An Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding

Congratulations, you’re getting married! While an old courthouse wedding radiates a certain charm, couples who don’t know how courthouse weddings work may face unexpected challenges that could potentially lead to stress on your big day. This Old Orange County Courthouse wedding review explains how you can maximize this place as a venue despite its restrictions.

19 September 2024 / Caius Symboll®

Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Review

Courthouse weddings at the Old Orange County Courthouse come with a unique blend of historical charm and practical simplicity. Marriage ceremonies here have a pretty straightforward process, although your personalization options are very limited. The brief ceremonies and photo sessions require efficient coordination to capture those perfect wedding photos that will commemorate your special day.

Los Angeles has some of the best spaces and locations for weddings. One of the most iconic spaces in the city is the Old Courthouse in Santa Ana. It’s a historic, beautiful location if you’re looking for an intimate celebration you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

19 September 2024 / Caius Symboll®

The most iconic spaces and locations for weddings worldwide

1. Ambiance and Accessibility

The Old Orange County Courthouse is a 30,000-square-foot space that houses Southern California’s oldest court building. The granite and sandstone building served as the seat of power for decades, since 1901. The courthouse is just a short drive from downtown Santa Ana.

It is a cultural and social landmark, with the backdrop of a popular site for smaller events. There are a number of Mexican, Spanish, and Italian cafes and spaces around that you can use as a wedding reception area. Even location scouts from Legally Blonde and That Thing You Do were impressed by it.

Various picturesque locations on the courthouse’s street are accessible for wedding photos. Note that parking might be a challenge so prepare to carpool or find alternative parking.

2. Requirements

The first thing you need to do is to obtain a marriage license. A public license in Orange County is valid for 90 days from the issuance date. Both of you are required to appear in person at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s office.

Take note of these required documents for license application:

– A valid form of identification (a passport or a driver’s license works). These are for both of you, as well as for your witness(es).

– Social Security Number

– Date of last marriage’s end (if applicable)

– Relevant marriage information concerning divorce, previous partner’s death, or annulment

The witness is required to be present during the signing of the license. You are at the discretion to choose your witness, provided they can speak English and are adults. In case you are doing a super secret wedding, a confidential license doesn’t require a witness and you only need to show up with your partner.

3. Costs

A civil ceremony can help you significantly save on costs compared to a traditional wedding because there are fewer things you need to prepare or purchase. For starters, you need to allocate a budget for these Old Orange County Courthouse marriage fees:

– The marriage ceremony fee is only $28. The fee includes the use of the room and a marriage certificate.

– A public marriage license costs $61.

– A confidential marriage license costs $66.

– A declaration of marriage costs $61.

There are plenty of payment options available, including cash, major credit cards, and personal checks.

4. Program and Photo Shoot Experience

While it is an intimate gathering, marriage ceremonies at courthouses are very quick. Only a couple of minutes are allocated to ceremonies and photo shoots, so you, your guests, and photographers must be on time. The nuptial is conducted in a non-sectarian fashion, although it will be legally recognized.

The highlight is usually the photo shoot which offers options for the stairways, the exterior, and the palm trees that line up the walkway. Our experienced photographers and videographers will capture very beautiful photos from inside and outside the venue, choosing various spots nearby for post-ceremony photos.

If you need a wedding photographer and videographer who understands courthouse weddings in Los Angeles, we would be more than happy to help document your wedding day. Our professional photography and videography team can handle various lighting conditions, including low lighting and smaller spaces at courthouses.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing the Old Orange County Courthouse as a Wedding Venue

To make sure the location aligns with your vision and expectations, it’s important that you consider both the benefits and downsides of choosing the Old Orange County Courthouse as a wedding venue.

Pros

– Historic Santa Ana architecture provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.

– Convenient location for obtaining a license and holding the marriage rites in one place.

– Budget-friendly option compared to traditional venues.

– Ideal for couples seeking an intimate, no-fuss wedding day.

Cons

– Limited time is allocated for the celebration and photos in each room.

– Restricted availability, with specific dates and time slots filling up quickly.

– Lack of privacy due to being a public building.

– Limited space for guests and minimal to no options for customization.

Conclusion

Now that you’re aware of the required procedures and facilities available at the Old Orange County Courthouse, you’re all set to have your very own ceremony there. Our wedding photographers and videographers will be more than excited to document the special love-filled moments of this joyous celebration for you.

An Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding

Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding Review

1. Ambiance and Accessibility

2. Requirements

3. Costs

4. Program and Photo Shoot Experience

Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing the Old Orange County Courthouse as a Wedding Venue

Related Questions

Conclusion

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