Planning a wedding is never as simple as it sounds. From setting a budget to booking venues and vendors to applying for your marriage license, there's a lot to do! But if you're getting married here in Mississippi, we've got you covered. Below you'll find a guide to tying the knot in the Magnolia State, including top wedding trends, average costs, and legal requirements.
Fun Wedding Trends That Are Popular in Mississippi
Rustic weddings featuring "farmhouse" charm have been a persistent trend across the U.S. over the past decade, and this rural-chic style doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, especially in the South. Additional trends for Mississippi weddings include:
- Incorporating local flowers like azaleas, magnolias, and daffodils
- Traditionally Southern drinks like cocktails with whiskey or bourbon and non-alcoholic beverages like sweet tea
- Personalized handkerchiefs and parasols -- if you're into painting or art therapy, this is a great opportunity to customize!
- Jumping over a broom -- an old tradition believed to bring good luck to the newlyweds
Average Cost of a Mississippi Wedding
Across the United States in 2012, the average cost of a wedding reception was $13,106. By 2019, that average increased to $33,900! How does the state of Mississippi compare? Mississippi's average wedding cost in 2019 was $23,800 -- that's over $10,000 less than the national average! Where does all that money go? Let's take a closer look at some of the pricier parts of a Mississippi wedding budget.
- Venue: The average amount of money spent on a venue in Mississippi is roughly $8,000.
- Planner: Mississippi couples are spending about $2,000 on an event planner.
- Decor: Flowers and decor account for roughly $2,500.
- Photographer: The average cost of a wedding photographer is about $2,500.
How to Get a Marriage License in Mississippi
Every state has its own marriage requirements; in Mississippi, both individuals must be at least 21 years of age. However, with parental or guardian consent, a girl can get married at 15 and a boy at 17. To apply for a marriage license in Mississippi, you will need to collect the following documents and submit them to the county clerk in addition to the application and fee:
- A government-issued ID
- Proof of divorce if you have been divorced in the past six months
- Naturalization papers (if you are a naturalized American citizen)
Great news for out-of-towners looking for a lovely destination wedding: you do not have to be a Mississippi resident to get married here!
Legal Requirements for Wedding Venues
Keep in mind that some wedding venues -- like historic buildings and national parks -- will require a permit. Make sure to book the venue and secure the permit well in advance. You typically set up a planning meeting with the venue to discuss options, policies, regulations, and requirements. This would be a good time to let your venue know about any restrictions or requirements you and your wedding party or guests have. For instance, in the U.S., about 3.6 million people over age 15 use a wheelchair. If you need special accommodations, let the venue know ahead of time.
Setting a Date
With its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi has relatively warm weather all year round. According to The Knot 2015 Real Weddings Study, 35% of couples who get married in Mississippi do so in spring, and 34% tie the knot in the summer. However, winter and fall are still great options in this Southern state as well. Keep in mind that severe thunderstorms are common during the summer, and the coastal regions may experience hurricanes between June and November. While this is by no means an exhaustive guide to getting married in Mississippi, it hopefully provides a bit of insight and inspiration for your own wedding planning.
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