A Last-Minute Courthouse Wedding in Chula Vista, Followed by Golden Hour at the Marina
In early November, we were contacted by Mark after their original photographer had to cancel just days before their courthouse wedding in Chula Vista. With a 3:30 PM civil ceremony scheduled and limited daylight to work with, thoughtful planning became essential. Before the wedding day, we scouted Marina Park to test lighting, observe foot traffic, and identify clean, timeless portrait locations—ensuring nothing was rushed or left to chance.
On the day of the wedding, Mark and Lindsey arrived in style, surrounded by close friends and family. Their courthouse ceremony unfolded seamlessly, allowing us to transition to Marina Park with enough time to take advantage of golden hour. As the light softened, the pace slowed. The marina’s open walkways and palm-lined paths created an effortless backdrop for relaxed, natural portraits—capturing the quiet joy of being newly married. This Chula Vista courthouse wedding is a reminder that civil ceremonies, when planned with intention, can be just as meaningful and beautifully documented as any traditional San Diego wedding.
In early November, we received an email from Mark asking if we had availability to capture their courthouse wedding in Chula Vista, followed by post-ceremony portraits at Marina Park. The timing was tight—a photographer they had already booked had to cancel at the last minute—but moments like these are exactly why Last Minute Photoshoot exists. After a few messages to finalize the details, Mark officially booked us, and we immediately began planning around timing, light, and flow.
A Last-Minute Courthouse Wedding in Chula Vista, Followed by Golden Hour at the Marina shows how a simple “I do” can turn into a beautifully paced wedding day. Whether you’re keeping it minimal or adding portraits by the water, we’ll help you plan a smooth timeline and capture every meaningful moment.
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Our biggest consideration was daylight. Mark and Lindsey’s courthouse appointment was scheduled for 3:30 PM, and during this time of year, the window for natural light gets smaller by the minute. To make sure we could still deliver clean, timeless images, we did what we always do when working a new location—we scouted. A few days before the wedding, we visited Marina Park to test lighting, observe foot traffic, and identify the strongest areas for portraits. For locations we haven’t photographed yet, we always do our own reconnaissance so nothing is rushed or left to chance on the wedding day.
With that groundwork in place, we drafted a clear, realistic timeline and shared it with Mark and Lindsey ahead of time. On the day of the wedding, we sent over our GPS location so they didn’t have to worry about finding us. We arrived at the courthouse before 2 PM, walked the grounds, and positioned ourselves for arrivals. Earlier, Mark had mentioned they would be arriving in a limo—so we were ready.
As their white stretch Lincoln pulled up, we captured the full sequence: friends and family stepping out, the anticipation, and the quiet excitement before heading inside. We documented the signing at the recorder’s office, then moved outside where they exchanged vows with their officiant. Everything ran on schedule, without delays, which gave us the flexibility to head to Marina Park with enough time to take advantage of the soft, fading light.
By the time we arrived at the marina, the pace naturally slowed. The open walkways, palm-lined paths, and subtle textures of the waterfront created a clean, uncluttered backdrop—perfect for timeless portraits. With the sun lowering, the light wrapped gently around them, allowing us to capture natural moments as they walked, talked, and finally took in the reality of being newly married. Nothing felt forced. It was quiet, unhurried, and intentional.
Final Thoughts
Courthouse weddings may be simple by design, but they deserve just as much intention and care as any large celebration. From scouting and timelines to anticipating light and transitions, our goal is always to remove stress so couples can stay present in the moment. Mark and Lindsey’s Chula Vista courthouse wedding is a perfect reminder that even a last-minute change can turn into something seamless, meaningful, and beautifully timeless when everything is thoughtfully planned.
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Civil Courthouse Wedding Photography at the Historic Santa Ana Courthouse | Ashley & Quentin’s Orange County Marriage
Every love story is unique, and Ashley and Quentin’s civil courthouse wedding at the Historic Santa Ana Courthouse in Orange County was no exception. After finding us through one of our blogs, Ashley reached out for photography coverage of their September courthouse marriage. From the first consultation call to planning the storyboard and timeline, we collaborated closely to ensure their vision came to life. On the day of, the couple radiated joy despite jet lag from their honeymoon abroad and family traveling in from Texas and Indiana. We arrived early to scout fresh angles and lighting, ensuring their photos felt unique while avoiding crowds. From candid parking lot shots to the iconic courthouse stairway and intimate chapel vows, we captured every step of their journey. For us, each courthouse marriage is an opportunity to document timeless memories, and Ashley and Quentin’s wedding reminds us why we love what we do — transforming an ordinary day at the courthouse into extraordinary keepsakes of love and connection.
