Top 10 Reasons Couples Choose the Old Orange County Courthouse for Their Elopement
If you're considering a courthouse wedding in Southern California, the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is one of the most iconic and romantic venues for civil marriages and elopements. With its historic sandstone architecture, sweeping staircases, and intimate indoor chapel, this timeless location offers everything couples need for a meaningful and stress-free “I do.” More than just a government building, it’s a destination for couples who want simplicity without sacrificing beauty. In this guide, we break down the top 10 reasons why couples choose this historic courthouse for their wedding day—covering everything from the architecture and photo opportunities to location, ease of booking, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you’re planning a last-minute elopement or a quiet weekday ceremony, this Santa Ana courthouse delivers charm, convenience, and unforgettable photos. Read on to see if it’s the perfect backdrop for your love story.
If you're dreaming of an intimate, stress-free wedding with timeless character, the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is one of the most beloved spots for elopements and civil ceremonies in Southern California. With its vintage sandstone architecture, grand staircase, and rich history dating back to 1901, this iconic building offers more than just a place to sign your marriage license—it’s a meaningful setting to celebrate love without the chaos of a traditional wedding.
More and more couples are choosing courthouse weddings over big celebrations, and this historical courthouse in the heart of Orange County continues to be a top choice for good reason. Whether you're planning a spontaneous elopement, a weekday civil ceremony, or simply want a beautiful and affordable place to say “I do,” this location combines old-world charm with real-world convenience.
In this guide, we’re sharing the top 10 reasons why couples choose the Old Orange County Courthouse for their elopement, plus a few of our own pro photographer tips for getting the most out of your experience. So if you’re ready to skip the stress and focus on what matters most—your love story—keep reading.
Before the vows, before the crowd—this is the calm elegance of the Old Orange County Courthouse. Thinking of eloping in Orange County? Capture your love in one of the most timeless spaces in SoCal.
📍 Santa Ana, CA
📸 Book your courthouse elopement with us: www.lastminutephotoshoot.com
This historic courthouse in Santa Ana is full of timeless charm—perfect for intimate elopements and meaningful “I Do” moments. We'll help you capture the day with elegance, ease, and natural light before the crowds roll in.
👉 Book Your Courthouse Session
1. Timeless Architecture That Feels Like a Movie Set
The red sandstone façade, tall arched windows, wooden staircases, and historic courtroom interiors make this courthouse one of the most cinematic elopement backdrops in all of California. You’re not just signing papers here—you’re stepping into a storybook setting.
2. Perfect for Last-Minute Elopements
Need to get married quickly? The courthouse offers weekday appointments, making it ideal for spontaneous decisions or couples who want to skip months of wedding planning. Elopements at the Old OC Courthouse are easy to book and deeply personal.
3. Ideal for Intimate Ceremonies
Civil weddings are typically small, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful. This courthouse offers a charming indoor chapel where couples can exchange vows in a warm, private setting with a licensed officiant on-site.
4. Budget-Friendly Without Feeling Basic
Forget paying thousands for a venue. Eloping at the courthouse costs a fraction of a traditional wedding, and with the right photographer, your day will look like a million bucks. It’s elegance and efficiency.
5. Surprisingly Photogenic Indoors and Out
From the front steps lined with palm trees to the natural light streaming through second-story windows, the courthouse delivers countless photo opportunities. Morning light is especially magical—perfect for soft, glowing portraits.
6. Central Location in the Heart of Santa Ana
Located at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701, the courthouse is accessible from anywhere in Orange County or LA. Grab post-ceremony brunch, coffee, or celebratory champagne just blocks away in the historic district.
7. No-Frills, No-Fuss Booking Process
You can apply for a marriage license and schedule your ceremony through the OC Clerk-Recorder website. Everything is streamlined, and staff are friendly and professional.
8. Rich in History and Character
Built in 1901, the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Getting married here isn’t just symbolic—it’s becoming part of a space that has seen generations of love stories unfold.
9. Flexible for Custom Touches
Just because it’s a courthouse doesn’t mean it has to be generic. Couples often bring florals, vow books, and even champagne glasses for a post-ceremony toast. A little prep goes a long way in making the day feel yours.
10. Incredible Photos Without Needing a Traditional Venue
You don’t need a ballroom or vineyard to get stunning wedding photos. We’ve shot elopements here that rival full-scale weddings, thanks to the building’s natural texture, warm tones, and classic design. You walk away with editorial-style photos that feel personal and authentic.
Bonus Tips From Your Photographers 📸
Book the earliest time slot to avoid crowds and get better light inside.
Plan for at least 90 minutes to allow for ceremony, portraits, and parking logistics.
Metered parking only allows 2 hours, so set an alarm or download the mobile pay app in advance.
Bring printed paperwork, IDs, and a bouquet if you want an extra pop in your portraits.
❤️ Thinking of Eloping at the Old Orange County Courthouse?
We’ve photographed courthouse weddings and elopements across Southern California, and the Old Orange County Courthouse is one of our favorites. If you’re planning to say "I do" in this iconic space, let us help you document every moment—from signing your license to that first kiss under the courthouse arches.
📍 Now booking weekday and last-minute elopement sessions in Santa Ana and surrounding Orange County cities.
