+168 votes
by (250 points)
Pros and cons of courthouse wedding. Fiancé and I are getting married in May of 2021. He wants courthouse, and big reception later on with family and friends. I don’t mind that, but I also don’t want to miss out on the traditional wedding things (ex. walking down the isle with my father, first dance etc). We planned on only inviting 60 people, so we don’t think it’s worth spending 7, 000+ on a wedding. He likes privacy, and hates attention so I know a courthouse wedding is more his style. We know we would be saving A LOT of money by going to the courthouse, with our honeymoon after, and foregoing the reception immediately after wedding. For those who have gotten married at the courthouse, do you recommend? How can I make the day special without having the normal wedding. Any advice? I’m trying to convince myself this is the way to go, but part of me wonders if I’ll regret it later on. Thanks  
Pros and cons of courthouse wedding.

168 Answers

+15 votes
by (5.8k points)
 
Best answer
I recommend something in the middle. My husband and I eloped in Savannah in early January, and I don't regret the choice for one minute. But in my research most of the elopement packages offer small group options for like 20 people. That's what I would suggest. That way he gets small but you still get a ceremony. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions
+57 votes
by (2.2k points)
My husband and I did court house. It was just a few of us and my 2 kids. It was perfect but was our 2nd marriage. I had the big wedding my 1st marriage and I hated it.  
+2 votes
by (1.5k points)
You can still wear a pretty dress and your dad there. Your first dance can be at your reception later. You can always have a traditional small wedding since we are in a pandemic
+55 votes
by (16.2k points)
We attended a court house wedding and did a light lunch after with the bride and groom at a fancy-ish restaurant where they had a private room. It was lovely and everyone was stress free!  
+62 votes
by (1.1k points)
My first marriage was in a court house. My second was on a beach where I live. The wedding and reception was about $1200. My mom and in laws helped cook food for the reception, mostly finger food items. The flowers were minimal along with decorations.  
+20 votes
by (2.9k points)
First lesson of marriage is Compromise. Meet in the middle. Small wedding with justice of the piece, family only, on a beach or a park, or in the backyard somewhere. Spend the money on a honeymoon somewhere when all this crazy dies down
+67 votes
by (4.8k points)
We didn't do a courthouse but had the officiant (JoP) do our ceremony at a park. You could do something like that with a party afterwards.  
+11 votes
by (1.5k points)
Make a deal wth him. The court house house, but on your first(or fifth lol) anniversary, renew your vows and have the big wedding/ceremony you wanted, maybe just pared down a bit.  
by (1.5k points)
*Court house now
+20 votes
by (3.5k points)
We got married in the courthouse on a Thursday and then had dinner afterwards with his family, my family and some close friends. Then on Saturday e we had a small reception at a club house in a mobile home park lol 60 people went. My dad still walked me to my husband at both the courthouse and the reception
+4 votes
by (6.8k points)
We did this 6 years ago took our 6 kids and did it! We did have a reception 3 months later! It was a much better decision than our 1st marriages.  
+72 votes
by (770 points)
My husband didn’t have the traditional wedding. Even though my parents bought a dress for me we decided to go ahead and get married. We have an infant daughter and we’re living together and knew in God’s eyes that wasn’t right (we just wanted to make a wrong a right) so it was jusy our daughter us my parents and the minister. Even though my dad was there I wish so bad we would have had a traditional wedding so I could have had the real experience of my daddy waking me down the aisle and a father daughter dance. I lost my dad a year after we were married. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a wedding but you won’t always have your parents around so since you can have your dad walk you down the aisle and have that dance then have a small intimate wedding and bigger reception if that makes your fiancé feel better.  
+58 votes
by (4.5k points)
We had a traditional wedding and would totally do a courthouse wedding if we could go back and still have a reception later. Your dad can still walk with you. You can have your dance at the party later. We spent way to much for the church and everything there and our ceremony only lasted 17 min.  
+11 votes
by (1.7k points)
I had a courthouse wedding and the only thing I regret is that we have zero pictures from that day. So if you do it I suggest taking pictures that day. A lot easier done these days. Lol
+46 votes
by (2.3k points)
My husband and I had a very small wedding. I wanted it to be smaller than it was, with just parents, grandparents and brothers/sisters plus the wedding party and their families, however, my MIL pushed to have aunts & uncles invited as well. So, I probably had about 50-60 people at ours, but we got married right in the morning on a Saturday around 9am, had a brunch reception, and then by noon-1pm we were headed off to spend the rest of the weekend in A-Bay, and that night we went on a dinner cruise up there! We were still all dressed up so people were buying us drinks, it was a lot of fun. At the time, our daughter was 2 1/2, so to be able to spend a weekend alone together was the real fun. :) Whatever you decide to do, it will be the right choice for you guys! Congrats! :)
+5 votes
by (4.5k points)
We had 65 guests, and a whole wedding cost us almost $20, 000. I wish we had just gone to city hall or eloped! However I’m not that close with family so I’m not overly sentimental ‍♀️
by (1.4k points)
@pedagogy4949 same here! I lost our battle and we are going traditional and it’ll be about $12k. I’m too cheap and not sentimental or close to my family either, so it’s killing me LOL
+63 votes
by (1.5k points)
I hated my courthouse wedding. Like the others are saying, if you can meet in the middle with a judge at a park or beach or whatever makes you happy but only a few people. That could satisfy both of you! I wish I would have known Or thought if doing something like that, it is really sad to say you hate your own wedding
+60 votes
by (3.1k points)
We didn’t marry at the courthouse but our wedding was similar to what you described. We married at our church with only our mothers and pastor in attendance. This was free. I always wanted a beach wedding so we had our ceremonial wedding and reception 4 months later. We spent about $3k. Church part was free and we didn’t make a big deal of that. It wasn’t special in how most would expect I suppose but we were so giddy and excited to be married that made it special. Beach wedding- we got married at a park overlooking the ocean, on a weekend when no one checked permits (this was actually recommended when I called requesting a permit). Free. The same pastor from our church did the ceremony, father walked me, had bridesmaids, traditionally wedding set up. We then had the reception at a friends house in the backyard. We had about 100 people in attendance. The location was a street up from the wedding site. I created a playlist and played it on my iPod lol. The groomsmen were responsible for setting up rented tables and chairs. I ordered shells from oriental trading company or the like and candles for the centerpiece. Big expense was the food. We went with bbq and had the food catered but it was buffet style. The food was half our budget. Everyone loves our Wedding and said it was their favorite. They still talk about it now.  
+55 votes
by (2.5k points)
Speaking from experience as an elopement & wedding photographer (and having had a small wedding myself) - You can definitely have both! In some courthouses - there is ample room or event spaces that can accommodate a small ceremony with guests so you could still have your dad walk you down the aisle. This is especially the case in places like San Francisco & Santa Barbara - as you can rent an area for a couple of hours. You can also opt to rent a gazebo or area at a public park or redwoods (at least here in the bay area, northern ca) or even beaches (there are even decks for the ceremony to take place). And a small reception afterwards at a nearby restaurant or catered picnic at the park, etc. Happy to show you some galleries with these examples - (that I have permission from clients to share) - if you'd like to research some on your own - google "your city" elopements, courthouse reception wedding blog. Congratulations!  
