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
Start Your Journey With Us Here
Say "I Do" with a View: Best Courthouse Wedding Spots Near the Ocean in Orange County
Dreaming of a courthouse wedding that’s beautiful, intimate, and anything but boring? Say goodbye to harsh lighting and dull backdrops—Orange County offers courthouse ceremonies just minutes from some of California’s most stunning beaches and coastal views. Whether you're eloping last minute or planning a small celebration with your closest loved ones, you can still have heartfelt vows, romantic portraits, and a golden-hour glow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best courthouse wedding locations near the ocean, including Laguna Hills Civic Center, the historic Old Orange County Courthouse, and more. You'll also find hidden gem photo spots like Victoria Beach and Dana Point Bluff Trail to elevate your wedding day without the stress (or price tag) of a traditional venue. And with a flexible timeline, nearby dining options, and our photography team by your side, you’ll have everything you need for a love story worth framing. Let’s create something unforgettable—with the ocean as your witness.
Your Love Story Deserves More Than a Backdrop of Beige Walls
If you're dreaming of a courthouse wedding in Orange County but can't bear the thought of fluorescent lights and linoleum floors, you're not alone. More and more couples are skipping the traditional venue route and opting for something intimate, scenic, and deeply personal. And here's the good news: you can still have a courthouse ceremony and celebrate with stunning ocean views—without compromising on style or story.
As full-time photographers specializing in intimate weddings and surprise proposals across Southern California, we've scouted the most photogenic courthouse locations and coastal photo ops so you don’t have to. From cliffside portraits to post-vow champagne toasts at sunset, here’s how to make your courthouse wedding in Orange County unforgettable.
From playful moments to tear-filled “Yes!” reactions, we capture the connection that makes your story one of a kind. Explore real engagement and proposal sessions filled with golden light, candid emotion, and unforgettable Southern California backdrops.
👉 View Engagement & Proposal Portfolio
Top Courthouse Locations Near the Ocean in Orange County
1. Laguna Hills Civic Center – South County Branch
Address: 24031 El Toro Rd, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Website: OC Recorder Civil Ceremonies
Fees: $61 for license, $28 for ceremony
Why We Love It: Just a short drive from Victoria Beach and Treasure Island Park, this courthouse offers easy access to some of Laguna's most breathtaking photo spots.
Nearby Places to Celebrate: Have a sunset dinner at Driftwood Kitchen or toast with oceanfront cocktails at Splashes Restaurant.
2. Old Orange County Courthouse – Santa Ana
Address: 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Website: Historic Courtroom Rental Info
Fees: $61 for license, $28 for ceremony, $600+ to rent historic courtroom
Why We Love It: Gorgeous Romanesque Revival architecture and wood detailing make this location feel timeless. It’s a popular spot for cinematic wedding portraits.
Nearby Places to Celebrate: Drive 20 minutes to Newport Beach for dinner at The Cannery or celebrate at Lido Marina Village.
3. North Justice Center – Fullerton
Address: 1275 N Berkeley Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
Website: OC Courthouse Info
Fees: Standard courthouse fees
Why We Love It: While not ocean-adjacent, it’s perfect for couples who want a quick ceremony and plan to head straight to the coast afterward.
Nearby Places to Celebrate: Head west to Huntington Beach for a beach picnic or a laid-back lunch at Pacific Hideaway.
Scenic Photo Locations to Pair With Your Courthouse Wedding
Victoria Beach (Laguna Beach): Famous for its hidden tower and dramatic cliffs. Perfect for golden hour.
Dana Point Bluff Top Trail: Overlooks the harbor and has secluded lookouts for quiet moments.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center (San Clemente): For those wanting a blend of architecture, history, and panoramic views.
Treasure Island Park: Tropical plants, paved paths, and cliffs overlooking crashing waves—feels like a destination wedding without leaving the state.
Sample Wedding Itinerary
11:00 AM – Civil ceremony at Laguna Hills Civic Center
11:30 AM – Quick photos on courthouse grounds
12:30 PM – Drive to Victoria Beach or Treasure Island Park
1:00 PM – Romantic coastal portrait session
3:00 PM – Champagne toast and celebration lunch at Splashes Restaurant in Laguna Beach
4:30 PM – Sunset walk or beach picnic to end the day
Let Us Capture It All
Your courthouse wedding can be just as memorable as a grand ballroom affair—if not more. And as your photographers, we’re here to capture every candid glance, every golden-hour kiss, and every spontaneous laugh along the way.
Whether you’re planning your courthouse ceremony in two months or two days, we’ll help you find the perfect location, plan the timing for the best light, and guide you every step of the way.
📸 Book your courthouse wedding photography here
Let’s turn your vows into a love story with a view.