Planning a Courthouse Wedding

It is true; weddings don’t come cheap. It is so expansive that 28 percent of couples go into debt to pay for them. As you are starting to build your life, it is wise to explore ways to have a special day and not break the bank. Thus, you should consider a courthouse wedding as one of your options. This article explains why a courthouse wedding is a fabulous alternative. 

No doubt that on your wedding day, you want it to be remarkable and even magical. To achieve that so much has to be accomplished. Selecting the right dress, picking invitations, ordering flowers, finding the right photographer, hiring a band, reserving the venue of your choice, and so much more. 

While planning for a wedding can be exciting, it is also overwhelming, and above all, costly. 

Thus, there are many reasons to skip the traditional wedding ceremony. One of them is the price. In the US, the average cost of a wedding is $38,700. But, if you are in an area where the cost of living is higher, such as New York or Los Angeles areas, the price tag could more than doubles. 

Those figures are based on selected expenses. It does not take into consideration other related costs, such as the ring or the honeymoon. 

Additionally, you could fall victim to the pressure of having an “Instagram-worthy” wedding. As millennial couples try to have their dream wedding, online lenders are issuing four times as many loans as they did years before. 

How do you get away from the costly madness without sacrificing your dreams? 

What is a Courthouse Wedding or Civil Wedding?

A courthouse wedding is a non-religious, legally recognized marital union. Instead of an ordained minister, a government official or a civil servant performs the ceremony.

Because courthouses rooms can hold only a limited amount of people, your list of guests has to fit accordingly. Keep in mind that many of the elements of a “traditional wedding” can still be incorporated into a courthouse wedding. For instance, things such as preparing vows or selecting your favorite flowers can still be done. You can even wear a beautiful courthouse wedding dress.

A courthouse ceremony does not have to be the stepchild of nuptials. You can make just as beautiful and as remarkable as any other ceremony

What should you consider before making a decision

A courthouse wedding might not be as beautiful or as involving as a traditional wedding. It will be a very hard decision to make, and many elements must be considered. The final decision will come down to you and your future spouse.

Deciding on whether to have a full ceremony over a civil wedding is a very personal choice that you and your significant other will have to discuss. Communication is essential in this step. It is crucial to “have all your cards on the table.” Trying to figure out a wedding will be a compromising exercise.

The Finances

One of the key factors to consider is finances. You don’t want to start your marriage with substantial debt. Sharing your life with someone can very challenging; adding a considerable debt will increase pressure. If funds aren’t available, take alternate routes. Do not overspend. Start by creating a budget.

Family and Friends

The list of guests will be very limited. If you have a large family, some might not be able to attend. Are you ok with that? Is their opinion important to you? Any “Sex and the City” fan are familiar with how a guest list can easily get out of control.

If having your family and friends all present when you say “I do,” you have to reconsider your options. Perhaps eloping would be more adequate for your needs.

Personal Dreams

Is having a traditional wedding something that you have always desired? In ten years from now, are you going to look back and regret for not having a formal wedding?

These are questions that only you and your partner are able to answer and decide.

However, simply because a courthouse wedding is not as formal as a traditional would be, it does not mean that you cannot make the best of it.

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What are the Requirements for a Courthouse Wedding?

The requirements depend on each state and even county. If you have been married before, be sure to bring your divorce papers. It is best to contact the courthouse where you are planning to marry and gather as much information as possible.

It is crucial to find out all the details on what documents you will need, how to apply for a license, etc. Once you have all the information in hand, you will be able to set a date.

Here are some items to think about to research:

• Do your research. Learn about the specifics and court requirements where you want to get married.
• Gather all necessary documents. You will need several documents. For instance, proof of residence, annulments, divorces, etc.
• Set a courthouse ceremony date. Most courthouses will require a reservation. And for the most part, they are on a first-come-first-served basis. It is important to have a date before you apply for the marriage license.
• Apply for a marriage license. Once you have all the required documents go to the courthouse and apply for your license. Keep in mind that you have a certain amount of days to do the ceremony after you apply for the license.
• Get a witness. Be sure to ask if you need to bring your own witness. Many times you can simply snag someone nearby to be a witness.

Planning your Courthouse Wedding

If you are confident about your decision, it is time to plan for your wedding. There is so much that can be incorporated into your private ceremony to make it unique and tailored to you.

Invitations

Just because it isn’t a “traditional wedding,” you should not skip invitations. A phone call won’t cut it. Take a few minutes and create your invitation. Select one that is beautiful and personal. Some people are ok with e-invites. I prefer the old school stationeries filled with sparkles and cursive letters.

If you are having a get together after the wedding, you might have to create two invitations. One for those attending the courthouse ceremony, and one for those attending the party.

Vows

Just about everywhere has pre-made vows as some states require a certain verbatim for the marriage to be valid. However, that should not stop you to say your own vows. After all, it is your wedding day.

Courthouse wedding dress

Though you are not in a very formal setting, you can still dress up. A courthouse wedding dress can be simple, yet astonishing. There are many ideas available online.

The groom should dress to match the bride. If a formal dress was selected, the groom should follow the lead and pick something dressy. Conversely, if the bride’s outfit is casual, so should the groom’s.

Hire a Photographer

Remember, this is your wedding day, you want to make it special. Don’t ask a guest to take photos for you, hire a pro. These are memories you want to keep forever, and it is important to capture the moment.

Don’t simply take pictures of the ceremony. You should also include photos and videos of your and your partner getting ready for the big day. If you are planning a reception, be sure to include that in the package. Also, if you have an important guest that you want some focus on, inform the photographer before the arrival of your VIP.

Riding to Your Courthouse Wedding

If you want to arrive in style, you can book a limousine to and from the courthouse. If you think a limousine might be overkill, you can consider other services. You can order a premium vehicle through rideshare services such as Uber Black and other local services.

After the Ceremony

You can plan a reception for after your courthouse wedding. It will give you the opportunity to invite everyone you would care to be there. It does not have to be anything fancy. For instance, having dinner at the restaurant where you had your first date. Many opt to have a backyard get together with family and friends.

Celebrations help immortalize these special moments with your spouse.

Conclusion

When you are starting to build a life, spending thousands of dollars into a wedding might not be what you want to do. Courthouse weddings are very appealing as they can still provide you with a beautiful and intimate ceremony. Again, a courthouse ceremony does not have to be the stepchild of nuptials. You can make just as beautiful and as remarkable as any other ceremony.

My first wedding as massive. We spent thousands of dollars between food, flowers, invitations, pictures, and so much more. In the end, the ceremony was not for us (groom and bride), but it was for our guests. Everything was about the guests.

At my second wedding, we decided to elope. The ceremony, the location, the food, the photos, everything was about us. I did not have to worry about whether the food or drinks would be enough for the guests; or if everyone had a place to sit. It was all about me and my wife.

A courthouse wedding makes sense for couples trying to break away from a traditional ceremony, and save some money. But at the same time, it can be a magical moment of intimacy with you and your new spouse.