$40,000 Wedding or a $120 Courthouse Ceremony? Why More Couples Are Choosing the Simple Route
The average wedding in the United States now costs between $30,000 and $40,000, but a growing number of couples are choosing a different path. A courthouse wedding can cost as little as $60 to $220, making it one of the most affordable ways to legally get married. Instead of spending tens of thousands on a single day, many couples are choosing civil ceremonies and using that money for a home, travel, investments, or their future together. In this guide, we break down how much courthouse weddings cost, why they are becoming more popular, and what couples should know before planning a courthouse ceremony.
A meaningful courthouse wedding moment as the groom places the ring on his bride’s finger during their civil marriage ceremony, marking the official start of their life together.
For decades, weddings were expected to be large, elaborate celebrations. Grand venues, hundreds of guests, custom décor, live bands, catered dinners, and months—sometimes years—of planning.
But today, many couples are asking a different question:
Do we really want to spend $30,000–$40,000 on a single day?
According to recent wedding industry reports, the average U.S. wedding now costs between $30,000 and $40,000, depending on location and guest count.
Meanwhile, a courthouse wedding typically costs between $60 and $220, including the marriage license and civil ceremony.
In many parts of California, couples can legally get married at the courthouse for around $90–$140 total.
That price difference is leading more couples to rethink what their wedding day should look like.
$40,000 Wedding or a $120 Courthouse Ceremony? Why More Couples Are Choosing the Simple Route highlights a growing shift toward intimate weddings that focus on the commitment itself. Whether you’re planning a courthouse ceremony or a quiet elopement, we help you capture the emotion and preserve the moment with thoughtful photography that reflects your story.
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Why More Couples Are Choosing Courthouse Weddings
Financial Priorities Are Changing
Spending tens of thousands of dollars on one day is becoming harder for many couples to justify.
Instead, couples are choosing to redirect that money toward long-term goals such as:
• Saving for a down payment on a home
• Paying off student loans or debt
• Building investment accounts
• Traveling together
• Starting their family with financial stability
A courthouse ceremony allows couples to begin marriage focused on their future together, not a large bill.
Simpler Weddings Mean Less Stress
Planning a traditional wedding often involves coordinating:
• Venues
• Caterers
• Rentals
• Decorations
• Invitations
• Guest lists
• Seating charts
• Entertainment
That planning process can take 12–18 months.
Courthouse weddings remove most of that complexity. Couples simply:
Apply for a marriage license
Schedule a civil ceremony
Bring witnesses (depending on the county)
The result is a wedding day focused on the commitment itself rather than the production around it.
Small Weddings Create Real Moments
Many couples who choose courthouse weddings discover something unexpected:
The experience often feels more personal and emotional.
Without the pressure of hosting a large event, couples can fully experience the moment they say “I do.”
After the ceremony, many celebrate with:
• A romantic dinner
• A small gathering with family
• A weekend getaway
• Professional wedding portraits around the courthouse
The day becomes about connection rather than expectations.
The Rise of “Just Married” Portrait Sessions
One growing trend among courthouse couples is booking a portrait session immediately after their ceremony.
Instead of photographing a full wedding day, photographers focus on capturing the moment couples step outside the courthouse as newlyweds.
These sessions often include:
• Walking out of the courthouse together
• Romantic portraits as husband and wife
• Celebratory moments holding hands or embracing
• Photos with courthouse architecture as the backdrop
Historic courthouses across Southern California provide incredible scenery for these moments, including:
• Grand staircases
• Arched hallways
• Historic architecture
• Gardens and courtyards
• City landmarks nearby
The result is a wedding gallery that feels timeless without the stress of a traditional wedding.
Marriage Is Staying the Same — Weddings Are Changing
Marriage itself hasn’t changed.
But the way couples celebrate it is evolving.
More couples are choosing weddings that reflect their priorities:
• Financial stability
• Authentic experiences
• Smaller celebrations
• Meaningful memories
For many, that means skipping the $40,000 wedding and choosing a courthouse ceremony instead.
And sometimes, the simplest weddings become the most meaningful ones.
Planning a Courthouse Wedding?
Courthouse weddings are simple, but knowing what to expect can make the experience even smoother. From obtaining your marriage license to understanding ceremony options and nearby portrait locations, a little preparation helps you enjoy the moment without stress.
If you're planning a civil ceremony and want to understand the process, timelines, and courthouse wedding options, start here: