March 16, 2022
Buckle up your seatbelts, because I am getting ready to explain exactly why you need an intimate minimony session after your courthouse elopement. Trust me, this one is going to be a good one, and you’re going to want to read to the very end!
WHAT EVEN IS AN INTIMATE MINIMONY AND HOW DOES IT TIE INTO A COURTHOUSE ELOPEMENT?
Let me tell you, as an elopement photographer based out of Arizona, I have experienced a lot within the industry. Most of the time, minimonies after courthouse elopements are often looked at as less than, and I am here to set the record straight. I mean, if a traditional wedding can have photos captured of cake being shoved in each other’s faces, then why can’t we design a fun session of you signing the marriage license at the courthouse with dreamy Arizona desert photos to follow?
We can still capture all the details that big weddings have… just in a different, simpler fashion. Let’s make your day even more memorable. Here are some ideas on how to plan the perfect courthouse elopement followed by the most romantic minimony.
THREE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ELOPING AT THE COURTHOUSE
This is an era of a new age.
It is an age where big weddings just aren’t as popular as they used to be. If having a big wedding isn’t as important, why not contemplate the idea of getting married at the courthouse?
QUICK FUN FACT: If you are having a wedding in a different country; some countries don’t recognize the marriage license so some people go to a courthouse anyways to get married before they have their wedding abroad.
Let’s bring back courthouse elopements
Here are just some reasons why it is always a good idea to have a courthouse photography session and make a day out of it.
#1: LESS EXPENSIVE
Now that you don’t have all the stress of planning a wedding you can focus on hiring out a photographer or going to a nice dinner and just have a fun night celebrating your marriage together.
You have more money to put towards other things like a photographer so hire a photographer so you can relive your special day.
#2: LESS STRESS
Sometimes accommodating big families can be just as stressful when planning a wedding.
This is a ceremony and session that is designed for you two and what you want. If you want Aunt Karen and mom there for family photos, bring them to the courthouse for family photos. However, make sure to save enough time for YOU, the couple because after all, this is YOUR wedding!
#3: MORE INTIMACY
Let’s just focus on your love, not anyone else’s. Sometimes couples want the more intimate aspect of a wedding day vs being in front of a bunch of people.
FROM THE COURTHOUSE STRAIGHT TO YOUR INTIMATE MINIMONY SESSION: IDEAS FOR THE CELEBRATION AFTER YOU SAY, “I DO”
The party doesn’t have to end after the courthouse signing!
Intimate minimony sessions that take place after courthouse weddings, are starting to take the world by storm with a whole new funky twist to them. The non-traditional concept is starting to open up opportunities for you to wear funky attire and/or run off to an absolutely gorgeous location for photos.
If you decide on having a courthouse ceremony and a minimony later, make your time at the courthouse romantic while your minimony is a little fun & funky! I mean, how many times do you get to marry the man of your dreams, twice?
Note: Photographers are usually not allowed inside the courthouse when you are signing your documents. Usually, it is easier to meet you at an off-site location and capture intimate romantic photos celebrating your commitment to each other or meet you at the courthouse capturing you walking out of the building with your marriage license then heading to an off-site location for photos to follow.
IDEAS TO ENTERTAIN FOR YOUR MINIMONY SESSION:
- Capture walking out of the courthouse
- Head to an off-site location to capture romantic intimate photos of just the two of your
- Exchange vows
- Pop champagne to celebrate signing the documents that you are married
- Hire a florist for a bouquet
- Have a little ceremony site in the desert (hire a designer/ florist to make a vision come to life)
- Have a post-ceremony reception with friends and family at a restaurant or someone’s house
- Cocktail hour with friends and family
Usually, an intimate minimony session can range from 1-4 hours depending on what you want. If you want just a photography session during sunset, allow an hour just for sunset photos just the two of you. Sunset is the best time to capture photos.
Another idea for a minimony session is grabbing your marriage certificate and heading to a rad location and have a little minimony session of your two saying your vows, signing the marriage certificate, then taking romantic photos of just the two of you.
BRINGING YOUR MINIMONY TO THE DESERTS OF ARIZONA
Being based out of Arizona, I have had the opportunity to capture some dreamy courthouse elopements in the state. With those courthouse elopements, come with minimony sessions afterward! I will not stop raising awareness of these beautiful and transcendent opportunities.
HOW TO ELOPE AT ARIZONA COURTHOUSES
- You both must be at least 18 years of age, and it will cost you $83.00.
- With covid, Arizona is letting couples apply to get their marriage license online (RESIDENT’S ONLY). Once you have applied, you will need two forms of identification and to head to the courthouse with your honey!
- In order to make your marriage official, you will need two witnesses and an officiant to sign the marriage license.
FUN FACT: I am ordained and am able to be considered a witness.
Here is a helpful link for more information on obtaining your marriage license in Arizona.
HOW TO HAVE A MINIMONY SESSION AFTERWARDS IN THE ARIZONA DESERT
- Make sure you have a photographer who is proficient with timelines. Because this isn’t a “full-day” thing, having a photographer is going to make sure you are on time with things that will better help you enjoy your time.
- MAKE IT FUN — this is your chance to let it all out. You are able to be 100% yourselves as you celebrate your love during your minimony.
- Pick your location strategically and roll with it! Arizona is overflowing with gorgeous landscapes. Although they are all beautiful, you, unfortunately, can’t go everywhere!
- BE PREPARED. No matter what your minimony consists of, make sure you are ready to go!
LET THIS BE A REMINDER THAT YOUR WEDDING DAY IS STILL YOUR WEDDING DAY. Let me help your relationship experience the furthest thing from traditional! Let’s get you married at the courthouse and have an intimate minimony session afterward capturing photos remembering the day you tied the knot “officially”.
Want to chat about it? Let’s chat here!
Looking for other helpful wedding planning ideas in the desert? Check out these links:
Reasons to Have a Saguaro National Park Elopement
Best Times to Elope in Arizona