+17 votes
by (2k points)
No cons here ha
+67 votes
by (9.9k points)
We got married in Vegas in a small chapel inside a casino 16 years ago. My dad still got to walk me down the aisle and only about 20 people were there total. I LOVED IT! I wanted a small wedding as my husband and I do not like being the center of attention. We paid for the Vegas wedding ourselves. My mom wanted a reception for us back home a week later so she paid for that. We paid for the reception flowers, reception photographer and DJ.  
by (3.2k points)
@heerlen we did the same ! Best decision ever
+60 votes
by (5.8k points)
This is the picture I actually wanted to show you. We got married on this balcony at a place called the Marshall house in Savannah, and they can accommodate parties of 20 or so in this balcony, just as an example
+23 votes
by (1.9k points)
I had a courthouse wedding 12 years ago  Honestly saved us tons of money. I had looked at several venues starting at over $10k. We said nope to that and went with the court wedding. We also had no honeymoon and no reception. I’m glad we had neither. We spent the money on a car & paid it off instead.  
+70 votes
by (3.2k points)
You could still have a very small wedding, where you get to walk down the isle and spend much less. The cost is usually in the costumes and the decorations. Keep those on budget and you get the small wedding you want and save! Congratulations
+3 votes
by (1.3k points)
My husband and I went away for it. So it was a vacation with a wedding in the middle It was incredible. The original plan was to get married at the Beverly Hills courthouse. They ended up being booked, so we hired an officiant and got married in a park by the Beverly Hills hotel. It all worked out perfectly.  
+35 votes
by (1.6k points)
A marriage is not a 50% - 50% split. Each of you must constantly give 100 % . all things ( expenses) being equal, one evening to give you your dream wedding, is not a huge ask .  
+31 votes
by (4.6k points)
We didn’t do it, but wish we would have. I think I just put too much effort into making other people happy and living up to expectations of what a wedding is supposed to be. My favorite part of the wedding was when my dad cooked steaks in the backyard for close family and friends the day before. I wish we had just done that and saved the rest of the money!  
+42 votes
by (1.4k points)
I’d prefer to get married at the courthouse or have the officiant even do it in our kitchen, i don’t care, i just don’t want the attention either. but my fiancé was raised by a tribe of women, so we settled on a totally traditional wedding with 50ppl that will cost him and I about $12k. We get married 4/3/21. So this is cool. LOL  
+65 votes
by (740 points)
$10 courthouse wedding 10 years ago. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Best decision ever.  
+10 votes
by (1.5k points)
What about a destination wedding? My bil and Sil got married at a bed and breakfast with just very close family and friends. She wanted it to be small but still wanted the experience of having her dad walk her down the aisle, wearing a wedding dress, etc. They had a nice reception and dance after.  
+3 votes
by (860 points)
I had a courthouse wedding. both sets of parents there along with best man and maid of honor. and then we had a nice reception that didn't put us in the poor house. we have been married for 24 years and do not regret a thing
+35 votes
by (2.5k points)
So, we didn’t do a courthouse wedding but I did a small (20 guests) destination wedding and skipped a number of the ‘traditional’ things to save money. My two cents is spend your money on what is important to YOU (and hubby). For me, having a party with my closest friends and family in a beautiful place was most important. Yours might be different. What are you financial goals? (Like is this eating into funds for buying a house? ). If traditional wedding things are important, then prioritize them. If it’s a societal pressure thing, that’s different. Good luck!  
+7 votes
by (20.7k points)
I 100% wish we just eloped and had a reception. My plan was elope and then at the reception have my Dad walk me in and his mom walk him in, do our father daughter dance and then have him hand me off to my hubs for our dance. I still would have done a dress but way more low key and I could have gone wayyyy more relaxed then our already relaxed reception. My gf eloped, we went with as witnesses and then she played her elopement video and then the pictures they took that day while everyone was eating. She still did her father daughter dance.  
+43 votes
by (4.1k points)
I got married during this pandemic, it was literally us 2 and the judge. It was intimate, we’ve been married for 1 month! Lol We do not really have that many close family/friends we would necessarily have a ceremony for. But it’s been a thought. We spent total maybe $300 for everything. It made it special just between us to. We have that memory together.  
+22 votes
by (7.7k points)
I did a courthouse for my first marriage. It was fine but didnt seem as special
+67 votes
by (770 points)
Hey! You can have a small micro wedding with the reception afterwards and be under $2000!  
+17 votes
by (2.8k points)
I would regret it. We were married just the 2 of us at the courthouse, NO ONE ELSE but the judge before we flew to Mexico for our wedding. We had a super small destination wedding, I think there were 13 of us total incl bride & groom. But it was still important to me to have that moment, my dad walked me down the aisle and that was important to him, for my mom to see me at a lovely wedding and witness this moment, for me to wear my facy dress and to have a minister marry us with my great grandmother's Eastern Star bible. I had readings that were meaningful to me. I get him not wanting to be the center of attention! My shower was so awkward for me being up there in front! We didn't have a traditional reception, we did a dinner, dancing in front of people also makes me uncomfortable. BUT! I'm going to throw it out there, unpopular opinion, I think the bride's vision is most important for this day. There, I said it. I have attended a couthouse wedding with guests and it was nice but it is quick and just not the same. I think something as huge as making a commitment to marriage warrants a longer ceremony and more pomp & tradition to mark the occasion. The party after is fun but to me that's not it. And if he's comfortable to have a reception with your guests I think he can stand up there for 30 min and sweat it out, lol. So I hope you can come to a decision you are both comfortable with but no I wouldn't give up an actual ceremony.  
by (2.8k points)
And, we never did throw that big reception later we planned on.  
+30 votes
by (10.1k points)
Could you do the courthouse wedding and still tie in traditions at the reception? Have your dad walk your in “down the aisle” and still do the dances etc?  
+43 votes
by (900 points)
My husband and I did the courthouse and in the long run it was much more worth it. We didn’t acquire a bunch of debt and were able to get going on other financial things. We talk about doing a big reception for our 5th year or 10th year anniversary if I still feel like I missed out on the “wedding” experience
+14 votes
by (14.2k points)
All pros. No cons. It’s affordable. The wedding isn’t what’s important. The marriage is.  
by (500 points)
@catechize yes!  
+50 votes
by (690 points)
I had a secret courthouse wedding and loved it, however the hard part about not having a wedding later (which we did have also) is you have to be okay with the no dress, no party, no dancing and you wouldn’t know what you’re missing. Does that make sense? Like I had to have a dress to know I didn’t care about the dress . However, you can get the JOP to marry your in public areas super cheap usually too, and then do a reception after!  
+34 votes
by (750 points)
We did a courthouse cause I have way too many family members to invite lol. I only regret was dress shopping experience. Otherwise I’m so glad I didn’t have the headache of planning a wedding or figuring out where the money was coming from.  
