(A Clear, No-Fluff Guide from a Local Photographer)

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Orange County and want something intentional, meaningful, and beautifully simple, getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is a solid choice.

I photograph a lot of weddings here, so this post breaks down the important stuff only — how it works, what to expect, and what actually matters for your day.

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Why Couples Love Getting Married at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana

Located in downtown Santa Ana, the Old Orange County Courthouse is popular for a reason:

• Historic architecture with character
• The iconic front staircase (a huge photography win)
• Interior hallways with texture and depth
• A calmer, more intentional feel than newer courthouses

It’s ideal for couples who want a meaningful ceremony without the pressure or production of a traditional wedding.

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Civil Marriage Ceremonies: What You Need to Know

Here’s the condensed, real-world version of how civil ceremonies currently work in Orange County:

Who Can Have a Ceremony Here

Civil marriage ceremonies at the Old Orange County Courthouse are only performed for couples who obtained their marriage license through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.

Ceremonies are:

• Non-religious (civil)
• Performed only by County Deputy Clerks
• $28 for the ceremony itself

Ceremonies are offered at:

• Old Orange County Courthouse (Santa Ana)
• North County Branch Office (Anaheim)
• South County Branch Office (Laguna Hills Civic Center)

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Marriage Licenses (Keep This Simple)

Before your ceremony, you must:

• Complete your marriage license application online
• Appear together, in person
• Bring valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID

Good to know:

• Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days
• No blood tests required
• No residency or citizenship requirements
• No refunds for expired licenses or plan changes

License Options

• Public Marriage License
  • $61
  • Becomes public record
  • Requires at least one witness (your photographer can be your witness too!)
• Confidential Marriage License
  • $66
  • Not public record
  • Couple must be living together
  • No witness required, but guest limits still apply

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Witnesses, Guests & Language Requirements

This part trips couples up, so read closely:

• If you have a public marriage license, you must bring at least one witness
• The county does not provide witnesses (I, as your photographer, can be your witness, and have on multiple occasions!)
• No ceremony will be performed without a witness if one is required (again, your photographer counts!)
• Maximum 20 guests total (for both public and confidential licenses)
• Both partners must be able to read, speak, and understand English
  • If not, you must bring one witness who can also translate
  • Translation services are not provided by the county

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Ceremony Day Expectations

Ceremonies are:

• Short and sweet (usually about 10–15 minutes)
• Simple and efficient
• Emotionally meaningful, even without the fluff

You’ll check in, have your ceremony performed by a deputy clerk, sign paperwork, and be legally married — all without the chaos of a big wedding day timeline.

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Photography at the Old Orange County Courthouse

This courthouse photographs beautifully if you know where to go and how to pace things.

My favorite photo spots include:

• The front staircase (timeless, iconic, always worth it)
• Exterior architectural details
• Interior hallways (when permitted)
• Walkable areas around the courthouse

Most couples only need 60-90 minutes of photography to capture:

• The ceremony
• Couple portraits
• A few guest photos
  — without feeling rushed or staged.

A lot of couples opt for 2 hours of photography to capture:

• All the above
• More creative shots
• Walk around downtown, coffee shop, etc.

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Renewal of Vows at the Courthouse

Already married and want something symbolic? Orange County also offers renewal of vow ceremonies.

• Symbolic only (no legal significance)
• $28 fee
• Appointment recommended
• Includes a complimentary souvenir certificate

It’s a meaningful way to celebrate an anniversary or simply honor your relationship — courthouse style.

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A Note for LGBTQ+ Couples 🤍

If you’re an LGBTQ+ couple considering a courthouse wedding here, know this:

You are safe. You are welcome. And your love is celebrated.

I photograph courthouse weddings with:

• Inclusive language
• Zero assumptions
• Natural, non-gendered posing
• A calm, affirming presence

Your wedding day should feel easy — not performative or uncomfortable.

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Looking for an Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photographer?

If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Santa Ana and want photos that feel real, inclusive, and true to you, I’d love to connect.

I specialize in:

• Old Orange County Courthouse weddings
• Santa Ana courthouse wedding photography
• LGBTQ+ and inclusive weddings
• Intimate ceremonies and elopements across Southern California

👉 Reach out here to inquire about courthouse wedding photography.

Simple. Intentional. No fluff — just real love.

Want to see more?

View Adit and Prateeksha’s Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding here.

View Sarah and Ryan’s Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding here.

Or learn more about getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse.