The Absolute Cheapest Way to Get Married (Without Feeling Like You Scrimped)

The "Legal Minimum" Breakdown: What It Actually Costs to Get Married

Before diving into the celebratory aspects, let's establish the absolute bare minimum cost to legally marry in most regions. Understanding these baseline expenses helps you build your budget from the ground up.

The Marriage License and Fees

The marriage license is your only non-negotiable expense. Costs vary by location, but most couples pay between $30 and $120 for their license. Some states like Colorado charge as little as $30, while others like Minnesota can cost up to $115. Research your specific county clerk's office for exact pricing, as fees can vary even within the same state.

Many jurisdictions also charge a small fee (typically $5-$20) for certified copies of your marriage certificate, which you'll need for name changes and other legal purposes. Budget for at least two certified copies.

The Courthouse or Registry Office Ceremony

A courthouse wedding represents the most economical option for tying the knot. These civil ceremonies typically cost between $25 and $100 and include an officiant (usually a judge or court clerk) who will perform a brief ceremony and witness your vows. The entire process often takes less than 15 minutes and requires only two witnesses, whom you can bring with you.

Most courthouses allow you to bring a small number of guests (usually 4-10 people) at no additional charge. Some even have surprisingly charming ceremony rooms with natural light and simple decorations. Check your local courthouse website for specific policies, available dates, and whether you need to book an appointment in advance.

[Continue to read about: 10 Simple Steps for A Perfect Courthouse Wedding]

The "Sign-and-Go" Alternative

If a courthouse feels too impersonal but you're watching every dollar, consider the "friend officiant" route. In many states, friends or family members can become ordained online through organizations like Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries—often at no cost or for a nominal fee under $50.

This option allows you to have your ceremony anywhere that doesn't require special permits: a living room, a friend's backyard, or even a favorite hiking spot. Your officiant simply needs to file the signed marriage license with the appropriate government office after the ceremony. The total cost? Just your marriage license fee plus any small ordination expenses.

Low-Cost Venue Alternatives That Don't Look Budget

Venue costs typically consume 30-50% of a traditional wedding budget. By choosing non-traditional spaces, you can reduce this expense to nearly zero while gaining unique, photo-worthy backdrops.

Public Parks and Beaches

Public outdoor spaces offer natural beauty without the price tag. Most city and state parks allow wedding ceremonies for free or with a minimal permit fee ranging from $25 to $200. Beach ceremonies similarly require only a small permit in most coastal areas.

The advantages go beyond cost savings. These venues provide stunning natural scenery, eliminating the need for elaborate decorations. The open-air setting also naturally limits guest counts, keeping your wedding intimate and affordable.

Pro tips for public venue success:

• Visit during your planned ceremony time to assess lighting, crowds, and noise levels
• Have a backup plan for weather, even if it's just moving under a pavilion
• Check permit requirements well in advance, as popular spots book quickly during peak season
• Confirm whether you need additional permits for chairs, sound equipment, or photography

The Backyard Wedding

If you or someone close to you has a beautiful backyard, garden, or even a spacious living room, you've found your free venue. Backyard weddings have surged in popularity because they offer complete control over timing, catering, and atmosphere.

The reality check: while the venue itself is free, you may need to rent some basics like chairs, tables, and possibly portable restrooms if your guest count exceeds your home's capacity. However, even with these rentals, you'll typically spend $300-$800 total—a fraction of venue rental fees that often start at $2,000.

Consider the setup and cleanup logistics carefully. Enlist friends and family to help, or allocate a small portion of your budget ($200-$400) to hire high school or college students for a few hours of labor.

[Check out our guide to: How To Create A Dream Backyard Wedding: Your Complete Guide to Intimate Outdoor Romance]

 

The Restaurant "Takeover"

Here's a venue option many couples overlook: booking a private dining room or small restaurant for your wedding meal. Many restaurants offer private spaces at no additional rental fee—you simply meet a food and beverage minimum, which you'd be spending on catering anyway.

This approach works especially well for micro-weddings of 20-50 guests. The restaurant handles food preparation, service, and cleanup. The space already has ambiance, decor, and lighting. You avoid rental fees for linens, dishes, and glassware. Many couples spend $1,500-$3,000 total for an intimate restaurant wedding that would cost $5,000-$8,000 with traditional catering.

