Don’t let the wedding industry fool you—a courthouse wedding can be just as meaningful as a large celebration. In fact, here at The Wedding Duo, we believe the simplest wedding days are often the ones couples remember most fondly.

We would know! We tied the knot at the San Antonio courthouse on July 6th, 2015, with only the judge and our two children—then two and four—as witnesses. And honestly? It’s still one of our favorite memories. From laughing when the judge asked if anyone objected (unsurprisingly, no one did!) to visiting SeaWorld with our kids afterward, the day was simple, joyful, and completely us.

But when you’re planning a courthouse wedding, it can be tricky to cut through the noise and figure out what you actually need—and what you definitely don’t. From hiring vendors to creating an experience that honors your story, planning well is all about balancing simplicity with what feels special to you.

Today, we’re sharing our top tips so you can get hitched sans stress and create your own cherished memories.

3 Tips for Planning a Courthouse Wedding

Focus on the Experience

A courthouse wedding is essentially a scaled-down version of a traditional ceremony, which means you have plenty of freedom to make the day your own. While the proceedings are short and simple, that doesn’t make them any less meaningful.

Think about the details that will make the day feel intentional and the moments that matter most to you. Is it a cute dress or a suit in your favorite color? A small bouquet? A cozy dinner with close friends and family afterward? Whatever you envision, those are the elements that will make the day distinctly yours.

Plan the Logistics

While “courthouse wedding” might bring to mind a spontaneous dash across town, the reality is a bit more involved—but no less romantic.

Every courthouse operates a little differently. Some require appointments, witnesses, or specific paperwork, while others only perform ceremonies on certain days. Your day will go much more smoothly if you familiarize yourself with the requirements in advance.

Capture the Moment

Your courthouse wedding is worth capturing—because your love is worth capturing. Whether you hire a professional photographer or ask a friend to snap a few photos outside the courthouse, even a short session can turn the day into a lasting memory.

Above all, don’t fall for the myth that exchanging vows at a courthouse makes your marriage any less meaningful. The commitment is the same, and this moment is yours to celebrate however you choose.

What Vendors to Hire

We still recommend hiring a few key vendors for your courthouse wedding. The event itself may be simple, but the right people can elevate the experience and help preserve the moment.

From our own experience, it’s crucial to choose vendors who understand the vibe. Courthouse weddings are intimate and relaxed, so you want people who will support the day—not turn it into a full-scale production.

Photographer

If there’s one vendor we always recommend, it’s a photographer. Courthouse ceremonies go by quickly, and having someone there to capture both the ceremony and portraits afterward makes the experience feel even more special.

Many photographers offer elopement or courthouse packages, so be sure to ask about options. Some couples even skip documenting the ceremony itself and schedule a portrait session afterward at a nearby park, downtown location, or favorite date-night spot. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Hair and Makeup Artist

Even without a large guest list, many couples enjoy getting ready for their courthouse wedding. Professional hair and makeup can help you feel confident, polished, and camera-ready for photos or any celebration you have planned afterward.

Florist

A simple bouquet or boutonniere featuring your favorite colors or seasonal blooms can go a long way. Flowers add a touch of ceremony—and they look beautiful in photos, too.

Officiant

Some courthouses provide an officiant, while others only handle the legal paperwork. If you’d like to personalize your ceremony or exchange vows outside the courthouse, hiring a private officiant is a great option.

Join the Membership—and Start Planning Your Courthouse Wedding

With a little intentionality (and a great photographer), you can plan a courthouse wedding that honors your love story and leaves you with lasting memories.

The Wedding Duo Membership is here to help you do exactly that.

For just $27 per month, you’ll get access to planning checklists, instructional videos, and a community of like-minded couples—plus our weekly Q&A sessions, where we can share more about our courthouse wedding and offer personalized advice.

Ready to get started? Join today!