featuring your wedding date, love story, and fun photos. It’s a creative way to celebrate your city hall wedding, and guests will love flipping through it. Bonus: It doubles as an amazing photo prop for your intimate wedding!
I loved this idea so much that I used it at my own wedding! So I’ve created a custom template that you can easily edit with your personal love story! Plus it comes with my recommended newspaper printing services!
Custom Wedding Newspaper Template (Digital Download)
$9.99
Capture the magic of your special day with our Custom Wedding Newspaper Template. This unique and personalized template allows you to create a charming newspaper-style program that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
100 in stock
6. Exchange Personalized Vows
Skip the generic script and write your own vows! I highly recommend this for a civil wedding ceremony—it adds so much personality to a simple ceremony. Share your dreams for the future, favorite memories, and promises that feel deeply meaningful to you both.
7. Plan a Day-After Adventure
Your courthouse ceremony may be small, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Plan a mini honeymoon or day-after adventure. A nearby beach, hiking trail, or even a staycation at a charming inn can keep the excitement going without blowing your budget.
8. Share a Champagne Toast Outside the Courthouse
Bring along a bottle of champagne painted with your wedding date or initials. After you’ve said “I do,” step outside the courthouse and toast your new marriage with your wedding party. It’s a great way to celebrate the moment while keeping it simple and intimate.
9. Include Your Pets
One of the best parts of a small courthouse wedding is how flexible it can be. If your furry friend is part of your family, let them join in! Whether your dog walks down the aisle with you or wears a flower collar, it’s a great way to make your civil ceremony extra special.
10. Bring Polaroid Cameras for Instant Memories
Polaroid cameras are such a fun way to capture your big day. Let guests snap candid shots, or take a few yourselves during your courthouse ceremony and reception. The instant prints are perfect keepsakes and add a nostalgic vibe to your special day.
Recommended reading I think you’ll love: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Micro Wedding
FAQ: Planning a Courthouse Wedding
Here are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to planning a courthouse wedding
What are the legal requirements for a courthouse wedding?
To have a courthouse wedding, you’ll need a valid marriage license, which requires both partners to be present with proper identification (like a government-issued ID or passport).
Depending on your state, there may also be a waiting period between applying for the license and your wedding date. Be sure to check with your local courthouse to confirm additional requirements, such as fees, witnesses, or required documents.
How do I choose my wedding date?
Choosing a wedding date for your courthouse ceremony depends on the courthouse’s availability. It’s best to book as early as possible, especially during peak wedding season. Don’t forget to account for the waiting period after obtaining your marriage license. Also, think about a date that’s meaningful to you, like an anniversary or a special day for your relationship.
What should I wear to a courthouse wedding?
What you wear to a courthouse wedding depends on your style, your wedding theme, and how formal or casual you’d like the day to feel. Many couples opt for simple yet elegant outfits like a white dress, a jumpsuit, or a chic suit.
You can also add personal touches like a veil, bouquet, or statement jewelry. Remember, comfort is key since you’ll likely be moving around. Whether you go all out, wear a classic white dress, or keep it low-key, choose something that makes you feel confident and reflects the importance of your special day.
Can I bring a wedding party to a courthouse wedding?
Yes! While courthouse weddings often have small guest lists, you can still include family members, close friends, and even a few pets in civil ceremonies. Be sure to check if your local courthouse has a limit on the number of attendees.
Your wedding party might not look traditional, but their presence can make your day even more meaningful.
How do I personalize a simple ceremony?
There are so many ways to make a courthouse wedding feel personal. I recommend writing your vows to add a heartfelt touch. Bring decorations like a small bouquet or a sign for photos, and consider hiring a professional photographer to capture candid moments. You can also personalize your post-ceremony celebration by hosting a mini reception or planning a day-after adventure.
What’s the best way to make it feel like a wedding day?
Treat it like the special day it is! Wear an outfit that makes you feel beautiful, create a playlist of meaningful songs, and involve personal touches like Polaroid cameras for fun keepsakes.
Even with a simple courthouse wedding, details like a bouquet, custom cake, or champagne toast can make it feel like a traditional wedding day.
Can I still have a wedding reception after a courthouse ceremony?
Of course! A courthouse wedding is a great way to combine a simple ceremony with a big party later. Whether it’s a themed dinner at your favorite restaurant, a backyard party with close friends, or a formal reception, your options are endless. You can even plan the reception for a different date to make both events stand out.
Are pets allowed at a courthouse wedding?
This depends on your local courthouse. Some courthouses allow pets, while others have restrictions. If pets are not allowed inside, they can still be part of your photos or outdoor celebrations after the ceremony. Many couples love including their furry friends as “ring bearers” or simply having them present for emotional support.
Do I need a professional photographer for a courthouse wedding?
While it’s not a requirement, hiring a professional photographer is a great way to document your big day. Courthouse ceremonies are often quick, but having someone to capture candid shots, emotional moments, and fun details makes it all the more memorable. If you’re on a budget, a creative friend or family member with a good camera can help, too.
Can I skip the waiting period for a marriage license?
In some states, you might be able to apply for a waiver for the waiting period, but this is typically granted under special circumstances. Contact your local courthouse for more information on whether this is an option for your civil wedding ceremony.
What makes a courthouse wedding different from a traditional ceremony?
Courthouse weddings are typically smaller, simpler, and more cost effective than traditional ceremonies. They focus on the legal requirements of marriage rather than the pomp and circumstance of a big wedding. However, you can still include elements of a traditional ceremony, like personal vows or a wedding party, to make it uniquely yours.
Finally
I hope this article gave you plenty of ideas to make your courthouse wedding truly unforgettable. Your big day doesn’t have to feel less special just because it’s simple or on a budget. In fact, the intimate nature of a courthouse ceremony often allows for more meaningful and personal touches that reflect your love story.
From handwritten vows to a day-after adventure, there are so many ways to make your marriage celebration as unique as you are.
Remember, it’s not about the size of the wedding or the type of ceremony—it’s about the connection you share and the memories you create together.
Whether you’re saying “I do” with close friends and family or keeping it just the two of you, your courthouse wedding can be just as magical as any big wedding. So, embrace the charm of this intimate wedding style and focus on celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.
Which courthouse wedding idea do you like most? – Let me know in the comments, I’d love to chat!
This post was all about the best ways to make your courthouse wedding unforgettable
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