What’s the Difference Between Eloping and a Courthouse Wedding?
When it comes to tying the knot quickly and affordably, two common options often come up: eloping and having a courthouse wedding. While both are popular alternatives to traditional ceremonies, they’re not the same thing. Whether you’re planning a private last-minute union or a civil ceremony with legal formalities, knowing the distinction can help you decide what’s best for your relationship, your timeline, and your documentation needs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between elopements and courthouse weddings, including cost, privacy, legal requirements, flexibility, and international documentation. We’ll also explain how Get Married Today can help you choose and complete either option — even on the same day.
1. Defining an Elopement vs. a Courthouse Wedding
What Is an Elopement?
Traditionally, to elope meant to run away and get married in secret, often without telling friends or family. However, modern elopements have evolved into something more intentional: a private, small-scale wedding focused on the couple without the pressures of a large event.
An elopement can happen anywhere — on a beach, in a park, at your favorite city rooftop, or even in your living room. You can choose to have an officiant and one or two witnesses, or keep it even more intimate.
Elopements are about freedom, flexibility, and emotion. They allow you to marry how and where you want, often with minimal planning.
Learn more about same-day elopement packages at Get Married Today.
What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding, on the other hand, is a civil ceremony performed by a judge, court clerk, or justice of the peace at a local courthouse. It’s usually done during business hours and follows a more formal legal process.
In a courthouse wedding, you typically schedule an appointment, bring your valid government ID, and obtain your marriage license before or on the day of the wedding. Witnesses may or may not be required depending on your state.
For more information on California’s process, check the California Courts Marriage Page.
2. Main Differences Between Eloping and Courthouse Weddings
A. Ceremony Location and Vibe
- Elopement: Can happen anywhere, from Yosemite to your backyard. Couples often choose scenic, emotional, or personally meaningful places. It’s less formal and focused on the couple’s experience.
- Courthouse Wedding: Takes place in a government building, typically in a small courtroom or dedicated civil wedding room. It’s structured, official, and quick, with a neutral setting.
Want to elope in Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego? We offer location-based same-day weddings at Get Married Today.
B. Privacy and Guest List
- Elopement: Usually just the couple, with an officiant and maybe one or two close people. No crowd, no reception, no performance. Total privacy.
- Courthouse Wedding: While smaller than a traditional wedding, you can invite a few guests (typically 2-10 depending on the courthouse rules). It’s a semi-public process in a government venue.
Read how to get married with no ceremony here: Can You Legally Marry Without a Ceremony?
C. Flexibility and Timing
- Elopement: Extremely flexible — you can marry on a weekend, at midnight, or even on a holiday like Memorial Day. You choose the place and time.
- Courthouse Wedding: Bound by government hours and availability. Most courthouses don’t operate on weekends or holidays and may have long appointment wait times.
To skip the wait and get legally married 24/7, book here.
D. Legal Process and Documentation
- Both elopements and courthouse weddings result in a legal marriage, but the process to get there varies.
- For both, you need a marriage license. With a courthouse wedding, it’s typically issued by the same clerk’s office where you marry. In an elopement, you may get your license elsewhere and bring it to the officiant.
- If you’re traveling internationally, apostille certification may be needed for your marriage certificate. See: Apostille for Marriage Certificates
We can help with both the license and the apostille at Get Married Today — even on the same day.
3. Pros and Cons of Eloping vs. Courthouse Weddings
| Feature | Elopement | Courthouse Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony location | Anywhere | Only at courthouse |
| Cost | Low to moderate | Very low |
| Planning time | Flexible, minimal | Requires appointment |
| Privacy | Very private | Less private |
| Guest capacity | 0–4 typical | 2–10 guests allowed |
| Scheduling | 24/7 availability with private services | Weekdays only (9-5) |
| Personalization | Fully customizable | Minimal or none |
| Officiant options | Any legal officiant | Judge, clerk, or JOP |
| Documentation help | Optional | Standard |
4. How Get Married Today Combines the Best of Both
At Get Married Today, we offer an option better than both courthouse weddings and traditional elopements. Our clients can:
- Get a confidential California marriage license issued by us — no courthouse visit required
- Choose to elope at home, a beach, park, hotel, or hospital
- Have a legally binding ceremony with an ordained officiant
- Receive assistance with apostille certification for international recognition
- Marry today — even on weekends or holidays
Check out our full list of services.
