Courthouse Wedding FAQ
Everything Couples Should Know Before Their Civil Ceremony
1) Booking & Availability
How do we book courthouse wedding photography?
Booking is simple. Once we confirm your courthouse location, ceremony time, and the coverage you want (ceremony only, portraits, or full experience), we send a proposal and agreement. Your date is officially reserved once the agreement is signed and the retainer is paid.
Do you photograph courthouse weddings on weekdays?
Yes. Most courthouses only perform civil ceremonies Monday through Friday, which is when we photograph the majority of courthouse weddings across Southern California.
How far in advance should we book?
Some couples book weeks ahead, while others contact us a few days before their ceremony. Because our brand is Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in accommodating short notice bookings whenever availability allows.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Most couples secure their date with a retainer and pay the remaining balance before the ceremony date.
Can we reschedule our courthouse ceremony coverage?
Yes. One reschedule is allowed when requested early and subject to availability.
2) Preparing for Your Courthouse Wedding
What do we need to bring to the courthouse?
Most courthouses require the following:
• Valid government-issued ID for both partners
• Your marriage license (if it was issued previously)
• Two witnesses (some courthouses allow one)
• Payment for the ceremony if it hasn’t been paid
Requirements can vary slightly depending on the courthouse, so we always recommend checking with your local clerk’s office.
Do we need witnesses?
Yes. Most civil ceremonies require at least one witness, and many allow up to two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate.
If you're eloping privately, we can often help coordinate witnesses if needed.
Should we make an appointment or walk in?
Some courthouses allow walk-ins, but appointments are highly recommended to avoid long waits and ensure ceremony availability.
What days are courthouse ceremonies usually performed?
Most courthouses perform civil ceremonies Monday through Friday during business hours.
When is the courthouse least busy?
From experience photographing civil ceremonies:
• Early mornings move the fastest
• Tuesday through Thursday tends to be less crowded
• Fridays are often the busiest
3) What Happens on Your Wedding Day
How early should we arrive?
We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to allow time for parking, security, and check-in.
What happens after we check in?
Once checked in, the process typically looks like this:
Your names are called to verify paperwork and sign documents
Witnesses sign the marriage certificate
The officiant calls you into the ceremony room or chapel
You exchange vows and officially become married
The exact process varies by courthouse.
How long does a courthouse wedding take?
The full process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on how busy the courthouse is.
Some days move quickly, while others require a short wait.
Can family watch the ceremony?
Yes. Many courthouse chapels allow a small number of guests.
Some courthouses also offer live-stream options for family who cannot attend in person.
For example, the
Historic Orange County Courthouse
offers a complimentary Zoom livestream option for ceremonies.
4) Photography During Your Civil Ceremony
What moments do you photograph during a courthouse wedding?
Depending on the collection you choose, we can capture:
• Arrival and walking into the courthouse
• Signing the marriage license
• The ceremony and vows
• The first moments as newlyweds
• Family photos outside the courthouse
• Romantic portraits around the courthouse grounds
Can we take photos inside the courthouse chapel?
Many courthouses allow a few photos inside the ceremony room after the vows, especially if the chapel schedule allows time.
Policies vary by location.
Where do we take photos after the ceremony?
Most courthouses offer beautiful areas nearby such as:
• Courtyard gardens
• Historic staircases
• Front lawn areas
• Architectural hallways
These locations are perfect for “just married” portraits.
5) Helpful Courthouse Wedding Tips
Bring snacks or water.
If the courthouse is busy, there may be a short wait before your ceremony. A small snack helps keep energy up.
Plan for parking.
Parking near courthouses can fill quickly, especially in larger cities. Arriving early removes stress.
Keep your marriage license safe.
Your license is one of the most important documents you’ll bring with you.
Don’t rush the experience.
Even though courthouse weddings are simple, they are still a once-in-a-lifetime moment worth celebrating and documenting.
6) Photo Delivery & Editing
When will we receive our photos?
Typical delivery timeline:
• Unedited preview files: 24–48 hours
• Final edited photos: 5–7 business days
How will our photos be delivered?
Your images are delivered through a private Pixieset gallery where you can download high-resolution photos and order prints.
Can we order prints or albums?
Yes. Professional prints, framed artwork, and albums are available through your gallery.
7) Why Couples Choose Last Minute Photoshoot
Courthouse weddings move quickly, and knowing the process makes a big difference.
Our team has photographed civil ceremonies across Southern California and understands:
• courthouse timing
• ceremony flow
• where the best portraits happen after the vows
We arrive early, guide you through the process, and make sure your wedding day feels effortless.