Table of Contents / Quick Links
- Getting Married at the Courthouse: What to Know
- How to Book Your OC Courthouse Wedding
- What Does an OC Courthouse Wedding Cost?
- What to Expect on Your Wedding Day
- The Best Time For Your Courthouse Wedding
- Wedding Ceremony Rooms
- Parking & Arrival Tips
- The Best Wedding Photo Locations
- How Much Photography Coverage Do You Need?
- Sample Wedding Timelines
- What to Bring
- Where to Celebrate After
- Courthouse Wedding FAQs
If you’re planning an Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, you’ve probably already realized this isn’t your average courthouse. Located in the heart of Santa Ana, it has beautiful historic architecture, indoor ceremony spaces, and plenty of great spots for photos before and after you make it official. It’s such a good option for couples who want something intimate, meaningful, and a little more relaxed than a traditional wedding day.
I’ve been photographing weddings since 2018, and these days I’m at the Old Orange County Courthouse two to three times most weeks. I’ve photographed so many ceremonies here that I’ve gotten to know the process, the rooms, the best times to come, and all the little details that can make the experience feel much easier. I created this guide to share what I’ve learned and help you feel completely prepared for your own courthouse wedding!
Last updated: October 2026. Courthouse policies, fees, and procedures can change, so I regularly review this guide to keep the information as current as possible.
Getting Married at the Old Orange County Courthouse: What to Know
Getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things that are really helpful to know before you book. The courthouse is located at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana and offers marriage licenses and civil wedding ceremonies Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The county also opens for marriage services on select Saturdays throughout the year.
For a standard courthouse wedding, you’ll first apply for your marriage license and then schedule your civil ceremony. As of October 2026, a public marriage license is $61 and the civil ceremony is an additional $28. The ceremony itself is short, usually around five minutes in my experience, but you can still exchange rings, read personal vows, and include some of the traditional touches that make it feel like your wedding day.
I’m here two to three times most weeks, and I’ve seen courthouse weddings look completely different from one couple to the next. I’ve photographed couples who got married completely in secret and others who brought a room full of their closest people! That’s one of the things I love most about an Old Orange County Courthouse wedding. You can keep it simple or make an entire day out of it.
Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Quick Facts
- Location: 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Regular hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Public marriage license: $61
- Civil ceremony: $28
- Typical ceremony length: About 5 minutes, based on my experience photographing weddings here
- Public license witness: At least one witness is required for the ceremony (can be me as your Orange County Courthouse wedding photographer!)
- Saturday weddings: Available on select Saturdays throughout the year
- Historic upstairs courtroom: Reserved separately through OC Parks rather than through the Clerk-Recorder.
How to Book an Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding
To book your Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, you’ll start by completing your marriage license application online through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. Once that application is finished, you can choose an available date and time for your civil ceremony through the online scheduling system. Ceremony appointments have to be scheduled online, not over the phone or in person.
You can apply for either a public or confidential marriage license. As of October 2026, a public marriage license is $61 and a confidential marriage license is $66. A confidential license is only available to couples who are already living together, while a public marriage license becomes part of the public record. Both are valid for 90 days after they’re issued, so your ceremony needs to take place within that window.
Not sure what time to choose? Here’s when I recommend getting married at the courthouse.
What You’ll Need for Your Marriage License Appointment
Both of you need to appear together and bring a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. If either of you was divorced or widowed within the previous 90 days, the county also requires additional documentation. This is also when you’ll select the name you want listed on your marriage license if either of you plans to change your name after marriage.
One thing I always remind my couples is that putting your new name on the marriage license doesn’t automatically change it everywhere else. You’ll still need to update your records separately with places like Social Security and the DMV after you’re married.
Booking Your Civil Ceremony
Once your marriage license application is complete, you can schedule your ceremony through the same Orange County marriage services system. The civil ceremony currently costs $28 and is performed by a County Deputy Clerk. If you choose a public marriage license, you’ll also need to bring at least one witness who can be present for the ceremony and sign your license. The courthouse does not provide witnesses.
