Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photographer

Courthouse wedding photography for couples who want to keep it simple

A bride and groom smiling at each other outdoors in front of a fountain at a wedding.

A smiling bride in a white wedding dress holding up her gown while walking with a groom in a black suit outside a brick building decorated for the holidays.

A woman in a white strapless dress with a veil over her face is standing on an ornate staircase, smiling, with a man in a black tuxedo standing beside her. They are inside a building with patterned carpet and decorative wrought iron railings.

A black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony. A groom is wiping away a tear or covering his eyes as he looks at the bride, who is smiling and wearing a lace wedding dress and veil.

A man and woman celebrating under an umbrella outdoors on a rainy day. The woman is wearing a white dress and heels, and the man is in a black suit with a tie. They are smiling and standing close together.

A bride and groom stand facing each other under a large archway outside a building during their wedding. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers and wears a white dress, while the groom wears a black suit and tie, smiling at each other.

A joyful newlywed couple celebrating their wedding in a courthouse, with both raising their arms in victory and smiling. The bride is in a strapless white gown, and the groom is in a light-colored suit with a yellow flower boutonniere.

A bride and groom exchanging vows outside in front of a white building with large windows, during a wedding ceremony. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder lace wedding dress and the groom wears a black tuxedo. The bride is smiling.

A couple in wedding attire standing on the steps of a historic red-brick building, surrounded by Christmas decorations and garlands.

Two men in tuxedos holding hands, walking under an archway with hanging lanterns and decorative tiled floor.

A wedding ceremony takes place indoors with a beach-themed backdrop. The bride and groom walk hand in hand, smiling joyfully. The bride wears a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress and holds a bouquet of white roses. The groom wears a light-colored s

A woman in an off-the-shoulder white wedding dress holding a bouquet of white flowers, standing in a room with beige walls and vintage light fixtures.

A woman in a white dress and a man in a suit holding umbrellas and holding hands in front of the Laguna Hills Civic Center entrance.

A couple gets married on the beach, standing under a floral arch with white roses and greenery. An officiant stands behind a wooden podium with the Orange County, California seal, as the ocean waves and blue sky are in the background.

Two men dressed in black tuxedos walking hand in hand outside the Orange County Clerk-Recorder building.

People walking in a wet, outdoor plaza with palm trees, a fountain, and a building labeled 'Laguna Hills Civic Center' in the background on a rainy day.

Two men in tuxedos smiling, standing indoors near a decorated Christmas tree with ornaments and greenery.

A man and woman sitting close together on wooden chairs in an auditorium or church. They are dressed in formal wedding attire, with the man in a beige suit with a boutonnière and the woman in a wedding dress. They are smiling at each other.

A group of people, including children and adults, gathers in a room with a beach scene backdrop and floral arch, celebrating a wedding. The bride and groom are kissing in the center, surrounded by smiling family and friends.

A bride and groom smiling and posing for a photo outside near a fountain. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and holding a colorful bouquet of flowers. The groom is dressed in a black suit and tie. There is a building in the background with a

A young woman in a yellow dress holding a large bouquet of flowers, standing in front of a brick wall with a window to the right.

A bride in a white off-shoulder wedding dress holding a bouquet of white and green flowers stands on a staircase, holding hands with a man in a light beige suit. The man's face is mostly out of the frame. The bride has long dark hair and is wearing a

A wedding bouquet of white roses and other flowers laying on a stone surface with scattered dark purple seashells and a ring box containing a gold wedding band and a diamond ring.

A bride in a white off-shoulder wedding dress holding a bouquet of white and purple flowers, smiling at an older woman with gray curly hair wearing a light blue dress and white cardigan, standing outdoors near pink flowers and green plants.

Two men in tuxedos sharing a joyful moment, one of them with a feminine appearance, at a wedding or formal event.

A bride and groom standing on a staircase inside a building, looking at each other and smiling. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers, and the scene is lit by a large octagonal skylight overhead.

A couple gets married on the beach under a floral arch with white roses, with the ocean and blue sky in the background. Guests are seated and watching the ceremony.

A bride and groom with their eyes closed, smiling gently, close together outdoors against a background of pink and red flowers.

A couple stands under a floral arch in a wedding ceremony, with guests seated around. The bride holds a bouquet while the groom wears a cowboy hat. Guests are seated on wooden pews, some taking photos, inside a room with tan walls and wood trim.

A bride and groom are standing close together with their foreheads touching, smiling softly during a wedding ceremony outdoors. The bride is wearing a white wedding gown with lace details and a long veil, and has dark curly hair and earrings. The gro

A group of people gathering outdoors for a wedding celebration, with the bride and groom kissing in the foreground, surrounded by friends and family with raised hands and smiling faces.

A bride and groom dancing in a church during their wedding ceremony.

A black and white photo of a couple kissing while holding hands outside of a building. The woman is wearing a white off-the-shoulder gown, and the man is dressed in a formal suit. They are standing on a concrete sidewalk under hanging lanterns.

A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other outdoors near a brick building and green grass.

