Riverside Courthouse Wedding Special: Book by Labour Day, Marry Any Day Through Dec 31, 2026
Riverside Courthouse Wedding Photographer | 14th Street Chapel · Downtown Riverside
If a Riverside courthouse wedding has been on your "someday" list, here's the honest case for making it happen now.
Book by Labour Day (Monday, September 7, 2026), and that offer applies to any date you have remaining on the calendar — all the way through to a date for a fall or early winter 2027 wedding. This special (florals and film at my regular starting rate) ends September 7. That's the whole offer. No hidden asterisks, no "call for details."
Tell me your dream date and I'll tell you if it's still open — usually within a few hours.
Why I'm doing this
Fall and winter are quietly the best-kept secret for a Riverside courthouse wedding. The summer rush is over, the courthouse and 14th Street Chapel are easier to book on a specific date, and the light in Southern California from October through December is some of the most flattering of the year — softer, lower in the sky, golden earlier in the afternoon.
I also have real openings left on my 2026 calendar, and I'd genuinely rather fill them with couples who are excited about a simple, well-executed day than let them sit empty. That's the honest reason for the deadline — it's not artificial urgency, it's a real one.
What a Riverside courthouse wedding with me actually looks like
Simple doesn't mean bare-bones. Here's what's typically part of the day:
The ceremony itself — most couples get their marriage license and have their civil ceremony performed at the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder's office, then head a few blocks over to 14th Street Chapel in Downtown Riverside for portraits. The chapel's arched windows, warm brick, and soft natural light make it one of my favorite backdrops in the entire Inland Empire — you don't need a destination flight to get genuinely beautiful photos.
Coverage — hybrid film and digital, shot by me (and my husband Demetris when a second shooter makes sense for your day).
The option to make it fully hands-off — if you'd rather not source your own officiant or bouquet, my all-inclusive add-on brings in a licensed officiant, a coordinating assistant, and fresh florals, so the only thing you have to plan is showing up.
What's actually included
I photograph your civil ceremony and portraits
Two package options, both 2 hours of coverage:
The Heirloom — $1,500 Film + digital photography, mini Polaroids you take home the same day, a professional seasonal bouquet + boutonniere from my local florist partner (included, not an add-on), full online gallery with print release, and planning guidance for your timeline.
The Sweetheart — $1,300 The same 2 hours — ceremony, portraits, and a stroll through downtown Riverside — shot digital only (no film), the same included seasonal bouquet + boutonniere, mini Polaroids, full gallery with print release, and the same planning support.
Both packages include a professional seasonal bouquet and boutonniere — choose from four seasonal palettes (Summer Sunset, Classic, Autumn Grace, Winter). Premium specialty flowers like dahlias or peonies aren't included at the base rate, but upgrades are available through my florist partner.
What I don't provide: your marriage license or your ceremony officiant. Riverside County handles both — the officiant is part of your civil ceremony through the County Clerk-Recorder, whether you marry at 14th Street Chapel or another county location.
→ Full details and current special terms
How the day comes together
Your ceremony — booked and paid for directly with Riverside County. Most couples choose 14th Street Chapel in Downtown Riverside ($138), the prettiest of the county's civil ceremony options — a historic chapel with beautiful natural light and room for up to 40 guests. Other county locations run $96. Either way, you'll need your marriage license from the Clerk-Recorder's office first.
Your coverage with me — typically your two hours cover arrival photos, your full ceremony, family and couple portraits at the chapel, and a relaxed portrait stroll through downtown Riverside, which is full of gorgeous backdrops within walking distance.
Booking timeline
The chapel's ceremony calendar opens on a rolling 3-month window, so the order matters:
Lock in your ceremony appointment with Riverside County first — that's what actually holds your date.
Book me next, ideally 3–6 weeks out from your ceremony date.
Do this before September 7, 2026 to lock in florals and film at my regular starting rate — for any date through fall or early winter 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get married at the Riverside courthouse? You'll need a California marriage license from the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder, then a prepaid ceremony appointment — most couples choose 14th Street Chapel for its natural light and historic charm.
How much does a courthouse wedding cost in Riverside? The ceremony itself costs $96 at most Riverside County offices, or $138 at 14th Street Chapel, plus the marriage license fee — both paid directly to the county, separate from my photography packages.
Do I need a witness for a Riverside courthouse wedding? With a public marriage license, you need at least one witness (up to two may sign). With a confidential license, no witness is required.
Are the flowers really included in your courthouse packages? Yes — every Courthouse Special package includes a professionally designed seasonal petite bouquet and matching boutonniere from my trusted local florist partner. There's no separate florals fee.
Do I need to hire my own officiant? No, and I don't provide one either — this is a civil ceremony through Riverside County, and the officiant is part of that process. My role is strictly your photography and video coverage.
What dates does the Summer Courthouse Special actually cover? Any date you book with me before September 7, 2026 — even if your wedding itself is much further out, all the way through a fall or early winter 2027 date.
How far in advance should I book? Lock in your ceremony appointment first, since the chapel's calendar opens on a rolling 3-month window — then book me, 4-6 weeks out.
Is there a travel fee? No — I'm local to Riverside, so there's no travel fee at all.
Let's get your date on the calendar
If a Riverside courthouse wedding has been sitting on your someday list, this is the nudge. Tell me your dream date and I'll tell you if it's still open — usually within a few hours.