Whether you want a small pop-up wedding, a mobile officiant, or a marriage license + ceremony in one visit, we’ve got you covered.
5. Cost Comparison
Courthouse Wedding Costs
- Marriage license: $61–$105 depending on the county (LA County Registrar-Recorder)
- Courthouse ceremony: $30–$80 depending on location
- Total: ~$100–$185
Elopement Costs (w/ Get Married Today)
- Marriage license (we issue): $85–$105
- Ceremony at your location: $199–$499 depending on location and urgency
- Optional apostille service: $100–$250
- Total: ~$200–$750 (depending on services)
Compare packages and pricing here: https://getmarried.today
6. International Elopements and Apostilles
If you’re marrying in California and plan to use your marriage certificate overseas, you will likely need an apostille. This is a special certification accepted under the Hague Apostille Convention.
An apostille may be required for:
- Spouse visas
- Dual citizenship
- Foreign name changes
- Immigration sponsorship
We can help you apostille your marriage certificate at Orange County Apostille.
7. Which Option Is Right for You?
| You Should Elope If… | You Should Choose a Courthouse Wedding If… |
|---|---|
| You want flexibility and to marry anywhere, anytime | You’re okay with limited scheduling and courthouse rules |
| You want privacy with no guests | You want to include a few witnesses or guests |
| You want a customized ceremony (your vows, music, style) | You prefer a quick, official process |
| You don’t want to deal with government offices | You want to handle everything at the county clerk’s office |
| You may need an apostille for immigration | You’re only marrying for U.S. legal purposes |
Need help deciding? Call us anytime at Get Married Today — we’re here 24/7.
8. Common Questions
Q: Is eloping legal?
Yes. As long as you obtain a legal marriage license and are married by an authorized officiant, your elopement is legally binding. Read how we help make elopements official
Q: Can I elope and still have a celebration later?
Absolutely. Many couples elope legally and later host a party or ceremony with friends and family. Learn more about eloping now, partying later.
Q: Do both elopements and courthouse weddings issue valid marriage certificates?
Yes. Regardless of where you get married, as long as the officiant files your signed marriage license, the county will issue a legal marriage certificate.
You can request your certified copy from the California Department of Public Health.
9. Why Couples Choose Get Married Today
- We issue marriage licenses (no courthouse visit needed)
- We marry you anywhere you want — home, hospital, beach, Airbnb, park
- We’re open 24/7 — weekends, holidays, and late nights included
- We file everything with the County Clerk for you
- We offer apostille services for international use
“We didn’t want to wait for the courthouse or go through a long process. Get Married Today married us at our favorite park on a Sunday afternoon. It was quick, easy, and meaningful.” – Veronica & Luis
10. Ready to Get Married Today?
Whether you’re considering an elopement, a courthouse wedding, or something in between — we make the process easy, fast, and legal.
✅ Get your marriage license
✅ Have a custom ceremony at your location
✅ Receive full legal documentation
✅ Add apostille certification if needed
No waiting. No courthouse. No stress. Just love, legally sealed.
👉 Book your appointment now
📞 Need help? Call us 24/7
📍 Serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, and beyond
Useful Backlinks for More Info
- California Marriage License Requirements – CDPH
- Los Angeles County Marriage Services
- California Courts – Marriage
- U.S. Department of State Apostille Info
- Get Married Today – Services
- Orange County Apostille – Marriage Certificate Apostille
- Book an Appointment – Get Married Today
- Can I Elope and Have a Wedding Later?
- What’s Required for a Legal Marriage?
- Do You Need a Ceremony to Get Married?