Would I regret it?

It depends on the person. If it's more like you guys to not have a big wedding, then go for it. I always thought I would want something small, but after thinking about it I realized that I wouldn't want that.

In the long run, I think you would. Who are you planning to witness your marriage?

I think your family/friends will be hurt if they don't attend your nuptials, they wanna help celebrate you not feel left out. Also, a wedding is important cause that's where all the pictures are taking to look back on, if you just have elope... how would you have wedding photo's?? and you'll miss out on all the FUN a wedding is.

Well we would invite a few people and maybe have a little reception afterward. And what exactly is all the "FUN" I'd be missing out on?

Go for the courthouse-- if you realize you wanted the big shindig, you can always renew your vows.

I'm going JOP and me and my FH are just fine with it we are having our immidiate family there and out to eat afterwards.do what you two feel is best not for everyone e else hope this helps

@Roxanne... If you weren't planning a reception.. the fun would being announced as man & wife for the first time, first dance, being with all your family/friends on the dance floor etc... But, if that is more you guys then do whatever makes YOU happy. If you do plan a courthouse wedding is best, I would do a little party afterwards. Only you know what's best for you and good luck with everything!!!

However, there's a wide range of options between JoP and a big wedding. You can have a small, intimate ceremony and dinner. You can celebrate with those who are closest to you. You can have a Sunday brunch, or a cocktail party with 20 or 200 people.

We had a small wedding with 45 people total. It brought our friends and families together literally from all over the world. It's a unique feeling knowing that all those people traveled to celebrate our marriage with us. My father only got to walk one of his daughters down the aisle. My ILs were only present at one of their son's weddings. Those are some unique moments in life that I would not trade for anything. So I hope it helps.

Also, could you please change your avatar under your profile to anything other than salt and pepper shakers?

I think it's a personal choice & decision and I think that you need to decide with your FH what would be best for you two. Everyone on here is going to have their own view on the subject.

My personal view: Go for it. My DH & I did the closest thing we could to elopement. We had our immediate family members present to witness our ceremony (a total of 8 guests) and then afterwards we had a wonderful dinner. There was no dancing or heavy drinking (that came later in the night when we went bar hopping!) and most importantly, there was no giant price tag. We were thrilled with our wedding and wouldn't have wanted it any other way. For us the big reception would've just been 'filler'... something that would've been entirely too stressful in making everyone happy.

Again, take a step back and do what would be best for you two and remember, if you end up wanting to have the big reception then in 10 years you can do a vow renewal! :o)

I NEVER wanted a big wedding. Always said I'd get married on a beach somewhere by ourselves, or just drop by the courthouse. Our wedding ended up being less than 50 people (including wedding party and children)...very intimate. Our venue was $500 to rent for the entire day. Our entire budget was $5000, and we could have done it for less if we had skimped on the food/ photography. Although it was more stressful to plan an actual wedding, in OUR case, I feel like it was worth it. My husband didn't want to have a courthouse wedding, and now that it's over, I'm glad he didn't give in to me and my demands of just signing the papers. Ultimately, it's up to you. I've seen some really cute little courthouse weddings. But I'm glad we got married at a place we both loved instead. Good luck!!

I kind of have to disagree with Michelle. Not everyone thinks of those things as fun. Like I have never looked forward to being intro'd into the reception(and we're not doing it for our VR), and we are not dance floor people. You can have a few people at a JOP ceremony, and the officiant will still "announce" you as man and wife. Every couple is different. What one person will miss if they don't have it, someone else won't care to have.

It's really up to you what you think is best. You are the only one who will know if you will regret it or not. No one else will. If you have a feeling you will or there is doubt in your mind than maybe do something small? You could always do the JOP, and than if you feel like you missed out later do a vow renewal. IMO there's too much pressure with all of the "must haves" people try to tell brides they need.

As far as wedding go, to each's own. No one can give you a correct answer. There are brides who have been planning their weddings their entire lives. Each one has a different idea of their perfect day. Then you have brides like myself who never planned on getting married then they met "My Forever". We also have a different idea of our perferct day.

Roxanne C, you have to do what you want because in the end, you will have to live with your decision.

Happy Planning!