A Timeless Courthouse Marriage at the Historic Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana
As the year came to a close, a last-minute inquiry led us to one of our favorite courthouse wedding locations in Southern California — the Historic Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Cherry and Charles chose an intimate courthouse marriage rooted in simplicity, intention, and history. From early-morning planning to quiet moments beneath century-old architecture, their day unfolded with ease and authenticity. With strategic timing, minimal crowds, and a focus on natural storytelling, this courthouse wedding highlights why the Santa Ana Historic Courthouse remains one of the most timeless venues for couples choosing a civil ceremony. A reminder that courthouse weddings, when done thoughtfully, can feel just as meaningful and visually powerful as any traditional wedding day.
Cherry & Charles | Courthouse Wedding Photography
As Last Minute Photoshoot was wrapping up 2025, New Year’s Eve found us driving home from a shoot, cameras packed, minds already shifting toward the year ahead. Somewhere between the freeway lights and end-of-year reflections, a new inquiry came through our website.
It was from Cherry.
She asked a simple but meaningful question: were we available on January 14 at 8:40 AM to photograph her courthouse marriage to her husband, Charles, at the Historic Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana?
We called her immediately.
By the end of that conversation, we had a clear vision for the day. By the next morning, Cherry officially booked our Last Minute Love Elopement Package. The timing was perfect, the intention was clear, and the location was one we know deeply.
A Timeless Courthouse Marriage at the Historic Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana highlights why this iconic building demands precise timing, crowd awareness, and a photographer who understands its flow. When you book with us, you’re choosing guidance through lighting, movement, and moments — so your courthouse marriage feels calm, intentional, and beautifully preserved.
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Why the Historic OC Courthouse in Santa Ana Is One of Our Favorites
The Historic Orange County Courthouse, built in 1901, is one of Southern California’s most architecturally rich courthouse venues for intimate weddings and courthouse marriages. Located in downtown Santa Ana, the building features Romanesque Revival architecture, arched hallways, stained glass windows, detailed woodwork, and soft natural light that filters beautifully through its interior.
For couples choosing a courthouse wedding, this location offers something rare:
history, elegance, and character — without excess.
From a photography standpoint, it’s a dream. From a couple’s standpoint, it feels meaningful. Every corner tells a story, and no two courthouse weddings here ever look the same.
Planning for a Smooth Courthouse Wedding Day
As the wedding day approached, we sent Cherry a detailed timeline and a suggested photo flow. We also recommended arriving early if possible.
The reason is simple:
this courthouse has a lot of hidden gems, especially indoors.
Early arrival means fewer crowds, easier movement, and access to the most photogenic spaces before they fill up. It also means less time navigating people — and yes, less time editing around distractions later.
Cherry was all in.
Wedding Day: Beating Traffic, Beating the Crowds
Wedding day started early.
Steph and I were up at 4:00 AM, getting ready in the quiet hours before sunrise. A quick stop for my usual vanilla nitro cold brew with an extra shot of espresso, and we were on the road by 5:30 AM, heading from San Jacinto into Orange County.
The goal was simple: beat traffic and arrive calm.
We pulled into the courthouse just after 8:00 AM, checked in with Cherry to let her know we were on site and ready, and waited.
When Cherry and Charles arrived, we introduced ourselves and immediately began documenting the day naturally — no staging, no rushing.
They stepped out of the car, walked along the sidewalk, and approached the courthouse entrance together. As they reached the doors, they paused.
For a brief moment, they looked at one another — not nervous, not hesitant — but present. The kind of look that silently asks, are you ready for this? and answers it at the same time.
That moment mattered.
Inside the Courthouse: Quiet, Efficient, Meaningful
Once inside, everything moved quickly — almost surprisingly so.
They checked in, were called almost immediately, signed their marriage certificate, and were guided straight into the chapel. No long wait. No chaos. Just intention.
They waited for their family to arrive, and once everyone was present, the ceremony began.
Simple. Honest. Real.
After the ceremony, we stepped outside only to be met by 20–30 kids cheering and congratulating them. It felt unreal — like something out of a movie scene. Spontaneous, joyful, and completely unplanned.
Those are the moments you can’t manufacture.
Finishing the Courthouse Wedding Photos
After the congratulations, we walked the grounds of the courthouse to finish the session — capturing portraits along the exterior walls, under archways, and in the surrounding walkways that make this location so special.
The Historic OC Courthouse offers endless variety within a short walking distance, making it ideal for courthouse marriages that still want depth and storytelling in their photos.
Final Thoughts on Courthouse Weddings at the Historic OC Courthouse
Courthouse weddings don’t need to feel rushed, impersonal, or transactional.
