Courthouse Wedding Ideas: What to Wear, How to Plan, and How to Make It Special

TLDR: A courthouse wedding is one of the most intimate, affordable, and stress-free ways to get married. It does not have to feel basic or rushed. With the right outfit, a few personal touches, and a celebration plan, a courthouse ceremony can be just as meaningful as a traditional wedding. According to ThePerfectWedding.com's wedding experts, courthouse weddings are growing in popularity, with more couples choosing to make it a stylish, intentional event. Below, we cover outfit ideas for every style, how to personalize the experience, celebration ideas after the ceremony, and answers to all your planning questions.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Courthouse weddings and elopements accounted for approximately 11% of all US weddings in 2025 (Source: The Knot)
• The average courthouse ceremony costs $30 to $100 for the marriage license plus any officiant fees (Source: WeddingWire)
• Total cost of a courthouse wedding including outfit, photos, and a celebratory dinner: typically $500 to $3,000 (Source: Brides.com)
• Most courthouses require an appointment for civil ceremonies. Walk-in availability varies by location
• ThePerfectWedding.com's editors note: courthouse weddings are especially popular among couples who want to legally marry before a larger destination celebration

What Should You Wear to a Courthouse Wedding?

There is no dress code for a courthouse wedding, which is one of its biggest perks. You can wear whatever makes you feel beautiful and confident, from a full-length gown to a tailored jumpsuit to your favorite outfit.

Outfit ideas for the bride or femme partner

• Midi or mini white dress: A chic knee-length or tea-length dress is the most popular courthouse wedding choice. It is elegant without being impractical for a daytime ceremony and photos on city streets.
• Tailored suit or pantsuit: A white, ivory, or pastel suit makes a strong style statement. Pair with statement earrings and heels or flats for a modern look.
• Jumpsuit: A sleek white jumpsuit with a plunging neckline or open back is fashion-forward and comfortable. Add a belt or a cape for extra drama.
• Slip dress: A silk or satin slip dress in ivory, champagne, or blush is effortlessly romantic. Layer with a blazer or faux fur stole for cooler weather.
• Your favorite outfit: Some brides wear a beloved dress they already own, a vintage find, or even a beautifully tailored everyday outfit. There are no rules.

Outfit ideas for the groom or masc partner

• Well-fitted suit: Navy, charcoal, or tan suits work beautifully for courthouse weddings. Skip the tie for a relaxed feel, or add a bow tie for a polished touch.
• Dress shirt and trousers: A pressed button-down with tailored trousers and quality shoes is perfectly appropriate and comfortable.
• Matching or coordinating look: Some couples choose coordinating colors or fabrics for a cohesive look in photos without being matchy-matchy.

How Do You Make a Courthouse Wedding Feel Special?

A courthouse ceremony may be short (typically 10 to 30 minutes), but there are many ways to make it feel personal and memorable.

Write personal vows. Even if the officiant leads the ceremony, most courthouses allow you to read personal vows to each other. This is the single most impactful way to personalize the experience.

Bring flowers. A small bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom add a beautiful touch and look wonderful in photos. A single-flower bouquet or a simple hand-tied arrangement works perfectly.

Hire a photographer. Even if your ceremony is only 15 minutes, professional photos before, during, and after the ceremony (on city streets, in a park, at your favorite spot) create lasting memories. Many photographers offer 1 to 2 hour elopement packages.

Invite your closest people. Most courthouses allow a small number of witnesses. Bringing your parents, best friends, or siblings makes the moment even more meaningful.

Exchange meaningful rings. Your rings are the lasting symbol of the day. Choosing rings together beforehand makes this moment feel intentional.

Plan a celebration afterward. A champagne toast at your favorite bar, a private dinner at a special restaurant, or even a surprise party with friends turns the day into a full celebration.

What Happens After the Courthouse Ceremony?

The beauty of a courthouse wedding is the freedom you have after the "I do." Here are popular ways couples celebrate:

Celebration Style	Cost Range	Vibe
Brunch or lunch with family	$200 - $800	Relaxed, intimate, daytime celebration
Private dinner at a restaurant	$500 - $2,000	Romantic, special, no planning stress
Rooftop cocktails with friends	$300 - $1,000	Urban, fun, social
Picnic in the park	$50 - $200	Casual, charming, budget-friendly
Weekend trip / mini-moon	$500 - $3,000	Adventurous, romantic getaway
Surprise party at home	$300 - $1,500	Fun, personal, memorable

How Do You Plan a Courthouse Wedding Step by Step?

• Step 1: Check your local courthouse requirements. Visit your county clerk's website for marriage license requirements, fees, appointment availability, and witness rules. Requirements vary by state.
• Step 2: Apply for your marriage license. Most states require both partners to appear in person with valid ID. Some states have a waiting period (1 to 3 days) between obtaining the license and the ceremony.
• Step 3: Schedule your ceremony. Some courthouses offer ceremonies on specific days or times. Others require appointments. Call ahead to confirm.
• Step 4: Plan your outfits. Shop 4 to 6 weeks before the date to allow time for alterations or exchanges.
• Step 5: Book a photographer. Search for elopement or courthouse wedding photographers on ThePerfectWedding.com's vendor directory. Many offer short-session packages.
• Step 6: Arrange your celebration. Make a restaurant reservation, plan a gathering, or book your mini-moon.
• Step 7: Prepare personal touches. Write your vows, order flowers, and organize any small details that will make the day feel uniquely yours.

<b>Expert Tip</b>: "Courthouse weddings are not a lesser version of a 'real' wedding. They are a different, equally valid, and often more intentional version. The couples I have worked with who chose courthouse ceremonies were some of the happiest, most present brides and grooms I have ever seen. When you strip away the production, what remains is the purest expression of your love."

Sarah Glasbergen, Senior Wedding Editor at ThePerfectWedding.com

Courthouse Wedding FAQ

Do courthouse weddings have vows?

Yes. Most courthouse ceremonies include standard legal vows, but many courthouses allow you to read personal vows as well. Check with your courthouse in advance.

Can you wear a white dress to a courthouse wedding?

Absolutely. You can wear anything from a full bridal gown to a casual outfit. There is no dress code. White, ivory, blush, or any color you love is perfectly appropriate.

How long does a courthouse ceremony take?

Typically 10 to 30 minutes including paperwork. The ceremony itself is usually 5 to 10 minutes.

Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?

Most states require 1 to 2 witnesses who are 18 or older. Some courthouses provide witnesses if you do not bring your own. Check your local requirements.

Can you have a reception after a courthouse wedding?

Of course. Many couples follow their courthouse ceremony with a dinner, party, or even a full reception at a later date. There are no rules about when or how you celebrate.

Is a courthouse wedding legally the same as a church wedding?

Yes. A civil ceremony at a courthouse is fully legally binding, just like a religious ceremony. The marriage license and certificate are identical.

Plan Your Courthouse Wedding with ThePerfectWedding.com

Whether you are going courthouse-only or planning a bigger celebration later, ThePerfectWedding.com is here to help. Browse wedding-ideas for more intimate wedding inspiration, find photographers and explore outfit ideas on suite and wedding-dresses.