A Historic Orange County Courthouse Civil Ceremony in Santa Ana | Ashley & Kevin's Intimate Wedding Story
Planning a courthouse wedding at the Historic Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana? Follow Ashley and Kevin's intimate civil ceremony from their first inquiry to saying "I do" inside one of Southern California's most beautiful courthouse wedding venues. Discover what our Last Minute Love Elopement Package includes, how we help couples plan their timeline, and why documenting everything—from arrival and check-in to the ceremony, family portraits, and candid moments—creates a wedding gallery that tells the complete story. Whether you're local or traveling to Orange County, this guide offers real planning insight and inspiration for your own courthouse wedding.
Sometimes the simplest weddings become the most memorable.
When Ashley first reached out to us on June 4, her message wasn't complicated.
"Hi, my name is Ashley. I had a question about your website. Does the package for the courthouse wedding include everything I need?"
It's one of the questions we hear most often from couples planning a civil ceremony.
Unlike a traditional wedding, courthouse weddings move quickly. Couples aren't just looking for a photographer—they're looking for someone who understands the courthouse process, knows where to be, what moments matter, and how to make the experience feel effortless.
We answered Ashley's questions, walked her through our Last Minute Love Elopement Package, shared several real courthouse wedding galleries, and explained exactly what to expect on her wedding day.
By the end of that same day, Ashley and Kevin had officially booked us.
The ceremony may only last a few minutes, but the memories deserve to last a lifetime. We help couples turn a simple civil ceremony into a complete wedding experience with timeline planning, candid storytelling, family portraits, and portraits throughout the courthouse grounds. Whether you're planning months ahead or booking at the last minute, we'll help make your courthouse wedding feel every bit as meaningful as a traditional celebration.
Choose Your Courthouse Wedding Experience
Planning a Historic Orange County Courthouse Wedding
One of the biggest advantages of planning ahead—even for a courthouse ceremony—is having a timeline.
In the days leading up to June 16, we sent Ashley and Kevin everything they needed to feel prepared.
Their personalized timeline included arrival recommendations, check-in instructions, portrait locations around the courthouse, family photo planning, and suggestions to help the day feel relaxed instead of rushed.
Our goal is simple.
The less you have to think about logistics, the more present you can be during one of the biggest moments of your lives.
Documenting the Story From the Very Beginning
When wedding day arrived, we were already there waiting.
Instead of beginning coverage at the ceremony itself, we started documenting their story the moment they pulled into the parking lot.
Those quiet moments before the ceremony often become some of our favorites.
The excitement.
The nervous smiles.
The final deep breaths.
The last few moments before officially becoming husband and wife.
These are the moments that deserve to be remembered just as much as the ceremony itself.
More Than Just the Ceremony
One of the reasons couples choose our courthouse wedding coverage is because we don't simply photograph the legal paperwork.
We tell the entire story.
Throughout Ashley and Kevin's wedding day, we documented:
Their arrival at the Historic Orange County Courthouse
Check-in before the ceremony
Waiting together before being called
The swearing-in process
Their civil ceremony
Ring exchange
Their first moments as newlyweds
Family portraits
Romantic portraits throughout the courthouse
Historic staircases
Beautiful architectural details
Natural candid moments between every posed photograph
Those in-between moments often become the photographs couples treasure most years later.
A smile.
A laugh.
A hand squeeze.
Parents watching from the background.
The celebration after the ceremony.
Those unscripted moments tell the complete story of your wedding day.
Why We Love Photographing Weddings at the Historic Orange County Courthouse
The Historic Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is one of Southern California's most beautiful civil ceremony venues.
Its historic architecture, elegant staircases, marble hallways, grand windows, and surrounding gardens create a timeless backdrop that feels much larger than a typical courthouse wedding.
For couples wanting an intimate wedding without sacrificing beautiful photographs, it's one of our favorite locations in Orange County.
The variety of indoor and outdoor backdrops also allows us to create a gallery that feels like a full wedding day rather than simply documenting a quick ceremony.
What Our Last Minute Love Elopement Package Includes
Our courthouse wedding coverage is designed specifically for couples who want more than just ceremony photos.
We help guide the experience from beginning to end.
Our Last Minute Love Elopement Package includes planning support before your wedding, a personalized timeline, photography coverage from arrival through your ceremony and portraits, professionally edited images, an online gallery, print options, and plenty of candid storytelling photographs that capture the genuine moments happening between each milestone.
Whether you're exchanging vows with two witnesses or celebrating with close family, our goal is to preserve every meaningful part of your story.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning a courthouse wedding in Orange County, a civil ceremony at the Historic Orange County Courthouse, or an intimate elopement anywhere in Southern California, we'd love to help.
Whether you're local or traveling from out of town, we'll guide you through the process from start to finish—from planning your timeline and recommending portrait locations to documenting every meaningful moment, both big and small.
Your wedding day isn't just about signing paperwork.
It's the beginning of your next chapter.
Let's tell that story together.
