How Does a Courthouse Wedding Work? A Personal Story from Our Own “I Do”

A courthouse wedding might seem simple, but it carries a beauty all its own — intimate, heartfelt, and timeless. Before we ever became wedding photographers, Stephanie and I experienced it firsthand. On May 20, 2016, at the Moreno Valley Courthouse in Riverside County, we said “I do” with borrowed outfits, a few family members, and a whole lot of love. That experience taught us that marriage isn’t about the size of the venue; it’s about the commitment behind it. In this guide, we walk you through exactly how a courthouse wedding works in California — from scheduling your ceremony and getting your marriage license to what to expect the day of. We’ll also share photography tips and real-world insight from our own journey. Whether you’re planning a civil marriage at the OC Historic Courthouse or eloping in Riverside, this is everything you need to make your courthouse “I do” unforgettable.