Getting married at a courthouse can be a great way to reduce the pressure of having a big wedding. Providing a simple and cost-effective way for couples to tie the knot. If you’re thinking of having a courthouse wedding in Atlanta, Georgia, you may be wondering how many guests can attend, how to schedule the wedding, and what the location and parking information is like. So to help take even more stress off your plate, in this blog post, we’ll do our best to answer these questions. Providing some helpful tips for planning your Atlanta courthouse wedding.
Atlanta Courthouse Wedding – Guests, Photos, Dress Code and More
How many guests can attend a courthouse wedding in Atlanta, GA?
Courthouse weddings in Atlanta, Georgia are generally limited to the couple getting married, a witness, and an officiant. If you’re planning a small and intimate wedding ceremony, a courthouse wedding might be the perfect fit. However, if you’re hoping to invite a larger group of family and friends, a courthouse wedding may not be the best option.
Note: The courthouse requires at least one witness to be present. This doesn’t have to be a friend or family member, anyone off the street, over the age of 18 will work.
How to schedule a wedding at the courthouse in Atlanta, GA?
To schedule a wedding at the courthouse in Atlanta, you’ll need to contact the courthouse in the county where you plan to get married. Each courthouse may have different procedures and requirements, so be sure to check their website or give them a call to find out what you need to do. You’ll typically need to obtain a marriage license before the wedding, which can be done at the courthouse or another government office. Once you have your license, you can schedule your courthouse wedding.
Do they allow a wedding photographer at the Atlanta courthouse?
Every courthouse is different and many have restrictions on photos being taken inside. So make sure to check with the courthouse beforehand. If photography isn’t allowed inside, you may want to consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the special moments of your wedding day outside the courthouse.
Here is an example of a shoot from Danielle Brown Photography, at the Cobb county courthouse, where they do allow photos. Combined with some shots they took in the surrounding area:
https://daniellebrown.photography/cobb-courthouse-wedding-photographer/
Is there a dress code?
While there’s no formal dress code for a courthouse wedding, you should dress appropriately for the occasion. After all it is your wedding. And it’s very common for people to be dressed in their tux and wedding gown. It’s also best to avoid anything too revealing or casual, and opt for something that makes you feel comfortable and/or confident.
Atlanta courthouse wedding ceremony details
Atlanta courthouse weddings are typically short and sweet. Featuring a brief ceremony that lasts only a few minutes. You typically have the option of writing your own vows, within a reasonable length or can choose from pre-written vows. It’s a good idea to check with the courthouse beforehand.
Note on Music: You’ll also want to consider whether you want to have any music, readings, or other special touches to make the ceremony more personal. Most courthouses will allow you to play something from your phone speaker as long as it does not include any vulgar language.
Location and parking info for having a wedding at the courthouse in Atlanta, GA?
There are several courthouses in Atlanta where you can have a wedding. These include the Fulton County Courthouse, DeKalb County Courthouse, and Gwinnett County Courthouse. Each courthouse has its own location and parking information. So be sure to check the courthouse’s website or contact them directly for more information. Many courthouses offer parking for a fee, and some may have nearby parking lots or garages that you can use.
What questions to ask the courthouse prior to your wedding?
Based on the above, here are the questions you will want to get answers for before your wedding day.
- Contact the courthouse to schedule your wedding date or find out about walk-in options.
- Find out where and how to obtain your marriage license.
- Ask if they allow photographers for the ceremony.
- Ask if they allow you to read your own vows, and if you can play music from your phone.
- Is there any other info you need or restrictions you should know about?
Closing Thoughts
Having a courthouse wedding in Atlanta, Georgia can be a simple and stress-free way to get married. However, it’s important to know the limitations on the number of guests that can attend, how to schedule the wedding, and what the location and parking information is like. With a little bit of planning and research, you can have a beautiful courthouse wedding that is both affordable and memorable.