There’s something deeply personal about a courthouse ceremony shared only with your closest loved ones. If the thought of a massive traditional wedding feels more like a performance than a celebration, you’re in the right place. You want a wedding that feels memorable yet uncomplicated—a day that prioritizes real chemistry over stiff poses and genuine connection over a guest list of acquaintances. By moving away from the 'big wedding' mold, you’re making room for a day that is as full of love as it is effortless, allowing every moment to feel iconic and entirely yours.

The Beauty of the Uncomplicated

A smiling young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black floral dress and a gold necklace, holding a DSLR camera in her left hand, standing in front of large rocky formations in an outdoor setting.

Meet your advocate & photographer

That is where I come in. I see myself as an advocate for your day, making sure the 'plan' never gets in the way of the actual magic. I help you navigate the flow of your day from a photographer’s perspective, ensuring that the schedule serves your peace of mind rather than the other way around. My job is to handle the documentation so you can stay fully tucked into the moments that matter.

Hi, I’m Devan. I’ve called Orange County home for six years and have been photographing courthouse weddings and elopements since 2020. I’ve guided countless couples through their wedding days, helping everything feel easy, calm, and thoughtfully planned from start to finish. I’m fueled by a love for travel, a daily matcha, and a genuine joy for organizing the details so you do not have to. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll usually find me outdoors or spending time with my cat of 12 years. No matter how short or simple your wedding day may be, I believe it deserves to feel intentional, relaxed, and beautifully curated.

If I had to guess, you’re currently feeling a mix of relief and a tiny bit of guilt

A bride and groom stand outside a red brick building, looking at each other and smiling during their wedding ceremony, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers.

Maybe it’s the pressure of expectations or the fear of letting people down, but here’s how I see it: choosing intimacy over an audience isn't 'taking the easy way out.' It’s taking the intentional way out. It’s choosing a day that actually sounds like you.

You value the "after" as much as the "I do." You’d rather spend the evening at your favorite local bistro or a cozy backyard dinner than navigating a seated reception for 200 people.
You want to actually remember your ceremony. You don't want to be so overwhelmed by the production that the actual exchange of vows becomes a blur.
You're a bit of a sentimental minimalist. You believe that the most important part of the day is the person standing next to you, and everything else is just extra noise.
You want to feel like a guest at your own wedding. You’re looking for a day where the biggest "task" on your list is simply being present with one another.
You appreciate the "old-school" romanticism of a city hall wedding. There is something timeless and iconic about a courthouse elopement that a grand ballroom just can't replicate.

Because you've chosen to prioritize what matters, you shouldn't have to stress over the 'how.' That’s where my years of navigating courthouses in Orange County comes in.

“Devan is the photographer you WANT without a DOUBT!! she’s so easy to work with, joyful, communicative and makes you feel comfortable to interact with her during your photoshoot.

I had the privilege to have her photograph our engagement and wedding photos. We have loved (and will continue to love) looking at the photos again and again— they're just PERFECT! 🫶🏼😍”

A smiling bride and groom holding hands, standing in front of a wooden doorway. The bride raises a bouquet of white flowers in the air. The groom is in a black suit with a white dress shirt and black tie, while the bride wears a white wedding dress and pearl necklace.

A woman in a wedding dress with a veil over her face, standing indoors near a staircase, with her eyes closed and smiling.

A bride and groom holding hands and walking outdoors on a sunny day, with a building and palm trees in the background. The bride is wearing a white off-shoulder wedding dress and holding a bouquet of white flowers and greenery. The groom is dressed in a light-colored suit with a tie and glasses.

A smiling bride in a white lace off-the-shoulder wedding dress holding a bouquet of white roses, standing next to the groom in a black tuxedo and bow tie, outside the San Diego Jewish Community Center.

A couple dressed in formal attire, standing on a staircase in an indoor setting. The man is wearing a black suit with a white shirt and black tie, and the woman is dressed in a white off-shoulder gown holding a bouquet of flowers. They are looking at each other, with the man touching her arm. The staircase has ornate black iron railings and wooden handrails, with a patterned tile floor.

A couple dressed in formal wedding attire standing outside a historic red brick building with multiple windows and a stone foundation. The woman is wearing a white wedding gown and holding a bouquet, while the man is dressed in a black suit. They are positioned near a streetlamp on a sidewalk with a small patch of grass and mulch nearby.

A groom spinning a bride in a hallway with tiled floor, door, window, and wall sconce lamps, in a wedding dance.

Orange County Courthouse Wedding Experience

A Streamlined “I Do”
I have photographed courthouse weddings across Orange County and understand how the process flows, from check-in to ceremony to portraits. I guide you through each step so nothing feels confusing or rushed, allowing you to focus on the moment rather than the logistics.

Modern, Versatile Backdrops
Orange County courthouses offer a variety of unique photo opportunities. Some locations, like the Laguna Hills Civic Center, feature clean lines and open spaces for a modern, minimalist feel. Others, such as the historic Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, showcase classic red brick, ornate details, and timeless character for a more traditional, romantic look. No matter which courthouse you choose, I know how to find flattering light and angles that highlight your connection and make your photos feel purposeful and beautiful.

