IN THIS GUIDE – (Reading Time 10 min)
Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding in Los Angeles?
The List of Courthouses in Los Angeles!
How to Make an Appointment?
Los Angeles Clerk’s Appointment Schedule!
Does a courthouse wedding count as an elopement?
Courthouse Wedding Photo Session!
My Approach to Capturing Intimate Ceremonies!
Getting the Most Out of a 3 Hour Session!
As a Los Angeles courthouse wedding photographer, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how to book your appointment to the many benefits of choosing a courthouse elopement. I’ll also share my personal approach to capturing these intimate, meaningful moments so you can remember your day forever. Whether you’re planning something simple and stress-free or still want it to feel extra special, I’m here to make the process easy and fun. You’ll find helpful tips, useful links, and honest advice throughout.
If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to help!
Bride and Groom Photo Session After Civil Marriage | NZ WEDDING STUDIO
Why Choose a Courthouse Wedding in Los Angeles?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s simple, stress-free, and still full of love, a courthouse wedding in Los Angeles might be the perfect choice for you.
It’s a great option for couples who want something easy and budget-friendly without giving up on the romance. LA has some beautiful courthouses that make a lovely backdrop for your ceremony, and the process is quick and legal. It’s ideal for elopements or small weddings with just a few loved ones. Plus, there are so many amazing spots around the city for photos after your “I do.” Whether you want to keep it quiet or add a little celebration after, courthouse weddings offer the perfect mix of ease and magic.
The List of Courthouses in LA for Your Wedding Ceremony!
Here’s a helpful list of Los Angeles County courthouses where you can have your wedding ceremony or civil marriage ceremony, including addresses and links to their official pages. These are some of the most popular options for courthouse weddings in LA:
1. Norwalk Courthouse (Main Office of Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk)
Address: 12400 Imperial Hwy, Room 1001, Norwalk, CA 90650
*This is the main location and often has the most availability.
Website & Appointment Info
How to Get a Marriage License and Schedule a Ceremony?
The Norwalk City Clerk’s Office is modern and clean, with a big open space and lots of natural light. The building is simple but nice, and everything is well-organized. There’s a small wedding ceremony room inside that feels private and cozy. It’s easy to get to, and the staff is friendly and helpful. A great spot for a smooth and stress-free courthouse wedding.
Karina & Arthur – A Beautiful Norwalk Courthouse Wedding
Website & Appointment Info
How to Get a Marriage License and Schedule a Ceremony?
The Beverly Hills Courthouse is charming and elegant, with tall palm trees and a clean, classic look that feels very “LA.” The building has a nice white exterior with big windows and steps that make it perfect for photos. It’s calm, stylish, and has that Hollywood feeling without being too busy. A great place for a simple and beautiful courthouse wedding.
3. Santa Monica Courthouse
Website & Appointment Info
How to Get a Marriage License and Schedule a Ceremony?
The Santa Monica Courthouse is bright, clean, and close to the beach. It has a modern look with big windows and palm trees around. The building feels calm and peaceful, perfect for a small wedding. After the ceremony, you can take beautiful photos nearby or even go for a walk by the ocean. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed and happy courthouse wedding.
4. Van Nuys Courthouse East
Address: 14340 W. Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, CA 91401
*A convenient option for couples in the San Fernando Valley.
Website & Appointment Info
How to Get a Marriage License and Schedule a Ceremony
The Van Nuys Courthouse East is a large, modern building .Its exterior is characterized by clean lines and a neutral color palette, reflecting its functional design. The courthouse is situated within the Van Nuys Government Center, a cluster of buildings housing various local, state, and federal government offices. The surrounding area features open plazas and garden spaces, providing a calm atmosphere amidst the urban environment.
5. Lancaster Courthouse
Address: 14340 W. Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, CA 91401
*A quiet spot in the northern part of LA County—perfect for a more private day.
Website & Appointment Info
How to Get a Marriage License and Schedule a Ceremony?
The office is situated in a modern, single-story building with a simple design. The entrance is clearly marked, and there is ample parking available for visitors. Inside, the office is organized and functional, providing a range of services such as issuing marriage licenses and performing civil marriage ceremonies.
6. East Los Angeles (Civic Center)
Address: 4716 East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90022
*A great option if you’re based closer to downtown or the east side.
Website & Appointment Info
How to Get a Marriage License and Schedule a Ceremony?
The office is situated in a modern, single-story building with a simple design. The entrance is clearly marked, and there is ample parking available for visitors. Inside, the office is organized and functional, providing a range of services such as issuing marriage licenses and performing civil marriage ceremonies.
7. Florence/Firestone Courthouse
Address: 7807 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001
*A lesser-known spot that can sometimes be easier to book.
