A civil courthouse ceremony and brunch

A friend of FH and I got married in a courthouse. They were able to invite a few people to the ceremony as well. Shortly after the ceremony, they had a very nice ceremony for about 150 people.

I say go for it. I would also contact the courthouse and see if you can invite guests to the ceremony, and if so, how many.

I marry plenty of people who do very small ceremonies with little lunches afterwards. I really like that plan.

I don't think it's either cheap or rude; it's what works for you.

My first marriage was at a courthouse with immediate family and a good friend, we went to dinner afterwards with everyone there, and while we were waiting to go see the Judge to marry us, my mother asked if she could give us a reception, and it was planned there. Much cheaper, but still nice. We had the reception in her back yard on Labor Day weekend. It turned out very nice.

Its not cheap. if that's what you really want hon, then do it. i got married at the JOP with no family and it was a nice service, but i was in maternity clothes, so we're doing a renewal now 10 years later, but honestly, i think as long as your family is there and you say your vows, you wanna celebrate afterwards...i think its a great idea! it can still be absolutely beaitful....

There are also many great independent officiants who can do small, sweet ceremonies for you that are not in the courthouse, but maybe at at pretty restaurant or park....

Small ceremonies with a lunch afterwards are not a bad plan. It's what we did...

But the courthouse is probably not the best place for it. I can't speak for your courthouse- but at mine, it's awful. You show up, and are herded like cattle, waiting your turn. You get a 3 minute ceremony with 2 witnesses (NO GUESTS) and you're out. And you're not allowed to take pictures in the courthouse.

If you're thinking of a luncheon, have the ceremony at the restaurant! Many have private meeting rooms and you can have all your guests. As long as you order a meal, the use of the room is free! Just hire an officiant to come perform the ceremony.

The NYC courthouse, in Manhattan, is actually quite a production, and it's great people watching too, lol! I just sent one of my brides a list of five little restaurants that will do exactly what Meghan suggested; a late lunch/brunch or early dinner with use of the room (or part of it). Maybe you have a little independent coffee house or even a greenhouse that might be a great backdrop.

Thank you everyone for your feedback.

Me and my fiance are doing the exact same thing, we are going to a little chapel where we can have 24 ppl which was easy siblings and immediate family. Then back to our place for a small bbq for the rest of our family and friends. I can't wait

I think it sounds lovely and intimate and perfect, and Sedona sounds amazing.

I wonder if you could go to the courthouse now to observe how the process works?

That way you would know what you're getting yourself into for the ceremony part.

Two of our friends have done exactly what Meghan said. Those were both really beautiful weddings. One of them had a big group so they rented out the whole restaurant and had the ceremony on the patio, but the other was a smaller wedding so they just reserved the garden courtyard. There were regular customers dining in the restaurant but you would never know it.

Good luck!

I think it would be lovely and no, it's not cheap or rude.

We were married in a civil marriage here in Germany in Dec, it was beautiful. It was just a few of us, we had a photographer take pictures and did a photo shoot afterwards. Then headed to a nice lunch. The day was perfect.

We are planning a US wedding for next year with family and friends and were already planning to do so when we had our civil. But honestly had I had my mom and sister there as well, it would have been enough for us. It was a beautiful day.

I don't feel it says cheap at all. It says romantic & intimate. Your real friends will be happy for you and understand if they weren't there.

I would check with the courthouse about having guests but it sounds like a lovely plan to me. As has been pointed out, you could also have a ceremony with an independent officiant at the restaurant or other location.

We did this. We had about 25 of our closest friends and family there and then we had lunch at a restaurant afterwards. My grandma surprised us with a little wedding cake too so we did the whole cake cutting thing and people made toasts. It was pretty perfect actually. I don't think the wedding ceremony we're doing in November will be able to top it!

Random: We're getting married in Prescott, Arkansas

On Subject....I say go for it! I'm trying to get my FH to go with me on this idea so we can save some money!

I would love it if I ended up doing exactly what you said. Hopefully I can. =p