Best practices for restaurant weddings:

• Choose a restaurant with a private room that can be separated from regular diners
• Visit during the day and time you're considering to evaluate the atmosphere
• Negotiate the menu in advance and confirm whether cake-cutting fees apply
• Ask about bringing your own wine to reduce alcohol costs (some restaurants allow this for a corkage fee)

The "Anti-Catering" Food Strategy

Food and beverage costs average $70-$150 per guest at traditional weddings. For a 100-person wedding, that's $7,000-$15,000 just for dinner. By reimagining what wedding food should look like, you can cut this expense by 70-90%.

The Cake and Champagne Reception

Who says weddings must include a full meal? An afternoon cake-and-champagne reception from 2-4 PM eliminates dinner expectations entirely. Guests won't arrive hungry, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages mingling.

Budget breakdown for 50 guests:

• Sheet cakes from a quality bakery: $150-$300
• Champagne and sparkling cider: $150-$250
• Coffee and tea service: $50-$100
• Simple fruit and cheese displays: $100-$150 Total: $450-$800

This approach works particularly well following a morning or early afternoon ceremony. The shorter duration also reduces venue rental time if you're paying hourly.

Food Trucks and Pizza Parties

Trendy, casual, and budget-friendly, food trucks have become a legitimate wedding catering option. Most food trucks charge $12-$20 per person, roughly half the cost of traditional catering. The novelty factor makes the experience feel special rather than cheap.

Pizza delivery offers even more dramatic savings. Order from a beloved local pizzeria and supplement with simple salads and beverages. For 50 guests, you might spend:

• 15-20 large pizzas: $200-$350
• Salad and sides: $100-$150
• Beverages: $100-$150 Total: $400-$650

The Potluck Approach

This option requires the right crowd—close friends and family who genuinely want to contribute and won't feel burdened. When done well, a potluck reception builds community and creates a warm, collaborative atmosphere.

The key to potluck success is coordination. Create a shared online document where guests can sign up for specific dishes to ensure variety and prevent 12 people from bringing potato salad. You provide the main protein (perhaps a few grocery store rotisserie chickens for $50-$80) and beverages, while guests handle sides and desserts.

Your cost: approximately $200-$400 total for the main dishes and all beverages.

 

The "Signature Drink" Bar

Open bars are expensive, often costing $30-$75 per person. Instead, offer one carefully crafted signature cocktail that reflects your personality as a couple, plus beer and wine. This limited selection feels intentional rather than stingy.

Budget for 50 guests (assuming 3-4 drinks per person):

• Ingredients for signature cocktails: $150-$200
• Beer (2-3 cases): $75-$120
• Wine (2 bottles per 10 guests): $100-$150 Total: $325-$470

Purchase alcohol from stores with return policies for unopened bottles, and always buy more than you think you'll need.

Attire on a Dime: Looking Amazing for Less

Wedding attire represents another area where traditional expectations inflate costs unnecessarily. The average wedding dress costs $1,800, and groom's attire adds another $300-$500. You can look equally stunning for a tenth of that price.

The "Non-Wedding" Dress

Here's the industry secret: a white dress is a white dress. Bridal boutiques mark up gowns 300-600% simply because they're labeled "wedding dresses." Instead, shop the formal wear sections of department stores, where gorgeous white gowns sell for $100-$400.

Retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, ASOS, and Lulus offer sophisticated white dresses in every style from bohemian to classic ballgown. These dresses are often better quality than budget bridal gowns because they're not manufactured in the same mass-production facilities. Plus, you can wear them again to future events.

And you can also get your traditional white wedding gown under $200 at Promboutiqueonline.com.

 

Order: Ivory white sheath wedding dress with square neckline under 200 

The Second-Hand and Rental Markets

The pre-owned wedding dress market has exploded, with platforms like Poshmark, Nearly Newlywed, and Stillwhite offering designer gowns at 50-90% off retail prices. Many dresses have been worn once for just a few hours and remain in pristine condition.

For brides who want a high-end designer experience without the lasting investment, rental services like Rent the Runway and Borrowing Magnolia offer luxury gowns for $100-$300. This option works particularly well for fashion-forward brides who plan to change into a different outfit for the reception.

Grooms have it even easier: rent a suit or tuxedo for $80-$150, or wear a suit you already own with fresh accessories.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

If you're having a wedding party, spare them the expense of matching outfits. Instead, provide color guidelines and let them wear something they already own or can purchase inexpensively. "Wear any navy blue dress" or "gray suit with a burgundy tie" gives cohesion without forcing purchases.

Alternatively, rent coordinated outfits for your wedding party at steep discounts through group rental programs.

