How Do I Get Married at the Courthouse in Orange County? A Step-by-Step Guide with Photography Tips
Planning to get married at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana can feel overwhelming if you’ve never gone through the process, but it’s actually straightforward once you know the steps. As photographers who have recently captured weddings at this historic courthouse, we’ve seen firsthand how elegant and stress-free a civil ceremony can be. Many couples reach out asking, “How do I get married at the courthouse in Orange County?” so we did some digging to provide the answers. From understanding the difference between a public and confidential marriage license, to learning exactly how much it costs, and even what to expect on the day of your ceremony, this guide walks you through the process step by step. We also cover details you won’t find elsewhere—like the best time of day to book your appointment, where to park, and the most photogenic spots both inside and outside the courthouse. Whether you want simple documentation of your marriage license signing or timeless portraits under the courthouse’s marble arches and historic staircases, having the right preparation makes all the difference. With fees starting at $61 for a marriage license, $28 for a civil ceremony, and $17 for a certified copy, courthouse weddings are affordable, efficient, and surprisingly beautiful. And while rings aren’t legally required, they can be a meaningful addition to your vows. This blog is designed to give you the clarity you need, along with professional photography tips, so that your Orange County courthouse wedding is not only easy but also unforgettable.
If you’re planning a simple, beautiful civil ceremony at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, you’re in the right place. We’ve photographed courthouse weddings here recently, and because clients keep asking us how the process works, we pulled the official details and built you a step-by-step guide—including costs, hours, parking, and exactly where to book. Our goal: make your courthouse wedding stress-free, on time, and photo-ready.
Simple, meaningful, and timeless—your courthouse ceremony deserves photos that reflect the moment. Our Elopements & Weddings Packages are designed to capture every detail with ease and warmth.
View Wedding Packages
Quick Facts (What most couples want to know)
Where: Old Orange County Courthouse — 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701. OC Clerk Recorder
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (except holidays). OC Clerk Recorder
License validity: 90 days from issuance. No residency or blood test requirements. Both parties must be 18+. ocgov.com
Costs (as of 05/01/2025):
Public marriage license: $61
Confidential marriage license: $66
Civil ceremony performed by OC Clerk-Recorder: $28
Certified copy (each): $17
(Fees subject to change—verify before you go.) OC Clerk Recorder
Witness: Public license requires at least one witness; the department does not provide witnesses. Confidential license does not require a witness. OC Clerk Recorder
Rings: Not legally required in California (totally optional for a civil ceremony). ace.yolocounty.gov
Parking: Metered lot behind the Old Courthouse and nearby Civic Center structures (P3, P4, P6); posted hourly rates and daily maximums apply. OC Clerk Recorderocpublicworks.com
Step-by-Step: Orange County Courthouse Marriage (Santa Ana)
1) Choose your license type (Public vs. Confidential)
Public license: Public record; needs one witness at the ceremony. OC Clerk Recorder
Confidential license: Not a public record; no witness needed. OC Clerk Recorder
Fees: Public $61, Confidential $66. Valid for 90 days. OC Clerk Recorderocgov.com
Pro tip: Book your ceremony within that 90-day window and aim for earlier dates to get your preferred time.
2) Complete the online application
Fill out the county’s marriage license application before you visit. Appointments are highly recommended (walk-ins may be available, but expect waits). OC Clerk Recorder
Start here:
https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/OC WeddingsBring valid government-issued photo ID for both of you. OC Clerk Recorder
3) Make your ceremony appointment (or plan your timing)
Civil, non-sectarian ceremonies are performed at three OC Clerk-Recorder locations, including the Old Orange County Courthouse. The ceremony fee is $28. Note: currently, civil ceremonies are only performed for couples who obtained their license from the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. OC Clerk Recorder
Hours & location (Santa Ana): Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd. OC Clerk Recorder
Ceremony fee: $28. OC Clerk Recorder+1
Guest limits: The county site lists a maximum of 20 guests (always check the live page for updates). OC Clerk Recorder
4) Day-of checklist (what to bring & expect)
IDs for both partners and your marriage license (or license appointment). OC Clerk Recorder
Witness (if you have a public license). The county does not provide witnesses. OC Clerk Recorder
Rings are optional—they’re not legally required for a civil ceremony in CA. ace.yolocounty.gov
Arrive early (plan 20–30 minutes for parking, check-in, and security).
