Deciding on a simple, private civil ceremony does not have to mean a boring or impersonal experience! Whether you’ve decided on a courthouse wedding to forgo the time and financial constraints of a big wedding or your personal preferences are better suited to an intimate ceremony, there are many ways to make the most of your experience.
Tiara and Ronnie are the perfect example! These newlyweds officially tied the knot in October after many wonderful years and two beautiful kids together. The two opted out of ceremony pictures, but I met up with them afterwards to take portraits and family photos. The whole crew gave off loving, high energy and FUN vibes that made for gorgeous pictures. Each priceless moment was a blast to capture. I wanted to share their story and show how you can opt for a simple ceremony and still have a meaningful and photogenic experience.
If you’ve decided a civil ceremony is right for you, here are a few ideas to maximize the experience (and get great pictures).
5 Ways to Make Your Courthouse Wedding Day Unforgettable!
Send Invitations
Even if your guest list is your immediate family, your wedding day invite warrants more than a group text! Maybe you want to go with a stunning artfully-crafted invitation suite since you’ll only be purchasing a few (and family members tend to love these mementos). Or maybe you just want to order one custom wedding invitation as a keepsake for the two of you.
If you want to keep it simple, FedEx offers affordable small-order invitation packages. You could even consider buying blank cards and handwriting the details for a more personalized option.
Wear the Dress & Get the Flowers
Find the wedding dress or killer outfit that makes you feel incredible and wear it! It could be a traditional lacy white gown, a striking ivory suit, or a fun party dress; whatever it is, you deserve to feel like a million bucks on your big day! (And that confidence will reflect in your portraits as well.) A bouquet is a nice touch to complete your wedding look. Even though you won’t be able to deck out the courthouse with floral arrangements, having a bridal bouquet and boutonnière add a personal touch that will brighten your ceremony and your pictures.
Write Your Vows
If possible, personalize your vows to each other. A civil ceremony is such an intimate setting, and a great opportunity to profess your love without the pressure of a large group. Be sure to ask when reserving your ceremony date if this is an option! Some couples like to use calligraphy (or some other creative display) for their vows so they can frame them later.
Take the Pictures
No matter the size or grandeur of your wedding, the day deserves to be beautifully documented! Hire a photographer or videographer to capture the love and energy of the day. Wedding photos are irreplaceable mementos of your special day, and will help you relive the joy for years to come. Tiara and Ronnie’s vibrant fall portraits deserve a front-and-center spot on a wall for sure! And their kiddos’ smiles–absolutely priceless.
Celebrate!
Do something fun to commemorate the day! Plan a way for you and your family and friends to celebrate your new union. This may be something grand like a party reception at a later date, or an intimate gesture like a toast at your favorite bar! Whatever feels right to you, take the time to relish the newlywed feeling. A courthouse wedding is a momentous way to tie the knot!
Big or small, I’m here for it all . . .
As a wedding photographer I love capturing the spark between couples and the excitement that the engagement and wedding season brings. It’s my passion to showcase your relationship and affection for one another in a way that also highlights your unique personalities. (I also have a bit of a penchant for unconventional weddings & elopements, so let me know what you have in mind!)
Whether you’ve got an extravagant affair or an intimate ceremony planned, I would love to help you document this extraordinary chapter in your lives! Browse the blog for additional wedding tips or get in touch with any questions!
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