+22 votes
by (3.3k points)
We did a destination type wedding - Spent about $150 on the actual wedding part (add on service with the lodge we stayed at) it was just him and me and the minister. We had a beautiful intimate ceremony and made awesome memories on the following honeymoon. We had a small bbq at my parents house when we got back. Saved a ton of money and it was amazing. Sure, sometimes I kinda wish that we had a traditional ceremony, but in the end I think the way we did it was best.  
by (3.3k points)
As others have said, its easy to set the budget, but it can be hard to stay on the budget. Feelings get hurt when Aunt X was invited, but Cousin Y wasn't. Family always want to interject in what they think a wedding should be and its just very stressful. My husband and I did a walking brew tour the day we got married. our group was toasting us and we were like mini celebs. It was an absolute blast. No expectations. We did what we wanted.  
+12 votes
by (2.8k points)
I have been married twice at courthouses and honestly it is what you make it. Its about what makes you too happy.  
+20 votes
by (3.2k points)
I want just my sisters, brother in law, best friend and kids there. I could never fathom spending 1/4 of my mortgage on ONE DAY!  So we are eloping in my backyard with less then 15 people.  
+56 votes
by (1.6k points)
Pro- statistically they last longer, Con- no fanfare.  
+62 votes
by (2.8k points)
Oh, and to answer your actual question, lol I'm sorry! Ways to make courthouse special- Pick an outfit you love. Get a bouquet. Write each other letters to read that morning. Still have a photographer. Splurge on a limo possibly and share some champagne on the way. After have a beautiful brunch or lunch at your favorite spot. If you want some readings, do it there and definitely plan on some special guests to make toasts, tell them in advance. If you have a private room with the guests from the courthouse, you could even do a little first dance. Stay in a hotel that night and make it special and fun. Walk around in your wedding gear bc everyone will congratulate you! Budget wedding options- Local VFW hall, have the grocery store cater it, do sheet cake or grocery bakery. Serve only beer and put a bottle of wine on the table. Have an iPod DJ. Or have a pot luck at the park under a pavilion including ceremony there.  
+51 votes
by (1.2k points)
We had a courthouse wedding sort of in 2012. We applied and got all the paperwork but we were able to get married in my moms home by her bishop who could officiate the wedding. It was 10 people including us and we had catered dinner after. Then we had a semi-bigger (still only 30ish people) wedding in 2015 when we baptized my daughter, we got married through the church. My dad was able to attend and it was extra special having our daughter there too. Do what works for both of you. I sometimes hear stories about big weddings and there were certain things I wish I would have had but I look back and wouldn’t change it for one bit. Plus less money and less drama!  
+9 votes
by (2.5k points)
We met somewhere in the middle! We just paid a judge to officiate a small (30ish) wedding in my grandparents backyard and then had a reception at a nice restaurant. It definitely didn't cost more than $3, 000 all in. Look up the laws in your state though. In CO you don't even need an officiant, you can technically marry yourselves and sign the marriage certificate without any witnesses.  
+54 votes
by (1.6k points)
We did something similar. My husband and I and a JP. Then on our one year anniversary we threw a large back yard BBQ. I think people were more comfortable as they were able to relax, wear what they wanted, etc. I do not regret it at all. And we saved a TON of money.  
+10 votes
by (2k points)
Maybe just a small ceremony with your parents and yourselves and a beautiful gown flowers and aisle. I flew from Australia and married in a beautiful chapel at Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. It was very private but it still felt like I was a bride. Don’t forget what’s important to you. If it costs more just marry later and save longer
+51 votes
by (1.5k points)
We had originally planed a larger wedding of 150 people. and 6 months before I changed my mind and we did a small ceremony and small reception for about 30 of our closest friends and immediate family. it was amazing and saved us a TON of money. you could definitely do a small ceremony in may then a larger reception later down the road. but receptions are where you spend most of your money. which is why we went smaller over all
+22 votes
by (1.6k points)
My sister still had a ceremony but only really immediate family less than 10 no more than 15 then regular reception that is an option too. Ceremony was really private
+63 votes
by (910 points)
We got married at town hall with just our parents then had a small family gathering at our house after, we have big families so by small I mean like 50ish people. We ordered catered food and cake and cupcakes I think in total we spent around $1000? It was super stress free and perfect. However I will say we did this with the intention to do a reception a the next year and it will have been 3 years next month, we are having our third baby and we can’t wrap our heads around dropping thousands of dollars on a party! I do wish we had done something a little more traditional to have the first dance and walking down the aisle but not enough that I would have done it differently! We have really beautiful pictures and the Baker remakes our cake every year for us!  
+29 votes
by (690 points)
I wanted a courthouse wedding, now husband wanted a traditional wedding. We did the big wedding and afterwards he wished we had just done it the way I wanted  
+43 votes
by (710 points)
Pick a reception place that you can also have a wedding. That way you still get the dressing up, the walking down the aisle, the pictures. This is what we did. It literally cost about an extra $60 for someone to do ceremony
+6 votes
by (1.8k points)
You can still get married at the courthouse then have a reception later with dancing w/ your dad and everything else. I am currently trying to convince my fiance this. I am not a wedding person, although I like to party lol. Just don't wanna do the whole walking down the aisle thing. The wedding/party is more his idea and want more then mines
+36 votes
by (10.1k points)
I've done both  expensive beautiful perfect wedding/huge reception and party because we got married on Halloween, with the wrong husband lasted 1. 5 years. Second marriage we eloped and have been married almost 10 years. If I had it all over to do again I would elope. The stress and anxiety along with cost is just not worth it for 1 day. You dont get to even enjoy all the things you pay for with a big wedding. Spend that money on your future.  
+69 votes
by (940 points)
We did a courthouse wedding with our families and then had a nice brunch afterwards. Very nice and inexpensive. We are still planning a traditional wedding though for everyone else. It’s ultimately what you make it. We knew we were going this route the entire time so for us it isn’t a big deal.  
+71 votes
by (690 points)
Me and my now husband decided to take off on his lunch break and get married at the courthouse. We both have/had the humor of a middle school boy and the sonic by our house at the time had a giant NATIONAL WEINER DAY IS JULY 23RD (hot dog day ) So we got married on national weiner day 7 years ago this July. It by far our favorite thing to tell people when they ask and my best friend worked with my husband at the time and she remembers him coming into the office waiving his little paper around saying he was married and like $30 in tacobell in the other  We always said we would renew our vows for our 10 year anniversary to have a "wedding" but we both honestly don't care. Cost us a total of $40 bucks to get married and I would do it the same way allllll over again (My parents had 10k for each one of us for our wedding and he had suggested that we take that 10k and buy a house so thats exactly what we did)
by (1k points)
@untrue4 Kwiatkowski Sabanovic this is what I did but did do s small cereal reception on our 1 year
+31 votes
by (19.7k points)
You can still have your dad walk you and all the rest of that is reception stuff imo anyway
+58 votes
by (3.4k points)
You can have a small courthouse wedding and still involve your parents. If I could do it all over, that's what I'd do. My mil ended up ruining my wedding memories. The wedding isn't the important part. The marriage is.  
