(NewsNation) — Couples across the U.S. are shaking up the wedding industry, as courthouse and city hall ceremonies become an increasingly popular way to get hitched.

According to Pinterest’s 2025 Annual Wedding Trends Report, Gen Z is driving a surge in searches related to city hall and courthouse weddings, with the platform documenting a more than 190% jump in “city hall elopement” searches. So, what is driving this spike in curiosity around civil ceremonies versus traditional venues?

How cost factors in

When it comes to their big day, cost is a big factor in how couples choose to celebrate. According to the popular wedding planning platform, The Knot, the overall average cost of a U.S. wedding in 2025 is $33,000. A marriage license, which is generally issued by a state authority such as a county court, ranges between $20 to $110 depending on the state.

For couples wanting to avoid steep venue costs coupled with rising tariffs or having to host guests, civil ceremonies can be a cost-effective solution.

The influence of social media

There is also some celebrity influence at play. Earlier in July, British pop singer Charli XCX married drummer George Daniel of the band The 1975 in a small Hackney Town Hall ceremony in London.

The singer isn’t alone in opting to tie the knot this way. According to People magazine, other celebrities have opted to go this route in recent years, including actresses Justine Lupe and Saoirse Ronan.

Response from wedding industry

Wedding vendors have been meeting consumers’ interest in this trend in a number of ways. Categories for courthouse or city hall dresses can be found in fashion magazines like Vogue and Brides, as well as among clothing brands like David’s Bridal and Anthropologie.

Meanwhile a growing number of photographers are offering specific services for city hall ceremonies. Couples can rest assured that however they choose to celebrate their big day, they can cater it to their style.