What to Skip: Traditional Items Nobody Actually Misses

Part of planning an affordable wedding means having the courage to eliminate expenses that don't enhance your guests' experience or your memories.

Items You Can Confidently Skip:

• Wedding favors: Survey after survey shows that 70% of wedding favors are left behind or thrown away. The average couple spends $300-$800 on these forgettable trinkets. Your guests will not notice or care if favors are absent.
• Elaborate floral centerpieces: Simple greenery, single-stem flowers in bud vases, or even candles create ambiance for a fraction of the cost of elaborate floral arrangements. A complete centerpiece refresh might cost $100-$300 instead of $1,500-$3,000.
• Printed programs: In the age of smartphones, printed programs feel redundant. If you want to share ceremony details, create a simple sign at the entrance or include information in your digital invitations.
• Chair covers and elaborate linens: Plain chairs and standard linens are perfectly acceptable. Most guests won't notice the difference, and you'll save $500-$1,500.
• Professional videography: While professional wedding photos are worth the investment (more on that below), videography adds $2,000-$5,000 to your budget. Instead, ask a friend to record key moments on their phone, or set up a tripod to capture the ceremony.

The "One Splurge" Philosophy

Rather than spreading limited funds across all traditional wedding categories, identify the one or two elements that matter most to you as a couple and allocate more budget there. If photography is essential, hire a professional photographer but skip the videographer. If an amazing meal is non-negotiable, invest in catering but marry at a free venue and wear affordable attire.

This focused approach ensures you don't feel like you compromised on what truly matters while still keeping overall costs minimal.

The DIY Trap: When Homemade Costs More

The DIY wedding movement promises significant savings, but some projects consume more time, energy, and money than simply purchasing finished products.

DIY Projects to Avoid

Elaborate paper goods: Printing your own invitations seems economical until you factor in cardstock, envelopes, printer ink, and postal weighing. Online services like Paperless Post or Greenvelope offer digital invitations for free or under $50 for premium designs, and they track RSVPs automatically.

Wedding cakes: Baking a multi-tier wedding cake requires specialized equipment, skills, and ingredients. The stress of timing, transportation, and presentation often outweighs the $200-$300 you might save. Leave this to professionals or purchase simple sheet cakes.

Complex floral arrangements: Flowers are deceptively expensive, even from wholesale markets. Designing arrangements requires skill, and flowers must be purchased, prepped, and arranged within 24-48 hours of the wedding. Unless you have genuine floral design experience, this DIY project creates unnecessary stress.

DIY Projects Worth the Effort

Simple decorations: Bunting, signs, candles, and collected vintage items can be gathered over time and create personalized ambiance at minimal cost.

Playlist curation: Creating your own ceremony and reception playlists saves $800-$2,000 on a DJ and lets you include personally meaningful music. Just ensure you have quality speakers and someone designated to manage the playlist.

Hair and makeup: If you're comfortable with your regular beauty routine, do your own hair and makeup or have a talented friend help. Watch tutorial videos in advance and do a practice run.

The $500 Wedding Challenge: A Complete Breakdown

Can you actually get married for $500? Yes, but it requires strict prioritization and a very small guest count (10-20 people maximum).

The Budget:

• Marriage license and certified copies: $100
• Courthouse ceremony or friend officiant: $50
• Simple white dress or suit you already own: $0
• Backyard or park venue: $0-$50 (permit)
• Cake and champagne reception: $150
• Digital invitations: $0
• iPhone photography (friend): $0
• Simple flowers from grocery store: $50
• Hair and makeup (DIY): $0
• Decorations (borrowed/owned): $0
• Signature cocktails, beer, wine: $100
• Contingency: $50

Total: $500

This wedding focuses entirely on the legal commitment and intimate celebration with your closest loved ones. It eliminates all non-essential expenses while maintaining dignity, joy, and meaning.

Keeping Memories Without the Cost

Professional wedding photography averages $2,500-$4,000, placing it out of reach for ultra-budget weddings. However, you can still capture beautiful memories.

The iPhone Photography Strategy

Modern smartphones take remarkable photos in good lighting. To maximize results:

• Designate 2-3 friends as "photographers" and give them a shot list
• Shoot during golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for flattering light
• Use portrait mode for professional-looking depth of field
• Take many photos from multiple angles—you can't have too many
• Create a shared album where all guests can upload their photos

The Emerging Photographer Option

Photography students and emerging professionals often offer packages for $300-$800 to build their portfolios. Search local university art programs, post in community Facebook groups, or browse Instagram for talented photographers in your area who are still establishing themselves.

