If you’re dreaming of a stress-free, same-day wedding in California but don’t want it to feel rushed or ordinary, you’re not alone. More couples today are skipping the courthouse and choosing luxury courthouse-alternative weddings — intimate, stylish, and effortlessly elegant.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in creating that perfect balance: the convenience of a same-day ceremony with the beauty and sophistication of a full-service wedding experience. Here’s how you can make your courthouse-alternative celebration feel truly luxurious, personal, and unforgettable.
1. Choose a Romantic Setting Over a Basic Office
The first step to elevating your wedding day is location. Instead of a plain county office, imagine saying “I do” in a sunlit garden, ocean-view terrace, or elegant private venue.
At Get Married Today, couples can choose from curated ceremony spots across Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego, including beaches, chapels, and exclusive private estates.
A thoughtfully chosen venue transforms the atmosphere instantly — creating the same wow-factor as a grand wedding, just more intimate.
(See inspiration from Brides Magazine and The Knot).
2. Focus on Elegant Design Details
Luxury lives in the details. Even a small wedding can feel high-end when styled intentionally.
Add special touches such as:
- A refined color palette (white and gold never go out of style)
- Fresh floral arrangements from local designers
- Personalized vow books, candlelight, and soft draping
Our team at Get Married Today offers décor upgrades and floral enhancements so your same-day ceremony looks picture-perfect.
Need ideas? Explore modern design inspiration from Curated Events or Martha Stewart Weddings.
3. Elevate Your Look
Looking and feeling your best is key to making your wedding day feel luxurious.
Opt for custom tailoring, professional hair and makeup, and chic accessories.
At Get Married Today, we can connect you with beauty artists and stylists who specialize in same-day glam for intimate weddings.
Take inspiration from luxury bridal stylists at Jenny Fu Studio or Vogue Weddings.
4. Capture Every Moment Beautifully
Even if it’s just the two of you, your day deserves professional documentation.
A luxury experience isn’t complete without magazine-quality photography and cinematic videography.
At Get Married Today, we work with expert photographers who specialize in elopements and micro-weddings.
You’ll receive timeless, editorial-style images that let you relive every moment.
Need creative ideas? Check out The Elopement Experience or Brides.
5. Add Signature Moments
Even small weddings can include grand, emotional moments.
Think about:
- A champagne toast by the beach
- A private chef dinner
- A luxury car arrival to your ceremony
At Get Married Today, we help couples design personal experiences that reflect their story — all while managing the legal and logistical details for you.
Browse ideas from Elegant Wedding Magazine or Green Wedding Shoes.
6. Keep It Intimate, Keep It Meaningful
Luxury isn’t about size — it’s about exclusivity and experience.
By limiting your guest list, you can invest in quality over quantity: better food, design, photography, and ambiance.
Our most popular Intimate Ceremony Package at Get Married Today includes everything you need for a legal, same-day marriage without the long lines or courthouse atmosphere.
Explore more ideas on The Elopement Experience and Junebug Weddings.
7. Let the Professionals Handle the Paperwork
Nothing ruins the romance like paperwork stress.
Our licensed officiants and notaries at Get Married Today can issue your marriage license on the spot and perform your ceremony the same day — no courthouse, no waiting in line.
We handle all county submissions and certified copies so you can focus on what matters: celebrating your love.
Learn more about legal marriage requirements from the California Department of Public Health.
8. Upgrade Your Experience
From private coordination to luxury floral backdrops, Get Married Today offers premium add-ons that create a completely personalized experience.
We partner with elite local vendors across Orange County, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs, ensuring every detail feels seamless and elegant.
For inspiration, see Modern Luxury Weddings and Bridal Musings.
9. Remember: Luxury Is About Feeling, Not Spending
True luxury is about how the day feels — personal, calm, romantic, and intentional.
When you plan your wedding with Get Married Today, you’re choosing simplicity without compromise:
- No waiting in line at the county
- No courthouse crowds
- A stress-free, beautiful, and fully legal ceremony in one place
Plan Your Luxurious Same-Day Wedding
Whether you want a same-day elopement in Orange County or a private beach wedding in Malibu, our team at Get Married Today will handle everything from your license to your ceremony setup.
Skip the courthouse — and say “I do” your way.
Because luxury isn’t about the size of your wedding — it’s about the experience.