👉 Visit www.lastminutephotoshoot.com to inquire or view more of our courthouse wedding galleries.
Let’s make your civil wedding feel like magic. ✨
Start Your Journey With Us Here
Civil Marriage at the Historical Orange County Courthouse – A Romantic Elopement in Santa Ana
Dreaming of a romantic, intimate wedding with a vintage backdrop? The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Anaoffers one of the most picturesque and historic settings for civil marriages and elopements in Southern California. With its iconic sandstone exterior, grand staircase, and vintage wood interiors, this courthouse is a dream location for couples looking to tie the knot in a simple yet elegant way.
Whether you're eloping with just your partner or sharing your moment with a few close family members, the courthouse provides a timeless atmosphere full of charm and character. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by rich history and warm light—perfect for photos that feel both cinematic and deeply personal.
In this blog, we walk you through everything you need to know: how to book, when to arrive, what to expect, and insider tips to get the best photos before the building fills up. We also share our behind-the-scenes experience with a real couple who exchanged vows inside the chapel and explored the courthouse halls for portraits.
If you're planning an elopement, civil ceremony, or engagement photo session at the Orange County Courthouse, this is your ultimate guide to creating an unforgettable experience in one of Santa Ana’s most iconic venues.
For couples planning a civil marriage or intimate elopement in Orange County, the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is one of the most charming and photogenic places to say "I do." With its red sandstone exterior, elegant staircase, and century-old architecture, it offers a romantic, vintage setting that feels worlds away from your typical government building. Whether you’re eloping with just a few witnesses or planning a private civil ceremony with family in tow, this historic courthouse is a favorite among photographers and couples alike.
We recently had the honor of documenting a beautiful civil marriage here, and it reminded us why this location continues to be one of the top elopement spots in Southern California. Our couple scheduled their appointment for 9:30 AM to sign their marriage license and were married shortly after in the courthouse’s intimate chapel by an on-site officiant. They exchanged heartfelt vows surrounded by warm wooden paneling, antique details, and the quiet stillness of a weekday morning.
A timeless “I do” inside one of Southern California’s most romantic courthouses. If you're planning a civil ceremony at the historic OC Courthouse, let's make it unforgettable.
This historic courthouse in Santa Ana is full of timeless charm—perfect for intimate elopements and meaningful “I Do” moments. We'll help you capture the day with elegance, ease, and natural light before the crowds roll in.
👉 Book Your Courthouse Session
Why Timing Matters at the Old OC Courthouse
Here’s our honest tip: book your civil marriage appointment as early in the day as possible. The courthouse opens at 8:00 AM, and it fills up fast—especially on Fridays or near long weekends. By the time we wrapped our indoor photos just before 11:00 AM, the entire building was packed with families, couples, and other wedding parties. There would’ve been no way to capture clean, uninterrupted shots on the iconic staircase or upstairs hallway after that.
Early time slots = more privacy and cleaner shots. Trust us.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married at the Historical OC Courthouse
1. Schedule your appointment in advance
Visit the official OC Clerk-Recorder website to book your civil marriage license signing and optional ceremony. They offer weekday slots at this location.
📍 Location: 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701
2. Arrive early (aim for 7:45 AM)
Even with an appointment, you'll need time to check in, go through security, and get your bearings. We recommend showing up early so you can breathe, take it in, and prep for photos.
3. Marriage license signing
Your appointment will begin with checking IDs and signing paperwork. This typically takes 15–30 minutes.
4. Optional chapel ceremony
You can opt for a quick civil ceremony performed by an officiant in their charming vintage chapel. If you choose this route, bring witnesses or use courthouse staff. Vows are short and sweet—but don’t let that fool you. There’s still plenty of emotion packed into those few minutes.
5. Take advantage of the building for photos
After the ceremony, head upstairs for portraits on the grand staircase and hallways. The natural light in the building before 11am is perfect, especially for romantic, editorial-style shots.
6. Watch your parking
Parking is metered and limited to 2 hours, but chances are you’ll need more time. We were there almost 4 hours and had to run back out mid-session to feed the meter. Luckily, we didn’t get ticketed (probably because of how busy it was), but don’t count on luck—set an alarm to avoid a fine.
Our Quick Tips for Couples Eloping Here
Book the earliest appointment available (8:00–9:00 AM)
Bring printed appointment confirmations and all necessary documents
Keep your group small—space inside the courthouse is limited
Wear comfortable shoes (you'll walk more than you think)
Add a personal touch—bring your own bouquet or vow books
Plan time for post-ceremony photos outside under the palm trees and in front of the sandstone walls
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a timeless backdrop for your civil marriage in Orange County, the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana offers unmatched character and charm. It’s ideal for couples seeking a low-stress, beautiful elopement experience. Just be prepared, arrive early, and don’t rush through it—this moment deserves to be savored.
📸 Let Us Capture Your Courthouse Love Story
If you're planning to elope or have a civil ceremony at the Orange County Courthouse—or anywhere in Southern California—we’d be honored to document it. We've shot at this courthouse and know exactly how to time your session to make the most of the location’s beauty.
📅 Book us today and let’s turn your courthouse wedding into something unforgettable.
👉 www.lastminutephotoshoot.com