Many couples on the West Coast are now opting for simpler, more budget-friendly weddings rather than extravagant ceremonies. This trend has led to an influx of bookings at city halls across California for civil ceremonies, according to recent reports.
Melinda Green, the County Clerk for Santa Barbara, mentioned that reservations are snapped up almost immediately. “We have people from all over the world,” she added, highlighting the high demand.
Although California courthouse slots have been booked well in advance, some couples are still making last-minute arrangements. Elopements, which used to be seen as a refreshing change from traditional weddings, are now somewhat of a trend, almost like a “formal contact sport,” as noted in the publication.
Asha Marshall, a photographer, revealed that timely bookings are crucial for brides feeling stressed about competition for spots. “You need to be online at the exact time,” she explained.
The rise of microweddings and civil ceremonies appears to be influenced by social media, as more couples are inspired by celebrity weddings at prominent venues, including Santa Barbara’s Spanish Moorish Courthouse, where notable figures like Kamala Harris and Kourtney Kardashian got married.
Roy Lee, a Santa Barbara County Supervisor, commented on the surge in weddings starting at 8 a.m., indicating just how popular this venue has become.
Furthermore, San Francisco City Hall is also a highly sought-after location, hosting around 7,000 weddings each year, making it famous since Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s celebrated wedding in 1954.
This trend coincides with the fact that Generation Z, now at the forefront of marriage, frequently drives changes in the wedding industry. As noted in a recent report from Zola, the oldest members of this generation are marrying at an average age of 28. The report suggested that 2026’s wedding trends reflect a broader cultural shift among young couples.
Interestingly, despite the popularity of less costly courthouse ceremonies, the average wedding still costs about $36,000, with around 145 guests invited, which has remained constant from the previous year.
Zola’s findings highlight that even with financial pressures, many couples prioritize their desired celebrations over stricter budgeting. A notable 85% of couples stated that their wedding was worth every penny, reflecting a strong sentiment towards making their special day memorable.
Bank of America reported that wedding-related spending is on the rise, increasing by 8.5% year-on-year in 2026. While spending on formal wear has decreased, there’s a growing interest in more affordable lab-grown diamonds.
