The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is where most Orange County couples choose to say "I do,” and for good reason! Its Romanesque Revival architecture, red sandstone exterior, and original woodwork give a civil ceremony the kind of timeless backdrop most couples don't expect from a government building.

We've photographed weddings at this courthouse enough times to know exactly how the day actually works — where the light is best, which spots outside the ceremony room give you real breathing room for photos, and how to make the most of a day that moves fast by design.

Whether you're planning an intimate two-person ceremony or bringing a small group of family and friends, we're here to make sure the moments in between — the walk up the front steps, the signing of the license, the first photos as a married couple — are documented the way they deserve to be.

Planning Your Courthouse Ceremony: What You Need to Know

Timing is tight! Plan around it. You'll have approximately 5-15 minutes for photos inside the ceremony room itself after your vows. That's not a lot, which is exactly why most of your photography happens outside the ceremony room — not instead of it.

The real photo opportunities are just outside. The building's front entrance and columns, the grand staircase, and the surrounding gardens and walkways give far more room to breathe than the ceremony room does. This is where the bulk of your photos will actually come from, and it's something a lot of couples don't realize when they're planning around the 5-minute window.

Bringing your own officiant vs. using the court's. You can either use a court-appointed Deputy Commissioner of Marriage or bring your own authorized officiant. We often work with the professionals at Great Officiants and highly recommend them.

Guest limits. Ceremonies without a special reservation typically allow up to 20 guests; the historic courtroom can be reserved separately for larger gatherings up to 75.

License and appointment logistics. You'll need to secure your marriage license through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office before your ceremony. This is a separate step from booking photography, and an officiant can walk you through this.

Eloping With Just the Two of You?

Courthouse ceremonies require a witness. If you're keeping your day intimate and not bringing guests, we're glad to stand in as your witness as part of your photography booking, so you're not left scrambling to find one on the day of.

Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding FAQs

How much does a courthouse ceremony cost? The civil ceremony fee is separate from your marriage license fee. Combined, the legal side of a courthouse wedding typically runs under $100, leaving more of your budget for photography or a celebration afterward.

How long is the marriage license valid? 90 days from the date it's issued, with no residency requirement or blood test needed.

Can I bring guests? Yes! Typically up to 20 without a special reservation. Larger groups can reserve the historic courtroom separately.

Do I need to bring my own witness? Yes, a witness is required for the ceremony. If you're not bringing guests, we can serve as your witness as part of your booking. Just let us know in advance.

Where are the best photo spots at the courthouse? Beyond the ceremony room, the front columns and entrance, the grand staircase, and the surrounding garden walkways all offer beautiful, less time-restricted photo opportunities.

Can I have an extended photo session elsewhere afterward? Absolutely, and this is even recommended. Many couples pair their courthouse ceremony with a short photo session at a nearby location (downtown Santa Ana, a nearby park, or the coast) to round out the day with more relaxed portraits that do not compete with other parties taking pictures around the limited courthouse sites.

Planning Your Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding?

From navigating the paperwork to knowing exactly where to stand for the best light, we're here to make your courthouse day feel just as intentional as a beach ceremony, five minutes or not.