When planned with intention — and documented thoughtfully — a courthouse marriage can be just as meaningful, emotional, and visually powerful as a large wedding day.
The Historic Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana remains one of our favorite places to photograph courthouse weddings because it honors both the past and the present. It gives couples space to focus on what matters most: the commitment they’re making to each other.
Cherry and Charles reminded us of that.
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding or courthouse marriage in Orange County and want photography that feels calm, natural, and story-driven, this courthouse is a beautiful place to begin — and we’d be honored to document it with you.
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Best Photo Spots Around the Historic Santa Ana Courthouse for Civil Weddings
The historic Santa Ana Courthouse in Orange County, California is one of the most picturesque locations for a civil marriage or courthouse wedding in Southern California. Built in 1901, this architectural landmark offers more than just a stunning ceremony room — it’s a treasure trove of photo opportunities that blend timeless elegance with unique character. From the grand staircase inside the courthouse to the arched hallways, every corner offers a romantic backdrop perfect for elopement photography. Step outside and you’ll find palm-lined pathways, historic columns, and lush gardens, all within steps of the ceremony space. For couples looking to mix elegance with a bit of local charm, the nearby Artist Village offers colorful murals and cobblestone streets just a short walk away. In this guide, we share our favorite photography locations around the Santa Ana Courthouse, complete with tips for the best time of day, creative angles, and ideas to make each shot truly unforgettable. Whether you’re saying “I do” in an intimate civil ceremony or celebrating with a small group, these photo spots will help you create a wedding gallery you’ll cherish forever.
If you’re planning a civil marriage at the historic Santa Ana Courthouse in Orange County, you’re already choosing one of the most photogenic wedding locations in Southern California. Built in 1901, the courthouse is a dream backdrop for couples who want timeless architecture, rich history, and a touch of old-world romance in their wedding photos. But here’s the best part — you don’t have to limit your portraits to the ceremony space. The courthouse and surrounding areas are full of hidden photo gems that can make your elopement gallery look like a full-day wedding shoot. Whether you’re going for romantic elegance, candid joy, or editorial-style portraits, this guide highlights the best photography locations in and around the Santa Ana Courthouse — complete with walking distances, lighting tips, and ideas for making each shot uniquely yours.
The Santa Ana Courthouse is full of charm—arched hallways, grand staircases, and timeless architecture. With our Last Minute Love Elopement Package, we’ll capture every detail and emotion so your courthouse wedding feels unforgettable.
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1. The Grand Staircase Inside the Courthouse
Why It’s Perfect: Sweeping steps, warm-toned stone, and dramatic lines that make for elegant couple portraits.
Photo Tip: Shoot from the bottom looking upward for a regal feel, or from the landing for a more intimate vibe.
Best Time of Day: Morning for softer indoor light.
2. The Arched Hallways
Why It’s Perfect: Natural frames for your portraits, with historic light fixtures and textured walls.
Photo Tip: Have the couple walk hand-in-hand to capture natural movement.
Best Time of Day: Midday when outside light filters in just enough to illuminate without harsh shadows.
3. The Palm-Lined Pathway Outside
Why It’s Perfect: Adds Southern California charm to your wedding photos while keeping the courthouse in view.
Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the palms.
Distance: Steps away from the main entrance.
4. The Front Entrance with Historic Columns
Why It’s Perfect: Iconic courthouse detail that instantly says “we tied the knot here.”
Photo Tip: Position couple slightly off-center to capture both them and the architectural detail.
Best Time of Day: Golden hour for a warm glow on the stone.
5. The Side Garden & Greenery Wall
Why It’s Perfect: Lush, intimate setting for softer, romantic portraits.
Photo Tip: Use a shallow depth of field to make the greenery pop.
Distance: Less than a minute’s walk from the ceremony area.
6. Nearby Artist Village (Bonus Spot)
Why It’s Perfect: Cobblestone streets, colorful murals, and quaint storefronts for couples wanting a mix of courthouse elegance and casual fun.
Photo Tip: Schedule this as a post-ceremony stroll to loosen up and get candid shots.
Distance: About a 5-minute walk from the courthouse.
Final Thoughts
Your Santa Ana Courthouse wedding photos should tell your love story in more than just the ceremony room. By exploring these hidden gems, you’ll create a gallery that feels expansive, romantic, and truly one of a kind. If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to make every corner of the courthouse and its surroundings work in your favor, we’d love to be part of your day.
📸 Book your Last Minute Love Elopement Package here and let’s make your courthouse wedding unforgettable.