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It was about a decade ago when I first started dreaming about the idea of a courthouse wedding. I was scrolling on the internet when  I saw a photo of a stunning wedding.  She was in a beautiful formal white gown; he was handsome in his suit. It was quite the picturesque moment – and the cherry on top was their venue.  It was simply stunning.  Some columns stretched high above the couple with marble floors and a curved staircase.  And then I read the words, “San Francisco Court House Elopement.”  

Honestly, that is why I chose an intimate elopement with my partner.  I am obsessed with intimate moments captured in photos, and nothing is more intimate than an elopement.  From my own experience, I truly would not change a thing.  I told my partner I wanted two things: water and mountains. He chose the location: a mountain lake in his home state, Colorado.

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I believe that a courthouse ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful wedding day, full of moments and memories to cherish for the rest of one’s life.  There are so many ways to create a day that is perfect for you and your partner.

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How do you know if a Courthouse Wedding is right for you? That is a great question!  I have seen couples choose a Courthouse Wedding for many different reasons – some preferred the intimate nature of the Courthouse. Some preferred the savings financially, and for others, it was a simpler option; they could not bear the thought of a large celebration.  The thing is that this is your day – no one else’s.

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If you are looking for a wedding that can be intimate and beautiful without being in front of hundreds of people, then a courthouse wedding is truly for you.  Let’s talk about some of the benefits of having a Courthouse Wedding.

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It is intimate.

There is something truly sweet about simply being with your partner, closest family, and friends. You are able to craft a day that is truly about you and your partner in a way that you just cannot do when you have a larger gathering.  Instead of hosting a reception, you could take everyone to dinner at your favorite restaurant.  You can truly make it your day. Are you guys the life of the party? After dinner, go to a fun arcade or a karaoke bar.  There is nothing as sweet as being together with your favorite people.

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It can be as dressed up or as casual as you would like it.

There is a misconception that a Courthouse Wedding is just a casual thing you do to keep things simple.   While you are taking away some things, you are keeping the most important parts of the day for you and your partner.  

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I believe that because this is your day, celebrate in the clothes you want to wear.  Are you more of a black dress aesthetic kind of girl? Do it! Don’t like suits? I can feel that.  Wear what makes you feel the best.  Personally, I love to dress up, and so does my husband.  If you are more casual, okay, cool!

By dressing in the clothing and attire that you love, you will feel confident, which will exude in my images.  You simply cannot lie about confidence on camera.  You will stand a little taller, twirl a little more if you are wearing a dress or skirt, which is simply magical.   When you show up as your genuine, authentic self, we get to capture real magic.  

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It is much more affordable than a traditional wedding.

Wedding averages in Indiana are $29,518 in 2025, according to Wedding Report. It is safe to say that a Courthouse Wedding is a more affordable option.  If you were to include all the same categories as a traditional wedding, I believe you could easily spend less than $2000.  That is a rough estimate, which includes the categories: hair, makeup, attire, photographer, and, if you wanted to go to your favorite restaurant.  Only certain Courthouses allow the ceremony to actually take place at the Courthouse.  I would definitely research the counties that you are closest to:

Some Courthouses where ceremonies are held are the Green Castle Courthouse, the Old Crown Point Courthouse, and the Allen County Courthouse. Each is stunning and has its own rules, but it is a great option for a courthouse wedding.

So, if you are a couple who is excited about marriage yet not interested in being front and center, I believe a courthouse wedding is perfect for you.  These ceremonies truly hold a very special place in my heart. Capturing Courthouse Weddings is one of my favorite sessions to collaborate on because I believe you treat a courthouse ceremony like the day it is: A Wedding Day.