How to Get Married at the Old Orange County Courthouse

Getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is one of the most affordable and straightforward ways to legally tie the knot in Orange County. Whether you want something quick and simple or a meaningful civil ceremony with a few guests, this historic courthouse is a popular option for couples.

Below is a clear breakdown of the process, plus a timeline and tips to help everything go smoothly.

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Step 1: Apply Online and Book Your Appointments (Up to 90 Days Before)

The first step is completing the online marriage license application through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder website.

During this process, you will:

  • Fill out your marriage license application online

  • Choose the type of license (public or confidential)

  • Schedule your in-person appointment, which can include:

    • Finalizing the marriage license

    • Your civil ceremony

  • Select your courthouse location and date

Your in-person appointment must take place within 90 days of applying, since marriage licenses are only valid for 90 days.

Most couples choose to finalize the license and have the ceremony at the same appointment, which is the most common and efficient option.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Appointment

Before your ceremony day, make sure you have everything ready.

You will need:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID for both partners

  • One witness if you are getting a public marriage license

  • Payment for the license and ceremony fees

  • Rings, vows, or personal items if you plan to use them

Important to know:

  • A public marriage license requires at least one witness

  • The courthouse does not provide a witness

  • A confidential license does not require a witness, but both partners must appear together

Most couples finalize their license at the courthouse immediately before the ceremony since the witness is required to sign during the ceremony itself.

Step 3: Ceremony Day at the Courthouse

On the day of your appointment:

  • Arrive about 15 to 30 minutes early. Parking can be limited next to the courthouse although there are parking garages nearby!

  • Check in with the Clerk-Recorder’s office

  • Finalize your marriage license paperwork

  • Your witness will sign the license during the paperwork

  • A Deputy Commissioner will perform a short civil ceremony with your other guests present

The ceremony itself is typically brief, usually under 15 minutes, but the entire visit often takes about 1 to 1.5 hours including paperwork and photos with your guests and around the courthouse of you two!

Courthouse weddings move quickly, and moments can be easy to miss.

As a courthouse wedding photographer, I help couples:

  • Feel relaxed and confident walking into their ceremony

  • Capture the emotion of the day

  • Take timeless portraits of you two, the ceremony process, and photos with guests

  • Navigate the best photo spots at and around the courthouse

  • Walk away with images that feel intentional, not rushed

If you are planning a courthouse wedding at the Old Orange County Courthouse and want it documented in a meaningful way, I would love to be there for you.

Step 4: Consider hiring a photographer. Hi, I’m Devan!

Let's photograph your day!

Courthouse Wedding Photography Package

  • Up to 1.5 hours of shooting

  • 1 location in Orange County

  • 115+ professionally processed images in an online gallery

  • For reception coverage afterwards, it is $250 per hour with 50+ additional images per hour

  • Elopements are my favorite to capture with their inherent intimacy. This starter package is perfect for a courthouse session to include photos of the ceremony process, photos of you two, and photos with any guests that may be present. I’m there to help guide you through your day!

$850

FAQS on getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse

  • Yes! I specialize in courthouse weddings at the Old Orange County Courthouse. I capture every moment of your civil ceremony, from the official signing to candid shots afterward, so you’ll have beautiful, professional photos to remember your special day. I’m here to make your wedding day stress-free and memorable.

  • A public marriage license is around $61, and a confidential license is about $66. The civil ceremony itself costs roughly $28. If you want multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate, each is an additional $17.

  • If you get a public marriage license, you need at least one witness over 18 to sign the license during your ceremony. Confidential licenses do not require a witness. As your photographer, I am honored to be your witness if you don’t have any guests present!

  • You can apply for your marriage license and schedule your ceremony up to 90 days in advance.

  • For a standard civil ceremony at the Old Orange County Courthouse, the Clerk‑Recorder currently allows up to 20 guests to attend your wedding ceremony in the ceremony rooms.

    • Valid photo ID for both partners

    • Your witness if chosing a public marriage license (and their ID)

    • Rings if you plan to exchange them

“Devan!! This is a BEAUTIFUL sneak peek!! Ahhh they look amazing!! You were so wonderful. My family and friends had so many compliments towards you as well. Thank you for capturing our special day”

— Siena

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