What’s the Difference Between Eloping and a Courthouse Wedding?
Discover the Fastest, Most Private, and Simple Way to Get Married Today
Introduction
Marriage is a deeply personal milestone, and the way couples choose to say “I do” reflects their values, priorities, and often, their circumstances. For some, a grand affair with hundreds of guests feels right. For others, privacy, simplicity, and speed matter more. That’s where elopements and courthouse weddings come in.
But what’s the difference between eloping and a courthouse wedding? Are they the same thing? And how can Get Married Today help you achieve either — quickly, affordably, and legally?
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about elopements vs. courthouse weddings, and how our team at Get Married Today provides a faster, more flexible, and more private solution than the courthouse — without compromising legality or documentation.
Section 1: Defining Elopement and Courthouse Weddings
What Is an Elopement?
Eloping traditionally meant running away to get married in secret. Today, the meaning has evolved. A modern elopement is:
- A small, private ceremony — often with just the couple and an officiant
- Held in a location of your choosing (beach, park, backyard, etc.)
- Flexible in terms of structure and style
- Ideal for couples wanting intimacy, speed, or low-cost weddings
It’s more about intention and experience than secrecy.
What Is a Courthouse Wedding?
A courthouse wedding is:
- A civil marriage ceremony performed by a judge or court clerk
- Usually held at a county courthouse or city hall
- Often requires a scheduled appointment
- Involves lines, wait times, and limited personalization
Courthouse weddings are typically formal, quick, and conducted during business hours.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Elopement | Courthouse Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Anywhere (beach, home, venue) | Court facility |
| Personalization | High | Very limited |
| Privacy | Maximum | Public courthouse setting |
| Scheduling | Flexible | Rigid, limited hours |
| Officiant | Your choice | Assigned court staff |
| Paperwork | Can be handled on-site | Often separate |
| Cost | Varies, usually low | Lowest cost option |
| Atmosphere | Romantic/intimate | Administrative |
Section 2: Why Couples Choose Elopement
1. Intimacy and Privacy
Many couples want to avoid the stress and exposure of a big wedding. Eloping allows for:
- No guest list pressure
- A private moment shared only with each other
- A focus on the couple, not the spectacle
2. Simplicity and Speed
Planning a wedding takes months. Eloping can happen in a day. Especially with same-day marriage services like those at Get Married Today, the entire process can be completed within hours.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
The average wedding in California costs over $30,000. Elopements can cost under $500, especially when bundled with a marriage license and officiant.
4. Travel and Adventure
Eloping gives couples the freedom to get married on a beach at sunset, on a mountain peak, or anywhere they feel connected — without being tied to courthouse hours.
Section 3: Why Couples Choose Courthouse Weddings
1. Lowest-Cost Legal Option
If you’re strictly looking for the cheapest possible legal marriage, courthouse weddings are often the go-to. The fee is minimal, and you’re married quickly — at least in theory.
2. Legal and Official
Courthouse weddings are fully recognized under the law. For couples needing legal proof of marriage (e.g., for immigration or military benefits), the courthouse is a trusted option.
3. No Fuss, No Frills
Some couples don’t want the pressure of making choices about vows, clothes, or guests. A courthouse wedding is extremely structured and quick.
Section 4: The Limitations of Courthouse Weddings
1. Long Wait Times and Scheduling Restrictions
Courthouses often book out weeks in advance. You’re at the mercy of their hours, their backlog, and their rules.
2. Lack of Privacy
Many courthouse weddings take place in rooms shared with other couples or waiting lines. Your “special moment” may feel more like a DMV visit.
3. No Personalization
There’s often no choice of vows, ceremony script, or officiant. You’ll be married the same way as everyone else that day.
4. Limited Services
Courthouses don’t typically offer marriage license and ceremony in one step. You may have to make multiple visits just to get married.
Section 5: Why Get Married Today Is Better Than Either Option
At Get Married Today, we combine the best of both worlds — the legality of a courthouse wedding with the privacy, romance, and convenience of an elopement.
Here’s how we help:
✅ Same-Day Marriage License
We’re licensed to issue your California marriage license on-site, no need to go to the County Clerk.
✅ Ceremony on the Spot
We provide an ordained minister who will perform your ceremony immediately, wherever you are — even at your home, a park, or a local café.
✅ Official and Legal
Your marriage is 100% legally valid, just like at the courthouse. We file your documents with the county and offer optional apostille certification for international recognition.
✅ Available 24/7
Unlike the courthouse, we’re available on nights, weekends, and holidays — whenever you need to get married.
