Brooke & Jacob: An Intimate Courthouse Elopement + Jailhouse Celebration

When love, family, and tacos come together for the perfect day.

Some weddings you just never forget. Not because of the elaborate décor or the grand productions—but because of the feeling. The pure, unfiltered joy. The tears (happy ones). The families who genuinely love each other. The couple who knows exactly what matters to them.

Brooke and Jacob’s wedding was one of those days.

A Morning of Getting Ready & First Looks

Brooke and her girls arrived at the Historic Dallas Jail that morning ready to transform the bridal suite into their own little pre-wedding haven. Hair, makeup, laughter, champagne—all the classic getting-ready moments that make a wedding day feel special.

Around lunchtime, Jacob and his groomsmen showed up, and the energy shifted from calm preparation to joyful anticipation. You could feel it: something beautiful was about to happen.

The First Looks That Made Us All Cry

Before heading to the courthouse, Brooke wanted a few private moments with the most important people in her life.

First up: her dad. Watching a father see his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time never gets old. The pride. The tears. The hug that says everything words can’t.

Next: her son. If you thought the dad moment was emotional, this one took it to another level. The look on his face when he saw his mom—absolutely priceless.

And finally: Jacob. They met in our courtyard for a private first look, exchanged personal vows and gifts while their families watched from the windows inside.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Not one.

It was intimate, intentional, and exactly what Brooke and Jacob wanted—a moment just for them (and their families bearing witness) before the official “I do’s.”

Off to the Lincolnton Courthouse

Brooke had always wanted to elope. Simple, stress-free, just the two of them making it official. So that’s exactly what they did.

Everyone loaded up and headed to the Lincolnton Courthouse—just 20 minutes from the Historic Dallas Jail. A quick, intimate ceremony with only their closest family members present. No fuss. No pressure. Just love and commitment.

After they said “I do,” they took some fun courthouse photos (because if you’re going to elope at a courthouse, you’ve got to document it!), and then it was time to head back to the Jail for the real party.

The Reception: Tacos, Family, and So Much Dancing

While Brooke, Jacob, and their families were at the courthouse, we were at the Jailhouse putting the finishing touches on the reception. And let us tell you—it was going to be good.

The Menu: A Taco & Queso Bar (Because Why Not?)

Brooke and Jacob knew what they wanted: fun food that everyone would love. Enter Viva Tequis, who catered an incredible taco and queso bar that had guests raving all night. Forget the formal plated dinners and stuffy receptions. This was about good food, good people, and a good time.

A Family Table (Not a Sweetheart Table)

Here’s one of our favorite details from the night: instead of a traditional sweetheart table where the couple sits alone, Brooke and Jacob opted for a family table. Their sons sat with them throughout dinner because—let’s be real—this day was about bringing their families together, not sitting separate from them.

It was such a beautiful, intentional choice that perfectly captured what this wedding was all about.

Golden Hour, Guest Arrivals, and the Party Begins

Once everyone returned to the Jailhouse, it was time for family photos—the big group shots, the sibling photos, the “everyone we love in one frame” moments.

Then, Brooke and Jacob snuck away for golden hour portraits. (If you know, you know. Golden hour is chef’s kiss for wedding photos.)

While they were off getting those dreamy, glowy shots, their guests started arriving and were immediately greeted by the queso bar. Because nothing says “welcome to the party” like warm, melty queso.

Let the Celebration Begin

Once all the guests had arrived, Brooke and Jacob made their grand entrance, and the celebration officially kicked off.

First dance. Tears. Smiles. The kind of moment you wish you could bottle up and keep forever.

Parent dances. More tears. (We warned you this was an emotional crew.)

Then? Dinner in the cell block. Yes, you read that right. Guests enjoyed their taco bar feast in our historic cell block, which—trust us—is way cooler than it sounds. The exposed brick, the history, the ambiance? It’s unlike any other reception space.

Dancing, Bubbles, and the Perfect Exit

After dinner, it was party time. And this group came ready to celebrate.

The dance floor was packed all night. The music was loud. The energy was high. Brooke and Jacob’s families knew how to have a good time, and it showed.

As the night wound down, guests lined up outside for a bubble exit—whimsical, magical, and the perfect way to send off a couple who just had the most joy-filled, love-filled day imaginable.

Why the Courthouse + Jailhouse Combo Works Perfectly

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: the Historic Dallas Jail is only 20 minutes from the Lincolnton Courthouse.

For couples like Brooke and Jacob who want the simplicity of a courthouse elopement but still want to celebrate with their people, this setup is absolutely perfect.

You get:

✅ The intimate, no-stress courthouse ceremony

✅ A beautiful, historic reception venue just minutes away

✅ Time to take photos at both locations without feeling rushed

✅ The best of both worlds: elopement vibes + a real celebration

It’s becoming one of our favorite trends, and after seeing how beautifully it worked for Brooke and Jacob, we’re not surprised.

What Made This Wedding Unforgettable

At the end of the day, it wasn’t about the flowers or the decorations or the fancy details. It was about love and family.

Brooke and Jacob knew exactly what mattered to them: being surrounded by the people they love most, sharing great food, and celebrating the beginning of their marriage in a way that felt authentic to who they are.

Their families? Some of the sweetest, kindest, most joyful people we’ve ever had the honor of hosting. You could feel the love in every hug, every laugh, every happy tear.

This is what weddings should feel like. Not stressful. Not overwhelming. Just pure, genuine joy.

Planning Your Own Courthouse Elopement + Reception?

If Brooke and Jacob’s day resonates with you—if you love the idea of a simple courthouse ceremony followed by an intimate celebration with your favorite people—we’d love to help make it happen.

Why the Historic Dallas Jail is perfect for this:

• Just 20 minutes from Lincolnton Courthouse

• Beautiful, historic space that needs minimal decorating

• Flexible packages (from hourly rentals to all-inclusive)

• Room for getting ready, first looks, and a full reception

• We handle setup and coordination so you can focus on enjoying your day

Ready to plan your day?

📧 Contact us for availability

📍 Schedule a tour of the venue

💕 Let’s create a wedding that feels like YOU

Vendors who made this day amazing:

📸 Photography: Miranda Lee Photography

🌮 Catering: Viva Tequis

👗 Wedding Dress: Poffie Girls

💇🏼‍♀️: @jessicawebb925_ 

💄 : @lindseymackeyprice 

🍰: Sweet Shananigan

💐: Stanley Florist

🏛️ Venue: Historic Dallas Jail | Dallas, NC

Brooke and Jacob, thank you for letting us be part of your story. Watching you two (and your amazing families) celebrate was an absolute joy. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a few more taco bars along the way. 🤍🌮