Booking a Courthouse Wedding in California: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planning a civil courthouse wedding in California might seem simple — and it can be — but there are a few common pitfalls that couples often face when trying to book and prepare for their big day. Whether you're eloping for privacy, skipping the stress of a big wedding, or simply planning a budget-friendly ceremony, getting married at a courthouse still requires some forethought. Every county in California has its own rules, requirements, and appointment systems — and missing even one small detail can lead to delays, missed time slots, or worse — rescheduling your ceremony altogether.

We’ve helped couples plan and capture their courthouse weddings across Southern California, and along the way, we’ve noticed a pattern — certain mistakes tend to pop up again and again, especially when booking through county systems that aren’t always intuitive. Whether you're getting married in Santa Ana, San Diego, Riverside, or anywhere in between, a little preparation goes a long way. That’s why we created this guide: to help you avoid the most common missteps we’ve seen and ensure your civil ceremony is smooth, stress-free, and beautifully memorable from start to finish.

If you’re planning a courthouse elopement or civil ceremony in California — keep reading. Here’s how to avoid the headaches and start your forever with ease.

A joyful couple embraces after their civil ceremony at the historic Orange County courthouse in Santa Ana, dressed elegantly with the courthouse architecture in the background.

Just married at the iconic OC Courthouse in Santa Ana. This beautiful couple booked our Last Minute Love Elopement package — perfect for couples who want timeless photos without all the fuss.
Planning something simple but meaningful? We’ll capture it all.
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From last-minute appointment changes to lighting and location mix-ups—we’ve seen it all. If you're planning a California courthouse wedding, we’re happy to help you sidestep common mistakes and make the day feel smooth, simple, and meaningful.

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Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Courthouse Wedding in California

1. Not Checking for Appointment Availability Early

Most California courthouses require appointments for both your marriage license and your ceremony — and many book out weeks (even months) in advance, especially in high-demand counties like Orange, LA, and San Diego.
✅ Tip: As soon as you’ve chosen a date range, check the county clerk’s website for appointment times. Some open up availability daily or weekly.

2. Forgetting That Some Courthouses Don’t Offer Ceremonies

Not all courthouses in California perform wedding ceremonies — some issue marriage licenses only.
✅ Tip: Double-check that your chosen location offers civil ceremonies, or plan to bring a private officiant if they don’t.

3. Not Bringing the Right Documents (or Forgetting IDs!)

You’d be surprised how many couples show up without the necessary paperwork. Valid government-issued IDs are required for both parties, and you’ll need your license appointment confirmation, payment, and (in some cases) completed forms printed ahead of time.
✅ Tip: Print two copies of everything. Bring cash or card depending on your county’s accepted payment methods.

4. Assuming You Can Walk In

Gone are the days when most courthouses accepted walk-ins. Post-pandemic, most counties have shifted to appointment-only systems.
✅ Tip: Always schedule your appointment in advance — and show up early. If you’re even 5–10 minutes late, you might lose your slot.

5. Misunderstanding Guest Rules

Every courthouse has its own rules about how many guests are allowed in the ceremony room. Some allow up to 10 people, others allow 2.
✅ Tip: Read the fine print when booking, and be clear with friends and family before they make plans to attend.

6. Not Timing Your License and Ceremony Correctly

In California, marriage licenses are valid for 90 days, but you need to make sure your ceremony date falls within that timeframe.
✅ Tip: Schedule your license and ceremony on the same day (if possible) or within a close window to avoid conflicts.

7. Not Booking a Photographer Early Enough

Courthouse ceremonies are quick — usually under 10 minutes — and your photographer needs to arrive early, go through security, and prep ahead of time. If you wait until the last second to book, you may end up with no professional photos of the moment.
✅ Tip: Once you confirm your ceremony date and time, secure your photographer. And make sure they’re familiar with the specific courthouse layout and lighting (we are 😉).

Bonus Tip: Scope Out the Courthouse Ahead of Time

Every courthouse has its quirks — some have beautiful architecture, fountains, or staircases perfect for portraits, while others are...less photo-friendly.
✅ Tip: Drive by a few days before your ceremony, or ask your photographer if they’ve worked at that location and have favorite spots for photos.

Final Thoughts

Courthouse weddings can be just as meaningful (and emotional) as traditional weddings — but only if you set yourself up for success. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you walk into your ceremony confident, prepared, and ready to say yes without any last-minute stress.

Ready to Book a Photographer Who Gets It?

We’ve captured courthouse weddings all across Southern California — from Santa Ana’s historic building to the laid-back vibe of Riverside County. If you're planning a civil ceremony and want timeless photos without the fuss, we’d love to help. Whether you’re booking last-minute or planning months ahead, we’ll help you document it beautifully.

👉 Book your courthouse wedding photos with us here:
https://lastminutephotoshoot.com/photography-packages/p/last-minute-love-elopement-package

Let’s make your civil ceremony unforgettable.

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