Planning an Elopement at the Courthouse? Start Here

Eloping at the courthouse is an amazing option for couples who want a simple, stress-free, and budget-friendly way to get married. Whether you’re looking to save money, skip the overwhelming planning process, or just focus on what truly matters—each other—a courthouse elopement gives you the freedom to do just that.

Here’s everything you need to know, from why it’s a great choice to how to make the day feel special.

Why Choose a Courthouse Elopement?

1. Cost Savings without Compromising on Quality

While it’s never the main force behind eloping at the courthouse, one reason why a couple might choose to have an elopement at the courthouse is the cost savings. And while I love a grand, big-ole wedding celebration, there are a lot more costs involved with having a full wedding. If you’re okay with compromising on a big wedding, an elopement can save you a boatload of cash. Without having to worry about the cost of the venue, caterers, bartenders, florals, lighting and other vendors, you free up a lot of cash to put towards other things such as film photography, that dress, a honeymoon in Portugal or that tapas restaurant you’ve always wanted to try for after the ceremony. There’s no need to compromise - you can have a memorable wedding experience without having a large celebration!

2. They can be Simple and Less Stress

Simply put, a smaller amount of things to worry about means fewer things to stress about. And less things to stress about means more time to focus on what matters. You both and your wedding day! From the 8 - 18 months of planning to the actual wedding weekend, weddings can be a lot of things to juggle between logistics, personalities, finances, and more. On the other hand, elopements can be as simple as getting ready at a hotel, a quick ceremony, and then some portraits. There are no rules for your elopement.

3. Less Planning

Everyone’s situation is different. Maybe you started a new full-time job and don’t have the extra mental capacity to spend an extra 10 hours a week on planning. Or maybe you have kids and don’t have the ability to make all of the meetings surrounding catering or florals. Or maybe the thought of spending 6 - 18 months planning a wedding just completely overwhelms you. All reasons are valid. An elopement takes out much of the time commitment and, instead, gives you more flexibility to do what you want.

A few things to know before your elopement

1. Make It Personal

The biggest thing I can recommend is to make your elopement your own! Getting married in New York City? Grab bagels in the morning. Having an elopement in San Francisco at the City Hall? Spend the morning driving up the coast. While getting inspiration from Instagram can be helpful, the most meaningful details were always the choices based on personal preference versus what’s popular.

2. Make a Timeline Ahead of Time, but Keep it Loose

A timeline is just that, a timeline. However, weddings are rarely a linear, predictable ordeal. Sure, you may have portraits at 3:30 in Central Park, but what if on the way you see a cute cafe that you want to stop at? Or maybe you discovered a beautiful view from a highrise while grabbing drinks the night before. Leaving space can allow for greater things to come.

After the Ceremony

1. Portraits!

Once the ceremony is done, it’s time to get some portraits. And forget the typical, forced smile portraits. Pick a place beautiful place or one that has sentimental value to you and let’s take some photos. All I need from you is to be present with yourself and one another and the photos will make themselves,

2. Celebrate with Dinner

Now that you’re officially married, make the night special! Go out for dinner at a restaurant you love, or finally try that spot you’ve always wanted to visit. Order dessert, get drinks, and truly soak in the moment. If you have friends in town, meet up with them and celebrate with a bottle of champagne.

3. Start Your Honeymoon Right Away

If you’re eloping in your honeymoon destination, you can start celebrating immediately. If not, consider choosing a city with a major airport—like New York or San Francisco—so you can easily hop on a flight and begin your next adventure together.

Final Thoughts

A courthouse elopement is the perfect way to celebrate your love in a way that’s simple, personal, and stress-free. Whether you want to save money, avoid the stress of planning a big wedding, or just focus on what truly matters, eloping gives you the flexibility to create a day that feels right for you.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is that it feels authentic to you as a couple. So, make it special, make it fun, and most importantly—make it yours.