The Ultimate Guide to Planning an Alabama Courthouse Wedding & Intimate Reception
Planning an Alabama courthouse wedding offers a stylish, intimate, and budget-friendly alternative to large weddings. Since 2019 legal changes, getting married in Alabama is faster and more flexible than ever, allowing you to curate a profoundly personal day that feels exactly like you.
Say 'I do' in style! Here is your step-by-step guide to planning an elegant Alabama courthouse wedding and an intimate, heartfelt reception:
Phase 1: Understanding Alabama Marriage Law (No Ceremony Needed!)
As of August 29, 2019, Alabama no longer requires a traditional ceremony or a marriage license application. Instead, the process is streamlined:
Form Completion: Couples fill out the Marriage Certificate Form (Form ADPH-HS-34).
Notarization: The form must be notarized.
Filing: The form is filed with the probate court within 30 days.
What this means for you: You can choose to have a simple, private ceremony at the courthouse (or anywhere) with just a few loved ones, or simply have a notary witness your signatures.
Shelby County Courthouse in picturesque Columbiana, Alabama
Phase 2: Planning Your "Courthouse" Experience
Even without a traditional ceremony, you can make the day special.
Pick a Scenic Location: Choose a charming Alabama courthouse. Some, like the Shelby County Courthouse in central Alabama, have classic, beautiful architecture that’s perfect for those special photos.
Dress the Part: Whether it’s a chic white slip dress, a tailored suit, or a casual bohemian outfit, dress in something that makes you feel confident.
Hire a Photographer: You absolutely want to capture the excitement, signatures, and the first moments as a married couple.
Keep it Simple: Invite only parents or best friends to the courthouse signing to keep it intimate.
Phase 3: The Intimate Reception
Traditional Reception - Turn the courthouse wedding into a "luxe yet low-key" affair by hosting a catered, sit-down meal for your closest family and friends.
The Venue: Book an intimate event space
The Vibe: Elegant but intimate, allowing you to actually converse with every guest.
The Food: A curated 3-course menu or a sophisticated buffet featuring elevated comfort food, such as a pasta station, gourmet sliders, or a grazing table with charcuterie.
Special Touches: Have a small, customized wedding cake or a selection of high-end desserts delivered.
The Casual Outdoor Bistro Lights Celebration: host a laid-back, joy filled reception to keep the atmosphere relaxed and personal.
The Venue: A local event space with a charming outdoor area.
The Vibe: Whimsical and cozy, especially if held in the evening.
The Decor: Café lights overhead create a magical, warm glow. Use simple greenery and candles for table centerpieces.
The Entertainment: Create a curated playlist for a Bluetooth speaker, or hire a local acoustic musician. Add fun, relaxed elements like yard games (Jenga, cornhole).
The Food: A casual catering approach like a taco bar, food truck, or elevated BBQ.
The Champagne and Hors d’Oeuvres Toast: If you prefer a short, sophisticated celebration, host a cocktail reception following the ceremony.
The Venue: A modern event space that has inside and outside spaces for you and your guests to enjoy.
The Vibe: Glamorous, energetic, and celebratory.
The Menu: Passed hors d'oeuvres such as bacon-wrapped scallops, fig and goat cheese crostini, caprese skewers, or lobster rolls.
The Drinks: A champagne tower or a curated wine and sparkling water station.
Special Desserts: Instead of a traditional cake, serve champagne-paired desserts like macarons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or fruit tarts.
Phase 4: Logistics & Tips for Success
Timeline: Since the process is fast, you can easily plan your Alabama courthouse wedding and intimate reception in weeks or months, rather than the year plus it takes to plan and budget for a traditional wedding.
Budget: Courthouse weddings are budget-friendly, allowing you to splurge on an incredible photographer or a top-tier menu for your intimate reception.
Personalize It: Write your own vows and read them to each other just before or after signing the paperwork.
An Alabama courthouse wedding doesn't mean skipping the romance—it means designing a day that is uniquely yours, focusing entirely on your love story.
If you would like more helpful information about planning an intimate wedding, check out our other blog posts.
Looking for a place to host your intimate reception after your Alabama Courthouse Wedding? We are conveniently located 15 minutes from the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana, Alabama. Contact us to schedule a tour of our event space. We do our best to accommodate last minute bookings.
Hi! I’m Ginny, venue owner at Sawyers Cove Farm.
Are you looking for a modern wedding venue near Birmingham? Sawyers Cove Farm combines sleek, contemporary design with a tranquil farm setting. Specializing in intimate events for up to 100 guests, our versatile Calera event venue is the ideal choice for weddings, milestone celebrations, and professional corporate mixers. Visit our website to find out more information about our space.
An earlier version of this article was summarized using Google AI Overview.