Philadelphia Courthouse Wedding: A Simple Yet Elegant Route to Saying 'I Do'
Couples wishing to get married also find a romantic backdrop in Philadelphia, a city rich in American history. A growingly common choice is a courthouse wedding. Many couples find a Philadelphia courthouse wedding the ideal fit for its simplicity, affordability, and fast process.
But venues like Truehart Wedding Chapel offer the perfect alternative for those seeking a bit more elegance and personalization, without the stress of planning a large wedding.
This blog will walk you through:
What a courthouse wedding is
How to plan one in Philadelphia
Three of the best courthouse-style venues in the city
Why Truehart Wedding Chapel is the best option
What is a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a civil ceremony performed by a judge, magistrate, or officiant at a government building—typically City Hall or the Municipal Court in Philadelphia.
It’s ideal for couples looking to skip the fuss and go for a quick, affordable way to say “I do.”
But while they’re convenient, courthouse weddings can sometimes lack that personal, memorable feel many couples want.
Thankfully, Philadelphia offers several courthouse-style alternatives that combine simplicity with beauty and personalization.
How to Get Married at a Philadelphia Courthouse
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Apply for a marriage license at the Philadelphia Marriage License Bureau. Both of you must appear in person with valid photo ID and payment.
Wait three days – Pennsylvania law requires a mandatory 3-day waiting period before you can marry.
Book your own officiant – Unlike other cities, Philadelphia doesn’t automatically provide one at the courthouse. You’ll need to make those arrangements separately.
Consider location limitations – While City Hall is iconic, it may lack privacy, décor, and booking availability.
Top Courthouse-Style Wedding Venues in Philadelphia
Here are three standout alternatives for couples who want the ease of a courthouse wedding—plus beauty, privacy, and memorable touches.
1. Truehart Wedding Chapel (Glenside, PA)
Just minutes from downtown Philadelphia, Truehart Wedding Chapel is ideal for couples seeking a simple, intimate, and charming wedding experience—without courthouse restrictions.
Why Choose Truehart?
Multiple Ceremony Packages
No Ceremony Wedding – Ideal for quick elopements. Includes license signing, bouquet, one backdrop, and five digital photos.
Micro Wedding Package – Includes personalised vows, bouquet, 20 digital photos, space for up to six guests, and a romantic aisle walk moment.
Open 24/7 – Perfect for spontaneous weddings or tight schedules.
No Planning Stress – Venue, officiant, décor, and photography are all included.
Elegant & Thoughtful Setting – Romantic backdrops, floral touches, and meaningful ceremony details.
Outstanding Reviews – Couples love the ease, beauty, and personal attention.
2. Philadelphia Wedding Chapel
Located in East Falls, this venue offers a modern, private loft-style setting perfect for elopements and small weddings.
Highlights:
Professional officiants
Photo packages included
Customised ceremonies with a sleek city vibe
Great for couples looking for something stylish but still simple.
3. Vaux Studio
Tucked into a historic brownstone in Center City, Vaux Studio offers micro wedding and elopement packages with vintage charm.
Highlights:
Gorgeous interior and décor
Convenient downtown location
Photo and officiant packages available
Slightly higher in cost, but perfect for couples wanting elegance in the heart of the city.
Why Truehart Wedding Chapel Over a Courthouse?
While courthouse weddings are cost-effective, many couples find them lacking in emotion, atmosphere, and beauty.
Here’s what makes Truehart stand out:
Real Ceremonies – With music, vows, photos, and a romantic setting.
Inclusive Packages – From elopements to micro weddings, they cover all your needs.
No-Stress Planning – They handle everything: space, officiant, décor, timing.
Aesthetic Touches – Their chapel offers floral styling and a professional photo-worthy setting.
Flexible Booking – Same-day weddings, evenings, weekends—whatever works for you.
Tips for Your Courthouse-Style Wedding
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to make even the simplest ceremony feel special:
Book early – Especially during peak wedding seasons.
Bring essentials – ID, marriage license, any payment required.
Dress how you like – Whether formal or casual, make it you.
Add something personal – Custom vows, special tokens, or a meaningful witness.
Celebrate after – A nice dinner or small gathering makes the day even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
A Philadelphia courthouse wedding offers a fast, affordable way to tie the knot—but it doesn’t have to feel rushed or impersonal.
Truehart Wedding Chapel is the perfect solution for couples looking for something quick yet still beautiful and heartfelt.
With personalised packages, 24/7 availability, expert photography, and a warm romantic setting, Truehart turns even the smallest ceremony into a memory you’ll cherish forever.
Whether you're eloping, renewing vows, or planning a last-minute “I do,” Truehart helps you do it your way—with ease, elegance, and love.
📍 Truehart Wedding Chapel
🌐 Website: www.truehartweddingchapel.com
📞 Phone: (215) 394-0067
📍 Address: 2800 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, PA 19038
🕒 Hours: Open 24/7 by appointment
📲 Call or text to schedule your wedding ceremony today!