The Old Orange County Courthouse allows up to 20 guests for a standard civil ceremony, which is why I’ve photographed everything here from completely private elopements to weddings with a full room of family and friends.
[ Apply for Your Marriage License & Book Your Ceremony ]
What Does an Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Cost?
One of the nice things about an Old Orange County Courthouse wedding is that the actual courthouse costs are pretty reasonable. As of October 2026, a public marriage license is $61 and a civil ceremony is $28. A confidential marriage license is $66 if you qualify for one.
That means a standard courthouse wedding can start at just $89 for the license and ceremony, before things like parking, photography, flowers, attire, or wherever you decide to celebrate afterward.
Quick Cost Breakdown:
- Public marriage license: $61
- Confidential marriage license: $66
- Civil ceremony: $28
- Historic courtroom rental: $600 per event, currently listed by OC Parks (optional room upgrade)
- Parking: I usually tell my couples to expect around $4 for about two hours, although rates can change.
If you want to use the historic courtroom upstairs, that works a little differently. You’ll reserve that space separately through OC Parks rather than through the Clerk-Recorder. The current OC Parks fee schedule lists the Department One Courtroom at $600 per event for general use. I’ll explain exactly how to book that space a little later in this guide.
What to Expect on Your Wedding Day at the Old Orange County Courthouse
When you arrive for your Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, you’ll enter through the main entrance at the top of those iconic front steps and three arches. Once you’re inside, turn left and head through the first door on your left. From there, you’ll check in on the computers and wait for your name to be called.
Want to see what the courthouse actually looks like before your wedding day? I put together a quick tour that walks through check-in, the ceremony rooms, and a few of my favorite spots inside.
This is usually when I start photographing all those in-between moments. I’ll grab candids of you together, your family arriving, any little details you brought, and everything in-between while you wait. You don’t have to worry about figuring out where to stand or what to do. I’m there often enough that I can help guide you through the flow of everything.
The courthouse currently requires couples to bring valid government-issued photo ID to their appointment. If you have a public marriage license, you’ll need at least one witness there to sign it. The courthouse doesn’t provide witnesses. If I’m photographing your wedding, I’m happy to be your witness too, so you don’t necessarily need to bring someone just for that!
How Long Is an Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Ceremony?
The actual ceremony is quick. In my experience, it usually lasts around five minutes.
Even though it’s short, it still feels like a real wedding ceremony. You can exchange rings, read personal vows, and even include a flower girl or ring bearer if you want. I’ve photographed couples who kept things completely private and others who filled the room with their closest family and friends.
For standard civil ceremonies, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder currently allows up to 20 guests. A County Deputy Clerk performs the ceremony.
What Happens After the Ceremony?
Once you’re officially married, we can take family photos and spend some time exploring the courthouse for portraits. This is where I really love photographing weddings here. There are so many beautiful areas inside and outside the building, and every wedding can feel a little different.
We’ll get much deeper into my favorite Old Orange County Courthouse wedding photo locations later in the guide. But you definitely don’t have to walk out of your five-minute ceremony and call it a day. We can make the experience feel like an actual wedding day, even if you’re keeping everything intimate.
The Best Time for an Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding
The best time to get married here is always whatever works best for your schedule and feels right for the two of you. But if you have flexibility, I personally recommend Monday through Wednesday mornings, ideally between opening and noon. Those are usually the calmest times in my experience.
If you want to see what I mean, I shared a side-by-side look at the courthouse on a quiet Monday–Wednesday versus a busier Friday or Saturday afternoon. You can watch that comparison here!
That can make a huge difference if you want a quieter ceremony and cleaner photo opportunities around the building. You’ll usually have fewer people moving through the courthouse, which gives us more room to slow down do our thing.
Can You Get Married at the Old Orange County Courthouse on a Saturday?
