ChecklistAll wedding types
Wedding checklists by type
Every wedding needs the same foundations, but a destination wedding, a courthouse ceremony and a six-month engagement each change what matters most. Pick yours for an adapted checklist.
By The ReadyToWeddy Team · Updated
Quick answer
Which wedding checklist should you use?
Start with the standard timeline if you’re planning a traditional wedding a year or more ahead. Choose a wedding type when your plans change the work: a destination, a small guest list, a courthouse or civil ceremony, an elopement, a DIY approach or a short engagement. Each one keeps the essentials and drops what doesn’t apply.
All wedding types
- Destination wedding checklistDecide early whether you’ll marry legally abroad or at home with a symbolic ceremony at the destination.154 tasks · 4 you can usually skip
- Micro wedding checklistA firm number shapes the venue, the budget and how personal the day can be.147 tasks · 8 you can usually skip
- Courthouse wedding checklistThe license, documents and appointment are the core tasks, so start with your local office.142 tasks · 13 you can usually skip
- Elopement checklistNo guest list, invitations or seating, so planning centers on the place and the moment.114 tasks · 41 you can usually skip
- How to plan a wedding in 6 monthsBudget, guest count, venue, officiant, photographer and caterer are all settled in roughly the first four weeks.151 tasks · 4 you can usually skip
- DIY wedding checklistA single shared planning system and vendor tracker do the job a planner would.152 tasks · 4 you can usually skip
How the wedding types compare
What each checklist assumes, how much it trims from the standard timeline, and where to start.
| Wedding type | Planning window | Tasks | Usually skip | Start with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination wedding | 12+ months | 154 | 4 | Check destination wedding requirements |
| Micro wedding | 12+ months | 147 | 8 | Agree on your top wedding priorities |
| Courthouse wedding | About 3 months | 142 | 13 | Research marriage license requirements |
| Elopement | About 6 months | 114 | 41 | Decide what kind of ceremony you want |
| 6-month wedding plan | About 6 months | 151 | 4 | Set your working budget |
| DIY wedding | 12+ months | 152 | 4 | Set up a shared planning system |