Historic Orange County Courthouse Wedding in Santa Ana | Civil Ceremony Photography
The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is one of the most beautiful and historic locations for a courthouse wedding in Southern California. Known for its Romanesque architecture, red sandstone exterior, and iconic courthouse steps, this landmark offers couples a timeless setting for their civil ceremony. At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in courthouse wedding photography throughout Orange County and Southern California, helping couples turn a simple courthouse ceremony into a meaningful wedding experience. From the ceremony itself to just-married portraits around the historic courthouse grounds, we capture every moment naturally and beautifully. If you're planning a courthouse wedding in Santa Ana, this guide covers what to expect, the best photo locations, and how to make your civil ceremony feel unforgettable.
For couples planning a courthouse wedding in Orange County, the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is one of the most beautiful and historic places to say “I do.”
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Ana, this courthouse is known for its stunning Romanesque architecture, red sandstone exterior, and historic charm, making it one of the most photographed courthouse wedding locations in Southern California.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we’ve photographed courthouse weddings throughout Southern California, but the Santa Ana Historic Courthouse stands out for couples who want a civil ceremony that still feels timeless and elegant.
If you're planning an Orange County courthouse wedding, here’s what you can expect when getting married at this iconic location.
Historic Orange County Courthouse Wedding in Santa Ana | Civil Ceremony Photography shows how even the simplest ceremonies deserve thoughtful planning and careful documentation. From guiding the timing of the ceremony to capturing the quiet moments just outside the courthouse steps, we help couples preserve their civil wedding day with calm direction and experienced photography.
Explore the Last Minute Love Elopement Package
A Brief History of the Old Orange County Courthouse
Built in 1901, the Old Orange County Courthouse is one of the oldest and most recognizable buildings in Santa Ana. The courthouse was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, featuring large stone arches, intricate brickwork, and a dramatic clock tower that gives the building its signature look.
Although it no longer operates as a traditional courthouse, the building is still used for civil ceremonies and special events, making it a unique place for couples who want a courthouse wedding with historic character.
For couples who want something simple but visually beautiful, the Old Orange County Courthouse offers an incredible backdrop for wedding photos.
Our Experience Photographing Courthouse Weddings in Santa Ana
One of the things couples love most about getting married at the Santa Ana Historic Courthouse is how smooth the process is.
On the day of the ceremony, couples typically check in, complete the paperwork, and are guided through a short but meaningful civil ceremony.
While the ceremony itself is simple, the surrounding architecture gives couples the opportunity to capture timeless courthouse wedding portraits both inside and outside the building.
After the ceremony, we usually take couples around the courthouse grounds to capture a variety of photos, including:
• Just-married portraits on the courthouse steps
• Romantic photos beneath the historic arches
• Walking shots along the courthouse exterior
• Candid celebration moments with family and friends
Because of the courthouse’s historic design, almost every corner provides a beautiful background for photos.
Best Photo Locations Around the Santa Ana Historic Courthouse
One of the biggest advantages of this courthouse is the number of photo opportunities within walking distance.
Some of our favorite spots include:
The Courthouse Steps
A classic place for just-married photos right after the ceremony.
Historic Brick Arches
Perfect for romantic portraits with dramatic architectural framing.
Downtown Santa Ana Streets
Just a short walk away, the surrounding streets offer charming urban backdrops.
Courthouse Lawn and Exterior Walkways
Great for natural walking shots and relaxed portraits after the ceremony.
These locations make it easy to turn a quick courthouse ceremony into a beautiful mini wedding photo session.
Making Your Courthouse Wedding Feel Like a Real Celebration
Many couples assume courthouse weddings are quick and purely administrative.
But the truth is, courthouse weddings can feel just as special and meaningful as any traditional wedding.
Some couples choose to bring:
• A bouquet or boutonniere
• Close family members as witnesses
• Champagne or sparkling wine for photos after the ceremony
• A second photo location nearby
These simple additions help transform a courthouse wedding into a memorable experience.
And the photos tell the story of the entire day.
Wedding Season Is Around the Corner
With wedding season approaching in Southern California, many couples are choosing courthouse weddings because they offer a simple, stress-free way to get married without months of planning.
To celebrate our love for last-minute courthouse weddings, we’re offering a limited-time courthouse wedding photography special for couples planning civil ceremonies this season.
Whether you're planning your ceremony weeks in advance or just a few days before, our team is experienced in helping couples capture their wedding day beautifully.
Planning a Courthouse Wedding in Orange County?
If you're getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, we’d love to help document your day.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in photographing:
• Courthouse weddings
• Civil ceremonies
• Elopements
• Intimate wedding celebrations
We make the process simple so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
From the ceremony to just-married portraits around the courthouse, we’ll help capture the story of your day.
Start Planning Your Courthouse Wedding
If you're planning a courthouse wedding at the Santa Ana Historic Courthouse or anywhere in Orange County, tell us a little about your ceremony below.
Share your ceremony date, courthouse location, and any details about your plans.
We’ll review everything and get back to you shortly to confirm availability and next steps.
Because even the simplest wedding deserves incredible photos.