Alternative to a Courthouse Wedding in Saint Paul

Sometimes a courthouse-style wedding is the right thing, but if you don’t want to have your wedding in an actual courtroom, there are alternatives right here in Saint Paul!

Racquelle and Simon reached out to me after having been together for eight years and now expecting their first child together, to come up with an intimate wedding celebration with photos and memories that they could cherish forever. 

Read all about our planning process and get some ideas for your own courthouse-alternative wedding! 

Planning a Courthouse-Alternative Wedding in Saint Paul

When Racquelle and Simon first reached out, what they wanted was a small wedding within the next few weeks with either just themselves or with their parents. 

We dreamed up ideas from having their ceremony in the courtrooms at the Ramsey County Courthouse, to the Como Conservatory, to the Landmark Center Park near the courthouse. 

After working through our schedules and availability, we landed on June 20th, 2024 at the Landmark Center. While it is possible to get a permit to photograph inside the Landmark Center, they do not allow ceremonies with the photo permit. Spring 2024 was ultra-rainy, so we knew we needed an alternative plan in case of rain. 

So we came up with a Plan A and a Plan B (below), which I always recommend in Minnesota — you never know what the weather can give you!

Plan A 

• Meet at Landmark Center, and take photos inside
• Continue outside for some couple’s photos outside
• Meet parents outside the Landmark Center in Rice Park for family photos
• Ceremony in Rice Park

Plan B

• Meet at Landmark Center, and take couple’s and family photos inside
• Transition to the Ramsey County Courthouse for the ceremony
  • Remember to give yourselves ample time to walk or park, and get through security

We were lucky enough to be able to stick with our Plan A, giving Racquelle and Simon a lovely variety of photos to share with their now blended family! 

I also encouraged them to make dinner reservations that evening to celebrate their official marriage. Yes, it was a short notice wedding and on a weekday, but that does not make it less special! Like for many couples, their marriage was a long time coming, and the commitment they made to each other deserves recognition and a moment to sink in!

They chose a rooftop restaurant in Edina, but there are also great options in Saint Paul as well, like The St. Paul Grill at the Saint Paul Hotel and Saint Dinette.

In every decision they made, the day was about Racquelle and Simon. They took the time to choose outfits that made them feel special, she got her hair and makeup done, and I helped them acquire flowers. Let me reiterate: a small wedding is still special! 

Alrighty, I’ll get off my soapbox now and show you their photos! 

If you’re looking to plan a small wedding with your partner, reach out and let’s create something unique for you!