Some weddings are lavish, with hundreds of guests, towering cakes, and all the traditional bells and whistles. But others are intimate, wildly romantic, and all about the two people who matter most, like these Franklin County Courthouse elopement photos—chill and intentional.

I first met Brynne at the Bridal Fair in Spokane, and right away, I knew she was my kind of bride. While most people go for classic white gowns, she showed up ready to stand out in an equally edgy and elegant black dress. I LOVED that she chose something different.

Although this day was freezing, there was no stress or timeline pressure. That’s why I love courthouse elopements so much. They strip away all the extras and focus on two people choosing each other. If you’ve ever wondered whether a courthouse elopement might be the right move for you, let’s talk about why they’re such an incredible option.

Why Choose a Courthouse Elopement

There’s something so special about courthouse elopements. They remove all the stress and expectations of a big wedding and leave you with what matters. If you’re on the fence about eloping, here’s why courthouse weddings are seriously underrated:

Effortless & Stress-Free

No year-long planning process, no endless guest list drama, no worrying about centerpieces or whether you need to offer gluten-free food options. A courthouse elopement is simple. You show up, say your vows, sign the papers, and boom—you’re married! Plus, your primary focus can be heavy on the bride and groom portraits. It’s all about the moment, without the stress that often comes with wedding planning.

Budget-Friendly

Let’s be honest—weddings can get expensive fast. But a courthouse elopement is a fraction of the cost, leaving you with extra money to spend on what matters to you. Whether that’s a fantastic honeymoon, a down payment on a house, or just skipping the debt that often comes with a big wedding, eloping lets you invest in your future rather than just one day.

Intimate & Personal

One of the best things about a courthouse elopement is how personal it feels. You can wear what you want (hello, Brynne’s stunning black dress!) and soak in the moment without distractions.

Your wedding should feel like you. And if you’re dreaming of a simple, meaningful day all about your love, a courthouse elopement might be the perfect choice.

Making Courthouse Elopement Photos Feel Special

One of the biggest myths about courthouse elopements is that they aren’t as memorable as a traditional wedding. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your elopement can be just as unique, romantic, and unforgettable as any big wedding, and it all comes down to the little things that make it yours.

Personalized Outfits

The easiest way to make your elopement feel special is to wear something that feels like you. Brynne’s black dress was a perfect example of this. She didn’t feel the need to follow tradition—she rocked something bold, elegant, and totally her vibe.

Adding Fun & Romance

I won’t lie—Brynne and Alex’s elopement was freezing. But instead of letting the cold ruin the day, they leaned into it. They snuggled up between shots, laughed through the shivers, and embraced the moment exactly as it was. Your attitude makes the moment. Whether you’re eloping in a courthouse, on a mountaintop, or in the middle of a thunderstorm, the key to making it feel special is just being present with each other.

Sunning Courthouse Elopement Photos

Just because you’re skipping the big wedding doesn’t mean you should skip the photos! One of the best things about courthouse elopements is how intimate and emotional they are; those moments deserve to be documented. Years from now, you’ll want to reflect on how you held hands in the waiting room, how you grinned at each other when you signed the paperwork, and all the little in-between moments that made the day yours.

Whether you keep it super simple or add little details to make it unique, the most important thing is that it feels like your love story.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of a courthouse elopement, this is your sign to go for it. And if you do elope, don’t skip the photos. Just because it’s not a massive event doesn’t mean it’s not a huge moment in your life.

So, if you’re planning a courthouse elopement and want someone there to capture all the love, fun, and little in-between moments—reach out! I’d love to document your day.

For more content like this, check out this Mt. Spokane Elopement!