Yes, but only on select Saturdays throughout the year. The courthouse doesn’t offer Saturday marriage services every weekend, so you’ll want to check the Orange County Clerk-Recorder schedule before making plans.
For the remainder of 2026, the county listed these Saturday openings:
- October 10, 2026
- December 12, 2026
Can You Have a Vow Renewal at the Old Orange County Courthouse?
Yes! The Orange County Clerk-Recorder also offers renewal of vow ceremonies for couples who are already legally married. These ceremonies are symbolic, so they don’t have any legal effect. As of October 2026, the fee is $28, and couples can book an appointment online. Walk-ins are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
I love this option for couples who want to celebrate an anniversary, recreate a courthouse-style wedding experience, or just to have updated photos together. If I’m photographing your vow renewal, we can still make the day feel intentional and personal without needing another marriage license.
Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Rooms
The Old Orange County Courthouse has a few different ceremony spaces, and they don’t all feel the same. Because I’m here so often, I’ve gotten a really good sense of which rooms work best for different guest counts and wedding styles.
Can You Choose Your Ceremony Room?
Usually, the courthouse assigns your room based on your guest count and whichever space is available first. If you have a preference and you’re willing to wait, you may be able to request a specific room.
Want to see the rooms before your wedding day? You can see this quick courthouse tour I put together showing check-in, the ceremony spaces, and a few of my favorite spots inside!
Room A – The Larger Ceremony Room
Room A is the larger standard ceremony room. In my experience, it comfortably fits around 20 guests, not including the two of you. You can squeeze in a few more, but once you get closer to 22–24 guests, it starts to feel pretty tight.
If you’re bringing a larger group of family and friends, this is usually the room I’d hope for. It gives everyone a little more breathing room and still keeps the ceremony intimate.
Room B – The Smaller Ceremony Room
Room B is smaller and feels more intimate. I typically see it work best for around 10–12 guests. This can be a really sweet option if you’re keeping things small or only bringing a few of your closest people.
The Historic Courtroom Upstairs
This is the space a lot of couples see in photos and immediately fall in love with. It’s beautiful, but the booking process is completely separate from the standard courthouse ceremony rooms.
The historic courtroom is managed through OC Parks, not the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. So if you want to reserve it, you’ll need to contact OC Parks directly rather than booking it through the regular courthouse wedding system.
As of October 2026, the historic courtroom rental is listed at $600, and the space can accommodate up to 75 guests. Pricing and availability can change, so I always recommend confirming the current details before making plans.
You can contact OC Parks at 714-973-6605 or oldcourthouse@ocparks.com to ask about availability and booking.
Parking at the Old Orange County Courthouse
Parking near the Old Orange County Courthouse is limited, so I always recommend planning ahead. There is an official parking lot behind the courthouse, but spaces can fill up quickly. You’ll also find paid street parking nearby, and I suggest downloading the ParkMobile app before your wedding day.
In my experience, couples usually spend around $4 for about two hours of parking, although rates can always change. I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your appointment. Parking can take a few minutes, especially since street parking is paid and the nearby lot has limited space.
The courthouse is located at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. When you arrive, head up the main staircase toward the three large arches. That’s also one of my favorite spots to start photographing before we head inside.
Arrival Tip:
If you’re bringing family or friends, send everyone the courthouse address and parking information ahead of time. It keeps things so much smoother when you’re trying to get everyone checked in together.
And if I’m photographing your wedding, I’ll help you through the courthouse flow once we’re there. You don’t need to stress about figuring out where to go or what happens next!
Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photos
One of my favorite things about photographing Old Orange County Courthouse weddings is how much variety there is. The courthouse itself has so much character. I just love the historic architecture and grand arches outside to the staircases and details inside. Even a short courthouse wedding can give us plenty of time to create a full gallery that feels like more than a quick ceremony.
I know the flow of the courthouse really well, which helps us make the most of our time without rushing through portraits. I’ll guide you through portraits while still leaving plenty of room for the day to feel natural. You don’t need to show up knowing where to go or how to pose, that’s my job!
