How to Elope at the Historic Dekalb County Courthouse in Georgia

This beautiful location is a historic courthouse and welcomes weddings and events! They are mostly known for hosting bigger weddings (I’m talking, tables, 100 guests, catering, ect). However you can elope at this historic courthouse!

I’ve had manyyy people try to reach out to the courthouse via website, email, or phone and not gotten a response. They are tricky to get ahold of but luckily, I got them on the phone and asked all the questions you’re dying to hear! Let’s get into it:

HOW TO GET MARRIED

The process of booking to courthouse to get married is an easy one. You will need to complete the Booking Contract online & submit a 50% deposit when they accept your request to book. They made it easy for us by providing a calendar of their available dates for weddings & elopements that you can view and compare with your wedding date! The courthouse does not provide an officiant. You will have to bring your own or nominate a friend / family member to get ordained online. I will list a vendor recommendation list below.

For more info on their house rules or to speak with a real person you can email donaldson@dekalbhistory.org.

PRICING & PERMITS

Online they have a TON of information on larger weddings (if you’re interested in that, click the link here) but elopement information is a little more bleek. You can rent the space for small intimate ceremonies and/or micro-weddings.  They rent the Courtroom in four hour minimum blocks anytime between 9am-3pm, Monday-Thursday.  The rental fee is $950 and the refundable Security Deposit is $250.  Daytime rentals include 25 guests.  Additional guests may be added for $100 per 5 people, with a maximum of 35 guests.  Daytime rentals also include tables and white folding chairs, renters may upgrade to Gold Chiavari chairs for $150 (setup and breakdown NOT included).  No food or drink allowed.  Here is our Facility Information Packet for more info, a link to the website, and a link to the calendar to check available dates.  Tours are available by appointment. Once booked, you are required to pay a 50% nonrefundable deposit and the remainder, including fees, is due 90 days prior to the event.

RECOMENDATIONS

While you get married at this courthouse, I recommend you make the most of it! You can do this by hiring a piano planner, planning photos inside and outside the courthouse and even going for a stroll around the Decatur area for some photos after! I recommend making this a day of celebration! With dinner, a second location, and even some getting ready photos at a neaby hotel! Here are some things I have seen during elopements at the Dekalb County Courthouse:

  • Hire a trolley!
  • Get Ready at a local hotel
  • Take Photos at a second location (see below)
  • An organic confetti exit out the courthouse!
    • Please not that confetti is not allowed. See site for alternative options.
  • Hire a band / Piano player
  • Have an after party after you say ‘I do’
  • Go get dinner at a nearby restaurant

Hotel Recommendations

If you are planning to get ready before the courthouse, I do not recommend the rooms provided. They are on the .. uhm .. stuffier side and not the best for good getting ready photos (and why do things halfway right?). I do recommend a hotel for a few reasons; to make the experience better, to hang out with your family and friends beforehand and have a place to go back to after! It’s your wedding day – make it special!

Here is a list of hotels in the area that I recommend:

Nearby Photo Locations

While the courthouse is stunning in itself, I get the urge to mix it up and have some variety in your elopement photos! Here is a list of second locations I recommend to travel to after your courthouse ceremony:

  • Piedmont Park Bridge
  • Georgian Terrace Hotel
  • Downtown Decatur
  • Centennial Park / ‘Made in Atlanta’ Sign
  • Buckhead Village
  • Grant Park
  • Ponce City Market
  • Arabia Mountain
  • High Museum of Art

Restaurant Recommendations

Like I said, what’s a good party without a feast?? Celebrate your wedding by eating the most delicious food Atlanta has to offer!

If no one gives you permission, I will. You do not need to eat at a fancy place to celebrate your wedding day! Go to you favorite place! And enjoy it. You can do whatever you want on your day!

Other Vendor Recommendations

See more of my recommended vendors when you book your elopement with me!

HOW TO BOOK ME FOR YOUR COURTHOUSE ELOPEMENT

I am a Georgia based wedding photographer & I would LOVE to capture your courthouse elopement. You can inquire with me through my website by clicking the link here.

My elopement pricing are based on hours starting at 2 hours for $900, 4 hours for $1,700, and 6 hours for $2,400. I do ask for a 25% deposit to hold your date but during that time, we can start planning!

I also have an amazing team of vendors & associates that work for me! I offer videography, 35mm film, super 8 film, and a whole bunch of add on’s! You can view a complete guide of what I offer here:

VIEW PRICING GUIDE

I am so happy you made it to the end of this guide! I hope you found it helpful as always. Below is REAL gallery of mine from a real wedding day at the Historic Dekalb County Courthouse. This couple booked me for a 6 hour day and we started at The Starling Hotel, took a trolley to the courthouse, got in a quick Burger King break and then took photos at Piedmont Park! We ended at the Swan House for a reception.

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