Courthouse & dinner instead of wedding ceremony?

That's definitely still a wedding ceremony, and it sounds like an awesome plan

I think a dinner party reception for 25 people with great food, drinks, and company sounds wonderful! Look for restaurants with great private rooms!

Just fyi...there are lots of affordable venues that offer wedding elopement packages something to consider if you want to avoid the courthouse atmosphere.

Maybe consider hiring a DJ for some good entertainment (as your "activity") and definitely a private room at a restaurant with lots of good food! Also consider hiring a photographer just my thoughts... congratulations!!!

I wish I would have done that instead of wasting a bunch of time and money. Of the 80 I invited only 40 are attending. I like the way you think OP

My sister did something similar. She had an officiant come to their home and they tied the knot. Then we all went out to a really nice restaurant for dinner. It was so so amazing. I loved it.

I love this idea and actually like the idea of an activity. It's your wedding and you know your crowd; have fun and go for it.

I love this and seriously considered this! I don't think you need an activity after dinner.

You guys are so helpful!!! If we do just do the dinner and drinks in a private room at a restaurant.. do we still register for gifts? Is that appropriate?

We've decided to have a small, intimate ceremony on the beach and because of out size, it's actually free. Depending on your area, that or the mountains could be something to look into if you're trying to save money on the venue. After, we'll go eat dinner and we're not doing gifts, showers or a registry. We'll have like a girls' day/night and guys' day/night, but not calling it a bachelor and bachelorette party since we're only having a best man and matron of honor. No bridesmaids or groomsmen. Just a fun outing with my closest friends would be nice. But if you want to do the courthouse, I think that's a nice idea and no need for more activities other than dinner unless y'all just wanna do something else. We're getting married at sunset though so after dinner, I'm gonna be like, bye y'all! Lol.

Yes yes yes!!!!! If we were to go back in time we would totally do this!!!! Makes so much sense money wise and stress wide! If you can avoid it, avoid getting sucked into the wedding industry!!!!

Oh, and I didn't read the rest of it! When we were considering this, we thought about renting out a few lanes at the bowling alley afterwards in our fancy outfits! We also thought about going roller skating or ice skating with everyone. Haha, not sure how fancy you want!