Photos Outside the Courthouse
The front of the courthouse is pretty iconic and always one of my favorite places to photograph. The wide staircase with the three grand arches and historic exterior instantly give your photos that classic courthouse feel.
We can use the steps for everything from couple portraits to larger family photos. I also love photographing those little moments as you walk into or leave the courthouse. They always feel so exciting once it hits you that you’re officially married!
Photos Inside the Old Orange County Courthouse
I always try to leave time for photos inside too. The gorgeous historic interior gives us a different look from the exterior and adds variety to your gallery.
This is also where knowing the courthouse well really helps. I’m there often enough to know how people move through the building and when we may need to adjust around other ceremonies or visitors. We can keep things moving without making your portraits feel rushed.
Family & Guest Photos
If you’re bringing family or friends, we’ll make time for those photos too. I usually like to take group portraits around the ceremony so everyone is already together and we don’t have to spend half our time together trying to round people up.
Even if you’re inviting close to the courthouse’s guest limit, we can still keep family photos organized and efficient. I’ll help direct everyone so you can get the combinations that matter without spending forever standing in one spot.
Want More Portrait Variety? Add a Second Location!
For a 90-minute session, I stay at the courthouse and make the most of everything we have right there. We can photograph inside, use the exterior staircases and arches, and even wander a little farther out for fun shots like crossing the street together.
If you book more time and want a completely different look, we can also add a second portrait location. Redwood Grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a beautiful option if you want greenery to contrast with the historic courthouse. Or we can head to Downtown Orange if you want something with more of a city feel.
Making Your Courthouse Wedding Photos Feel Like You
Just because you’re getting married at a courthouse doesn’t mean your photos have to feel basic. A bouquet, veil, boutonniere, great outfit, or a few personal details can completely change the feel of the day.
I always tell my couples to bring the things that make them feel excited about getting married. I also offer rental bouquets and boutonnieres for my couples, so reach out if you want to see what I currently have available!
Want to see what a real courthouse wedding here can look like? Elsa and Omar’s ‘Intimate Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding‘ is such a sweet example. Their day was simple yet full of all the little moments that make courthouse weddings so special.
[ Book Your Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photos! ]
How Much Photography Coverage Do You Need
For most Old Orange County Courthouse weddings, I recommend at least 90 minutes of photography coverage. That gives us enough time for check-in and the ceremony, family photos, and plenty of couple portraits without feeling rushed.
If you want to add a first look, private vows, or portraits at a second location, we can absolutely make more time for that too. I also offer longer courthouse coverage for couples who want two to three hours to document more of the day.
You can also customize your coverage with options like 35mm film, a VHS-style highlight film, additional photography time, or professional audio recording of your ceremony. When you inquire, I’ll send over my current pricing guide with all of my courthouse wedding packages and add-on options.
Sample Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Timeline
Every courthouse wedding can look a little different, but here’s an example of how I might structure a 90-minute session. You can click each example below to drop down the sample timeline!
Sample Timeline: Couple Photos Before & After
- 10:00 AM: Arrive & Couple Photos
- 10:30 AM – Check In for Your Ceremony
- 10:40 AM – Ceremony
- 10:50 AM – Family Photos
- 11:10 AM – More Couple Photos: After family photos, we’ll have more time to explore the courthouse and finish up your portraits.
- 11:30 AM – You’re Married & The Session Ends!
Sample Timeline: All Couple Photos Before the Ceremony
- 10:00 AM: Arrive & start couple photos
- 10:50 AM: Family arrives & check in for the ceremony
- 11:00 AM: Ceremony
- 11:10 AM: Family photos
- 11:30 AM: Session ends. You’re married!
What to Bring to Your Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding
You really don’t need much for an Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, but a few things can make the day feel more personal and help everything run smoothly.
Courthouse Wedding Checklist
Bring with you:
- Valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID
- Your rings, if you’re exchanging them
- Personal vows, if you plan to read your own
- A witness if you have a public marriage license (If I’m photographing your wedding, I’m happy to be your witness!)
