5 Top Reasons to Have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding
5 Top Reasons to Have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding
5 Top Reasons to Have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding
[UPDATED] 2024
Hey there, lovebirds! So, you're thinking about tying the knot in San Diego, and the idea of a courthouse wedding has crossed your mind. Well, let me be your friendly guide to exploring the Top 5 Reasons to Have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding and why it might just be the perfect choice for you. From the picturesque location to the convenience, here's why you should consider saying "I do" in one of California's most beautiful cities.
There is no shortage in reasons for having a San Diego Courthouse Wedding. As for how outdoor weddings go, it is one of the best, if not the best, locations in the United States for Outdoor Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies. In this article, I am going to go through the Top 5 Reasons to have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding and how to make the process easier for you!
1. Affordability
Budget-Friendly Bliss Weddings can be expensive, right? Well, a San Diego Courthouse Wedding offers you the chance to have a beautiful ceremony without breaking the bank. Save your dollars for the honeymoon, that fancy dinner afterward, or a down-payment on a house. Courthouse Weddings are typically a fraction of the cost of a full wedding day, and who doesn't love a little extra cash to splurge on something special?
Check out the Marriage License and Ceremony Fees at this link here: 2023 Fees for SD County (March 1, 2023 costs went up and I foresee another fee hike in 2024). They currently range from $129 for the Marriage License + $107 for the Civil Ceremony + Your talented photographer = less than $1k for your big day.
2. Marriage License and Ceremony in One Go
Efficiency at it’s best - here's a little-known perk: when you get your marriage license from the San Diego Courthouse, you can fill out the paperwork all in one day if you want. Once you have your appointment date scheduled, you can do it all right then and there! I do recommend, filling out your marriage license paperwork online before your appointment, as it will save you quite a bit of time on your Wedding Day. The county has gotten this process down to efficiency at its best, saving you time and allowing you to enjoy your day rather than wait forever in a line.
You can reach the city’s main site here at this link for all of the information: San Diego County's Website on everything you need to know about planning your Ceremony.
3. Stunning Outdoor Location
Let's talk aesthetics first! As far as picture-perfect backdrop’s go, the Downtown SD outdoor ceremony location is just about as good as it gets and the best part is that it is available and beautiful year-round. San Diego architecture doesn’t include your run-of-the-mill municipal buildings. They can be architectural gems, often boasting Spanish-style courtyards, art deco inspired interiors, or repurposed military buildings that typically harbor lush gardens. That extends to the City Admin Building that has was built and completed in 1938. You can read more about the history of the building at the link here. Whether you prefer a historical vibe or a modern setting, you'll find the courthouse building makes a nice effort to have their outdoor areas as photoworthy as possible. Imagine saying your vows against a backdrop of vibrant flowers or boho-inspired desert scape (Santee location) — it's a wedding photographer's dream come true.
For the best photographs and experience, check out this 2023 list of dates for when the Downtown location has festival and events that might impact your outdoor ceremony. Confused? No worries. When you start your wedding planning, I can explain your best options while taking these dates into consideration.
4. Intimate Vibes
Sharing your ceremony with those who matter the most. Sometimes, the most memorable weddings are the ones where you're surrounded by your nearest and dearest. That can be with a couple people or just the two of you and a Witness. Your courthouse wedding in San Diego is the perfect excuse to keep the guest list short and sweet. It's a wonderful way to create an intimate atmosphere, focusing on the people who mean the most to you. Share your special day with the ones you truly cherish.
After your ceremony, many couples will have a larger party, reception, or dinner, that include more friends and family members. Many of my couples tend to have a large reception or destination wedding, months later that include a larger party to celebrate the beginning of their journey as a new family.
5. Easy Breezy Planning
Minimal stress, maximum fun. Planning a big wedding can be a logistical marathon. It can totally suck the fun out of your wedding day. But with a courthouse wedding, you can keep things simple and stress-free. No more worrying about family dynamics and what your soon to be in-laws care about. This is just about you and being in the moment. The outdoor ceremony arch is in a park and the most guests I have photographed was 48! It’s a public park so if you want to go big, you can. Plus, there's less to worry about when it comes to societal expectations. The city allows for you to have a Confidential Marriage License ($144), so if you don’t want the rest of the family finding out that you got married before your main wedding, they never have to know!
You can fill out your Marriage License Application, prior to your ceremony date , online at this link: Marriage License Application
So, there you have it—five compelling reasons on how to have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding could be your ticket to a perfect, budget-friendly, and stress-free wedding day. Whether you're a local or planning a destination wedding, San Diego's beautiful courthouses are ready to welcome you with open arms. Now go ahead, make your courthouse wedding dreams a reality and let the love story unfold in this sun-kissed paradise!
Check out this Youtube Video from the City, explaining the process or you can hop on a call with me and we can go over everything!
Last but not least, once a month they offer Saturday Marriage Appointments at the Santee location, making it accessible for people who are unable to take a day off of work during Monday-Friday’s. You can check out the 2023 Saturday Schedule here.
Lots of love and good vibes,
Heather