14th St Chapel - Riverside CA
Courthouse Wedding Photographer
Civil Ceremony Coverage · Southern California · Film + Digital
A courthouse ceremony is still a yes.
It might be the most practical decision you've ever made — and one of the most romantic. No seating charts, no vendor timelines, no months of planning. Just you, your person, and a moment that changes everything.
I photograph courthouse weddings and civil ceremonies for couples who want their day documented beautifully, — especially when — they've chosen to keep it simple. Because simple doesn't mean small. And a courthouse ceremony, done well, can be one of the most intimate and personal things you'll ever do.
Let me make sure it looks exactly like that.
What a Courthouse Wedding Actually Looks Like
Most courthouse ceremonies take about 10–15 minutes. They're efficient, they're legal, and they're often surprisingly moving — the kind of moment where you realize how much weight those two words actually carry.
Here's how I make sure you have something beautiful to show for it:
I already know where to go. I'm familiar with the courthouses and locations I work with — so from the moment you arrive, I can confidently lead the way. No figuring it out on the fly, no wasted time. And if you have a spot in mind or want to add somewhere new to the mix, I'm always open to it.
I document the whole thing — not just the ceremony. The walk in. The paperwork. The moment right after when you look at each other and laugh or cry or both. The first photo as a married couple on the courthouse steps. These are the frames you'll come back to.
I keep it relaxed. No posing that feels stiff, no formal portrait marathon. We move through it naturally, and I capture what's actually happening. with guidance and fun in the mix.
Film is woven in. Even for courthouse sessions, I bring 35mm film alongside digital. Some of the most beautiful frames I've ever made have been on courthouse steps.
Pricing
The Little Ceremony — Most Booked
2 hours — $1,500
Full gallery, film, mini Polaroids.
The Photo Story
3 hours — $2,100
Full gallery, film, bouquet & boutonniere.
A Courthouse Highlight Film — +$700 (2-3 minutes) + full ceremony
A short, cinematic film of your courthouse day. The kind of thing you'll text to everyone afterward.
Want More Than Two Hours?
A lot of couples do the courthouse ceremony first — then come back for a real celebration later.
Maybe it's a golden hour session in the desert a week after. A portrait session at your favorite spot in the city. A small dinner with your people that you want documented. Or an adventure day somewhere beautiful, just the two of you, now that the legal part is handled.
I call this an "we eloped, now let's celebrate" session — and it's one of my favorite things to photograph. There's something about couples who've already said yes, officially and legally, that makes every frame feel completely unhurried. You're already married. Everything else is just joy.
Add a golden hour portrait session starting at $600. Ask about availability when you inquire.
For Couples Getting Legally Married in California
Whether you're California locals or coming from out of state or abroad, here's what you need to know about getting a California marriage license:
No residency required. You don't need to be a California resident to get married here.
No citizenship required. A valid passport or government-issued photo ID works perfectly.
No waiting period. You can get your license and get married the same day.
Both partners must appear at the county clerk's office together.
The license is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued.
Cost varies by county — typically $35–$100.
I'll send you a full step-by-step guide when you book. It's simpler than it sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
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Yes — I cover Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties with no travel fee. For courthouses further out, a small travel fee may apply. Just ask. Riverside, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties — travel included. Further Southern California — add $150–300. San Francisco and Northern California — add $400–700.
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It varies by courthouse and commissioner. Some allow it, some don't. If interior ceremony photography isn't permitted, I'll focus on the moments outside — before, after, and everything in between — and we can do portraits at a nearby outdoor spot. The photos are still beautiful.
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Absolutely. If you want to start at the courthouse and then head somewhere special and pretty for portraits, we can build that into your timeline. Just let me know when you inquire.
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Sunday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for full weddings.
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Yes — I have trusted officiant recommendations for Southern California. If you'd prefer a civil ceremony in a different setting (a park, a backyard, a desert location), I can connect you with the right person.
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Courthouse sessions are popular and my Sunday–Thursday calendar fills up. I'd recommend reaching out as soon as you have a date in mind — even if it's just a general window.
Ready to make it official — beautifully?
Tell me your courthouse, your date, and a little about what you're envisioning. I'll respond within 24 hours with availability and everything you need to move forward.
Start your inquiry below ↓