Optional details I love for photos:
- Bouquet
- Veil
- Boutonniere
- Special jewelry or accessories
- Any sentimental details you want photographed
I always recommend bringing a few details that make the day feel like you. A bouquet, veil, or boutonniere can add so much without making your courthouse wedding feel overly complicated.
I also offer rental bouquets and boutonnieres for my couples. If you want to keep things simple, just reach out and I can show you what I currently have available.
Where to Celebrate After Your Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding
One of my favorite things about a courthouse wedding is that you can keep the ceremony simple and still make the rest of the day feel really special. Afterward, you can head out for lunch, dinner, drinks, or a small reception with your favorite people.
If you want to keep celebrating after your ceremony, there are plenty of great spots around Orange County for lunch or dinner. A few options to consider:
- Bistango, Irvine: A great option if you want something a little more elevated for lunch or dinner after your ceremony.
- Habana, Irvine: Fun, lively, and perfect if you want somewhere that feels a little more celebratory.
- Orange Hill Restaurant, Orange: Such a pretty option if you want great views and a more romantic dinner afterward.
- Summit House, Fullerton: Cozy, classic, and a really nice choice if you want somewhere that feels a little more special without being overly formal.
- The Hobbit, Orange: A fun option if you want dinner to feel like part of the celebration itself. They offer one seating each night with a six-course prix-fixe dinner that lasts around four hours.
Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding FAQs
In my experience, the ceremony usually lasts about five minutes.
Yes! You can exchange rings and include personal vows during your ceremony.
The courthouse currently allows up to 20 guests for a standard civil ceremony. If you want a larger guest count, the historic courtroom upstairs can accommodate more people.
Yes. I’ve photographed courthouse weddings here with both flower girls and ring bearers.
Yes! If I’m photographing your wedding, I’m happy to sign as your witness if you need one.
Yes, but only on select Saturdays throughout the year. I recommend checking the Orange County Clerk-Recorder calendar before choosing your date.
Your marriage license is valid for 90 days after it is issued. Your ceremony needs to happen within that window.
Yes. You can get your Orange County marriage license and have an authorized officiant perform your ceremony somewhere else before the license expires.
The historic courtroom is booked separately through OC Parks, not through the Clerk-Recorder. You’ll need to contact OC Parks directly for current availability and pricing.
Yes! The Orange County Clerk-Recorder also offers vow renewal ceremonies for couples who are already legally married. See more on vow renewals here.
No. You don’t need to be an Orange County or California resident to obtain a marriage license here.
Kind Words From Tala & Tariq, an Old Orange County Courthouse Couple
“Nicole was absolutely amazing to work with for our civil ceremony! From the moment we met her, she made us feel so comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, which was especially helpful because we were both a little nervous. She gave us just enough direction while still letting everything feel natural and genuine.
When we got our photos back, we were honestly blown away. She captured every little moment so beautifully, and looking through them brought us right back to that day. The photos feel timeless, emotional, and completely true to us.
Not only is Nicole incredibly talented, but she’s also kind, patient, and so easy to be around. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer to capture such an important milestone in our lives. We will cherish these photos forever and would recommend her to anyone looking for someone who truly cares about preserving your memories.”
Meet Nicole | Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Nicole! I’ve been photographing weddings since 2018, and courthouse days have become some of my absolute favorites. Outside of photography, I’m usually grabbing coffee, making the perfect playlist, finding a good sushi spot, or spending time with the people I love most.
My photography style is candid, natural, and focused on the real moments in between everything you planned. I want your photos to feel like you and bring you right back to how the day actually felt.
The Old Orange County Courthouse can book up quickly, so once you know your date and time, I recommend reaching out to your photographer as soon as you can. But if your wedding is coming up soon, don’t assume it’s too late. I’m always up for a little spontaneity when my schedule allows! If you’re planning an Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, inquire below and let’s see if I’m available!
