I say ... kudos to them both - and wish them a long & happy life together. Their parents/other family members should get over the fact that they went to a courthouse.
You cousin and his new wife have not only saved themselves the time, energy, and money that would have been wasted on planning such a big wedding - but also the headache of it as well. Now, they can relax ... go on a honeymoon, if they so desire, and if they want to appease any ruffled feathers - have a big family dinner/celebration when they get back.
That's the way I want to do it. I've been to be "productions" as I like to call 'em. The last one was my brother's, in which I was a bridesmaid. Needless to say, it was for not as they are now in the middle of an ugly and bitter divorce.
$32,000 spent on a wedding that could have been better spent towards the down payment on a house!
