Only 9% of Couples Marry in Winter — Why December Is the Smartest Month to Elope & the Best Courthouse Locations in Southern California

Only 9% of couples choose to marry during winter, making December the least popular wedding month according to The Knot. But for intentional couples planning a courthouse marriage in Southern California, that statistic is a strategic advantage. December offers lower competition for ceremony appointments, more flexibility, softer cinematic light, and fewer distractions at iconic locations such as the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the Beverly Hills Courthouse. With mild temperatures, earlier sunsets, and quieter environments, couples are free to focus on what truly matters—the moment they commit to each other. As photographers specializing in last-minute elopements and courthouse weddings, we’ve seen how December creates intimate, efficient, and beautiful celebrations that peak-season weddings often fail to deliver. If you value intention over production, December may be the smartest month to say “I do.”