Why opt for a Los Angeles courthouse wedding?
A Los Angeles courthouse ceremony can be just as (if not more) special than a “normal” wedding. The two of you (plus me) getting married and doing WHATEVER you want to do. It does still require a little bit of planning, so I put this guide together to help you know what to expect. You only get married once, after all.
I love being a Los Angeles courthouse wedding photographer because all you truly need to get married is each other. To me, there is nothing more romantic than a sweet and simple Los Angeles elopement amongst the city of LA. Opting for a courthouse wedding at an LA courthouse can simplify things quite a bit, but there is still some planning to do!
If you’re reading this, you may already know that you’re getting married at a Los Angeles courthouse. Now it’s just a matter of making your wedding happen! As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, I love helping couples through the process of getting married at the courthouse. You can contact me here to inquire about my availability for your own Pasadena courthouse wedding.
I want you to maximize your time with me during your wedding, so I’ve compiled this guide on how to get married at any Los Angeles courthouse.
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Why get married at LA City Hall?
The architecture alone is reason enough. I’ve seen many a courthouse…and the Tarrant County Courthouse remains my favorite for wedding purposes hands down. If you are planning to have a Los Angeles courthouse wedding, this is the place! Many of my former clients have driven from all over the metroplex just for this courthouse. I would do the same thing! I truly believe Pasadena City Hall was made for couples to get married in it.
Where do Los Angeles city hall weddings take place?
Los Angeles courthouse weddings can occur at the courthouses listed below.
Norwalk (12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650)
Lancaster (44509 16th St W Suite 101, Lancaster, CA 93534)
Beverly Hills (9355 Burton Way 4th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210)
Van Nuys (14340 Sylvan St, Van Nuys, CA 91401)
East Los Angeles (4716 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue Building B, Los Angeles, CA 90022)
LAX Courthouse (11701 S La Cienega Blvd 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90045)
Los Angeles courthouse weddings at Pasadena city hall are actually not offered by the court, but some people choose to have their civil ceremony on site there (subject to a fee).
1. Get a Marriage License
First things first, you will need to acquire your license to wed. You can get more information on obtaining your marriage license at the courthouse website.
2. Make an Appointment for Your LA City Hall Wedding
For Los Angeles City Hall weddings, wedding appointments can be made up to 90 days in advance. I recommend calling and making this appointment as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out on your most ideal time. You can make your appointment when you get your marriage license, or you can call 1-800-201-8999 (Option 1, Option 2).
For the lighting’s sake, I prefer to get either the earliest ceremony or the latest ceremony possible. This also depends on the time of year as the sunset time changes. When choosing your ceremony, be in touch with your photographer to decide which time will be the best for photos! Your photographer will understand what time of day to photograph as well as the ins-and-outs of a wedding at Los Angeles County Courthouse. Sometimes we have to take the appointments that are available, but we always want to aim for the appointment at the best time of day in terms of light! Regardless, an experienced wedding photographer should be able to guide you on this.
3. Order Bouquets / Boutonnieres
Every bride needs a bouquet! Your bridal look won’t be your bridal look without it. This is a seemingly small detail that will really elevate your overall look.
4. Hire a Los Angeles Courthouse Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer, I’m naturally biased, but I believe this moment should be captured by a professional.
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5. Turn it into a Staycation
After your LA Courthouse wedding, you may or may not be going on a real honeymoon somewhere tropical or adventurous. You should still make the night before and/or after your wedding special and book a hotel for the experience! My favorite Fort Worth hotel is Hotel Drover located in the Stockyards (also a great spot for photos). Although, there are some hotels in downtown closer to the Tarrant County Courthouse.
Here are some great options for hotels in the area following your Fort Worth courthouse wedding:
Nestled in the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, this western hotel is a favorite of mine for weddings and casual hangs alike. Hotel Drover is perfect for couples who are interested in western style.
5. Book a Vintage Car to Chauffeur You Around Following Your Los Angeles Courthouse Wedding
This is such a fun and practical touch to a city hall wedding. Not only does it make for great photo opps, but it is a great way to get to different spots for your session. Hollywood Classic Cars has some great options.
A car can be particularly helpful in the event of a summer courthouse wedding so you can get out of the heat every now and then, which brings me to…
6. Consider the Season of Your Los Angeles Courthouse Wedding
I am all about leaning into the weather for you LA courthouse wedding, but knowing what to expect and how to prepare for each season can be
Summer: LA summers are HOT, brutally hot. A game plan is always important, but especially when extreme weather is involved. Bring water, plan for breaks, and have a car to escape the AC every now and then.
Fall: To me, this is the most ideal time of year to photograph! The weather is nice and the foliage may be turning later in the fall. That might be why it is my busiest season by far as a Fort Worth wedding photographer!
Winter: Of course, it can be chilly in the winter. Get a nice bridal coat and stuff your pockets with some had warmers. You guys can cuddle up to stay warm!
Spring: Temperature wise, spring is overall great in LA. While rain can be expected any time of year, it is more likely to rain in the spring. Come prepared with umbrellas!
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Los Angeles Courthouse Wedding FAQs
Where should we park?
I am always able to find street parking (paid hourly) near the courthouse! Sometimes it can take a while to find a spot, pay the meter, and walk up to the Tarrant County Courthouse. I would recommend allotting at least a half hour of buffer time here!
What should we expect at the ceremony?
Los Angeles courthouse wedding ceremonies are very short and sweet! You will be called into the courtroom by an officer. The judge may ask you a little about yourself and your relationship before jumping right into the ceremony. You will be able to exchange rings. After the judge pronounces you married, they usually allow you to take a few quick photos at the front of the courtroom with your signed marriage certificate as well as any guests in attendance. And that is a wrap!
Can you recommend a Los Angeles florist?
Of course, there are several Los Angeles florists I can recommend for your LA courthouse wedding.
Can you recommend a LA HMUA?
Of course, there are several LA hair and makeup artists I can recommend for your Los Angeles courthouse wedding.
HOW MUCH COVERAGE SHOULD WE BOOK WITH OUR LA COURTHOUSE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Most couples book about 3 hours of coverage for a courthouse wedding in Los Angeles. This can depend on a few different factors.
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