THWACK. THWACK. THWACK. Goes the gavel. All rise for the newlyweds. Courthouse weddings have an image problem. Too often, people picture fluorescent lights, stiff benches, and a marriage ceremony that feels about as romantic as renewing your driver’s license. But here’s the truth: courtroom elopements are having a major glow-up. They’re chic, stress-free, and genuinely intimate.

Today’s couples are redefining what a wedding should look like, and it doesn’t always include chandeliers, towering cakes, or a guest list that rivals your high school graduating class. A courthouse wedding strips away all the extras, leaving behind what matters most: two people, promising forever.

And pssssst. We’re gonna let you in on a little secret. Courthouse weddings aren’t bland. They’re practical, stylish, and perfect for couples who want to reclaim their wedding day as something for them.

Your Honor, This Is What a Courthouse Wedding Looks Like

So, what exactly is a courtroom elopement? At its core, it’s a civil ceremony performed by a judge, magistrate, or justice of the peace, usually arranged through the county clerk’s office. You exchange vows, sign the paperwork, and walk out legally married. That’s the practical definition. But in reality, it’s more than that. It’s a wedding day that embraces authenticity and intimacy.

Compared to a destination elopement, jetting off to a national park or tropical island, a courthouse wedding is rooted in the city or county where you live (though you can marry in another state if the requirements allow). Compared to a traditional wedding, which often involves months of planning and a big production, a courthouse elopement is refreshingly quick and logistically simple.

Couples choose courthouse weddings for all kinds of reasons: affordability, a desire to skip the stress, or the appeal of a ceremony that feels private and deeply personal. According to The Knot, the average U.S. wedding costs around $33,000, while a courthouse wedding usually falls under $120. That’s not just a difference, it’s a seismic shift.

The Legal Stuff You Need to Know

Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License

Most courthouses require you to apply through your local county clerk. Bring a government-issued photo ID, complete the application, and pay a fee (usually $20–$110). Many courthouses operate Monday through Friday, and some are appointment-only. Certain states also impose waiting periods, so plan ahead.

Fun fact: In Montana, you can use a proxy marriage. If you are a Montana resident or active duty armed forces you can get married without being there. They have proxies to stand on your behalf and sign the marriage license for both of you.

Step 2: Witness Rules

In most states, you’ll need one or two witnesses for your courthouse wedding, though a few let you skip them entirely. Friends and family are obvious choices, but if your crew can’t make it, don’t be shy about asking a courthouse employee to help out. 

Pro tip: Call ahead if it’s just the two of you. Courthouse staff often step in willingly, so you can focus on the moment without worrying about filling the witness seats.

Step 3: Courthouse Wedding Cost

Sure, some counties charge a small fee for conducting the ceremony on top of the license, but that’s practically pocket change. Compare it to the average venue cost of $12,200, and the courthouse instantly becomes a smart financial move. To make it even clearer: most people spend $284 per guest at a traditional wedding, which means a courthouse wedding costs less than treating your friends to a single dinner. You’re getting maximum impact with minimum overhead.

Step 4: What to Expect on the Day

Courthouse weddings start with a little paperwork and a lot of procedure, including metal detectors, security checks, and a check-in line that keeps things orderly. Once inside, though, the ceremony is delightfully brief, usually only 5–15 minutes. (Yep, that’s less time than it takes to get through the line at most Starbucks.) Yet standing in front of a judge with a handful of people watching, you’ll feel the weight of the moment. It’s efficient, yes, but it still carries all the meaning you want, and you walk out officially married before anyone even notices you’re gone.

Step 5: What to Wear

Curious about a courthouse wedding dress? The short answer is: whatever you want. A sleek gown, a modern jumpsuit, or a sharp suit all look incredible in this setting. What’s nice about a courthouse wedding is that your outfit doesn’t need to follow tradition; it only needs to reflect your taste. Think about logistics. Courthouses often involve stairs, metal detectors, and city sidewalks, so comfy but stylish shoes are your friend. A tailored blazer or a bold accessory can elevate even a minimalist outfit. And don’t forget you’ll be photographed, so choose something you feel confident in.

Guilty of Love, Sentenced to All the Feels

Courthouse weddings strip away the ceremony clutter and leave something surprisingly raw and powerful. There are no seating charts, no elaborate floral arrangements, and no sprawling guest lists. Just you and your partner, sharing a civil ceremony that is entirely about the two of you. Many couples are surprised by how intense the intimacy feels when nothing else is competing for attention.

