We are getting married at our local courthouse next month, and have chosen this specifically after seeing all the headaches and work involved with a more traditional, formal wedding. Neither of us wants the headache. Our immediate family will be there, but my soon to be sister-in-law has totally gone above and beyond the call of duty, without my asking her, and most generously has planned a bridal shower to be held for me 600 miles away! I would like to show my appreciation to her by asking her to stand up with me, but is this appropriate at a courthouse wedding? Thanks!

Sure, you can have the courthouse wedding the way you want it, with whoever you want there.

For the three to four minutes that you will be before the judge you can do it anyway you want.

You want to check with how many people can be there. Many do it in their office at specific times during the day, ( some are fairly small offices) others may do it in the actual court room.

Also in some expect there to be a line of people ready to be married, you will be called up, he will do the wedding ( about 5 minutes top) and you leave and another couple goes up

I think it would be fine to have a maid of honor and best man. The original idea of bridal parties was that you need witnesses to sign your marriage certificate, and it can be nice to have that done by your best friends.