A helpful place to plan your wedding with other Wedditors! Choose A City Hall That Appeals to You, 2. Bonus: the marriage is just a real and important as anyone else's. Con: weddings and funerals are the two times you can count on friends and family really getting together, and you won't know who comes to your funeral. In this article, Ill explain why courthouse weddings are so short and for how long you usually need to plan one. There are some common things every couple should know before their special day and courthouse ceremony:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'loudbride_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loudbride_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); If youre considering a courthouse wedding, here are some of the common pros and cons I found from talking to other brides and grooms about their experiences. You'll find content for brides of all genders, traditions, religions and colors to help your big day stand out from the crowd. You would just modify a few things (e.g. Right On! I'm sorry you feel that way. One con is that the wedding will have to be during Like a traditional marriage ceremony, your courthouse wedding must abide by your states legal requirements so your marriage is considered a valid union. Elopement: The Pros and Cons of Eloping | MyWalletJoy By the way, if youre interested in Church weddings and the duration of ceremonies there, you might want to take a look at my other article about how long a Church ceremony is. Before we get started on the reasons why courthouse weddings rock, we wanted you to take the time to like our, Usually, the number 1 reason for couples opting to have a courthouse wedding is the cost and, Not having to worry about seating arrangements or, 5. I did this for my first marriage, but I unfortunately did not get to do the big celebration due to issues with the relationship. Its like the fairy godmother of numbers. Thats why courthouse weddings are a popular choice for anti-weddings. While some couples believe they cannot afford a traditional reception, they fail to consider how lovely a cheaper party can be. Double wedding it is! Any advice would be appreciated. Marriage I even got both witnesses in this shot * * * * * * * * * * #weddingphotographer #courthousewedding #blacklove #blackcouples #marriagelicense #motherofthebride #fatherofthebride #groom #futurehusband #groom #munaluchibridal, A post shared by Omar (@omartakespictures) on Oct 19, 2019 at 11:43am PDT. Dividing Your Property They are so many reasons why we love and are fully for courthouse weddings! People often say they will get married at the courthouse and then have a big party when they are financially ready, but the party often never happens. By far, the biggest bonus of saying I do at the courthouse is all the money you save. Weddings are to celebrate the milestone of people getting married. Courthouse weddings are becoming more popular each day. Now, she designs bespoke wedding stationery and affordable templates for other couples. This means less time planning and budgeting for a long wedding. Pros and Cons of going to the court house - WeddingWire Domestic Asset Protection Trusts: Estate Planning - SmartAsset Apparently for a woman its extremely stressful. My husband and I got married in Dec/2018, and not everyone knows we are married. When I did, I got completely bashed upon on the only opinion that matters on what should happen is yours, your fiancees, and your families- not random strangers on the internet they are not the ones attending your ceremony. If youre a more chilled person that doesnt want to be bogged down by details, this might be a great option for you. Confidential Marriage License and Why Not much planning is necessary so this can take away the stress that many brides and grooms experience when trying to organize a big and costly wedding. If you were just going to do the court house it would be less things to pay for. or more? You'll be married. Having a second party is not a wedding, which is why you don't get a bridal party or bachelorette or shower; you are not a bride or a bachelorette- you are a married woman. Sign up for yourFREE wedding planning checklist here! If you're planning a destination wedding in another state, you'll need to check with your state's requirements for transferring a marriage license from state to state. Taking off of work or taking half days to plan a wedding isn't ideal. But they can be just as romantic and fun-filled as at a huge wedding venue and actually have a lot going for them. So, why exactly are courthouse weddings so short? I'd just like to add that when you do a big "do-over" or "Pretty Princess Day" it just comes off as completely childish. Wedding Courthouse Wedding vs. Traditional Wedding: Comparing Pros Nope, that is not always the case. The best thing about having a courthouse ceremony before your wedding is that no one even has to know about it. But it really isn't celebrating anything special that day, in my opinion. Pick a city hall in a place that has special