West Coast couples are trending towards simpler, courthouse weddings, moving away from extravagant ceremonies. According to a recent report by the Los Angeles Times, demand for civil ceremonies is increasing in California.
Santa Barbara County Clerk Melinda Greene shared her insights with the publication, noting that marriage appointments often get fully booked quickly. “We have people from all over the world,” Greene stated.
Marriage appointment slots in California are being filled months ahead, while some couples manage to secure last-minute openings. Elopements, once seen as a casual alternative, are becoming more competitive. More couples prefer courthouse weddings over costly venues, reported the Los Angeles Times.
Asha Marshall of So Fetch Photography mentioned the growing stress among brides to book courthouse appointments. “You have to be online at the exact time [of day] you plan on having your appointment,” Marshall explained.
The rise in micro-weddings is driven partly by social media influence, with couples choosing the same locations where celebrities have wed. Notable locations include Santa Barbara’s Spanish Moorish revival courthouse, where Kamala Harris and Kourtney Kardashian were married.
Roy Lee, Santa Barbara County supervisor, noted the high volume of weddings starting as early as 8 a.m. daily. San Francisco City Hall, another popular venue, hosts around 7,000 weddings annually.
Gen Z, defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, is entering their peak marrying years. The oldest among Gen Z are reaching the average marrying age of 28, according to online wedding-planning and registry company Zola.
Zola reported that Gen Z is actively influencing wedding trends, with the 2026 season reflecting broader cultural shifts. The report emphasized the importance of mental wellness and the incorporation of social media and AI in wedding planning.
Data from Zola also showed that despite preferences for cost-effective civil ceremonies, the average wedding cost is $36,000, with around 145 guests. Many couples prioritize their dream wedding over other financial goals.
Bank of America’s June 2026 report found an 8.5% increase in wedding-related spending, despite higher prices. Economical, lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity as couples opt for less expensive formal wear.