Why Couples Choose Civil Courthouse Weddings in Orange County
When couples search for civil courthouse wedding photography in Orange County, the Historic Santa Ana Courthouse often tops the list. Its timeless architecture, marble staircases, and intimate ceremony spaces make it one of the most popular spots for couples looking for an elegant yet stress-free wedding day.
Recently, we had the honor of capturing Ashley and Quentin’s September courthouse marriage in Santa Ana. Their story is the perfect example of how planning, communication, and trust between client and photographer can transform a courthouse wedding into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ashley & Quentin sharing a quiet embrace on the elegant stairway of the Historic Santa Ana Courthouse — a timeless moment from their Orange County courthouse wedding photography.
The historic Santa Ana Courthouse is one of Southern California’s most iconic spots for an elegant yet affordable wedding. Our Timeless Moments Elopement & Courthouse Wedding Package is designed to capture your vows with professional photography, timeless edits, and a stress-free experience.
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From Blog Discovery to Booking
Ashley first discovered us through one of our courthouse wedding blogs. She submitted a form on our website asking about photography coverage for her September marriage. After a few back-and-forth emails and a consultation call to align her vision, we saved the date and began planning the day together.
Ashley was proactive in sending inspiration photos, which gave us a clear sense of what moments were most important to her. In return, we created a custom storyboard and timeline—a tool we give all our couples to keep things on track and ensure every detail is covered.
Planning for the Expected (and the Unexpected)
If there’s one lesson we’ve learned as courthouse wedding photographers in Orange County, it’s this: always plan for the unexpected. Ashley and Quentin had just returned from their honeymoon in Europe and were understandably jet-lagged. Family had flown in from Texas and Indiana. Meanwhile, Stephanie and I were running on just a few hours of sleep from the night before.
Still, the show must go on. We arrived early at the courthouse before it opened—something we always recommend to couples—so we could test lighting, scout fresh angles, and explore spaces we hadn’t used in past weddings. This way, every couple gets photos that feel unique to them.
The Wedding Day Experience
We first met Ashley and Quentin in the parking lot. Quentin greeted us with the biggest smile, his joy cutting through any signs of jet lag. From that moment, we knew the day would be full of love and excitement.
Candid moments: From capturing them in their vehicle to walking hand-in-hand toward the courthouse.
Behind-the-scenes: Signing in, waiting on the grand staircase, and finding quiet moments before the ceremony began.
The ceremony: Inside the courthouse chapel, where vows were exchanged and certificates signed.
Family portraits: Post-ceremony photos outside, with family who traveled cross-country to celebrate.
By getting there early, we were able to take advantage of the courthouse before crowds arrived—a huge perk couples often don’t realize until they see the final gallery.
Why Every Courthouse Wedding Feels Like the First
Every time we shoot a courthouse marriage, it feels like the very first one. There’s something deeply moving about witnessing two people begin a new chapter of life together. Whether it’s laughter, tears, or quiet moments of reflection, these images carry stories that last long after the day itself.
For Ashley and Quentin, it wasn’t just about paperwork or tradition—it was about family, presence, and joy. For us, it was another reminder of why we love what we do: capturing love through the lens.
Recap & Takeaways
If you’re considering a civil courthouse wedding at the Santa Ana Historic Courthouse, here’s what Ashley & Quentin’s day teaches us:
Book early and plan together. A consultation call and storyboard help keep things stress-free.
Arrive before the courthouse opens. Less crowds = more time for creative shots.
Embrace flexibility. Travel schedules, jet lag, or unexpected delays are all part of the story.
Trust your photographer. We’ll be with you every step of the way, from the parking lot to the marriage certificate.
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Planning your own Orange County courthouse wedding photography? We’d love to help you create a custom timeline and capture every detail of your day.
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