Courthouse Wedding
For couples looking for a modest, intimate, and inexpensive wedding venue, courthouse weddings are quickly becoming the norm.
By skipping the formalities and financial burdens of a typical wedding, couples can devote more time and energy to celebrating their union in a courthouse ceremony.
From learning the ins and outs of the process to incorporating your own special touches, this guide will cover everything for a courthouse wedding.
Marriages in a Courtroom
A civil ceremony, or courthouse wedding, is a legal marriage ceremony officiated by a public authority, such as a judge or court clerk, in a public building, like a city hall or courthouse.
Usually, just immediate relatives and close friends — or perhaps no guests at all — attend these simple ceremonies.
Many couples choose courthouse weddings because they are simple and affordable.
Advantages for Holding Your Wedding in a Courtroom
Practical: The expenditures associated with a traditional wedding, such as the location, food, and decoration, can rapidly mount up. Having a courthouse wedding covers most of these costs, so newlyweds have more money for things like a honeymoon or savings.
Keeping things simple: Arranging a big wedding may be a real pain. Courthouse weddings remove a lot of this hassle by providing a simple way to tie the knot without having to make a lot of plans.
Privacy: For couples who would rather keep their wedding vows under wraps, a courthouse ceremony offers a small, personal ceremony where the emphasis is squarely on the pair.
Flexibility: Courthouse ceremonies are usually accessible on weekdays and may be planned on short notice, making them a great option for couples who have busy schedules.
Get Your Courthouse Wedding Rehearsed
Although planning a courthouse wedding is less complicated than a more traditional ceremony, there are still necessary measures to follow:
Select the Site
Pick a courthouse to tie the knot in. Some couples choose a courthouse in a city that has sentimental value to them, while others choose the courthouse in their hometown.
The specifics of what needs to be done and if the courthouse you want to use is available may differ depending on where you choose to have it heard.
Acquire a License to Marry
In order to legally tie the knot, one must obtain a marriage license.
It is customary for both parties to personally appear during the application process and provide proper identification, like a passport or driver's license.
Additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or, if relevant, a divorce decree, may be required by some counties.
Every state has its own regulations about the amount of time that must pass between getting a marriage license and the actual ceremony.
Arrange the Big Event
To set up a time for your wedding ceremony, call the courthouse.
While some courthouses do not require appointments for ceremonies, others do. To ensure your desired date and time, it's recommended to make your reservation in advance.
Prepare Your Clothes
Although courthouse weddings may not have a specific dress code, many couples choose clothes that highlight the importance of the event.
Dress in a way that makes you feel beautiful and at ease, whether it's a more conventional suit and dress or something more relaxed.
Gather Eyewitnesses and Guests
There must be a witness present at the ceremony in order for it to be valid in most jurisdictions.
Make sure you research the particular needs of the courthouse you've selected.
Make sure the courthouse can fit all of your invited guests if you'd want to invite just a small group, as space is restricted.
Personalize the Ceremony to Your Needs
There are still opportunities to make a courthouse wedding special, despite how short they usually are.
To personalize the ceremony to your taste, you can write your own vows, include significant readings, or do something as basic as exchanging rings.
Arrange a Festive Event
You can still have a celebration after your courthouse wedding if you so desire.
To celebrate your marriage with close friends and family, arrange for a modest dinner, reception, or party.
You are free to make it as basic or complex as you like.
Planning Your Wedding at the Courthouse
A courthouse wedding may be as simple or elaborate as you choose, but there are still many ways to make it special:
Photographer: It is essential to hire a photographer to record the moments of your big day. You might want to think about getting a professional photographer or enlisting the help of a creative friend to capture the ceremony and subsequent festivities.
Bring a Bouquet: A stunning bouquet can be a timeless accessory that complements any bridal gown.
Write Your Own Vows: Write your own vows to each other and exchange them as a way to show your special feelings and dedication to one another.
Post-Ceremony Plans: Whether it's a romantic dinner for two, a casual get-together at home, or a romantic weekend away, make plans for something memorable to do after the ceremony to celebrate your new marriage.
Important Legal Factors
Verify that you are familiar with the local marriage laws:
Some states have residence requirements that must be met before a marriage can be legally consummated.
Be informed that there may be a required waiting period between the acquisition of your marriage license and the execution of the ceremony.
Verify the amount of witnesses needed and any particular criteria they should have.
Marriage licenses have expiration dates; hence, you must arrange your wedding ceremony in such a way that the license will still be legal on the designated day.
Non-Traditional Wedding Venues
There are other options to think about if you want a small, intimate ceremony but don't want a courthouse wedding:
Some private locations give affordable wedding packages that allow for a more intimate and straightforward ceremony and reception.
An intimate and versatile venue for a backyard ceremony could be a friend's or family member's backyard.
One unique way to celebrate marriage and honeymoon is with a destination elopement, where the couple travels to a special place for a small, intimate ceremony.
A Wonderful Alternative: Truehart Wedding Chapel
A lovely alternative to courthouse ceremonies, Truehart Wedding Chapel in Glenside, Pennsylvania, is perfect for couples who want a small, intimate wedding.
Truehart Wedding Chapel is a stunning venue that can accommodate small weddings, elopements, and micro-weddings, all designed to reflect your personal style.
Truehart Wedding Chapel Services
Truehart Wedding Chapel provides a variety of wedding services that suit different interests and needs:
No Ceremony Wedding ("Paperwork Only")
This option is for couples who want to legalize their union without a formal ceremony. It includes marriage license signature and processing, as well as a bonus of 5 digital images taken with one backdrop.Justice of the Peace Style Wedding
This package includes a simple but meaningful ceremony with standard or personalized vows, 20 digital photographs with several backdrops, a music playlist of your choice, and marriage license signature and processing.Micro Wedding
This package is ideal for couples looking for a traditional experience on a smaller scale. It includes a full ceremony with standard or custom vows, digital photos with multiple backdrops, marriage license signing and processing, a wedding entrance with the option of being hidden from your fiancé, a mini reception with small bites and light refreshments, and a champagne toast for the couple and guests.
📍 Location: 2800 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, PA 19038
📞 Phone: (215) 394-0067 (Send a Text)
🌐 Website: www.truehartweddingchapel.com
