What’s the Difference Between Eloping and a Courthouse Wedding?
Essential Information for Couples Needing Urgent Official Documentation
When you decide to get married, you may be faced with an important decision: should you elope or have a courthouse wedding? These two options are ideal for couples seeking a simple, fast, and legally recognized ceremony, especially when time is of the essence—such as in immigration cases, military deployments, or international marriage recognition.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in same-day marriage services for couples who need a legally binding marriage and official documentation fast. Whether you choose to elope or go the courthouse route, we’re here to guide you through every step, including marriage license issuance and apostille certification for use abroad under the Hague Apostille Convention.
📍 Ready to get married today? Book your appointment at GetMarried.Today for a fast and stress-free marriage solution!
Eloping vs. Courthouse Wedding: At a Glance
| Feature | Elopement | Courthouse Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Anywhere you choose | Government courthouse |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Limited personalization |
| Guest List | Just the couple or small group | Often minimal, based on capacity |
| Cost | Varies (often low) | Very low |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible, 24/7 options | Limited to business hours |
| Speed | Same-day available with Get Married Today | May take days/weeks to schedule |
| International Validity | Yes, with apostille certification | Yes, if properly filed |
What Is an Elopement?
An elopement is a private and often spontaneous wedding, typically involving just the couple and a wedding officiant. Elopements have evolved from “running away to get married” to a simpler, more intimate wedding alternative.
Why Choose Elopement?
✅ You want minimal planning.
✅ You want to save money.
✅ You need to get married fast.
✅ You prefer a private or romantic setting.
📍 For elopement inspiration, visit Brides – Elopement Planning Guide.
What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is a civil ceremony performed at a government office, such as a city hall or county courthouse, typically by a judge or county clerk.
Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding?
✅ You want a simple legal ceremony.
✅ You want to get married on official government grounds.
✅ You’re comfortable with a structured, no-frills setting.
📍 Learn more about courthouse weddings at Nolo – Getting Married at the Courthouse.
Key Differences Explained
1. Flexibility & Convenience
- Elopement: You can get married anytime, anywhere—beach, home, hotel, or park. Ideal for couples with busy schedules or urgent needs.
- Courthouse Wedding: You’re limited to business hours and courthouse availability. You may need to book days or weeks in advance.
📍 Want same-day flexibility? GetMarried.Today offers 24/7 mobile wedding officiants.
2. Atmosphere & Setting
- Elopement: Choose romantic and scenic backdrops or even a private, cozy space. Great for photos and memories.
- Courthouse: Usually held in a small office or courtroom. It’s legal and efficient but rarely scenic.
📍 Top places to elope in California: Visit California.
3. Ceremony Customization
- Elopement: You can write your own vows, include personal touches, and make it meaningful.
- Courthouse: The script is pre-written and generic, with little room for personalization.
📍 Looking to write your vows? Get inspired at The Knot.
4. Cost
- Elopement: Generally more affordable than a traditional wedding but can include location permits or small fees.
- Courthouse: Usually only requires a marriage license fee and a small officiation fee.
📍 See wedding budgeting tips at NerdWallet – Wedding Budget Guide.
5. Documentation for Immigration or International Use
Whether you elope or marry at a courthouse, if you need your marriage recognized in another country or as part of a visa application, you’ll likely need an apostille certification.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a government-issued certificate that validates your marriage document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
📍 Need an apostille? We work with Orange County Apostille to get your marriage certificate certified quickly.
📍 Learn more about apostilles at U.S. Department of State – Apostille Information.
Who Benefits from a Fast, Legally Recognized Marriage?
- ✅ Military couples needing immediate spousal recognition
- ✅ Couples applying for adjustment of status or K-1 fiancé visa
- ✅ International couples needing apostilled marriage documents
- ✅ Couples with limited time or budget for a traditional wedding
📍 Learn about immigration marriage benefits at USCIS – Marriage Green Card.
Why Choose Get Married Today?
We offer a modern alternative to both eloping and courthouse weddings, with a focus on speed, legality, convenience, and documentation.
✅ We Issue Your Marriage License
No trip to the courthouse required—we issue your marriage license on-site.
✅ We Perform Your Ceremony
Our licensed officiants will conduct a legal ceremony tailored to your needs—quick and simple, or heartfelt and romantic.
✅ We Handle the Apostille Process
Need to use your marriage certificate in another country? We work with Orange County Apostille to get it certified fast.
✅ We’re Available 24/7
Get married when you’re ready—including nights, weekends, and holidays.
✅ Perfect for Urgent Marriages
Whether it’s immigration, deployment, or an upcoming move—we provide same-day marriages with official documentation.
Real Stories from Real Couples
“We were on a tight timeline for our fiancé visa application, and Get Married Today helped us get married in 24 hours. They even handled our apostille paperwork!”
— Sofia & Alex, UK to USA couple
“We were going to do a courthouse wedding but didn’t want to wait two weeks for an appointment. Get Married Today came to our home and married us the same day.”
— Jess & Thomas, San Diego, CA
“I’m active-duty military, and I needed to get married before deployment. These guys got it done fast and legally, and my wife had the documents she needed within days.”
— Marcus, USMC, Camp Pendleton
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get married in California?
No. California allows both residents and non-residents to marry, including international visitors.
Can I get married on the same day?
Yes. With Get Married Today, you can receive your marriage license and ceremony on the same day.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, but you can book same-day appointments at GetMarried.Today.
Do I need witnesses?
No. California offers Confidential Marriage Licenses, which do not require witnesses.
Is my marriage legally valid for immigration?
Yes. We ensure your marriage is legally binding and recognized by USCIS and international agencies.
📍 Need more info? Visit GetMarried.Today
Conclusion: Elopement or Courthouse Wedding? Choose What’s Right for You
Both elopements and courthouse weddings offer simple, affordable ways to get married—but if you need:
- Flexibility
- A private, romantic setting
- Immediate documentation
- 24/7 availability
- Help with international apostilles
…then eloping with Get Married Today is the better choice.
📍 Skip the stress and book your same-day marriage appointment at GetMarried.Today now!
Additional Resources for Your Wedding Journey
- USCIS – Marriage-Based Immigration
- Orange County Apostille Services
- California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
- National Park Wedding Permits
- Social Security Name Change After Marriage
- DMV Name Change After Marriage
- Brides – Wedding Planning Resources
- The Knot – Elopement Planning
- Zola – Wedding Checklist
- VitalChek – Marriage Certificate Request
📍 Get Married Today is your trusted partner for fast, legal, and unforgettable weddings. Ready to say “I do”?
👉 Book your same-day ceremony at GetMarried.Today now!