✅ Private and Personalized
No lines. No waiting. No stress. Just a beautiful, intimate moment created for you.
✅ Fast and Confidential
We offer confidential marriage licenses, which means your marriage won’t appear in public records. Perfect for privacy-focused couples.
Section 6: Scenarios Where Eloping Is the Right Choice
1. Military Members Needing Urgent Benefits
Service members stationed in Camp Pendleton or nearby bases often need to get married immediately to qualify for housing or spousal benefits. Eloping with Get Married Today ensures speed and compliance.
2. Couples Facing Immigration Deadlines
If you’re preparing a marriage-based green card or fiancé(e) visa application, you may need to marry today to meet submission timelines. We help streamline this process.
3. Couples with Health Emergencies
Hospitals, hospice facilities, and health-related constraints may require immediate marriages. We travel directly to these locations.
4. LGBTQ+ Couples Wanting Privacy
Some couples prefer a discreet experience. Our confidential service respects your identity, privacy, and timeline.
5. Just Engaged and Don’t Want to Wait
Some couples feel the moment is now. Why wait months when you can get legally married today?
Section 7: Real-Life Elopement vs. Courthouse Stories
Courthouse Wedding Frustration:
“We had an appointment at the courthouse, but after waiting 45 minutes past our time slot, we were told we had to reschedule. We left feeling defeated.”
Elopement With Get Married Today:
“We called in the morning, got our license and were married in Laguna Beach by sunset. We didn’t think it could be that easy — but it was.”
Section 8: Common Questions About Elopements and Courthouse Weddings
Do I still need a marriage license to elope?
Yes — but Get Married Today can issue your license on-site, making it faster than going to the courthouse.
Is a marriage from Get Married Today legal?
Absolutely. We are authorized to issue marriage licenses and officiate legally binding weddings.
Can I elope and still have a big celebration later?
Yes! Many couples elope now and plan a reception or vow renewal in the future.
Can we get married without any guests or witnesses?
With a Confidential Marriage License in California, no witnesses are required — just the two of you and our officiant.
What if I need an apostille for another country?
We offer apostille certification for international use — making your marriage valid abroad.
Section 9: A Side-by-Side Comparison — Get Married Today vs. Courthouse Wedding
| Feature | Get Married Today | Courthouse Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage License Issued On-Site | ✅ | ❌ |
| Same-Day Marriage | ✅ | ❌ (depends on court) |
| Personalized Ceremony | ✅ | ❌ |
| Privacy and Comfort | ✅ | ❌ |
| 24/7 Availability | ✅ | ❌ |
| Confidential Option | ✅ | ❌ |
| Apostille Services | ✅ | ❌ |
| Location Flexibility | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wait Time | None | Often hours/weeks |
| Holiday/Weekend Service | ✅ | ❌ |
Section 10: How to Get Married Today — Step by Step
- Contact Us – Call, text, or book online at https://getmarried.today
- Choose Your Location – We can meet at your home, hotel, beach, park, etc.
- We Issue Your License – No courthouse trip needed.
- We Perform the Ceremony – Legal, heartfelt, and simple.
- We File Your Paperwork – You’re legally married. No extra errands.
- Optional Apostille – Get certified for international use.
Section 11: Pricing and Packages
We offer transparent pricing for every budget:
- Basic Package – Marriage license + ceremony: starting at $195
- Confidential License Package – $245
- Mobile Elopement Package – Includes travel to your location: from $295
- Same-Day Apostille Package – Ask for a quote
Military Discount Available – We support our troops!
Section 12: Why Couples Love Get Married Today
🌟 “We eloped on a Sunday night after dinner. I can’t believe how easy it was!”
🌟 “They came to our home with everything ready. License, ceremony, paperwork — all done in one visit.”
🌟 “We didn’t want to wait weeks for the courthouse. Get Married Today made our marriage possible before my husband deployed.”
Section 13: Book Your Private, Fast, and Legal Wedding Now
Ready to skip the courthouse and elope your way? Let Get Married Today take care of everything — license, ceremony, and legal filing — all in one simple appointment.
✅ No courthouse visits
✅ No scheduling delays
✅ No guest list stress
✅ Just the two of you and your new future together
📲 Book Now
📞 Call or Text: (Your business number here)
Conclusion
Whether you’re eloping for love, privacy, necessity, or adventure — or considering a courthouse wedding but want more control and comfort — Get Married Today offers a better path.
Skip the courthouse. Eliminate the red tape. Get married today.
We’re here for you 24/7 — holidays, weekends, and whenever your heart says “let’s do this.”