13 Single-Serving Wedding Cakes Perfect for Intimate Courthouse Ceremonies

Wedding cakes don’t need to be giant towers anymore. You’re planning a courthouse wedding and want something special. Something sweet. Something just for two. Small wedding cakes are having their moment right now. They’re perfect for intimate ceremonies where love takes center stage.

Your courthouse marriage deserves cake too. Even if you’re skipping the big party. Even if it’s just you and your partner saying “I do” at city hall. Simple wedding cake options have exploded in recent years. Bakeries understand couples want beautiful desserts without feeding 200 guests. These 1 tier wedding cakes pack all the romance into a perfectly sized treat. Some couples choose a simple heart shaped wedding cake to symbolize their love. Others go for minimal wedding cake designs that look straight out of a magazine.

Courthouse wedding ideas have evolved beyond signing papers and leaving. Modern couples add personal touches to their civil ceremonies. A civil wedding cake becomes the star of your celebration photos. Your elopement wedding cake creates that magical wedding moment. Even small heart shaped wedding cakes make big statements. Heart shaped cakes work especially well for Valentine’s Day courthouse weddings. Some brides love wedding cakes vintage style with delicate piping and soft colors.

Finding the right cake for your intimate ceremony feels overwhelming at first. Bakeries offer hundreds of options now. From tiny tiered treats to adorable single servings. Each style brings something different to your special day. Your perfect cake is out there waiting. These thirteen options will spark ideas for your own courthouse celebration.

Classic White Buttercream Beauty

Nothing beats traditional white buttercream for courthouse weddings. This timeless choice works in any season. The smooth frosting creates an elegant canvas for simple decorations. Most bakeries can whip up this style quickly. You won’t need advance ordering like larger wedding cakes require.

White buttercream cakes photograph beautifully against courthouse marble. The neutral color complements any outfit choice. Add a single fresh flower on top for instant romance. Roses work wonderfully. So do peonies or ranunculus. Your florist can match the bloom to your bouquet. Some couples press edible flowers into the sides for extra charm.

Flavor options abound with buttercream cakes. Vanilla remains the most popular choice. But don’t overlook lemon or almond variations. These subtle flavors add interest without overwhelming. The cake stays moist under the buttercream coating. Ask your baker about filling options too. Fresh raspberry or strawberry preserves taste amazing. Chocolate ganache creates decadent bites. Keep portions reasonable since you’ll likely eat the whole thing together.

Naked Cake Perfection

Naked cakes show off natural beauty without heavy frosting. These trendy treats feature exposed cake layers. A thin coating of buttercream fills gaps between tiers. The rustic look fits perfectly with courthouse simplicity. Many couples love how unfussy naked cakes appear.

Fresh berries transform naked cakes into showstoppers. Strawberries and blueberries add pops of color. Raspberries create romantic red accents. The fruit flavors complement vanilla or lemon cake bases beautifully. Some bakers dust the top with powdered sugar for sweetness. Others drizzle honey for natural shine. These finishing touches take seconds but make huge visual impact.

Size matters with naked cakes for two. Most bakers create 4-inch or 6-inch versions. The smaller size prevents waste while providing plenty of cake. Each person gets several satisfying slices. The exposed layers help gauge portion sizes easily. You see exactly what you’re eating. No surprises hidden under thick frosting. This transparency appeals to health-conscious couples too.

Vintage Lace Design

Vintage-inspired cakes bring old-world romance to modern courthouse weddings. Delicate piped lace creates stunning visual texture. These intricate patterns require skilled decorators. But the results justify any extra cost. Your cake becomes a miniature work of art.

Soft pastel colors enhance vintage cake appeal. Blush pink remains incredibly popular. Mint green offers unexpected freshness. Lavender provides subtle elegance. Some couples choose ivory or cream for classic sophistication. The muted tones photograph beautifully in natural courthouse lighting. They won’t clash with your outfit either.

Edible pearls and sugar flowers complete the vintage look. These details catch light beautifully in photos. The decorations taste as good as they look too. Quality bakers use premium ingredients for every element. Sugar flowers can match your real bouquet. Or choose contrasting blooms for visual interest. Pearl details work especially well around cake edges. They create frames that draw eyes to the center design.

Chocolate Ganache Dream

Chocolate lovers deserve spectacular courthouse wedding desserts. Rich ganache creates indulgent single servings. The glossy coating looks incredibly professional. Yet most home bakers can achieve similar results. Dark chocolate ganache offers sophisticated bitter notes. Milk chocolate provides comforting sweetness.

Temperature affects ganache texture dramatically. Warm ganache pours smoothly over cakes. It creates mirror-like finishes when done correctly. Cooled ganache becomes thick and spreadable. This version works better for textured designs. Some decorators create rosettes or swirls. Others keep surfaces perfectly smooth. Both approaches look stunning in different ways.

Ganache pairs wonderfully with various cake flavors. Chocolate cake creates double chocolate intensity. Vanilla offers pleasant contrast. Red velvet brings subtle cocoa notes. Some adventurous couples try espresso or caramel bases. Fresh fruit garnishes cut through richness perfectly. Try strawberries, raspberries, or orange segments. Gold leaf adds luxury without overwhelming chocolate flavors.

