What We Wish Couples Knew Before Their Courthouse Wedding in Orange County or San Diego – 18 Tips That Matter
Courthouse weddings are beautiful—simple, meaningful, and refreshingly low-pressure. But after documenting dozens of civil ceremonies across Orange County and San Diego, we’ve learned that even the most laid-back love stories deserve a little planning. And we’ve also seen the mistakes, surprises, and "we didn’t think of that" moments that can throw couples off on what should be one of the best days of their lives.
This blog isn’t about scaring you. It’s about preparing you. Whether you’re eloping, getting legally married before a big destination wedding, or just want to keep things intimate and simple, there are a few things we genuinely wish every couple knew before stepping into that historic courthouse.
Some of these tips might save you time, some might save you stress—and a few might even save your photos.
A quiet signature that changes everything. This moment inside the courthouse is more than paperwork—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. If you're planning a civil ceremony, don’t miss the chance to preserve these fleeting, powerful moments.
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From Santa Ana to San Diego, courthouse weddings are filled with intimacy, emotion, and timeless charm. We’ll help you capture every meaningful detail—from signing the certificate to your first kiss as a married couple. Simple doesn’t mean forgettable.
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1. Book the Earliest Time Slot Available
Crowds build fast. The light shifts. The vibe changes. A quiet 8:30am appointment can feel like magic. By 11am, it’s chaos—especially at high-traffic courthouses like Santa Ana or Chula Vista.
2. Arrive Early (Like… Really Early)
Don’t arrive on time. Arrive before time. There’s security, parking, ID checks, and that one pen that doesn’t work. Build in a buffer so you can breathe.
3. The Staircase Photos? You Have a 30-Minute Window
If you're dreaming of those iconic indoor shots on the courthouse staircase or balcony—do them right after your ceremony, or even before, if you check in early. By late morning, those spaces are packed.
4. Your Ceremony Might Be Over in 2 Minutes (Literally)
Civil ceremonies are short. Some officiants get right to it. If you want to personalize your vows, ask in advance if you're allowed to read them. Otherwise, it’s blink-and-it’s-over.
5. Bring Only Who Matters—And Make Sure They Know What to Expect
You’re only allowed two witnesses to watch you sign your marriage certificate. One of those can be a close friend or family member—and the other often ends up being your photographer. Keep that in mind as you plan who will be present for this special moment. As a photographer, don’t miss the opportunity to capture the details: the signing of the certificate, the exchange of rings, or that moment the bride or groom quietly tears up. Most courthouses have guest limits. Some don’t allow photos during the license signing. Prepare your people. The less chaos, the more space for emotion.
6. Watch That Parking Meter
In Santa Ana, you’ll get 2 hours max on the meter. But with delays, lines, and photos, you’ll likely go over. We’ve had to run back mid-shoot to feed the meter. Not ideal.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Dress Up
Just because it’s “simple” doesn’t mean it can’t be stunning. We’ve had brides in tailored jumpsuits, grooms in velvet blazers, and couples who matched their dog’s bowtie to their bouquet. Make it yours.
8. Have a Game Plan for Afterwards
Even if it’s just a lunch reservation, a beach walk, or a post-ceremony toast—celebrate somehow. You’re married. That deserves a moment.
9. Photos Make the Moment Last
It goes fast—faster than you expect. The license signing, the walk down the hallway, the tiny chapel… it’s over before it begins. But photos let you feel it again. If you’re hiring a photographer, trust them to guide the timeline and keep it light but intentional.
10. It’s Your Day. You Get to Decide How It Feels.
Civil doesn’t mean boring. Quiet doesn’t mean less important. Your courthouse wedding is the beginning of your story. Make it feel like you.
11. Share Your GPS Coordinates—Seriously
Sharing your exact location via GPS is a game-changer on the day of your civil ceremony. Whether you're parking, waiting in line, or already inside the building, having real-time location sharing between you, your partner, and your photographer removes the stress of texting "Where are you?" while trying to enjoy the moment.
Drop a pin at the entrance you'll be using, not just the building. Some courthouses (like Santa Ana) have multiple entrances and security lines—this makes a big difference.
12. If You’re Scheduled at 9AM—Be There at 8:45, No Excuses
Courthouses run on their time, not yours. If you’re scheduled for 9:00 AM, show up early and check in the moment you arrive. We’ve seen couples show up just five minutes late and lose their spot—with no warning, no flexibility, and no way to get back on the schedule. Some courthouses will push you back without notice, and you could be waiting hours.
13. Test Your Flash and Know Your Settings Before It Matters
Courthouses are notoriously tricky for lighting. Low ceilings, mixed light sources, and zero time to adjust mid-ceremony. If you’re a photographer, test your flash inside the building as early as possible. Grab a few test shots near the ceremony room, staircase, and window areas to lock in your settings ahead of time.
Even if you’re shooting with natural light, knowing your ISO baseline before you walk into the chapel makes all the difference in your final gallery.
14. Visualize the Worst So You Can Handle It With Grace
Before every civil wedding we photograph, we take 60 seconds to mentally run through the "what ifs":
What if security takes 20 minutes?
What if the staircase is full of people?
What if it rains?
What if someone forgets their ID?
What if we run out of time inside?
When you plan for the worst, you stay grounded in the best parts of the day: the love, the vows, and the story you came here to tell.
15. Fuel Yourself First
As a photographer, don’t forget the basics: eat something before the day starts. Whether it’s a real breakfast or just a protein bar and coffee, fuel and hydrate so you don’t burn out halfway through. Bring water, snacks, and backup caffeine—you’ll thank yourself later.
16. Bring Wet Wipes for Emergency Touch-Ups
Accidents happen. Lipstick smudges, suit lint, stray makeup lines—you name it. Keeping a pack of wet wipes or a mini emergency kit in your bag can save the day for the bride, groom, or anyone stepping in front of your lens. And while you’re at it, bring tissues too—someone always tears up during the vows or certificate signing, and you’ll be ready when they do. Accidents happen. Lipstick smudges, suit lint, stray makeup lines—you name it. Keeping a pack of wet wipes or a mini emergency kit in your bag can save the day for the bride, groom, or anyone stepping in front of your lens.
17. Communication Is Everything
This one’s for the photographers out there: communication is key to managing the flow of the day. The couple already has a million things on their mind—so take ownership of the timeline. Know the layout of the courthouse, the order of events, and how much time to allocate for each moment. Check in regularly. Use any downtime wisely by scouting spaces or grabbing shots inside or outside before crowds fill in. The more clearly you communicate, the smoother the day will feel for everyone.
18. Have a Pinterest Story Board Ready
This tip is small but powerful. Having a Pinterest board of poses and inspiration helps immensely if you hit a moment of uncertainty during the shoot. Whether you're indoors with tricky light or outdoors between locations, a quick scroll through pre-saved ideas can keep things flowing smoothly and creatively.
❤️ Let’s Make Your Courthouse Wedding Unforgettable
You’ve got one shot to make this moment feel timeless—don’t leave it to chance. Whether you’re planning ahead or figuring it out last minute, we’re here to help you slow down, enjoy it, and walk away with photos that actually mean something.
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