Review their work carefully, meet them in person, and ensure they understand your vision. Many of these photographers deliver results comparable to established professionals at a fraction of the cost.

The Micro-Wedding Advantage

Throughout this guide, the common thread is this: guest count is the single biggest determinant of wedding cost. Every person you invite requires food, beverages, seating, and often affects venue size and rental needs.

A micro-wedding of 20-30 guests allows you to:

• Use unique, free, or low-cost venues unsuitable for large groups
• Provide higher-quality food and drinks within a small budget
• Eliminate rental needs for chairs, tables, and equipment
• Create a genuinely intimate experience where you can meaningfully connect with everyone present
• Reduce stress and logistics dramatically

Continue to read: How to Plan a Micro Wedding?

If your vision includes a larger celebration, consider hosting a small legal ceremony and intimate dinner, then throwing a casual open-house style reception weeks or months later where guests can drop by for cake, drinks, and celebration without the formal meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it actually cost to get married legally?

The bare minimum legal cost to get married is typically $30-$120 for a marriage license, plus any fees for certified copies (usually $5-$20 each). If you choose a courthouse ceremony, add $25-$100 for the ceremony fee. In total, you can legally marry for approximately $60-$240 depending on your location.

Is a courthouse wedding cheaper than a traditional wedding?

Yes, significantly. A courthouse wedding costs $50-$250 total, while the average traditional wedding costs over $30,000. However, many couples choose a middle ground with a small ceremony at a low-cost venue followed by an intimate celebration, which can be done for $1,000-$5,000.

What is the cheapest month to get married?

January, February, March, and November are typically the cheapest months for weddings because they're considered "off-season" in most locations. Vendors offer discounts, venues have more availability, and you'll have better negotiating power. Friday and Sunday weddings are also cheaper than Saturdays.

Can you have a nice wedding for $5,000?

Absolutely. With strategic choices, $5,000 can create a beautiful, memorable wedding for 30-50 guests. Allocate funds to a free or low-cost venue, simple catering (food truck or restaurant), a second-hand or off-the-rack dress, minimal flowers and decorations, and an emerging photographer. The key is prioritizing what matters most to you and eliminating traditional expectations that don't align with your values.

Is it rude to have a potluck wedding?

Not if handled appropriately. Potluck weddings work well for casual celebrations among close friends and family who genuinely want to contribute. The key is to frame it positively ("We're creating a community celebration where everyone contributes"), provide clear coordination, and ensure you're covering the main dishes and beverages yourself. Avoid potlucks for formal weddings or situations where guests would feel obligated rather than honored to participate.

How can I save money on wedding food?

The most effective strategies are: choosing a non-meal reception time (cake and champagne in the afternoon), using food trucks or pizza delivery instead of traditional catering, booking a restaurant's private room with no venue fee, limiting the bar to signature cocktails plus beer and wine, or hosting a morning brunch wedding where food costs are naturally lower.

Should I buy a used wedding dress?

Used wedding dresses can be an excellent choice, often costing 50-90% less than retail while still being in excellent condition since most were worn for just a few hours. Platforms like Poshmark, Stillwhite, and Nearly Newlywed offer designer gowns at fraction of original prices. Just ensure you budget for any needed alterations and verify the return policy before purchasing.

What are the biggest wastes of money at weddings?

Based on guest surveys and wedding planning data, the biggest wastes are: elaborate wedding favors (most are left behind), expensive printed programs and menus, over-the-top floral centerpieces, wedding party gifts that won't be used, upgraded linens and chair covers, and late-night food stations that go largely untouched. Focus your budget on what guests will actually remember: food, drinks, music, and atmosphere.

How do I plan a wedding with no money?

If you're working with extremely limited funds, focus on the legal minimum and a micro-celebration. Get married at a courthouse or with a friend officiant ($50-$150), invite only your closest 10-15 people to a backyard or park, serve simple refreshments like cake and champagne ($100-$200), wear something you already own or borrow, and rely on phone photography. The total cost can be as low as $500-$1,000 while still feeling meaningful and celebratory.

Is it okay to have a small wedding to save money?

Not only is it okay, it's increasingly common and often preferred. Micro-weddings of 20-50 guests allow you to afford higher quality elements within a smaller budget, reduce stress, and create genuinely intimate experiences. Many couples report that their small weddings felt more meaningful than large celebrations because they could actually spend time with each guest. Don't feel pressured to invite people out of obligation when a smaller celebration aligns better with your budget and vision.