Planning an Atlanta Courthouse Wedding? Here’s How to Make It Feel Special (Not Just Something You Knock Out on a Tuesday)

Sooo you’re eloping. Love this for you!

Minimal logistics. No random plus ones or spending $100 a plate on people who will probably find something to criticize. 

But keeping it simple doesn’t mean it can’t also be thoughtful and intentional! Below are some tips to find your happy medium between a big wedding and a DMV-like appointment. Atlanta Courthouse Wedding

Write Personal Vows. Even If No One Else Hears Them

Whether you read them during the ceremony or exchange them privately beforehand, vows that were throughly thought out and truly feel like personalized promises to one another will feel so much more meaningful than generic ones. 

Another idea is writing a love letter or recording yourselves sharing your candid feelings about one another. Whether you’ve been together 1 year or 10 years, hearing your partner articulate why they love you will do something to you!! And it would be perfect to go back to if ever you hit a rough patch. 

Add Details That Reflect Your Love Story Atlanta Courthouse Wedding

I cannot stress this enough!!

Since you’re already saving time and money compared to a regular wedding, why not treat yourselves to special touches that make the day that much more unforgettable? 

Something likeeee:

Adding an inside joke or handshake to the ceremony.

Custom jackets.

Matching sneakers.

Photos after the ceremony eating your favorite pizza, ice cream or outside of a first date location.

unique elopement ideas, personalized courthouse wedding ideas, creative elopement photography, elopement tips

Choose a Location That Means Something

Yes, you can absolutely do the courthouse and keep it moving.

But if you’re open to it, consider choosing a location that actually means something to you two.

A park you love.

A scenic overlook or waterfall. 

Outside of a regal-like building.

Or skip the courthouse altogether and bring an officiant to a location you love so you can get the best of both worlds — something simple, but still beautiful and personal.

And if you need location ideas around Atlanta or Georgia, I have a whole BLOG for that.

Atlanta courthouse wedding photographer, Georgia elopement locations, Piedmont Park elopement, Atlanta intimate wedding

Don’t Go Home After. Please.

You just got married.

Please don’t celebrate by going home and going back to your regular routine!

Have a first dance in a random park.

Go to dinner dressed up.

Pop champagne at sunset.

If you’re the type who enjoys doing things for the plot, throw on some bride and groom sashes and let the public hype you up.

Whatever you do, please close the day intentionally and celebrate the fact that you are no longer fornicating.

intimate wedding celebration ideas, post-ceremony elopement ideas

Arrive Early! atlanta courthouse wedding tips

Nothing ruins a pivotal life moment like circling the block for parking with 3 minutes to spare. Now you’re anxious, frazzled and barely present during one of the most important days of your life.

Get there early.

Sit in the car.

Breathe.

Pray.

Take selfies.

Allow time to soak it all in!

Atlanta courthouse wedding tips, Fulton County courthouse wedding, Georgia elopement planning, atl elopement photographer 

At Minimum, Record It atlanta courthouse wedding tips

If you don’t hire a videographer or photographer (althoughhh…I’m here if you need me 😌), at least record your ceremony.

You can get a sturdy $25 tripod to put in front of you or two tripods if you want both faces.

You can also get inexpensive clip-on mics to clip to you so your vows don’t sound like wind and traffic. You will not regret having that footage.

courthouse wedding video tips, elopement ceremony recording ideas, affordable elopement setup, Atlanta elopement photographer

Family or No Family?

Some couples bring family to share the moment with, and that is beautiful.

But there is also something sacred about having the moment just for you two.

You can always:

Share the photos later

Send them the iPhone video

Host a small dinner afterward

Or do a belated toast

If you do prefer it be private but feel some guilt, please remember your wedding day does not have to perform for anyone.

It can simply belong to you.

And Now… Shameless Plug 🙏🏽

If you’re eloping in or around Atlanta, planning a courthouse wedding in Georgia, or honestly just want someone who understands how to make small weddings feel intentional…

Heyy I’m Shantel. An elopement photographer based in Atlanta and willing to travel 😊

I’m also Passport ready for international. 

If you want photos that reflect your connection and a photo experience that actually feels like a fun part of the day, I’m your girl. You can submit a request HERE

And if you just needed ideas, I hope this helped!

However you choose to do it, don’t forget that small moments can still hold big meaning ❤️Atlanta elopement photographer, Atlanta courthouse wedding photographer, Georgia intimate wedding photographer, small wedding photography Atlanta, destination elopement photographer, travel elopement photographer, courthouse wedding ideas, intimate wedding inspiration