Courthouse wedding can be as formal as you want
Courthouse weddings have a reputation for being 'quick and casual,' but there's no rulebook that says you can't show up in a full ballgown with a veil. The ceremony's simplicity is about paperwork, not your outfit — so dress for the wedding you actually want.
Dress for the day you want
There's no dress code posted at the courthouse door. Couples show up in everything from full ballgowns and three-piece suits to sundresses and jeans, and all of it is correct. If you've always dreamed of a big dress, wearing it to a 15-minute ceremony doesn't cheapen it — it's still your wedding day. Pick the outfit that makes you feel most like yourself getting married, not the one you think matches the venue.
Make the small details count
Since the ceremony itself is brief, a few small touches go a long way: a hand-tied bouquet from a local florist (often $30-$60), a boutonniere, and a photographer booked for 30-60 minutes to capture the walk in, the vows, and the exit. Many courthouses have marble staircases, columns, or gardens that photograph beautifully — ask the clerk's office in advance about photography rules and quiet hours.
Split legal and celebration
A popular approach: handle the legal marriage at the courthouse with just witnesses, then host a larger party — reception, vow renewal, or big dinner — weeks or months later. This separates the $50-$100 marriage license appointment from the celebration budget, lets you elope on your timeline, and still gives you a big day to plan without any pressure on the courthouse date itself.
Key Takeaways
- Wear whatever makes you feel confident, from ballgown to sundress
- Book a photographer for 30-60 minutes to capture the ceremony
- Bring a small bouquet and boutonniere for polished photos
- Ask the courthouse in advance about photography and timing rules
- Consider splitting the legal ceremony from a later, larger celebration
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