+29 votes
by (750 points)
We talked about a courthouse but ended up getting married in the Bahamas! Best choice ever! The wedding packages at our all inclusive hotel had 3 tiers- we went with the $999 option. It included our photography, flowers, champagne, private dinner, massage, two night stay for our one year anniversary! The free stay was well worth it! We invited very close family and they enjoyed spending the time together!  
+65 votes
by (710 points)
My family forced my husband and i who were 20/21 at the time to do a courthouse wedding. I didnt even get a dress. It was an 80$white prom dress. I have regretted it ever since. We've never been able to have our vows renewed either. So go for it if your gonna do it. You'll miss out on alot of meaningful memories if u dont
+10 votes
by (740 points)
We did a courthouse wedding and it was perfect. We had a photographer and went to dinner with our families afterwards.  
+38 votes
by (1k points)
I did a court house wedding then 1 year later did my small ceremony and reception. Spent 2500
+69 votes
by (700 points)
I wish I had the traditional, instead of a courthouse wedding.  
+50 votes
by (3.6k points)
Do the wedding. It’s a once in a lifetime event and something you don’t want to regret later. I’m getting married in October. $22, 000 and we have cash flowed every penny of it.  
+55 votes
by (870 points)
I’m doing a courthouse wedding in October of this year! You could also hire a personal officiant to conduct a private ceremony just for you two! And make it as personal as you want  
+45 votes
by (3.8k points)
Get the dress you want, take some amazing photos in it and have a small dinner with your closest people.  
+47 votes
by (1.2k points)
Father daughter dance at reception
+52 votes
by (1.9k points)
We got married 15 years ago this month, without a wedding, it was my husband, myself, my sister and the minister that married us. I don't regret any of it!  
+6 votes
by (6.2k points)
We did courthouse. We’ve been married 17 yrs. just that no celebration.  
+67 votes
by (800 points)
Have you thought about inviting only parents, siblings (if you’re close), and both of yours best, closest friends to the courthouse? The courthouse would normally allow at 5 minute ceremony, you get a maid or honor & best man, and dad still walks you down the aisle.  
by (800 points)
Then afterwards your small group can all hang out and have dinner and drinks. Then still have a grand reception later on!  
by (800 points)
We were going with this option full steam ahead. but got to thinking about our grandparents. There’s no way they could travel to where we live. So we changed our course and have decided on getting married in the church I grew up in. It’s back where all of of our friends and family are. So we decided “you go home, you go BIG! ” Soooo that’s what we’re doing. But I also am absolutely in loooove with the idea of a private ceremony.  
+61 votes
by (790 points)
We did a small outside wedding. Rented a spot at a park with the reception in the shelter following the wedding. Spent 900 total. We did a lot of stuff ourselves which helped with cost.  
+1 vote
by (1.5k points)
My husband and I did our whole wedding under $3000. We rented a nice air bnb with outdoor seating for 50 people, including us. Made our own, made my bouquet, and did our own decor. Hobby lobby has a sale on their wedding decor every other week. We really only bought a cake and our dress/suit of course. It turned out great! We had the venue for the whole weekend so we were able to clean up the next day and anyone who partied too hard could crash there!  
+56 votes
by (800 points)
I did the "big wedding" had 80 people and I regret it. The day was amazing and it was everything I wanted but it still cost us $13, 000 I can think of 1300 other things we could have used that money for LOL
+77 votes
by (750 points)
We did a courthouse wedding 11 years ago and the ONLY thing I regret was not having a photographer. It was so much less stress and way cheaper.  
+36 votes
by (2.8k points)
I did a courthouse weddding! We had our close family join us and then some friends and family we rented a room at a nice restaurant. Spent under 1000!  
+24 votes
by (7.7k points)
You can have it all and inexpensively if you can keep it intimate.  
+7 votes
by (2k points)
We planned an average wedding for our area spend just shy of 15000 and looking back I would have liked a smaller ceremony and a bigger reception. I say Get the dress get married at a park and then throw a big reception.  
+5 votes
by (10.9k points)
We had a smaller church wedding and reception with just potluck foods and buy your own drinks. We spent $1200 total on my dress, decorations and a DJ for a dance. You can do it very cheap and keep it small so you both get what you want without doing a courthouse wedding. We got married outdoors in a park next to a creek and had the pastor come out there to marry us :)
by (3.6k points)
@snub28 our DJ alone was almost $1200. That’s insane.  
by (10.9k points)
@martins66075 Brown we bought ours on a radio auction so paid $400 for that. Then he double booked it and we had our reception a few days before our wedding. It all turned out okay lol, we will celebrate 18 years next month!  
by (3.6k points)
@snub28 oh well 18 years ago it’s a lot more expensive now lol.  
by (10.9k points)
@martins66075 Brown 18 years ago the regular price was $800 and we scored it at half off lol
+78 votes
by (2.9k points)
Write down 3 non-negotiables between you and your hubby. Each of you can pick two from each list. I wanted a courthouse wedding. He wanted a big reception. We had both! I wanted good food and he wanted to invite all this friends. We got both. I picked the restaurant to get married in. He invited 75 people out of 110. Have the wedding at a restaurant to avoid a rental free (you only have to pay for the food. Most restaurants already have candles and flowers you can possibly borrow), borrow a dress from a friend, skip the bridal party because it'll cost more and you'll feel bad if you make people pay for their dress, makeup and suit etc. Your husband probably has a suit he can wear. Don't do full flower arrangements, or do bud vases using roses from Costco or Sam's Club. Buy a bouquet because this will most likely be the ONLY floral arrangement that gets photographed. Skip the boutonniere or have the florist throw one in for free (ours did). Get married on a Friday, Sunday or Monday to lower the cost. Pick a three day weekend to get married on. Do a lunch wedding and have a cash bar. If people want to day drink, they can pay for it themselves. If you want to "party it up", then hit up a nightclub for the afterparty and rent a booth/table, or go to a karaoke bar something fun. We saved a TON on our wedding by doing these things. We had 110 people (with an open bar) on the Hollywood strip for 20k (including dress and florals, bridal party, photographer etc. ). I got my dress from a thrift store for about $90 and my friend dry cleaned it for free at her dry cleaning business. 20k sounds like a lot but for an LA wedding it's crazy cheap. If I had cut out a lot of the extra stuff like a bridal party, extra bud vases and the groomsmen's suits It would've been in the 10- 15k range.  
+50 votes
by (9.2k points)
Find a park, get an officiant, have your dad walk you to your fiancé. Just have close family (parents, kids, siblings, etc. - not sure who all you want. ) Have your mom or someone play a song on her phone (download it and put the phone on airplane mode) when you are walking up. And still get a photographer.  