It’s also about liberation. Without the stress of coordinating vendors or tracking RSVPs, you get to focus on what matters: your commitment. Some couples embrace the chance to make the day entirely their own, free from external expectations. And here’s the kicker: romance isn’t measured by fancy chandeliers, expansive ballrooms, or Instagram-worthy decor. It’s measured in the quiet, electric connection you share when a judge pronounces you married. 

Who Says Civil Means Boring

Courthouse weddings don’t have to feel like a box to check. This is your chance to make a legal formality feel unapologetically yours. Skip the clichés and focus on the details that actually matter: your words, your style, and the energy you bring. Write vows that don’t sugarcoat, choose music that actually hits, and wear something that makes you feel like yourself, not like a background actor in someone else’s idea of a wedding. Even small choices, bold accessories, unexpected colors, or a signature twist on tradition can turn a plain room into a space that feels like you.

5 Things Nobody Tells You About Courthouse Weddings

1. The judge might steal the show. Don’t be surprised if they crack a joke, add a personal story, or throw in a quirky twist that makes your ceremony memorable. It’s part of the charm of a courthouse wedding—the officiant often brings more personality than you expect.
2. Security is part of the day. Metal detectors, bag checks, and ID scans are all part of entering the courthouse. Walking through one in a flowing gown or tailored suit might feel a little surreal, but it’s just part of the official process. Think of it as a unique rite of passage.
3. They’re usually appointment-only. Most county clerk offices require you to schedule your ceremony in advance, sometimes weeks out. Fridays can fill up fast, so booking early is a smart move to secure the time that works best for you.
4. Certified copies are key. You’ll want to order several copies before you leave. They are essential for legal name changes, updating records, or even opening joint accounts. Having extras prevents last-minute scrambling.
5. It can be unexpectedly romantic. The focus on your words, the simplicity of the setting, and the shared moment often create a ceremony that feels raw, real, and deeply meaningful despite its brevity.

Life After the Courthouse: Celebrating in Your Own Way

A courthouse wedding hands you something rare: flexibility. Once the papers are signed and rings are exchanged, how you celebrate is entirely up to you. Maybe that looks like reserving a chef’s table at the restaurant you’ve been eyeing for years. Maybe it’s meeting your closest friends for tacos, cocktails, and laughter that goes late into the night. Or maybe it’s checking into the airport with no checked bags and a boarding pass to somewhere warm.

By cutting out the stress of planning a massive event, you give yourselves freedom. The freedom to spend your time together. The freedom to put your money toward milestones that matter. The freedom to use your energy celebrating instead of orchestrating. That translates into a honeymoon abroad, an investment in your future home, or a bottle of champagne that costs more than your first car, the choice is entirely yours.

Here’s the bottom line: a courthouse wedding isn’t settling. It’s a deliberate choice for couples who want simplicity, intimacy, and connection. Whether you’re walking in on a Tuesday morning or celebrating with a few friends on a Friday afternoon, the focus is always the same: love.

If you’re curious about planning your own courthouse ceremony or finding ways to personalize it, Simply Eloped can help. From helping you with the details like how to obtain a marriage license, to arranging  photography, florals, and creative courthouse wedding ideas, we’re here to make it stress-free.

So whether your wedding day includes a tailored wedding dress, champagne on the courthouse steps, or brunch with your best friends, know this: choosing simplicity doesn’t mean giving up romance. It means creating a wedding that feels like you. Reach out when you’re ready, and we’ll guide you from the clerk’s office to the champagne toast without missing a beat.

Citation

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Iacia, Samantha. “Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Courthouse Wedding.” The Knot, 8 Mar. 2024, www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-reception-venue. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025.

Lindholm, Erin. “How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at a Courthouse?” Brides.Com, 29 Sept. 2023, www.brides.com/courthouse-wedding-cost-5425551. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025.

Nowack, Hannah. “Average Wedding Venue Cost: The Truth About How Much Real Couples Spend.” The Knot, 5 May 2025, www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-reception-venue. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025.

Get Married despite the Distance, from Anywhere.” Montana Proxy Marriage, mtproxymarriages.com. Accessed 7 Sept. 2025.

Nowack, Hannah. “How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost, According to Data?” The Knot, 26 Feb. 2025, www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost. Accessed 7 Sept. 2025.Nowack, Hannah. “How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost, According to Data?” The Knot, 26 Feb. 2025, www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025.