Orange County Courthouse Elopements
Many couples choose to keep their wedding simple by eloping at the courthouse. Orange County offers a couple great options for couples who want a quick civil ceremony followed by photos along the coast.
Old Orange County Courthouse (Santa Ana)
The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is the most well-known place in the county for a courthouse wedding. Built in 1901, the historic building has beautiful architecture and classic details that make it feel more special than a typical government office.
Civil ceremonies are performed here by appointment through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. Couples often choose this location because it offers both the legal ceremony and a unique historic backdrop for photos all in one place.
After the ceremony, the courthouse grounds and surrounding streets provide plenty of interesting spots for portraits, from the marble staircases to the historic exterior of the building.
Many couples also choose to head toward the coast afterward for additional photos or a relaxed celebration.
Laguna Hills Civic Center
For couples living in South Orange County, the Laguna Hills Civic Center is often the most convenient place to obtain a marriage license or have a simple civil ceremony.
The location is smaller and quieter than the Santa Ana courthouse, which many couples appreciate if they are planning a quick, low-key elopement.
Ceremonies here are typically very simple and efficient, making it a great option for couples who want to complete the legal portion of the marriage before heading somewhere more scenic for photos.
Because Laguna Hills is only a short drive from the coast, many couples schedule portraits afterward in nearby places like:
• Dana Point Harbor
• San Clemente beaches
• Mission San Juan Capistrano
This combination—courthouse ceremony followed by coastal portraits—has become a popular way to keep an Orange County elopement simple while still creating a memorable experience.
Courthouse Ceremony + Coastal Photos
Many couples choose to keep the ceremony simple at the courthouse and then head toward the coast afterward for portraits and a small celebration. It’s one of the easiest ways to create a meaningful wedding day without the stress of planning a large event.
Our Courthouse + Coast Elopement Experience is designed for exactly that.
The day begins with your civil ceremony at either the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana or the Laguna Hills Civic Center. After the paperwork is signed and the official “we’re married” moment happens, we head toward the coast for portraits along the cliffs and beaches of South Orange County.
San Clemente and Dana Point offer some of the best spots for this—ocean views, quiet beaches, and the kind of relaxed coastal atmosphere that makes elopements feel special.
This experience includes three hours of photography coverage, allowing time for the courthouse ceremony, travel toward the coast, and a relaxed portrait session afterward. Many couples finish the evening with dinner or drinks at one of the nearby restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Florals are also included so the day still feels like a wedding, even if it’s intentionally simple.
Courthouse + Coast Elopement Experience
Includes:
• Courthouse ceremony coverage
• Travel to the coast for portraits
• Up to 3 hours of photography coverage
• Fresh floral bouquet
• Portraits along the San Clemente or Dana Point coastline
• Online gallery of edited images
Starting at $1,000
If you’re looking for something a little more elaborate than a courthouse ceremony, take a look at our San Juan Capistrano Elopement Experience, which includes a ceremony beneath the oaks followed by portraits at Mission San Juan Capistrano.