West Coast couples are increasingly opting for simple courthouse ceremonies over costly, lavish weddings. This trend has led to a rise in demand for marriage appointments at municipal buildings across California.
The Los Angeles Times reported a surge in interest for straightforward civil ceremonies. Melinda Greene, Santa Barbara County Clerk, stated, “They pretty much get picked up as soon as we release them.” Couples from various regions are drawn to these ceremonies.
Courthouse wedding slots in California fill up months ahead. Some couples even secure last-minute bookings. The demand has transformed elopement from a casual option into a competitive endeavor.
“It books up so fast, you have to be online at the exact time [of day] you plan on having your appointment,” said Asha Marshall of So Fetch Photography.
Micro-weddings are influenced by social media, with couples choosing celebrity-frequented venues like Santa Barbara’s Spanish Moorish revival courthouse. Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, as well as Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, have wed at this location.
Roy Lee, Santa Barbara County supervisor, noted, “We see dozens a day, starting at 8 o’clock in the morning.” San Francisco City Hall is another popular spot, having hosted Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s wedding.
Despite the trend, couples continue to make significant financial investments in their weddings. The oldest Gen Z members are reaching the average marrying age of 28, fueling the wedding industry. Zola’s report on “2026 Wedding Trends: First Look” highlighted broader cultural shifts, showing that couples are integrating technology and prioritizing mental wellness in their wedding plans.
The average wedding cost remains $36,000, with guest counts stable at around 145. Even with economic concerns, 85% of couples believe their wedding expenses are justified. According to Bank of America, wedding-related spending increased by 8.5% in 2026, indicating that higher prices have not detered spending.
Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, covering trends and developments in lifestyle news.