Best City Hall & Courthouse Elopement Locations in California (Photographer’s Guide)

Pasadena City Hall — LA Favorite

Pasadena City Hall is one of the most popular locations I shoot in Southern California, and for good reason. The courthouse and its courtyard offer classic architecture, shaded walkways, beautiful columns, a fountain, and plenty of photographic variety throughout the day. And it honestly feels like you’re somewhere in Italy.

Things to consider: you CAN’T do your official registration inside the building itself — you’ll need to use the Los Angeles County Registrar’s office to get your license, and then most couples have their ceremony right outside in the courtyard or by the stairways (basically wherever you want). Because of how photogenic the exterior spaces are, you still get that elegant feel without needing to be inside. I also have a full article about it, with a real 2025 elopement timeline and all the details you’ll need to plan your own elopement there.

I personally love this spot because it works in all kinds of light — morning, midday, golden hour — and it always feels beautiful, rain or shine. I know every corner of that courtyard, so I can make gorgeous photos happen no matter what.

Only downside: it’s extremely popular, especially on weekends and at golden hour, so most of the time you’re working around other photographers and couples. Lately, security has also become stricter about accessing the second-floor stair areas, which are the most popular spots and my favorite. Even having a permit doesn’t always guarantee access anymore — you might get lucky, or you might not. But the good news is, you can still create beautiful imagery in the spaces that are accessible.

Just a heads up — there are no restrooms on-site, but there is plenty of street parking.

Still, Pasadena City Hall is a classic choice and totally worth considering — especially if you want that refined, timeless look right in the heart of Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse — My Romantic Favorite

If you’re open to a little travel north from LA, Santa Barbara County Courthouse might just be the best location these days. The Spanish-Colonial architecture, tile work, bell tower, lush lawns and gardens make it feel more like a destination elopement you don’t even have to travel far for if you’re coming from Southern California. So if you want your perfect day to look like a little trip to Spain, with colorful staircases and mosaics everywhere — you should definitely check this one out.

You can have a civil ceremony with a Deputy Marriage Commissioner, or you can bring your own officiant and choose where around the grounds you want to exchange vows. Most official ceremonies performed by the county take place either outside overlooking the Sunken Gardens, or on an indoor balcony overlooking the main lobby with its historical mosaic. 

Guest count is limited (up to 15 people including photographer, and up to 10 for indoor spaces), and ceremonies are held Monday to Friday during business hours.

When I was shooting there, my couple had their registration first, then a civil ceremony on the lawn near the fountain, and after that we explored the gardens, patios, and terraces for photos. This place is magical and very big, so even on busy days it doesn’t feel as packed as many city halls. Photography is welcome, no permits needed — just be respectful of other couples and photographers around.

They also provide public restrooms, and there’s plenty of street parking around, which is always a big plus.

And I mean… it’s Santa Barbara. After your ceremony, you can go to amazing wine restaurants or wineries, head to the ocean, or just walk around beautiful downtown and celebrate with your family.

I truly adore this location — it’s romantic, textured, and beautiful in every direction. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a small group or just the two of you, this is a very special place to get married.

For all the official rules, booking calendar, and up-to-date details, I always recommend checking the county website.

I also have a full article about a real Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement followed by a wedding in Malibu, with a real timeline and more helpful tips if you want to dive deeper.

San Francisco City Hall — The Architectural Masterpiece

San Francisco City Hall is one of those locations that photographers dream of shooting, and I was so excited when I finally got to photograph an elopement there as part of a multi-day celebration. This building is a true architectural statement — the grand rotunda, sweeping staircases, and Beaux-Arts interiors make almost every angle look editorial. It’s honestly one of the most stunning indoor ceremony spaces in the country.

When it comes to actually getting married here:

• You can have a civil ceremony through the County Clerk’s office with up to 6 guests (including your photographer and videographer).
• You can also book special event spaces like the Mayor’s Balcony or the 4th Floor Gallery, if you want a more private ceremony with more guests (up to 200 people!). There are also options to rent the Grand Staircase for a more formal celebration.
• The City Hall Events Office handles reservations, and the booking process usually involves a contract, timeline, and sometimes even a site visit.
• Official ceremonies are usually civil ceremonies with a standard script, and you’re responsible for providing your own witness if needed.

Because of how popular this location is, booking ahead is definitely key, especially if you’re aiming for the iconic architectural spots or reserved spaces. But if you manage to get it… wow. The imagery here can be absolutely breathtaking. 

You can also have a very small, simple ceremony there without a reservation if you bring your own officiant or even just do a romantic photo session and have your ceremony somewhere nearby, like Palace of Fine Arts, which is what my couple decided to do.

Great news is that toilets are provided on-site, and there’s underground public parking across the street, which makes logistics much easier.

Visit their official site to see available slots and get more detailed booking information.

Old Orange County Courthouse — Historic & Classic

If you’re looking for something with historic charm and a slightly different vibe than Pasadena or Santa Barbara, the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is a beautiful choice. This courthouse is a California Historical Landmark and one of the oldest court buildings in Southern California, with striking Romanesque Revival architecture and historic character right in the heart of downtown Santa Ana.

You can schedule your civil ceremony through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office (like most courthouse weddings), and you’ll need your marriage license beforehand — but once that’s taken care of, the courthouse offers lovely spaces and architecture to explore for portraits.

There are historic courtrooms inside that you can reserve if you want an indoor ceremony feel or a slightly more formal space, and you can also use the exterior steps and grand architectural elements for portrait sessions. Because this location has multiple spaces and a distinct historic look, it can be a great choice if you want something that feels rich in character but often less crowded than some of the bigger city hall spots.

Public restrooms are available, and there is metered parking near the courthouse. 

For more information visit their official website. 

Other Spots & Final Notes

Beverly Hills Courthouse — Honestly, this one’s my least favorite simply because the interior and surrounding photo options are more limited, and there’s not a lot of shade or “layered” textures for portraits, which can create very strong shadows on faces during harsh sun. If you have a specific reason to marry there, it will work, but it doesn’t give you as much variety and atmosphere as other spots I’ve mentioned.

Whichever location you choose, the most important thing is that it reflects your vision. These photos are memories you’ll revisit forever, so choosing a spot that feels you — whether that’s grand architecture, romantic gardens, or coastal backdrops — makes all the difference.

And if you want something even more unique like a ceremony on a beach, a mountaintop, or somewhere totally unexpected — you absolutely can have that too! I would be thrilled to help you plan and capture that adventure!

Check my custom elopements page, and feel free to share this article with anyone who might be planning elopement in California in 2026 & 2027!