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.
💍 Book an Experienced Courthouse Photographer
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.
Start Your Journey With Us Here
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.”
When most people think of “wedding season,” they picture May through October—vineyard sunsets, outdoor receptions, peak vendor availability. But according to data from The Knot, only about 9% of couples get married during winter (December–February), officially making it the least popular time of year to say “I do.”
Most see that statistic as a red flag.
The intentional couples see it as their advantage.
As Southern California photographers specializing in last-minute elopements and courthouse ceremonies, we’ve learned that December often delivers the most flexible, intimate, and stress-free wedding experience—especially for courthouse marriages. Less competition for appointments, easier scheduling, softer light, fewer crowds for portraits, and a quieter setting to be fully present.
If you’re considering an elopement or courthouse marriage in December, especially at historic locations like the Old Orange County Courthouse, this might be your smartest, most intentional wedding decision yet.
Only 9% of Couples Marry in Winter — Why December Is the Smartest Month to Elope & the Best Courthouse Locations in SoCal shows why fewer crowds and cooler weather create the most intimate vows. Whether you’re eloping at the courthouse or planning a small scenic ceremony, we build timelines that protect your moment — even when booked last-minute.
💍 Explore Elopement Packages
Why December Is a Surprising Advantage for Courthouse Weddings
Off-season availability: With only 9% of couples marrying in winter, appointment slots are more accessible.
Potential cost savings: Some vendors and travel services offer lower off-peak rates.
Less foot traffic: Courthouse and photo locations are usually quieter in December.
Holiday schedules can make travel easier for close family or witnesses.
Lower stress: Without peak-season pressure, couples can move at their own pace.
Better photography light: December’s lower sun angle creates naturally cinematic lighting.
Couples often tell us that getting married in December allowed them to refocus on what really mattered—each other—without the weight of a large production.
Weather & Light: What to Expect in Southern California During December
Despite being “winter,” Southern California remains mild.
Typical December temperatures: 55–70°F, cooler after sunset.
Sunset falls earlier (4:40–4:50 PM).
Overcast skies can be a blessing—softer light equals cleaner photos.
Rain is possible (rare), so it’s wise to have a quick backup spot indoors or under cover.
Ideal photography timeline
Ceremony: 2:00–2:30 PM
Courthouse portraits: around 3:00 PM
Golden hour photos: 4:15 PM
Final light: 4:45 PM
Best Courthouse Locations for December Weddings in Southern California
1. Old Orange County Courthouse (Santa Ana)
211 W Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA
Historic brick façade, preserved interior architecture, and a timeless backdrop for civil ceremonies.
December Advantage: Lighter downtown foot traffic, easier parking, and perfect late-afternoon lighting.
Photo Tip: Head into Downtown Santa Ana right after for artistic street shots and warm-toned walls.
2. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Elegant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, gardens, arches, and tower views. It feels like a European destination elopement without leaving California.
December Advantage: Fewer tourists and gorgeous winter light. Neutral layers and richer textures work beautifully here.
3. Beverly Hills Courthouse (Los Angeles)
Mix of modern and classic architecture surrounded by palm trees and luxury city vibes.
December Advantage: Slower city pace compared to spring/summer, optimal for minimal crowds in key areas.
4. Riverside Historic Courthouse
One of the most underrated courthouse wedding locations in SoCal. Beaux-Arts design with a dramatic exterior.
December Advantage: Perfect temperature for suits or layered bridal looks. Medium crowd levels.
5. San Diego County Administration Center
Technically a civil ceremony location rather than courthouse-based, but one of the most popular spots for weekday elopements.
December Advantage: Waterfront scenery, and close access to Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park, or Coronado for golden-hour portraits immediately after.
Key Things to Plan For in December
Book your marriage license and ceremony appointment early, especially near holiday weeks.
Stick to weekdays when possible—Fridays book quickest.
Dress in layers that complement the setting and support warmth during portraits.
Time your ceremony around light, aiming no later than 3:00 PM.
Plan for parking and potential holiday traffic.
If it’s last-minute, winter timing is often easier to disguise, ideal for surprise proposals or small elopements.
Final Thoughts
By choosing December—when only 9% of couples get married—you’re not opting out of tradition. You’re opting into intentionality. You’re trading pressure for peace, crowds for connection, and competing demands for a wedding day that feels personally yours.
For couples who value intimacy, efficiency, and stunning photography without the overwhelm…
December may be the most strategic and meaningful month to get married.
Ready to Plan Your December Courthouse Elopement?
We specialize in last-minute elopements, courthouse ceremonies, and cinematic portrait sessions across Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, and beyond. From timeline planning to lighting strategy to day-of execution—we’ll walk you through everything and make sure the story unfolds beautifully.
Explore our Engagement & Proposal Photography Packages at Last Minute Photoshoot.
Let’s capture this moment with intention—your way.