Your Calm, Steady Advocate
Courthouse weddings move quickly and can feel transactional if you’re not prepared. I am there to slow things down and act as your advocate, ensuring the formalities never overshadow the emotion of your ceremony.

Intimate and Authentic
With smaller guest counts, we have the freedom to focus on the raw, unfiltered connection between you and your partner. This allows for candid, meaningful images that capture the real essence of your day.

Witness Requirement
For couples planning a private “just us” ceremony, I am always happy to serve as your official witness when needed. Many Orange County courthouses allow this, making a fully intimate experience seamless and stress-free.

A bride and groom sharing a moment outside a white building with an arched entrance and a palm tree nearby. The bride wears a white lace wedding gown and veil, holding a bouquet of flowers, while the groom is dressed in a blue suit.

View recent courthouse weddings I’ve photographed in Orange County

A couple stands under an umbrella in front of a fountain at an outdoor location on a rainy day. The woman wears a white off-shoulder dress and high heels, and the man wears a black suit. Tall palm trees frame the scene, and a building with an archway and a sign reading 'Orange County Clerk-Recorder' is in the background.

Brandy & Jose

A man in a black suit and a woman in a white dress with a bouquet of white flowers are standing apart, with the man partially hidden behind a pink column and the woman standing beside a large pink column on a patterned tile floor in front of brown brick walls.

Michele & Ryan

A bride and groom standing and smiling at each other under an arched walkway with beige walls and tiled floor. The bride wears a white wedding dress and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a black suit and tie.

Olivia & Danny

“Having Devan take our wedding photos on the beach was the BEST decision. The entire process from planning to the day-of was so smooth and easy. She clearly has a lot of knowledge and experience in the area and had the best recommendations for locations. And as two people who are not great in front of a camera, she made us feel so comfortable and the results are incredible!! Would recommend 100%!!”

Orange County Wedding Guides

A bride and groom standing on steps in front of a historic red sandstone building, holding hands and looking at each other, dressed in wedding attire.

A newly married couple holding hands and smiling in front of the Laguna Hills Civic Center. The bride holds a bouquet of white roses, and the groom wears a beige suit. Palm trees and a fountain are visible in the background.

A bride and groom holding hands in front of a crowd outside the Laguna Hills Civic Center, celebrating their wedding with guests throwing confetti.

Laguna Hills Civic Center
located in Laguna Hills

Modern, streamlined building with clean lines and easy accessibility
Smaller indoor spaces, ideal for intimate weddings
Faux beach background behind ceremony, no longer allowing outdoor ceremonies unless it’s a special Saturday appointment
Easy parking nearby and short walking distances
Natural light abundant for photos in key spots
Mostly contemporary aesthetic for photos
No stairs, easily accessed for those with wheelchairs or limited mobility

A bride and groom walking hand in hand on a grassy lawn in front of a historic red brick building. The bride is wearing an off-the-shoulder white wedding dress and holding a bouquet, while the groom is dressed in a black suit with a tie. They are smiling and looking at each other.

Old Orange County Courthouse
located in Santa Ana

Historic red brick building with ornate architecture and classic charm
Larger indoor ceremony rooms, can accommodate slightly more guests
Parking may require more planning; one small lot with street parking and nearby garage parking
Historic interiors with lower light; often need flash
Classic, timeless aesthetic for photography
Courtyard and nearby gardens available for portraits and group shots
Ceremonial, historic atmosphere for a traditional feel

What’s the same at all Orange County courthouses:

Requires a marriage license from the Orange County Clerk’s office
Allows small, intimate ceremonies with or without witnesses
Offers opportunities for indoor and outdoor photography
Requires advance appointment and documentation, such as ID and fees
Creates a meaningful, legal, and intimate “I Do” experience
Pricing (same across Orange County courthouses):
- Civil ceremony fee: $28
- Public license: $61 or Confidential license: $66
- Certified copy of your marriage license: $19 per copy (I recommend 2!)

A happy couple holding hands in front of the Laguna Hills Civic Center, with the woman wearing a white dress and holding flowers, and the man wearing a white shirt and black pants.

Photography Pricing

Elopements and micro weddings 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 am also happy (and honored) to be your witness in the case that you opt to not have guests!

For courthouse weddings in Orange County:

115+ professionally processed images in an online gallery
Sneak peek of 25+ edited images within 48 hours and final gallery within 4-5 weeks
20% deposit with remainder due 1 week prior to your appointment
Includes photos of ceremony and license process, portraits with guests, and photos of you two around the courthouse
Additional photography coverage available for receptions or the after party. Each hour is $250 with 50+ more edited images!

$850

Shall we start planning a day that feels like you?

Let’s make your day everything you dreamed of!

Submit Your Date: Fill out the quick inquiry form.
The Game Plan: We’ll chat through your vision and the logistics (license, timing, and my tips for your courthouse wedding day!)
The Big Day: Step into your day with total peace of mind. While you focus on each other, I’ll be there to guide you and capture the quiet, iconic moments of your new chapter!

Inquire for your courthouse wedding here