Fresh Fruit Tower

Fresh fruit cakes feel perfect for morning courthouse ceremonies. These light options won’t weigh you down. The natural sweetness satisfies without sugar overload. Summer weddings especially benefit from fruit-forward designs. But greenhouse berries make this possible year-round now.

Sponge cake provides ideal fruit cake foundations. The airy texture absorbs fruit juices nicely. Whipped cream frosting keeps everything light. Some bakers use mascarpone for richness. Others stick with simple Chantilly cream. The key is balancing moisture without sogginess. Proper assembly timing prevents mushy disasters.

Fruit arrangement creates visual impact on small cakes. Concentric circles of berries look professional. Alternating colors creates rainbow effects. Some couples spell out initials with blueberries. Others create heart shapes using strawberry slices. Kiwi flowers add tropical flair. Passion fruit provides tangy surprises. The possibilities feel endless with seasonal produce.

Minimalist Fondant

Clean lines define minimalist cake design. Fondant creates perfectly smooth surfaces. These modern cakes skip fussy decorations. The simplicity feels refreshing and current. Many courthouse couples appreciate this understated elegance.

Color choices make or break minimalist designs. Pure white remains timelessly chic. Black creates dramatic statements. Gray offers sophisticated neutrality. Some couples choose single accent colors. A thin gold band around the base adds interest. Geometric patterns work well too. Simple dots or stripes prevent boring appearances.

Fondant allows creative shapes beyond traditional rounds. Square cakes feel architectural and modern. Hexagons create honeycomb effects. Heart shapes express romance without words. The firm coating holds sharp edges beautifully. This precision appeals to detail-oriented couples. Every angle photographs perfectly. No messy frosting smudges to worry about.

Ombre Buttercream

Ombre effects create visual drama on small cakes. The gradual color fade looks professionally decorated. Yet the technique remains surprisingly achievable. Most bakers can create beautiful ombre designs. The effect works with any color palette too.

Pink ombre remains incredibly popular for weddings. Start with deep rose at the base. Fade to barely-there blush on top. Blue creates ocean-inspired designs. Purple offers royal elegance. Some couples match ombre shades to wedding flowers. Others coordinate with courthouse ceremony outfits. The gradual transition feels romantic and dreamy.

Texture adds dimension to ombre designs. Smooth buttercream showcases color transitions clearly. Rosette piping creates romantic ruffles. Horizontal lines emphasize the gradient effect. Some decorators combine techniques for complexity. The key is practicing consistent pressure. This creates even patterns throughout. Small cakes show every imperfection clearly. But they also highlight beautiful details wonderfully.

Gold Leaf Elegance

Edible gold leaf transforms simple cakes into luxurious desserts. The metallic shimmer catches light beautifully. Photos capture every glittering detail. This decoration method works on any frosting type. The thin sheets adhere easily with gentle pressure.

Application techniques affect final appearances dramatically. Random placement creates organic sparkle. Geometric patterns feel more controlled. Some couples cover entire cake sections. Others use gold leaf as subtle accents. The material tears easily for natural effects. This actually enhances the handmade appeal. Perfect coverage isn’t necessary or expected.

Gold pairs beautifully with numerous color schemes. White and gold feels classically elegant. Navy and gold creates nautical vibes. Burgundy and gold screams autumn romance. The metallic element elevates any base color. Some bakers add silver leaf for contrast. Rose gold offers trendy alternatives. These precious metal effects make tiny cakes feel special. Your dessert becomes jewelry you can eat.

Pressed Flower Romance

Real pressed flowers create stunning cake decorations. These natural elements bring gardens indoors. The delicate petals preserve wedding day memories. Many florists now offer edible flower options. These taste as beautiful as they look.

Pressing flowers requires patience but yields gorgeous results. Pansies press particularly well. Their faces stay intact through the process. Violas offer similar benefits in miniature. Rose petals create romantic scattered effects. Some couples press flowers from proposal locations. Others use blooms from meaningful gardens. These personal touches make cakes extra special.

Arrangement matters with pressed flower cakes. Cascading designs feel whimsical and free. Geometric patterns create modern aesthetics. Some decorators create flower crowns around edges. Others scatter petals like confetti. The organic shapes contrast beautifully with smooth frosting. Clear glaze protects delicate flowers from moisture. This preservation keeps decorations pristine through ceremonies.

Macaron Tower Alternative

Macaron towers offer unique alternatives to traditional cakes. These French cookies stack beautifully. The colorful shells create instant visual interest. Many couples love the individual serving aspect. Each person chooses favorite flavors easily.

Flavor combinations make macaron towers exciting. Classic options include vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry. Adventurous couples try lavender or pistachio. Some bakeries offer champagne or prosecco flavors. The cookies stay fresh for days properly stored. This flexibility helps with courthouse scheduling. Order ahead without worrying about staleness.

