Are you considering an intimate celebration and wondering how to elope in Riverside, California? While a courthouse elopement might skip the massive guest list, it doesn’t have to skip the style, history, or heart.

At Mariela Campbell Photography (MCP), we love intimate weddings. If you are looking for a simple, affordable, yet deeply meaningful way to exchange vows, Riverside is the perfect choice. As a premier Riverside elopement photographer, I’ve helped countless couples navigate the beauty of downtown to ensure their "I dos" are as stunning as they are memorable.

Where to Elope in Riverside: 14th Street Chapel vs. Riverside Gateway

One of the most important things to know when planning your Riverside elopement is where the ceremony actually takes place. While the Riverside Superior Court is an iconic building with historical architecture, ceremonies do NOT happen there readily.

For most of my couples, their "I dos" are held at one of these two downtown locations:

The 14th Street Chapel https://www.rivcoacr.org/14thStreetChapel : A beautiful choice in the heart of downtown Riverside that accommodates up to 40 guests.
The Riverside Gateway Location https://www.rivcoacr.org/CivilMarriageCeremony : This is the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder office, perfect for very intimate groups of up to 20 guests.

Mariela Campbell Photography is a top choice for couples getting married at the 14th Street Chapel and the Riverside Gateway. We know the ins and outs of these venues and can guide you through the process for a seamless, stress-free experience.

The Best Backdrop: Riverside Superior Courthouse Portraits

Even though you won’t likely say your vows inside the Superior Court, I take almost all of my couples there for their portrait session. The historic building offers a range of epic backdrops and stone pillars that are perfect for high-end, editorial-style wedding photos. After your ceremony at the Gateway or 14th Street, we’ll make our way to the courthouse to capture those "just married" moments.

Riverside Elopement Logistics & Planning

1. Secure Your Marriage License

To get married in California, you'll need a marriage license from the county clerk's office.

How: Apply online or in person at the Riverside courthouse.
Cost: The fee is currently $85 in Riverside County (please check the Riverside County Assessor’s Office for the most up-to-date fees https://www.rivcoacr.org/Marriages ).
Timeline: The license is valid for 90 days.

2. Schedule Your Ceremony

You must contact the Riverside County Assessor’s Office to schedule your appointment for both your license and your civil ceremony. Once you have your date and time, contact Mariela Campbell Photography so we can build a custom photography timeline for you.

3. What to Wear & Who to Bring

Style: I always tell my couples: "DO YOU." Whether you want to be glamorous, Boho, or modern, wedding attire is highly recommended to ensure we get those amazing, timeless images.
Guests: If you want family and friends present, remember the limits: 40 guests at 14th Street and 20 guests at the Gateway.

The MCP Experience: A Downtown Riverside Lifestyle Session

My goal at Mariela Campbell Photography is to create a genuine, relaxed, and intimate experience. One of my favorite ways to end an elopement is by exploring local downtown gems for lifestyle portraits.

Take Tyler and Nicole, for example. After their ceremony at the Riverside Gateway, we hit the streets of downtown. Since it was a nippy day, we stopped at Arcade Downtown for a warm coffee (it's the best in Riverside—trust me!). We even visited Urban Dripp for their famously fluffy donuts. It was the perfect, low-pressure ending to their wedding day before they headed off to plan their big 2024 celebration.

Why Choose Mariela Campbell Photography for Your Elopement?

We offer everything from all-inclusive elopement packages to bare-minimum photo coverage, depending on your needs. Our inclusive packages even provide vendor recommendations for hair, makeup, and florists to take the planning stress off your shoulders.

With extensive knowledge of the Riverside area and a passion for intimate storytelling, we would be honored to assist you with your wedding day.

Ready to start planning your Riverside elopement? https://www.marielacampbell.com/contact today to check availability and let’s make your courthouse wedding iconic.

The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Riverside, CA with Mariela Campbell Photograph