If you're seriously considering a courthouse wedding in Western Pennsylvania, you should definitely look into Westmoreland and Allegheny County! This blog highlights some details about each, as well as my thoughts on why a courthouse wedding might be the right fit for you! In addition, I'll post images below of a few photos from weddings at each location!

The Westmoreland County Courthouse is a beautiful staple at the center of its county. Couples are getting married here all the time, and for obvious reasons—it's really quite beautiful! The Allegheny Courthouse is also an amazing example of architecture and design. In fact, many people who see photos of the interior are shocked to learn it is the Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh, as many have driven past it a hundred times but have never seen the interior.

The Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was completed in 1888. The courthouse is an impressive example of Romanesque Revival architecture and was designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson. It is considered one of Pittsburgh's architectural landmarks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Westmoreland County Courthouse, located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, was completed in 1906. It was designed by architect William H. Frye and is known for its Beaux-Arts style of architecture. This courthouse is an important historic landmark in the area and serves as the center of judicial proceedings for the county.

Why is getting married in a courthouse as popular as ever? With so many wedding venues, such as barns, mansions, and more to rent out, why are couples still opting for something that was done so often in the 1960s? Well, if you look at the history of the two decades when courthouse weddings were the most popular, this may be a sign of the current times. Courthouse weddings were most common during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, more couples began opting for simpler, less formal ceremonies due to changing societal norms, the rise of civil rights movements, and the increasing cost of traditional weddings. The convenience and affordability of courthouse weddings made them especially appealing, particularly for couples looking for a quick and private way to get married without the traditional religious or large social ceremony.

Although big weddings are certainly still a very popular choice, I have found more and more phone calls are coming in for photography requests for simple courthouse weddings on weekday afternoons. In either location (Allegheny or Westmoreland), I find they are typically late morning or early afternoon—perfect times to seal the deal and head off for an evening dinner with family and friends. Or even just a small backyard reception at your own home, with a fire pit and local catering brought in.

Having a courthouse wedding on a weekday offers several benefits. First, lower costs are often associated with weekday weddings, as venues and vendors tend to offer discounts during less popular days. Second, less crowded venues make for a more intimate and personal ceremony without the hustle and bustle of larger weekend crowds. Third, more flexible scheduling means you can choose a time that works best for you and your partner, without having to compete for availability. Fourth, quicker planning is possible since there’s less demand for the same services, meaning less waiting time for permits and appointments. Finally, when it comes to hiring vendors like photographers, florists, and videographers, you can certainly opt for a much smaller package and keep your overall wedding budget more affordable.

Interested in 1–3 hours of photography coverage for your courthouse wedding? I'd love to chat with you! Please reach out anytime via email!

Here are some examples of the two courthouses I talked about in this blog.

Allegheny County Courthouse

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Westmoreland County Courthouse

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