Creative Ways to Infuse Personality Into Your Courthouse “I Dos”
As more couples opt for the intimacy of a city hall wedding, the challenge is making a government building feel like a sanctuary.
There’s a quiet shift happening in the wedding world, and it’s unfolding on the steps of city hall. As per Pinterest’s 2025 Annual Wedding Trends Report, Gen Z is leading a surge in interest for courthouse and city hall ceremonies, as the platform recorded a 190% increase in searches for “city hall elopements.”
For some couples, that means forgoing a traditional wedding altogether in favor of an intimate, no-frills ceremony that keeps the focus squarely on the commitment. For others, it’s become a meaningful first chapter: a private city hall “I do” shared between just the two of them before a larger celebration later on. Different approaches, same underlying mindset: couples are rethinking what a wedding has to look like and carving out space for moments that feel more personal, intimate, and just for them.
Whether it’s in addition to the big wedding or in lieu of, couples are still finding ways to make their mark on a simple courthouse wedding.
Include Bespoke Details And Florals To Make The Courthouse Ceremony Your Own
Planners suggest elevating your courthouse wedding ceremony by bringing in small, bespoke items to add a personalized touch. According to them, you don’t have to incorporate over-the-top elements to make a statement. You can do it with a few thoughtful details.
“Even the most intimate courthouse ceremonies deserve a fun or elevated, personal touch. I always suggest bringing a few thoughtful details, such as beautiful vow books and custom ring boxes to present your bands,” declares Melani Lust, owner of Melani Lust Photography.
Moreover, experts suggest not skipping on personal flowers in your courthouse wedding ceremony. You could include hand bouquets or opt for floral accessories to craft a celebratory ambiance. “A courthouse wedding is absolutely an opportunity for creative florals, and many florists love the special possibilities when a couple is keeping it small,” adds Catherine Malone, design director of Tourterelle Floral Design. “Beyond the bouquet/boutoniere, consider floral accessories. After the ceremony, a special, coordinated centerpiece that can be delivered to wherever you choose to celebrate helps with visual continuity.”
Go All Out With Your Wedding Outfits
In addition, planners advise having fun and going all out with your wedding attire. Just because you’re getting married at a courthouse doesn’t mean you need to be dressed subtly. They recommend choosing a particular style and having fun with it.
“Since courthouse ceremonies come with limitations on what you can bring, your attire becomes one of the most creative ways to infuse personality. I suggest choosing a distinct aesthetic and fully committing to it through styling,” remarks Hattie Kearney, wedding planner at Peach Perfect Weddings. “For example, if you love a vintage aesthetic, go for a vintage-inspired look with gloves, a birdcage veil, and period-appropriate hair, then pair it with cohesive photo editing to match the overall look.”
We both say we were able to be fully present in every moment, and remember every aspect of our ceremony, which is such a gift and is ultimately what the whole day is about.
Furthermore, experts recommend hiring a photographer to capture your special moments at the courthouse, which you can share with your friends and family and cherish forever.
“Photography-wise, treating it like a full wedding day, starting with getting ready shots, a first look, and/or a unique ride to the courthouse, perhaps in a vintage NYC Checker cab, helps tell the story of your day and make it feel elevated and extra special,” states Nicki Fietzer, owner and photographer at De Nueva Photography.
Hire A Live Musician Or Carry A Portable Speaker To Set The Mood
Additionally, experts recommend hiring a musician or bringing a portable speaker to play songs during your courthouse ceremony or vow exchange.
“To add a bit of emotion and elevate the atmosphere at a courthouse, consider hiring a live instrumentalist. This works especially well if there is a private vow exchange, a ring moment, or photographs afterward. A violinist or acoustic guitarist can turn a somewhat minimal experience into something more intentional and refined,” declares Zorawar Shukla, co-founder and CEO of Desi Beat Collective. However, be sure to confirm with the courthouse that it’s allowed before booking!
Having some music (even if it’s coming from a tiny portable speaker) at your courthouse ceremony will help craft a romantic atmosphere. “One of my Boston City Hall wedding clients brought a tiny portable speaker and softly played a song that was meaningful to them throughout the courthouse ceremony,” adds Nicole Chan, photographer at Nicole Chan Photo & Video. “It was perfect, because the entire ceremony was just about four minutes long, so it worked well that the song ended right around the time they finished saying their vows and exchanging rings!”
After your courthouse wedding ceremony, experts suggest pausing by popping a bottle of Champagne or grabbing a snack with your closest family, friends or even just yourselves before heading to your dinner reception. Taking a break between the two will help you soak in the moment and enjoy it more.
“A courthouse wedding may feel minimal on paper, but it actually gives you more control to make it feel intentional, intimate, and very you,” declares photographer Zara Alina.
Craft A Welcoming And Intentional Wedding Reception For Your Close Friends And Family
Lastly, planners suggest elevating your courthouse wedding by treating your dinner reception as an emotional extension of the ceremony. They recommend selecting elements that tell your love story and make guests feel truly welcome.
“If the courthouse moment is intentionally private, the reception becomes the first space where your world opens and invites others in. That dinner should not feel like an afterthought,” concludes Bryan Rafanelli, founder and CEO of Rafanelli Events. “It should feel warm, deliberate, and deeply personal, with every detail reflecting who you are, from the menu and music to the scale of the room and the way guests are welcomed!”