+64 votes
by (4.9k points)
We opted for a park wedding with our friend as officiant and our immediate family plus each best friend. Total 13 people and our dog. My dad walked me down the sidewalk, it was private, and we can go visit that place whenever we want. My only regret is that I only have 1 grainy photo of the day. No matter what you choose for the ceremony, get pictures!  
+45 votes
by (1.4k points)
We did a courthouse wedding. I would rather drop more money on the honeymoon personally, rather than spend a bunch of money for 1 day.  
+12 votes
by (1.6k points)
We did a small wedding at a church building where I'm from. It didn't cost us to reserve the building. We just had family (and family friends), a total of maybe 50 people. Our friend officiated. The only expense for us was driving from Idaho to california, the flowers and cupcakes (my mom paid for the last 2). We set up everything, didn't have a true reception but had refreshments after the ceremony. We didn't even have a dance, but my dad did walk me down the aisle.  
+81 votes
by (820 points)
If only inviting 60 ppl do a small backyard wedding type of thing. Small, still can do the traditions wont cost alot. I had a church wedding and had about 200 guest made all my own centerpieces and flowers and only spent 10k. This include my dress cake and even a limo.  
+4 votes
by (1.5k points)
Don’t give up on having your dad walk you down the aisle. I was lucky to get this with my first marriage. I am now divorced unfortunately, and my dad passed away last year, so if and it’s a big if, if I ever get married again, I won’t have my dad there. You can get married in a proper ceremony and with careful planning do it very inexpensively and intimately, this will help with privacy and give you all the things you want also.  
+28 votes
by (3.6k points)
If you look, you can all inclusive venues with small packages for $6-10k. Ceremony, reception and food included.  
+31 votes
by (1.2k points)
My daughter got married at a winery overlooking the river with just his mother and her parents. It was quaint, and really special. Haven’t had a reception yet, that was to happen May 24, but got Corona’d so maybe next year. Why not make it part of the honeymoon, get married on the beach.  
+37 votes
by (860 points)
Don’t know what state you are in but Virginia doesn’t do a typical court house wedding. You do the initial paperwork at the court house, pay someone to come to a location and do the ceremony. Mine was in my living room with <20 people.  
+29 votes
by (790 points)
I did a courthouse and truthfully I regret it. I don't like being the center of attention either but I feel like I shorted myself. We had always planned on doing it later but 10 years and 2 kids later, it seems pointless now.  
+81 votes
by (850 points)
We paid $2500 for our beach wedding including flights, dress, suit, rings, officiant, flowers, dinner, cake, photography, & 3 nights stay at a gorgeous hotel.  
+91 votes
by (840 points)
We are getting married 7/10/20. a small wedding (immediate family) would be about 60 people. when we started researching venues to do something it financially made more sense for us to have a ‘traditional’ wedding and reception at the venue. The venues I called didn’t care if it was a ceremony or a ceremony and reception-it cost the same. We’ve tried to be as savvy as possible-taking advantage of sales and discounts and such. He knows the owner of our venue, so we got a discount and did a Friday so it was even cheaper. He has a photographer friend-she wants more experience with weddings so she is doing our wedding for free. I got all of our clothes on sale. Food/alcohol is a bigger cost (we ended up around 100 people) but we called all the places for quotes and ended up going with the best bang for our buck. Our venue is DYI, so that saved us money. For flowers I’m using sola wood, I made all of my centerpieces and bouquets for less than $200 (20 centerpieces, 6 bridesmaids bouquets and mine). We found our cake person through a friend-she just started her business and is super amazing and cheap plus she can make a special cake for me (i have celiac so i am gluten free). I have a friend that is a DJ part time and gave me a discount. I did not snag a deal on hair/makeup but bc of booking her in January she did offer a discounted trial and no travel charge (this was my splurge). With our honeymoon (a cruise that is obviously postponed lol) we are going to total right at $7k. We have not gone into debt, we have been able to save and pay stuff up front.  
+87 votes
by (2.9k points)
My husband and I got married privately at sunrise so we could cry and be really emotionally intimate. Later that evening we had a smallish ceremony and reception, but the pressure was off and we could just enjoy it.  
+18 votes
by (3.1k points)
There are a lot of in betweens here, especially with only about 60 people. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to have a smaller wedding. If you are having trouble convincing yourself then this is obviously something that means something to you. Sure, you’ll get plenty of budget minded people telling you courthouse is enough, but if your heart is telling you otherwise go with that. You can have a special meaningful wedding with the traditions you want without spending thousands of dollars.  
+59 votes
by (4k points)
We paid about $12k. Invited 300 people. Less than half showed up. Wish we would've went the cheaper route. If we could do it all again we Would do it that way instead and would have used the money for a down payment on a house at that time. We had so much food leftover, hubby took it to work and the guys ate it for a few days. We had a minister do our ceremony. But the thing that cost us the most is that my husband had to have a band and that was 6k. So it would have been better without that.  
+74 votes
by (930 points)
Honestly, our wedding was a disorganized mess. The only things I regret was not having a comfortable dress to change into because it was 100 degrees. I never really had big wedding dreams but literally the only thing you will keep with you is the photos and the memories. Hire a good photographer and eat good. Work with a budget. Realize it only happens once but that it ONLY happens ONCE. A 10 000 dollar dress or an 800 dollar one, you only wear it once. And if you go into massive debt, you’ll carry it longer and wished you had a stress free honeymoon.  
+29 votes
by (850 points)
I got married last April, in a small building/venue, with immediate family only. My dad still walked me down an aisle, even thought it was short. But that ceremony is something both my husband and I won’t forget. We didn’t want to have debt for a wedding, so simplified. We did have a supper for our family after the ceremony and pictures. Followed up with a party on the farm at a later date. While looking at a courthouse wedding, it wasn’t as convenient as I thought. Hours were specific for where we are, which was NOT convenient for family. So keep that in mind as well. I’d do it all over again, because there was no stress, it was a beautiful day, and I just loved spending the day with our family, our best people, and the officiant.  
+14 votes
by (1.8k points)
Make a backyard wedding with your immediate family.  
+74 votes
by (770 points)
We did a wedding in a small chapel in the mtns with just immediate family (bc i hate large crowds! ). Only cost 2k for everything(in 2002 that is) and still had all the memories of a 'real wedding'. Dress, walk down the aisle, pictures, candle lighting, etc. Hope you find a happy medium!  
+25 votes
by (2.8k points)
Check with your local courthouses. my brother has a courthouse ceremony with about 15 people there and her dad was still able to walk her down the isle at their little chapel/ceremony room. First dance stuff all happens at the reception anyway
+99 votes
by (9.2k points)
You can be married "at the courthouse" without it being at the courthouse. We eloped due to the military stuff so we got married at a small beach in town. My parents, brother, friend, and my aunt were there. Later we did a "homecoming, wedding reception, college graduation" cook out party almost a year later. Then we did out honeymoon about 18 months after we got married. We have $0 wedding debt, avoided a crap ton of wedding drama, and my only advice is to get a photographer regardless of however way you do it.  
by (1.9k points)
@sendal agreed! What a good idea! One of my good friends eloped on a mountain in a different state and had a photographer there. Super cute, private and personal
+32 votes
by (1.9k points)
I feel like everyone wants the opposite after their wedding. People who had a traditional wedding (‍♀️) wishes they had a smaller laid back wedding instead. And vise versa. I wish I did a courthouse wedding with a fun laid back bar reception and a band, with a cute boho white dress than a spending so much on a wedding dress that I sold for less than a quarter of the price afterwards.  
+4 votes
by (5.8k points)
Having the traditional wedding doesn’t have to be big. You can still do traditional and small. Maybe 10-20 people could be a pretty ceremony and I think a good compromise
+28 votes
by (810 points)
You can save $ & still have what you want. My fiance wanted a court wedding too, then I started to think of being walked down the aisle. We got married at our community center & had no wedding party. Caterer, Dj, photographer, dress, down to literally every little thing & favor was under 6k for 80 people. It could have been much more elaborate, but my hunny & I had a blast & our families enjoyed themselves.  
+73 votes
by (1.7k points)
Get married at a Bed and Breakfast. It’s not too pricey and you get the wedding aura. I got married at one in the month of December. My ‘gifts’ to my attendants was the over nite stay there. And I had to do no decorations. Christmas decor was beautiful.  
+95 votes
by (6.4k points)
We did! But it was my second marriage, so a lot of the traditional stuff didn’t matter to me. I still wore a dress, got my hair done, and had a bouquet. We went out to lunch after and then left for our honeymoon. It was perfect. The only regret I have is not hiring a professional photographer. I had a friend take photos, but I wish we would have done more.  
by (6.4k points)
Also my first wedding cost about $25k and we went into debt to pay for it all, then we got divorced within five years ‍♀️ the wedding isn’t important, the marriage is. That’s not to say that there is anything wrong with wanting a big wedding, but personally I don’t feel like it’s worth the huge expense and definitely not worth going into debt over. We probably spent $500 total on our wedding, that may even be an overestimate.  
+85 votes
by (1.6k points)
We eloped to a small wedding chapel just the 2 of us. Second wedding for both, my first was a big wedding and I was so stressed leading up to it and the day of I did not enjoy. Second wedding eloping was so wonderful, a special way to start our lives together with no stress. And we saved a ton of money. huge bonus!  
+56 votes
by (1.1k points)
I had an intimate dinner with a few friends the same night to make it outside of a normal day, and took a 4-day mini getaway. Planning to have an actual reception/party next year sometime.  
+81 votes
by (5.7k points)
Do a budget "back yard wedding" it would be a good compromise for both of you. I did all decor etc and we had it catered for 30ish people and it was less than $5000 we could have done it for less though (first wedding) second wedding we did lunch break courthouse wedding and man I wish I had the same beautiful pictures this time round as I did the first. we may do a nice vow renewal for 10 year but still if the dress, the dance and stuff mean a lot to you go the small wedding route.  
+16 votes
by (3.9k points)
My sister went to the courthouse and when my dad found out he threw a fit! He was pissed she took away his walking her down the isle. So they ended up have a church wedding too. Tell that hubby to be to suck it up. There are more ways to do this that gives you both the walk down the isle with your dad and not spend thousands. Find someone with a nice backyard and have a small outside wedding with a trellis. I spent two thousand dollars on a church wedding and a home reception. And yes, that was dress, flowers, photographer, food , cake, alcohol, and all the trimmings! Between my dad and I we called in every favor that was ever owed to us. People love to help out making your dream day come true.  
+95 votes
by (4.2k points)
What about doing a very small ceremony with your parents and siblings grandparents and do a big reception with extended family and friends after ?  
by (4.2k points)
Or even doing a backyard ceremony and reception would cut costs down dramatically
+14 votes
by (1.6k points)
We did this! We went to the courthouse, had 13 people including us. Then had a nice reception dinner after with the same people. Then on the day we were going to get married, we threw a giant casual party in my parents backyard and it was so much fun! The next day we left for our honeymoon. My dad walked me down the courthouse aisle, I had a beautiful wedding dress, first dance at our casual reception, all the normal things  I want to renew our vows later on somewhere tropical but I don’t regret going this route at all. Total was like $6k for everything including my dress. We wanted a super nice honeymoon that we wouldn’t normally be able to have and that was $10k. Partially saved up money from us and we asked for money instead of gifts to pay for it.  
+73 votes
by (3.9k points)
I regret our courthouse wedding
+30 votes
by (4.7k points)
I don’t regret my courthouse wedding. It was just me, my husband, our 1 year old, and our witness (one of my friends). We didn’t invite family and or anyone else. We saved a lot of money, stress, and anxiety by doing it this way. Some family was hurt they weren’t there but eventually got over it. It’s your day, so you gotta do what you want. If you really want a traditional wedding, do it. A wedding is more important to the bride than the groom. He may not like attention but he should get over it if this is what you want. A courthouse wedding was best for us and our situation so you should do what’s best for you and your situation.  
by (4.7k points)
Meant to add, after ours we went to Disneyland, just me, my husband, and our daughter. We may do a vow renewal in 5-10 years and do a reception type thing but we were fine with no reception after. However, my brother had a courthouse wedding too. The wedding was just him, my sister in law, and me as their witness. After they had a small reception at our family’s favorite restaurant. Both my brother and SIL hate attention so for them, this was a perfect day.  
+21 votes
by (3k points)
I was hesitant to remark because there are already so many comments but you definitely have time to find a very small venue that you and your husband to be will enjoy. The chapel we were married at was tiny and adorable and I wouldn't change it for the world. I also know friends who had a private ceremony in a garden area and they invited everyone to the reception after. There are so many options, feel them out and make the decision together for what is right for both of you!  
+40 votes
by (1.4k points)
We had a courthouse wedding and we’ve been married for 7 years. We are just as married as someone who had a huge wedding. Sometimes I think it would have been nice to have the traditional wedding but then when my friends and family were planning theirs. I was glad I didn’t. So many headaches and so much money. We are thinking of having something with friends and family to celebrate our 10 years.  
+85 votes
by (22.3k points)
We got married in the office of the Judges home. (friend of family) We had the judge, his wife and our witnesses there. We've been married nearly 20 years and don't regret it one bit. We never had any kind of party or celebration. We spent a total of 0. I don't feel like I missed out on anything. We spent way too much on an engagement ring. Of I had known then what I know now I wouldn't have had more than a single simple band. (We don't wear them) A wedding don't make a marriage.  
+35 votes
by (3.9k points)
We had a smaller wedding. 80 people and spent less than$5000 including EVERYTHING. For myself I'm so glad we did that. ( we thought about the courthouse route but I was afraid of regretting it later). I think there are pros and cons to both. Honestly you just have to do what you both think is best and rock it out and remember at the end of the day you are married!  
+52 votes
by (2k points)
I got married in Vegas with Elvis. The package was inexpensive but still felt like a wedding. We had a reception back home 2 weeks later and did all the traditional stuff.  