Display methods affect macaron tower impact. Traditional cone shapes look elegant. Flat arrangements showcase color patterns better. Some couples spell out initials or dates. Others create rainbow gradients. Small towers need 20-30 macarons typically. This provides plenty for two people. Add fresh flowers between cookies for extra beauty. The combination feels fresh and modern.

Cheesecake for Two

Cheesecake offers delicious departure from traditional wedding cakes. The creamy texture feels indulgent and special. Many couples prefer cheesecake to regular cake anyway. Single-serving sizes prevent leftover waste. The dense dessert satisfies completely.

Topping options transform plain cheesecake into celebrations. Fresh berry compotes add color and tang. Caramel sauce creates rich sweetness. Chocolate shavings offer textural interest. Some couples choose multiple toppings. Create a dessert bar effect on one plate. Seasonal fruits work wonderfully too. Try figs in fall or citrus in winter.

Crust variations add personality to cheesecakes. Graham cracker remains the classic choice. But gingersnap creates spicy interest. Oreo crusts please chocolate fans. Some bakers skip crusts entirely. This creates pure cheesecake experiences. Mini springform pans create perfect portions. The individual servings feel special and intentional. No awkward cake cutting required.

Cupcake Duo Design

Two perfect cupcakes can replace traditional wedding cakes entirely. This option offers ultimate portion control. Each person gets their own special treat. No sharing required unless desired. The individual cakes prevent frosting fights too.

Decorating cupcakes allows creative freedom. Match designs for unity. Or choose completely different styles. One chocolate, one vanilla satisfies different preferences. Coordinating colors tie mismatched flavors together. Some couples top cupcakes with miniature cake toppers. Others pipe initials in frosting. Fresh flowers work beautifully here too.

Presentation elevates simple cupcakes to wedding status. Vintage cake stands display treats beautifully. Decorative boxes create gift-like presentations. Some couples add ribbons or tags. Others place cupcakes on special plates. The key is making ordinary desserts feel extraordinary. Quality ingredients matter more than complexity. Choose bakeries known for moist, flavorful bases.

Heart-Shaped Simplicity

Heart shapes scream romance without trying hard. These cakes work perfectly for courthouse ceremonies. The symbolism feels appropriate and sweet. Most bakeries offer heart-shaped pans. Even grocery stores can accommodate this request.

Size options abound with heart cakes. Tiny 4-inch hearts feed two perfectly. Larger 6-inch versions allow seconds. Some couples order multiple small hearts. This creates variety without waste. Different flavors in each heart satisfy various cravings. The shape makes every cake feel special automatically.

Decorating heart cakes requires minimal effort. Simple buttercream swirls look lovely. Fresh strawberries emphasize the romantic theme. Writing works well on flat heart surfaces. “Mr. and Mrs.” fits perfectly. So do wedding dates or initials. Some couples skip decorations entirely. The shape itself makes enough statement. Quality cake needs little enhancement.

Tips to Nailing single serving courthouse wedding cakes

Order from local bakeries specializing in small-batch items instead of traditional wedding cake shops. These places understand portion control better. They often charge less too since they’re not paying for wedding markup. Check coffee shops and pastry boutiques for hidden gems.

Consider grocery store bakeries for simple designs. Many offer surprisingly good options now. Their decorators can create beautiful buttercream flowers and borders. The prices beat specialty shops significantly. Plus you can taste samples before committing.

Make your own if you have any baking skills. Single serving sizes forgive mistakes easier than large cakes. Box mix works fine as your base. Focus energy on decorating instead. YouTube tutorials teach every technique imaginable now.

Order extra desserts for courthouse staff if desired. Judges and clerks appreciate sweet gestures. Mini cupcakes or cookies work perfectly. This creates goodwill and happy ceremony vibes. Everyone loves unexpected treats during work days.

Transport cakes in coolers with ice packs during warm weather. Small cakes melt faster than large ones. Buttercream especially needs temperature control. Arrive early to let cakes settle before photos. Most courthouses have refrigerators available if asked nicely.

Skip traditional cake cutting ceremonies if they feel forced. Feed each other bites instead. Or save cake for private moments later. Some couples eat dessert in the courthouse garden. Others wait until their celebration dinner. Do whatever feels natural and comfortable.

Coordinate cake flavors with your celebration meal. Rich chocolate pairs poorly with seafood dinners. Light lemon complements almost everything. Consider your full menu when choosing. The dessert should complete your meal perfectly.

Take photos before eating any cake. Courthouse lighting varies dramatically. Natural light near windows works best. Have someone else hold reflectors if needed. These photos become treasured memories. Don’t rush through them for sugar cravings.

Actionable Advice

✓ Call three local bakeries this week to compare single serving options and pricing

✓ Create a Pinterest board with your favorite courthouse wedding cake styles for baker references

✓ Set a firm budget before shopping around to avoid overspending on dessert

✓ Schedule cake tasting appointments at least one month before your ceremony date

✓ Bring fabric swatches or photos of your courthouse outfit when meeting bakers

✓ Ask about delivery options since transporting cakes can be stressful on wedding days

✓ Request references from other couples who ordered small wedding cakes recently

✓ Confirm all details in writing including pickup times, flavors, and decoration specifics