significance to your relationship, whether it's where you met and It's a straightforward process, but each state has its own set of rules, and it may be necessary for you to have your legally binding ceremony close to home before heading off to your destination wedding. You mentioned you lost your job, leading up to your wedding day you are supposed to buy your gown, your FH is supposed to be getting his suit and you are supposed to be making payments to your vendors. Are you looking for a photographer or videographer to capture your courthouse wedding? IF you have the reception the same day/week. You don't have to figure out what to do with all the stuff left over-- the decorations, dress, etc. Required fields are marked *. This includes everything from selecting a venue, choosing the floral arrangements, sampling menu items, and more. WebOpting for a courthouse wedding allows you and your fianc to save money while simultaneously simplifying the wedding planning process. My niece and her spouse are living with his parents because they can,t afford the apartment they were renting because of their impending child and payments on two new cars. Web1. Generally speaking, it CAN be cheaper and less stress, but you can easily drive up the cost and stress too, even with a courthouse wedding. This is really a question only you can answer. Pro: You don't have to buy/rent dcor. Con: At their location on their schedule. Hey Mary! If you're planning a destination wedding in another country, you'll likely need to apply for your marriage license in your hometown. Marriage Laws: United States Marriage Laws, Cookie Consent Banner by Real Cookie Banner, Pro courthouse weddings are quick to plan, Pro weddings at a courthouse are less expensive, Pro less pomp and circumstance with fewer guests, Pro beating the wedding industrial complex and reverting to simpler traditions, Con ceremony and reception cant happen in the same place, Con red tape of scheduling and waiting for a permit (see above), Con sharing your space with other couples, Con you cant choose who marries you or what they say. At the end of the day it is really up to you and your FH. You can even choose to have your honeymoon in the same location if you want to. There should always be cake ;-), You can have a celebration on your "big day," but it will not be your "wedding." Yesterday. Keep in touch with your local city hall for information. Getting married is like losing your virginity - it can only happen once. If you dont know someone with a large enough backyard, you can even rent space at a local park or green space. How much money does it cost for a courthouse wedding? Signed, Sealed, Deliverttill Death! How and When to Plan a Courthouse Wedding - Cosmopolitan Unmarried couples can get together, and break up, without all the formalities (and court hearings) required for married couples. Up to six guests are usually allowed to participate in the proceedings. Most courthouses only allow a maximum of six people to attend the wedding. If a smaller wedding feels right, then do it. TL;DR; What was the aftermath of a courthouse wedding like for you? Toronto, Ontario L4B 1G2 And isnt that what marriage is all about. This is not going to go over well. Personally, I can't really understand throwing a big party later when you're already married- I feel like a wedding is supposed to celebrate a couple getting married at that time, and I would not go to a vow renewal that wasn't a milestone. Getting legally married, then doing a ceremony and a reception later? Additionally, the rigid structure is quickly becoming a thing of the past, and most modern couples dont want to feel fettered by tradition, especially if they arent largely religious. Civil ceremonies tend to be more intimate, even while quick and inexpensive. Micro weddings and elopements are more popular than ever, thanks to the pandemic and changing views, meaning courthouse weddings are extremely acceptable and desirable these days. The average wedding in the United States has 125 people so a 300-person wedding is more than Best places for a cheap wedding reception. Yes, because everyone else that gets married the way you properly should is super rich. If you are considering having a courthouse wedding, you need to be aware of the positives and the negatives that it entails. If you and your fianc agree that a smaller, intimate setting suits you best, a simplified civil ceremony might be the choice for you. There is no one-size-fits-all for weddings. at the end of the day you will be married to one another. Best of luck! You can even consider using your maid of honor or best man as a witness and share the special moment with them and your photographer. You can do all sorts of things to begin joining your finances now. Even a backyard wedding. We just didn't tell anyone, no particular reason, it was spur of the moment. Traditional Wedding vs Court Wedding: Pros and Cons - Medium I would think some significant time has passed for us to not make the mistakes again or act on impulse. But with a smaller affair