+41 votes
by (2.3k points)
I got married at the courthouse in 1997, wedding dress and all. I don't regret it one bit. We had a reception after with a DJ, full bar, luncheon and the works. Still married 20 some years later
+46 votes
by (2.3k points)
Most of your money is going to be spent on a reception, not the ceremony. It will probably cost you the same whether you do a small ceremony or do it right before the reception (traditional). I just got married in September and wanted a small ceremony and invite more for the reception. Two weeks before the wedding (we did backyard), i said SCREW IT, let's have everyone come to the ceremony. Everyone sat at their round tables to watch the ceremony and i promise you, i did not notice anyone in the crowd watching us and my eyes were focused on my husband.  
+57 votes
by (2k points)
Had to cancel our Vegas wedding due to covid (I’m from Canada) and planned a courthouse wedding in three days. 20 people and a celebration in our home after (I have four kids- my youngest was six months old at the time). We loved our wedding day- it cost us next to nothing ❤️✌
by (2k points)
Did my own hair and makeup. Friends took our photos. No stress at all
+71 votes
by (4.7k points)
Courthouse wedding here with our immediate family then dinner after, we will be married 15yrs this sept and don’t regret anything!  
+41 votes
by (4k points)
It sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself about honoring your SO’s wishes. Go with your gut. If ur feels wrong to you don’t do it. But do share your feelings with him in a respectful way & see what you can do to mage you both happy. If he doesn’t like attention, how would you have any traditional wedding stuff?  
+37 votes
by (2.8k points)
My husband and I had a courthouse wedding on Christmas Eve in 2013. I don’t regret it one bit. I had my wedding planned out since I was a kid and also worried I’d regret at first. It was just us, our kids, the judge and a courthouse witness. The idea of spending so much money didn’t make sense to us. I hate attention being on me so it was ideal. Afterwards we drove to my dads house where family had set up a small reception for us. I don’t feel any less married because of it. If anything, you can always save up once you’re more financially set to have a “normal” wedding and just renew your vows.  
+43 votes
by (6.7k points)
Please get married in your church you won’t regret it!  
+17 votes
by (890 points)
Ive done a quick church wedding with only immediate family then after we all went to eat pasta. We bought our home with money we would have spent on a big wedding. Ive also done a courthouse marriage. and only our grown kids . then out to eat.  
+40 votes
by (2.2k points)
Pop up a big white tent, you can rent them. add pretty lights and a chandelier. Wrap the poles in fake floral from Michael’s or the like. Rent the white chairs, invite only family and close friends. Get a nice Bluetooth speaker for the wedding march, rose petals for the isle or a big long piece of sheer fabric. Find a used wedding dress or rent one OR just buy a white regular dress you like! This way he gets his private ceremony and you get to feel like a princess and your dad walk you down the isle and you could easily spend under $1k this way. And I would have that at the reception or wherever you’re having the party and just make sure they know the time- they’ll show up 30 minutes after the ceremony or whatever to choose!  
+29 votes
by (1.6k points)
I had a church wedding and reception in 1993. We were so poor! My parents offered to pay for an all inclusive cruise/resort. I felt like I had to have the wedding. I wish I had taken the cruise/resort option.  
+49 votes
by (3.9k points)
We had both. We got married in the courthouse two days before our ceremony. It was plain and simple but I can still remember what I had on 25 years later. After the ceremony we went to eat lunch at Sonic and then picked up my wedding dress. If we could go back and do it all over again we’d forget the ceremony and just have the courthouse wedding.  
+55 votes
by (1.3k points)
Do a small immediate family only wedding in front of the courthouse or wherever! My sister did that with a huge reception later and it turned out amazing!  
+34 votes
by (3k points)
Hubby and I got married at the courthouse. We renewed our vows 15 years later. paid mostly cash for our dream 15k wedding.  
+11 votes
by (930 points)
I had a medium size wedding but we had our town's mayor marry us. The money went to the town's park's and playgrounds. If i remember it was like 100-125 for a run through night before and the ceremony.  
+33 votes
by (1.7k points)
I would have done that for my second marriage-but that’s what my husband did for his first marriage and felt like he was missing out on the wedding-so we did a bigger wedding (not huge by any means-but more expensive than a courthouse wedding) and I think we both walked away thinking-we should have done it at the courthouse because it would have been cheaper and a lot less stressful lol
+49 votes
by (2.2k points)
You might think about immediate family only wedding then reception later. My niece had a beautiful wedding with parents, grandparents and a few friends. She loved it
+100 votes
by (740 points)
We didn't do a courthouse but we did a very small (parents only) wedding in a garden. It was incredible and i didnt feel like i was missing out on any "special' moments. We followed it up with a huge bbq a few weeks later. Still got to do the dancing but skipped the speeches. It was perfect.  
by (740 points)
$1000 for the wedding *all in. And another $1000 for the bbq. Much more affordable then a big wedding.  
+24 votes
by (1.3k points)
I don't think your fiancee wouldn't notice all the people. His eyes will be on you.  
+28 votes
by (7.2k points)
A friend got married at the courthouse with 50 people. Usual wedding stuff then reception with everyone later.  
+57 votes
by (2.6k points)
We knew the cook county clerk, so we had him come to our house for a ceremony and then we had 60 people in our house for dinner. Everything including our wedding attire , music, food, rental of equipment was less than $5K. We have had a great photographer and all went great.  
+32 votes
by (4k points)
My brother got married at the courthouse with our immediate family and some family on FaceTime that couldn’t make it. It was a very nice simple ceremony. We had a small dinner with close friends and family after. I thought it was perfect for him and his wife. No one had any complaints.  
+78 votes
by (1.3k points)
We paid a Justice of the peace $100 (charged $50, tipped $50) to come to us rather than going to the courthouse. We got married in my parents large dining room with both of our immediate families. Pro: wedding bands, food & cake for celebration, justice of the peace, pretty white sundress, etc. for a total cost of $1, 500. Pro: Not spending on a ceremony allowed us much more money for amazing week long honey moon paid for in cash. Pro: We didn’t start our marriage in debt. Pro: Non of the traditional parties, showers, rehearsal, bridal party dresses, no tuxes, etc. meant it cost our families nothing (besides the gifts they gave to us because they are amazing) to share our special day with us. Con: none, wouldn’t change a thing
+8 votes
by (790 points)
Check for a little wedding chapel. We did this for my 2nd marriage- we've been married 24 years. It was beautiful, and we had immediate family there- about 20 people. We did in am, and went back to our house for cake and appetizers. Left for honeymoon by 2pm. It cost less than $150.  
+60 votes
by (3.5k points)
I had a small wedding. 40 people. Just a few small details and my favorite people. Going on 20 years of wedded bliss.  And we didn’t start out in debt. I wouldn’t change a thing.  