Parking options:
Old Orange County Courthouse lot (north side, metered). OC Parks
Civic Center garages (e.g., P3, P4, P6) with posted hourly rates and daily max caps. ocpublicworks.com
5) After the “I do”
Order certified copies of your marriage certificate ($17 each) for name changes, benefits, and records. OC now offers a Pre-Paid Marriage Certificate Program, so your certified copy can be mailed automatically after filing—super convenient. OC Clerk RecorderOC Clerk Recorder
Photo Tips: Where to Capture the Best Courthouse Wedding Shots
Since we’ve photographed weddings at the Old Orange County Courthouse, we know the building is more than just paperwork—it’s a stunning historic backdrop. Here are our favorite places for photos, both inside and out:
Inside the Courthouse
Grand Staircase & Marble Halls: The sweeping staircase and marble interiors give your portraits an elegant, timeless look. Perfect for black-and-white shots or formal poses.
Tall Windows & Natural Light: The courthouse has large windows that flood the halls with soft, flattering light—ideal for intimate portraits.
Historic Courtroom Doors: The ornate wooden doors and brass details create a warm, textured backdrop for close-ups and couple shots.
Outside the Courthouse
Front Entrance & Columns: The stately columns and arched entryway frame you beautifully and signal the “official” moment of your wedding.
Surrounding Gardens & Walkways: Just steps away, landscaped areas and tree-lined paths give you softer, more romantic images.
Santa Ana Civic Center Backdrop: For couples who want a mix of urban and historic, the surrounding civic buildings add architectural variety.
Pro Photographer’s Tip
Weekday mornings mean less foot traffic, making it easier to capture clean, uninterrupted shots. If you want portraits with no one in the background, we recommend booking the first ceremony of the day or stepping outside immediately after your license signing.
Useful URLs (official)
Online marriage license application:
https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/
Civil marriage ceremonies (rules, fees, witness info):
https://ocrecorder.com/clerk-services/marriage-services/civil-marriage-ceremonies
Hours & locations (Old Orange County Courthouse):
https://ocrecorder.com/about-us/hours-locations
Directions & parking (Old Courthouse):
https://ocrecorder.com/about-us/directions-parking
Recap
Apply online, then book your ceremony at the Old Orange County Courthouse. OC Clerk RecorderOC Clerk Recorder
Budget $61–$66 for your license, $28 for the civil ceremony, $17 per certified copy. OC Clerk Recorder
Bring IDs (both), and a witness if you chose a public license. The county does not supply witnesses. OC Clerk Recorder
Rings are optional under California civil ceremony rules. ace.yolocounty.gov
Plan weekday morning timing and arrive early for parking.
Final Thoughts
A courthouse wedding at the Old Orange County Courthouse is elegant, efficient, and surprisingly photogenic. With a little prep—and the right timing—you’ll be in, married, and out celebrating with images that feel timeless. If you want a photographer who knows the building, light, and pacing, we’d love to help.
Ready to book photography? Let’s lock in your date, create a simple timeline (including witness coordination if needed), and map the best photo spots inside and around the courthouse.
Sources & verifications
Official OC Clerk-Recorder Fee Schedule (effective 05/01/2025): license fees, ceremony fee, certified copy. OC Clerk Recorder
Civil Marriage Ceremonies page: ceremony availability/locations, witness requirement, no witness provided by county, appointment link. OC Clerk Recorder
Hours & Locations (Old Orange County Courthouse): address & hours. OC Clerk Recorder
Getting Married (County of Orange): 90-day validity, no residency/blood tests, age requirement. ocgov.com
Directions & Parking (Old Courthouse + Civic Center rates/structures). OC Clerk Recorderocpublicworks.com
Rings not required for civil ceremonies in CA (county government guidance). ace.yolocounty.gov
Note: Policies and fees can change. Always double-check the linked county pages when you book.