comes less stress making an overall more enjoyable experience for the two of you. I was wondering what happened to you, Mary. Then the couple has the opportunity to say their vows (which arent that long). Even if your goal is to marry quickly, you are not limited to a courthouse. Cohabiting has all the financial benefits of being in a marriage without the legal hassles that come with marriage. Lots of other prefer and are thrilled they had a courthouse wedding. Six Reasons to Get Legally Married Before Your 1. It is quite important to make an appointment for the impending ceremony way in advance. The cost for a wedding is insane. Loud Bride is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. My niece has informed the family that she is having a renewal of vows and wants the white dress wedding and sit down dinner next year. Pros and cons? At the end of the day, your wedding day is about you. If you are seriously considering a courthouse wedding, we can totally help you get started! Loud Bride is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Many couples choose to get officially married before the big day, and it's more common than ever in light of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world right now. Its your day people are allowed to do whatever the heck they wont on my invites it says wedding! the ceremony would be a vow renewal not a marriage ceremony). Did planning ASR's wedding make you want to push yours back up? These ceremonies are formal and include the reading of bible verses, hymns, and prayers. Con No. E-mail: info@agistudio.ca, What to Do Before Putting on Your Wedding Dress, 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer, Wedding Tradition Breakdown: Saving Wedding Cake. Open to any idea we have. So, how do you choose between a courthouse wedding vs. traditional wedding? Once you have done your research it is then time to officially apply for your marriage license. 8 Ways to Plan A Spa Bridal Shower At Home, Wedding Planning from The Brides Perspective. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Common Law Marriages What other opportunity do you get to have everyone you love under one roof on such a special occasion? Also, gay marriage licenses, higher income taxes in some circumstances, and decreases in overhead for government benefit programs all result in increased government revenue. Time-wise, If it is urgent, a courthouse wedding with a reception afterwards is perfect! link to How Much Does a 300 Person Wedding Cost? It was super quick only a few people were there. Do what is right for you. Different states have different laws: What happens in one state may not be recognized in another. A domestic asset protection trust is a type of trust that protects an estates assets from lawsuits, creditors and other legal action. After that, the officiant continues with the ceremony by having the partners place rings on each others fingers, and thats it! Between all the requirements and the restriction of personalization and creativity, more couples are opting for courthouse weddings each year. We also use affiliate links in our blog post which means we can make a commission if you use any of our affiliate links. Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers & Parties, Flower Girl Dresses and Ring Bearer Outfits, http://www.idotaketwo.com/renewing_wedding_vows.html, http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_a-note-to-those-who-want-courthouse-weddings-then-have-a-ceremony-later. I think courthouse weddings can be just as beautiful, without all the stress and added expense. How do I word the invitations. These weddings last a little longer if you include the waiting time before the official ceremony, which is usually 30 minutes. What Do You Have To Do To Get Married At A Courthouse? It's a great party and if you want to have one, by all means you do you. Financially, a courthouse wedding with a small reception afterwards, or even a church wedding (if you attend the church they may let you use it as a venue for free) The legal wedding is your, well, wedding. The most important way to look at it, is when do you two WANT to get married, and will you be able to afford your dreams then? One partner may file as head of household (HOH) and the other partner files as single. With some creativity and panache, you can craft a personalized wedding even one with a more extensive guest list. Not Try again. COVID-19 Corona Virus A courthouse wedding is just as valid a choice as a huge dream ceremony and reception. Find wedding inspiration that fits your style with photos from real couples, Sit back and relax with travel info + exclusive deals for the hottest honeymoon destinations, To unblock this content, please click here. Also at a big wedding, you may I want to have the traditional wedding and reception with all my family and friends, but I am in the middle of Nursing School, and still work part time, so I just don't have the time to plan such an event, nor the money. If you want beautiful pictures and a decorated venue, a Home Affairs