Website & Appointment Info
How to Get a Marriage License and Schedule a Ceremony?
The Florence-Firestone Clerk’s Office is clean, modern, and easy to find. It has a simple design with bright spaces and friendly staff. A nice spot for a quick, easy wedding.
Tip: All appointments for civil ceremonies must be booked in advance through the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s official website. Walk-ins are not accepted.
How to make an appointment for your LA City Hall Wedding?
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Los Angeles, here are a few key things to keep in mind. Don’t worry—it’s all pretty straightforward, and I’ve got your back with the essentials:
List of Los Angeles Clerk's Appointment Schedule
Appointments Are a Must - First Buy Your Marriage Licence
You’ll need to book an appointment for your civil ceremony in advance. You can do this when you buy your marriage license. If you already have your license and just need to book your ceremony, give them a call at 1-800-201-8999 (Option 1, then Option 2) to set it up.
Express Ceremonies Available
Looking for something quick and easy? The County Clerk offers Express Marriage Ceremonies by appointment at all seven LA locations. It’s a great option if you just want to get married without the fuss—and it’s fast, simple, and affordable.
You’ll Need a Witness
If you’re having a public marriage, you’ll need at least one witness with you at the ceremony. Don’t have anyone available? No problem—the courthouse can provide a witness for a $20 fee.
If you’re getting a confidential marriage license, a witness isn’t required at all.
For full details on how to get your license and schedule your ceremony, head over to the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s official website.
Does a courthouse wedding count as an elopement?
Yes, it can be!
A courthouse wedding is a type of elopement, especially if it’s just the two of you or a small group. Elopements don’t have to be secret or far away—they can be simple, quick, and done close to home.
Getting married at the courthouse is a great choice if you want something small, easy, and full of love. It’s all about doing what feels right for you, without the stress of a big wedding.
What to Expect from a Courthouse Wedding Photo Session?
A courthouse wedding ceremony in Los Angeles is usually short—about 15 minutes long.
Here’s what usually happens:
- The person doing the ceremony (called a Deputy Commissioner) will say a few official words
- You can exchange rings and say your vows (if you want to)
- Then you both say “I do”
- You sign your marriage license—and just like that, you’re married!
It’s quick, simple, and perfect if you want something small, sweet, and meaningful without a long wait. Most couples actually spend more time taking photos outside afterward—and that’s when the real fun begins!
What Happens After the Ceremony?
After the ceremony, the bride and groom usually take photos with close family and friends.
Then we move on to the couple’s photo session, which is often done around the City Hall where the ceremony took place.
Los Angeles has some beautiful City Hall buildings. The architecture is really special and makes a great background for wedding photos. Depending on the location, most City Halls are built in Spanish Colonial, Art Deco, or Modern styles—very unique to Los Angeles.
After the photos, many couples go to a nearby restaurant to celebrate with friends and family. This is also a nice chance to take a few more fun and relaxed photos with your guests.
My Approach to Capturing Intimate Ceremonies
No matter if it’s a big wedding day or a small, intimate elopement, I always approach each one with the same care and attention.
Every couple has their own unique vision, and my goal is to meet those expectations and bring their ideas to life. To make that happen, good preparation is key.
Before every photo session, I go over all the important details with the couple, so I truly understand what matters most to them. I also offer professional suggestions if I notice any gaps—just to make sure we’re making the most of the time and capturing everything that’s important.
If it’s my first time shooting at a location, I always do some research and visit the spot in advance to find the best photo opportunities. That way, on the day of the session, we’re not wasting time figuring things out—we’re ready to go and can focus fully on the moment.
Great photos don’t just happen by chance—they’re made with a mix of preparation, creativity, and a little magic. Let’s make yours unforgettable.
Getting the Most Out of a 3 Hour Session!
Planning a courthouse wedding? Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay on track and stress-free:
- Book your appointment at the courthouse in advance—walk-ins aren’t always an option.
- Make sure your marriage license is ready and valid for the date.
- Bring your IDs and any needed documents with you.
- Decide who’s coming—you may need a witness (or two), depending on the courthouse rules.
- Plan your outfits—just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish!
- Hire a photographer to capture the ceremony and some fun shots nearby.
- Think about what’s next—maybe a lunch, dinner, or a walk along the beach to celebrate.
Take a deep breath, enjoy every moment, and remember—it’s your day, your way.
Ready to Elope or Say "I Do" at the Courthouse - Contact Us!
My name is Nem and I’m specialized in photographing meaningful, stylish courthouse and elopement weddings all around Los Angeles. Whether you’re planning a quiet ceremony with just the two of you or bringing along a few loved ones, I’d love to be there to document it beautifully.
