Old Orange County Courthouse (Santa Ana)
This is the most well-known courthouse location in Orange County, and for good reason.
The historic architecture, wood interiors, and classic details make it feel more like a venue than a government office.
Ceremonies are done by appointment, and once you’re finished, the building and surrounding streets offer some of the best courthouse portrait spots in the area.
Laguna Hills Civic Center
For couples who want something simple, quiet, and efficient, the Laguna Hills Civic Center is a great option for an Orange County courthouse elopement.
It’s smaller and typically less busy than Santa Ana, which makes it a good fit for couples who want a straightforward ceremony without a lot of extra planning.
After the ceremony, many couples head to San Clemente or Dana Point for coastal portraits, turning a quick courthouse wedding into a more complete elopement experience.
Many couples head to San Clemente or Dana Point afterward for coastal portraits, turning a quick courthouse ceremony into a fuller elopement experience.
Most couples who start here end up adding coastal portraits after.
See how it works: Courthouse + Coast Elopement Experience
Courthouse Ceremony + Coastal Photos
Start with your Orange County courthouse ceremony, then head to the coast for relaxed portraits by the ocean.
We start at the courthouse for your ceremony — either Santa Ana or Laguna Hills — then head toward the coast for portraits along the cliffs and beaches of South Orange County.
It’s simple, but it doesn’t feel empty. You still get a full experience without overcomplicating the day.
Courthouse + Coast Elopement Experience
Includes your ceremony coverage, travel to the coast, and a relaxed portrait session by the ocean.
Everything is structured to keep the day moving without feeling rushed — just enough time to enjoy it without turning it into a full production.
Investment
Designed for couples who want to keep things simple without losing the experience.
Most courthouse + coast elopements fall between $1,500 – $3,000, depending on coverage time and how much of the day you want documented.
If you’re looking for something more built out — with multiple locations and a more intentional flow — take a look at the San Juan Capistrano experience.
Courthouse Q&A
1. Do you handle courthouse appointments and logistics?
We handle the flow of the day so you don’t have to think about it. While courthouse appointments are booked directly through the county, we coordinate timing, coverage, and what happens before and after so everything runs smoothly.
Most couples choose to keep it simple at the courthouse and then head somewhere more scenic for portraits — we’ll guide that entire process.
2. Can we bring guests to an Orange County courthouse elopement?
Yes — but it depends on the location.
Courthouses like the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana allow a small group, while Laguna Hills Civic Center is typically more limited and designed for quick, simple ceremonies.
If having more people there matters, we’ll help you choose the right location — or recommend one of our outdoor experiences where guest counts are more flexible.
3. What happens after the ceremony?
This is where the experience really comes together.
Most couples head toward the coast after their ceremony for portraits in places like San Clemente or Dana Point. It turns a simple courthouse moment into something that actually feels like a wedding day.
If you want something more built out from the start, our San Juan Capistrano Elopement Experience includes a ceremony + portraits across multiple locations.
4. How much does an Orange County courthouse elopement cost?
Courthouse appointments are booked directly through the county. We coordinate photography, timing, and the flow before and after the ceremony so the day runs smoothly.
The best move is to reach out and we’ll map out what actually fits what you want. Reach Out!
Orange County Courthouse Elopements
Simple, fast, and still done right.
For couples who want to keep things easy, a courthouse ceremony is one of the most straightforward ways to get married in Orange County — with the option to turn it into something more after.
Most couples choose the courthouse to keep things simple — quick ceremony, minimal planning, and done.
But that doesn’t mean it has to feel basic.
With the right approach, you can keep the ease of a courthouse wedding while still walking away with something that feels like a real experience.
Want something a little more built out than a courthouse ceremony?
Explore the San Juan Capistrano Elopement Experience