+73 votes
by (840 points)
My first wedding was everything from soup to nuts: church, dress, wedding party, reception and big honeymoon- spent over $30k which I never saw again and ended in divorce for so many reasons not the least of which was $$ issues. Fast forward 2nd wedding by a judge with a small dinner after and a short, lovely honeymoon in a very inexpensive way - I had more fun and more love the second time ! No stress, just happiness! We had the judge meet us so we didn’t have to have it at the courthouse - you can have it at a state park or on the beach just ask the judges secretary if he is willing to travel to a location - might have to pay his costs but can’t be much!  
by (840 points)
Btw still married almost 10 years later and still as happy!  
+29 votes
by (1.8k points)
I wanted to elope, husband wanted a traditional wedding. We went more traditional but scaled it way down and stood firm on the guest list. I DIYed a lot of things including my sash, the center pieces, the bridesmaid bouquets. It was the most fun and amazing night/party. I’m really glad that we did it and it felt like it was over too soon.  
+47 votes
by (720 points)
What if you did a destination wedding? My husband and I got married with just a few family mbrs on the beach and when we came home we had a reception/celebration. I spent $7-$8k on the whole thing and we did excursions on our honeymoon.  
+86 votes
by (2.2k points)
We were at the Santa @stern courthouse ready to get married but decided to hit the beach at sunset instead!  
+27 votes
by (830 points)
What about doing something super small with a notary doing the officiating?  
+85 votes
by (700 points)
The traditional wedding is great and all, but honestly if I had to do it again I would do a first look photoshoot with my husband seeing me in my dress and some family shots, then to the courthouse and a nice long honeymoon. Save the money! A wedding is a giant stressful party for everyone else and it happens so fast. You barely get to enjoy it, don't get me wrong it's a beautiful celebration but the real celebration is you and your husband coming together. You don't need a huge party for everyone else to celebrate your union. Save the money and enjoy your new chapter with a great honeymoon and some money in the bank. But that's just my opinion.  
by (1.5k points)
@untrue4. Hi we did a backyard wedding with 24 ppl. Intimate and perfect setting. Me and husband did all planning. His nephew did the cooking and family members helped out with table settings and decoration. Spent less than 10k all. Start our life with good credit.  
0 votes
by (3.1k points)
We ran away and got eloped in Vegas in a sundress and slacks. Been together three years and last month was our one year wedding anniversary. Wouldn't change a thing. After all is said and done and you go back to your normal spots cuddled up on the couch, a wedding doesn't change anything. Marriage doesn't change anything. Ask yourself if you want a $1, 000 memory or a $10, 000 memory  
+64 votes
by (1.6k points)
We got married at the courthouse and did pics in the park after. We did a super fun honeymoon in cash and I don't regret it. Check into the website Offbeat bride. There are tons of small unique elopements and courthouse weddings on there. You can also search for ideas for both on Pinterest.  We did all the stuff that made us happy and none of the stuff that didn't.  
+30 votes
by (1.6k points)
We got married in the backyard of the house my husband renovated for us(that was also our first night in the house). We had our immediate families and our two best friend with their families.  We later had a huge party at our house to celebrate. We both hate attention and loved our low key, private wedding.  
+9 votes
by (1.3k points)
What about a compromise? A destination wedding or a small backyard wedding? You would still get to walk down the aisle and all the traditional things, but a much smaller and intimate crowd for him.  
+79 votes
by (1.6k points)
I had a courthouse wedding! We just celebrated 10yrs! I don’t regret it at all! I’m so glad we didn’t go into debt for a wedding! The only thing I missed was going with my mom to try on wedding dresses! I think a nice reception would be perfect. You could still at least dance with your father!  
+18 votes
by (5.5k points)
It was $80 for us at the courthouse, and our only expense. I just wish we had invited Grandparents instead of just parents and siblings. (There were 5 people and 3 kids there). I also really don't like being the center of attention so I'm glad we went this route. It all started when we were planning a small one at a park or somewhere outdoors and my mother in law (who is wonderful) started talking about second great aunts by marriage who my husband had never even met wanting to come and it started stressing me out. I has literally 5 family members to invite and maybe 3 friends, he had 18 ONLY with his siblings, parents, uncles and grandparents. ) You could always do a hybrid though, immediately family only and have it done at a local park or at someone's home if they have a pretty backyard.  
+13 votes
by (1.3k points)
When I got married, we went to one of those little chapels here in Vegas. It was $300 and it was perfect. The venue was gorgeous. I got that traditional feel without breaking the bank. Might be a good middle ground.  
+32 votes
by (2.3k points)
It depends on the courthouse, I guess. Our is historic and beautiful. I’d love to be married there. But the response above about getting married at a small venue balcony is awesome! Ether way, I’d have a lunch for a few guests and call it a day. I’d never do traditional church/expensive reception again! Total waste of money! And I hate attention on myself. I did it for my mom, I was a people pleaser back then. I’ve always loved the Sex and the City wedding with Carrie. courthouse and brunch ❤️❤️❤️
+59 votes
by (2.6k points)
Not going to lie, we did both. Our total wedding costs were $5k because we budgeted everything. Most expensive things were food ($1000) and probably the seating (church pews outside). We didn’t go on a honeymoon though because my ass got knocked up  but that’s a topic for another discussion  
+33 votes
by (1.6k points)
We did an elopement style wedding, had a photographer take pictures of us throughout NYC. Our immediate families came with us. We did reveal photos, and in your scenario you could have your father walk you to the reveal moment. We got married at the courthouse, then had a cocktail party that evening at a small bar we booked out. We did open bar, a bunch of apps, cut a small cake, and had cupcakes for everyone.  
+40 votes
by (2.4k points)
I got married at my best friends kitchen table. It cost me $50 for the license and a case of beer for the officiate. I am also not an attention loving person. If I did it again I would have our immediate families there, get a fancy dress, and have my dad walk me to the table. It would be outside maybe at a park or a family members house and if anyone else wanted to come it would be byob and potluck.  
+41 votes
by (760 points)
We did the wedding deal and I hated it, it was all about the other people and all we heard was what they would of done and what they wanted. No one made it for us, his mom planned the whole thing. Thankfully it did not effect my husband and I as we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this August.  
+65 votes
by (820 points)
I got married at the dmv and paid $36 ‍♀️
+37 votes
by (9.4k points)
I got married in the church the first time and I didn’t last. The second time was the right guy and we got married by the pond in his parent’s backyard. It was beautiful and a truly special day with just immediate family. The day is what you make it. Maybe the wedding night at a fancy hotel or a special honeymoon.  
+89 votes
by (870 points)
The ceremony doesn’t cost much money, it’s the party after. We had a traditional ceremony at the beach. My father-in-law got ordained online and did the ceremony. We only paid for a permit and rented benches. Then we had a backyard reception at a house nearby. I think we had 65 people.  
+14 votes
by (730 points)
Unless you’re using some extravagant church. the wedding is not the expensive part. The reception is where you spend the money. I say shop around and find a church that doesn’t charge a ton. I got married in a Catholic Church. my only fees were to the priest and the organist. Both fees were a donation so I got to chose how much. You can’t get the moments back like walking down the aisle
+83 votes
by (1.1k points)
I don’t know where you live, but look at the San Francisco court house. It’s absolutely beautiful!  
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