Weddings are expensive, stressful, and time-consuming. For some couples, the idea of having a huge ceremony complete with flowers, rented decorations, and a banquet-style lunch is overwhelming. However, opting for a courthouse wedding allows you to save money while still getting married in an intimate setting. In this blog post, we will be discussing the pros of a courthouse wedding and why it could be the perfect option for you and your fiancé.
Pros of a Courthouse Wedding
1. Lower Costs
One of the biggest benefits of having a courthouse wedding is that it is significantly cheaper than a traditional wedding. You won’t need to spend money on things like a wedding venue, catering, wedding dress, tuxedo, or photographer. Of course, you can still spend money on the things that matter most to you, like your wedding rings, a small wedding reception, or a special outfit to wear on the day. But overall, the costs of a courthouse wedding are significantly lower, allowing you and your fiancé to invest the extra money elsewhere.
2. Simplicity
Planning a wedding, no matter how large or small, is a stressful and time-consuming process. It can be overwhelming for some couples, and they might end up missing out on the joy of the engagement period. A courthouse wedding is the perfect remedy for this problem. It is a straightforward process that can give you a relaxing, enjoyable day to remember. You can avoid the entire planning cat and just focus on the two of you.
3. Personalization
Some people might think that a courthouse wedding is too simple, even boring. This is a common misconception, though. While the ceremonies themselves may not be elaborate, it’s up to you to make it special and unique. You can personalize your wedding ceremony by adding music or readings that are meaningful to you and your fiancé. As a result, the two of you can create a unique and memorable elopement and start your new life together.
4. Less Family Drama
Weddings can sometimes be stressful due to family drama. Receiving an invitation to a family member’s wedding might put people at odds, and some families tend to be more competitive than others. By having a courthouse wedding – and keeping the guest list closed – you can avoid some of the drama that might come up. You can invite only the guests that are most important to you, and it’s unlikely that they would encounter a problem.
5. More Time
Planning a wedding takes time, energy, and stress, and it’s challenging to manage everything properly. You have to deal with catering, decoration, venue, invitations, and the guest list. With a courthouse wedding, you get back some of that precious time. You will have more time to focus on what matters most: your relationship. You can slow down and take joy in the planning process, without getting overwhelmed by it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a courthouse wedding has several benefits that should be considered when planning for your big day. It provides a cost-effective, simple, and intimate way to celebrate your union without complications or distractions. Ultimately, a wedding should reflect the couple’s personalities, values, and goals, so if you are thinking about getting married, the courthouse might be the perfect place for you.
FAQ
Is a courthouse wedding romantic?
A courthouse wedding is a type of wedding ceremony where couples choose to get married in a courthouse instead of a church or a traditional wedding venue. Some people may have the notion that a courthouse wedding is not romantic, but that is not necessarily true. The romance of a wedding does not solely depend on the venue or the size of the celebration—it depends on the love that the couple has for each other.
In fact, a courthouse wedding can be a romantic and intimate way to say “I do”. The couple gets to exchange vows amidst a beautiful and meaningful ceremony, surrounded by only their closest friends and family members. Courthouse weddings are often more affordable and have fewer guests than traditional or destination weddings, allowing the couple to splurge on the aspects of their marriage that matter to them the most, such as the honeymoon or a down payment on their future home.
Furthermore, a courthouse wedding can have a lot of personal touches added to it, making it just as special and romantic as any other wedding ceremony. The couple can customize their vows, decorate the courthouse with flowers and other personal touches, and even include themes, such as a vintage or rustic theme. There are not any strict rules on what a courthouse wedding should be like, which gives couples the freedom to make their wedding day as unique and special as they want it to be.
A courthouse wedding can be romantic, intimate, and personal. It is an affordable option for couples who want to save money or who prefer a smaller guest list. The key to a romantic courthouse wedding is to make it personal and meaningful to the couple, to focus on the love that they share and the commitment they are making to each other.
What do I need to get married in TN?
To get married in the state of Tennessee, there are certain requirements that need to be met which include obtaining a marriage license, the presence of both parties, a completed Marriage License application, a valid driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, or a passport.
Firstly, to obtain a marriage license, couples must visit the County Clerk’s office, located in the county where the wedding will take place. The office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses in Tennessee, and the cost of a license varies from county to county.
Secondly, both parties must be present when obtaining the marriage license. Couples are required to appear together, and each individual is required to provide a valid form of identification. In most cases, a valid driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, or passport can be used as acceptable forms of identification.
Thirdly, the Marriage License application must be completed and submitted online prior to visiting the County Clerk’s office. The application can be found on the Tennessee Department of Health website, and applicants will be required to answer questions regarding name, age, residence, and previous marital history. Once the application is submitted online, a confirmation number will be issued and must be provided to the County Clerk’s office upon arrival to complete the process.
Finally, once the marriage license is issued, there is a mandatory waiting period of three days before the wedding can take place. The ceremony must take place within 30 days of receiving the license, and it must be conducted by an authorized individual, such as a judge, minister, or other authorized officiant. After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for signing the marriage license and returning it to the County Clerk’s office for filing.
Obtaining a marriage license in Tennessee involves visiting the County Clerk’s office, presenting valid forms of identification, completing a Marriage License application online, and following the required waiting period. While the process may seem complicated, the state of Tennessee ensures that couples have access to all the necessary information to make the process as smooth as possible.
How do I get married in Virginia without a ceremony?
In Virginia, getting married usually involves a ceremony where the couple exchanges vows and rings before a recognized officiant, such as a minister or a justice of the peace. However, some couples may prefer to get married without a ceremony for various reasons, such as personal beliefs, financial limitations, or time constraints. Fortunately, Virginia law allows couples to obtain a marriage license without having a ceremony.
To get married in Virginia without a ceremony, both parties must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the city or county where they plan to get married. The couple must bring with them proper identification – a current, valid US driver’s license, military ID, passport, or notarized copy of a birth certificate. The minimum age to obtain a marriage license in Virginia is 18 years old, or 16 years old with parental consent.
Once the couple arrives at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office, they will need to fill out a marriage license application form. The application requires basic information about each person, including name, address, date and place of birth, occupation, and marital status. The couple must also provide information about their parents’ names and places of birth.
After completing the application and paying the required fee, the couple will receive a marriage license. The license will remain valid for 60 days from the date it was issued. During this time, the couple can get married at any location in Virginia that is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, such as a courthouse, a church, or a private residence.
It’s important to note that the marriage license is not the same as a marriage certificate. A marriage license allows a couple to get married, while a marriage certificate is the legal document that confirms their marriage. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant will complete the marriage license and return it to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The couple can then request a certified copy of their marriage certificate for legal purposes, such as changing their name or adding their spouse to their insurance.
To get married in Virginia without a ceremony, a couple must apply for a marriage license in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office, provide proper identification, fill out an application, pay the required fee, and wait at least 60 days before getting married. The couple can then have a wedding at any authorized location and obtain a marriage certificate for legal purposes.