wedding might not meet your standards. Often, couples choose close friends or relatives to officiate their wedding; in many states, becoming an ordained minister is relatively straightforward. Thats because theres a bureaucratic procedure before the ceremony itself. anything wrong with a Courthouse Wedding Pros: cheaper, smaller group, less stress in planning. Its just etiquette. Mary is a wedding blogger with 10 years experience. Consider the following pros and cons to determine if a court clerk career is right for you. There are still things you can do to make it feel like a classic wedding, like getting dolled up, hiring a photographer, and doing a reception after, the actual ceremony wont feel like all the ones youve seen on TV. Just because youre not having a big lavish wedding doesnt mean you miss out on the celebrations. Our past marriage/engagment were about 4-5 years ago. Whether you had to reschedule your wedding due to the situation surrounding COVID-19 or some other life circumstance, saying goodbye to your original date can be a tough pill to swallow. It means some may choose not to attend as a result. Courthouse weddings can be Time has changed since then. Weddings are expensive. If you're one to worry about all the things that could go wrong during your wedding ceremony, especially in front of a big crowd of friends and family, getting married beforehand is a great option to minimize your what-if fears. its not a reception so what is proper here? I totally agree with you Red Queen - - couldnt have said it any better. Pros: cheaper, smaller group, less stress in planning. Cons: Not all courthouses are pretty, may not feel as BIG of a day as a full-day wedding. If this is a worry I recommend a local elopement--officiant, pretty venue (like a park or something cheaper) and a photographer. Bonus: the marriage is just a real and important as anyone else's I plan on having a " girls weekend" and my husband a " guys weekend" in lieu of the bachelor/ bachelorette parties. Legal Cons of Getting Married Formalities Marriage, for all its pros and cons, requires that certain formalities be performed, which may or may not be what you want. The average courthouse wedding, just for the application, will cost from $30150. Here are some steps to help you plan a beautifully intimate, elegant, and memorable courthouse wedding: Some City Halls are better than others with one of the best being in San Francisco. Remember, you only get married onceor twice and the day should be one to remember for the rest of your lives together. Loud Bride celebrates brides of different strides. WebHere are some of the pros to bifurcation: Moving on: A bifurcated divorce allows one or both partners to legally move on or remarry. Plans have kinda changed. Loved ones dont get to witness your wedding: Weddings are a great time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate their loved ones. With dull brown furniture and bare white walls, you venue can leave you begging for some vibrancy. link to Best places for a cheap wedding reception, Boundless: How to Set Up a Courthouse Wedding, Stilt: How to Set Up a Courthouse Wedding, mywalletjoy: What You Need to Know About Having a Courthouse Wedding, U.S. Often, the state will require you to obtain a marriage license and have a witness to attend your ceremony. Copyright 2023 DMCA Policy Privacy Policy Terms of Use Log in. Its your life. Do You Need A Birth Certificate For A Church Wedding? Couples typically only invite their closest family members and close friends who are part of the wedding, creating a close-knit and small group of people. All you have to do it to go to your local courthouse and apply for a marriage license. Adorable sweetheart tables to share with your special person. Some couples decide to have a small, less expensive courthouse wedding, even if they receive financial support from their families. The wedding in the courthouse IS your "wedding.". Research the city you live in ahead of time and check the cost. HAHA I was going to say, I don't think Cats are allowed in the courthouse. Your Guide to Planning Multiple Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions, This Is Why Your Marriage License Is So Important, Advice All Newly-Engaged Couples Need to Hear, According to Wedding Experts, The Prettiest City Halls to Consider for Your Wedding, How to Legally Get Married in a Foreign Country. From here you can proceed with booking your courthouse wedding! Courthouse wedding: 7 Reasons Why You Should Consider It. The primary reason is that youre almost never the only couple waiting to be married there on that day. Mary, I noticed you're only at 4 stars. Kind of coming up fast! Not everyone you love can attend Theres a If you want to recite your vows or would like additional guests or a photographer to be present, then it is important to make sure with the courthouse that you can do these things before you arrive. Hopefully some of your stories can open up the part of our brains we haven't yet. Becoming a Court Clerk Also ties back to the money thing.