How Does a Courthouse Wedding Work? A Personal Story from Our Own “I Do”
From the paperwork to the moment you say “I do,” courthouse weddings are simple, intimate, and full of meaning. Our Elopement & Wedding Packages are crafted to capture every beautiful detail—from the nervous smiles on the steps to that first newlywed kiss outside City Hall.
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Some of the most meaningful moments in life don’t require a big crowd, a fancy venue, or a six-figure budget — just two people ready to commit to forever. Before we were photographers capturing hundreds of “I do’s,” Stephanie and I stood at the Moreno Valley Courthouse in Riverside County on May 20, 2016, saying ours.
We were young — with not much to our names besides a shared dream and a promise to love each other through thick and thin. I remember arriving early with my parents, dressed in a navy slim-fitting suit, most of it borrowed from friends, white sneakers on, hair pulled back, waiting nervously for Steph to arrive.
As I waited, I was on the phone with who I thought was my best man — my best friend — who ended up bailing on me last minute. Sorta ironic, considering our business name today is Last Minute Photoshoot. I guess I was foreshadowing our future without even knowing it.
She was radiant in a white lace dress. The moment I saw her, everything else faded — except one small hiccup: she forgot her ID.
Anyone who’s been through a courthouse wedding knows that’s a must-have, along with your witness’s identification. So, as her brothers drove 30 minutes home and back to retrieve it, we waited — talking with family, laughing, sharing the nerves. It wasn’t the polished movie scene you might imagine, but it was ours.
When her ID finally arrived, we were called into the small chapel, surrounded by family snapping photos on their phones. We didn’t have a photographer back then — funny enough, that’s part of what inspired our business today. As we exchanged the standard courthouse vows, tears welled up. It was simple, short, and perfect.
Looking back, it wasn’t about the setting or the timeline. It was about the decision — the biggest one of our lives.
So, How Does a Courthouse Wedding Actually Work?
If you’re considering tying the knot at a California courthouse (like Riverside, Orange County, or San Diego), here’s what you need to know:
Every “I do” deserves to be remembered. Let us capture the emotion, simplicity, and beauty of your courthouse wedding. Book your courthouse photographer today.
1. Make an Appointment
You’ll first need to schedule a ceremony appointment online through your county’s clerk’s office. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted but not guaranteed. We always suggest booking 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your date and time.
2. Get Your Marriage License
Before the ceremony, you’ll need a valid marriage license — which can usually be obtained at the same courthouse. Both partners must appear in person with valid government-issued IDs (driver’s license, passport, etc.), and the fee typically ranges between $70–$120 depending on the county.
3. Bring Your Witness (and Their ID)
Most California courthouses require at least one witness, who must bring valid ID. If you’re planning an elopement without guests, you can often request a courthouse clerk to serve as your witness for an additional fee.
4. Dress However You Want
From full suits and gowns to jeans and sneakers — courthouse weddings are about you. Some couples go all out, others keep it minimal. What matters most is how the moment feels, not how it looks.
5. The Ceremony Itself
Once you check in, you’ll be escorted into a small chapel or room, where an officiant performs a brief civil ceremony. It usually lasts under 10 minutes. You’ll exchange rings (optional), say your vows, and sign your paperwork. That’s it — you’re officially married.
6. Don’t Forget the Photos
After our own courthouse wedding, we realized how fast the day went by — and how precious it would’ve been to have professional photos capturing those raw, real moments. That’s why we love helping couples relive this milestone through courthouse photography. Whether it’s at the Riverside Historic Courthouse, OC Historic Courthouse, or San Diego County Administration Center, we help make it feel just as special as any grand wedding.
Why Courthouse Weddings Are So Special
Courthouse weddings strip everything down to the core — commitment, love, and the people who matter most. There’s something incredibly beautiful about saying “I do” in a room that’s seen countless love stories, yet feels entirely unique to you.
They’re simple, affordable, and intimate — but also deeply emotional. For us, it was the start of everything: our marriage, our story, and eventually our business, Last Minute Photoshoot.
Now, when we photograph couples saying their vows in those same halls, it’s like reliving that day all over again — full circle.
Recap: What You’ll Need for a Courthouse Wedding
Marriage license (apply in person, bring valid IDs)
One witness with ID (or request a courthouse clerk)
Appointment for ceremony
Rings (optional, but most couples do)
A photographer to capture your memories
A sense of humor — because even the best plans go sideways sometimes
Ready to Say “I Do”?
If you’re planning your own courthouse wedding in Southern California, we’d be honored to capture your story — from the quiet moments before you walk in, to the joy after you say “yes.”
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Let’s make your “I do” timeless, no matter where it happens.
