Getting Married at an Orange County Courthouse: Everything You Need to Know
A Complete Orange County Courthouse Wedding Guide
Everything You Need to Know from a Local Photographer & Ceremony Expert
Planning a wedding at the courthouse? You’re not alone. Courthouse weddings in Orange County have become a popular, elegant, and efficient way to say “I do.” Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of the Old Orange County Courthouse or the modern simplicity of the Laguna Hills Civic Center, this guide is your go-to resource. Plus I will let you in on my favorite location in the OC. Hint, its not a courthouse but they perform civil ceremonies.
As a local wedding photographer and ceremony insider, I’ve helped dozens of couples navigate the process — from getting your Orange County marriage license to documenting your civil wedding ceremony and making it truly special.
The Most Popular Venues for Civil Wedding Ceremonies in OC.
Here are our top three courthouses for a civil ceremony wedding:
| Courthouse | Style & Features | Best For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Orange County Courthouse | Historic charm, dramatic interiors, amazing photos | Classic romance lovers | Walk-in or by appointment, tPaid Meter Parking |
| Laguna Hills Civic Center | Modern, fast, accessible, easy parking | Low-stress ceremonies or short notice | Walk-in or by appointment, free onsite parking |
| Laguna Beach City Hall | Intimate, coastal, rustic | Smaller, efficient, less traffic | By appointment only |
1.Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding
Located in downtown Santa Ana, this courthouse is a local treasure. With century-old architecture and dramatic interiors, it’s perfect for couples who want beauty and heritage without a traditional venue price tag.
Why couples love it:
- Stunning backdrops forold Orange County courthouse photos
- A blend of romance and history
- Close to great photo spots and post-ceremony lunch spots
Insider look: Booking a Santa Ana courthouse wedding here makes your ceremony feel more like a vintage elopement. I love this historic early 20th century Art-deco style. The details inside are breathtaking.
We’ve photographed dozens of weddings at this location — from intimate weekday elopements to styled micro-weddings with close family and friends. It’s still our favorite for charm and ambiance.
2.Laguna Hills Civic Center Wedding
If convenience is your top priority, theLaguna Hills courthouse is ideal. It’s quiet, quick, and has a streamlined process — especially helpful for mid-week weddings.
Why it’s great:
- Ample parking and easy access
- Shorter wait times
- Great for low-key or last-minute ceremonies
Many couples love theLaguna Civic Center wedding experience because of its simplicity. You get in, get married, and still have time to hit the beach for sunset photos.
Insider look: If the weather permits you can ask for an outdoor ceremony in front of the water fountain or on the greenbelt.
3.Laguna Beach City Hall
Slightly lesser known but still a gem. Laguna Beach City Hall offers civil marriage ceremonies. The Laguna Beach City Hall is a bit different than the other locations as it doesn't offer the same services you can get at the OC Clerk-Recorders locations. For example Laguna Beach City Hall does not issue marriage licenses. Therefore you have to bring a valid marriage license to get married here.
Why couples love it:
- Intimate and private
- Beautiful garden ceremony
- 5 minutes from romantic beaches
Not as well known but a hidden gem in Laguna Beach. Your wedding here will feel more intimate and private. Ceremonies don't overlap with the next couple making this location feel special. Couples can write and exchange their own wedding vows here.
Insider look: Paid meter parking available. Must have appointment.

Located in downtown Santa Ana, this courthouse is a local treasure. With century-old architecture and dramatic interiors, it’s perfect for couples who want beauty and heritage without a traditional venue price tag.
Why couples love it:
- Stunning backdrops forold Orange County courthouse photos
- A blend of romance and history
- Close to great photo spots and post-ceremony lunch spots
Insider look: Booking a Santa Ana courthouse wedding here makes your ceremony feel more like a vintage elopement. I love this historic early 20th century Art-deco style. The details inside are breathtaking.
We’ve photographed dozens of weddings at this location — from intimate weekday elopements to styled micro-weddings with close family and friends. It’s still our favorite for charm and ambiance.
2.Laguna Hills Civic Center Wedding
If convenience is your top priority, theLaguna Hills courthouse is ideal. It’s quiet, quick, and has a streamlined process — especially helpful for mid-week weddings.
Why it’s great:
- Ample parking and easy access
- Shorter wait times
- Great for low-key or last-minute ceremonies
Many couples love theLaguna Civic Center wedding experience because of its simplicity. You get in, get married, and still have time to hit the beach for sunset photos.
Insider look: If the weather permits you can ask for an outdoor ceremony in front of the water fountain or on the greenbelt.
3.Laguna Beach City Hall
Slightly lesser known but still a gem. Laguna Beach City Hall offers civil marriage ceremonies. The Laguna Beach City Hall is a bit different than the other locations as it doesn't offer the same services you can get at the OC Clerk-Recorders locations. For example Laguna Beach City Hall does not issue marriage licenses. Therefore you have to bring a valid marriage license to get married here.
Why couples love it:
- Intimate and private
- Beautiful garden ceremony
- 5 minutes from romantic beaches
Not as well known but a hidden gem in Laguna Beach. Your wedding here will feel more intimate and private. Ceremonies don't overlap with the next couple making this location feel special. Couples can write and exchange their own wedding vows here.
Insider look: Paid meter parking available. Must have appointment.
First Step to Getting Married
Get Your Marriage License
To get legally married in California, you’ll first need to obtain a marriage license in Orange County. As of May 2025 if you plan on getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse or Laguna Hills Civic Center you will need an Orange County Marriage License. Be sure to check the official OC Clerk- recorders office website for up to date information.
- Where: First customers must complete an online marriage application prior to visiting any of the 3 offices. Once you have applied for your marriage license, you may pick it up at any of our three locations; Anaheim City Centre, the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, or Laguna Hills Civic Center.
- How much: ~$61 for a public license or ~$66 for a confidential one.
- Ceremony Fee: $28
- Documents: Valid ID for both parties. No blood test required.
- Validity: A license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued. Expired marriage licenses will not be accepted
- Appointments: Highly recommended, especially at the Old Orange County Courthouse.
- Witness: Required for public marriage licenses. Not needed for confidential.
Pro tip: When you apply for your online marriage application you have the option at this point to choose:
- âś… Submit your application to obtain a marriage license and schedule an appointment.
- âś… Submit your application to obtain a marriage license and schedule an appointment for a civil ceremony.
Have A Specific Orange County Marriage License Question?
Just click below to schedule a quick chat
Logistics for the Day
Here’s everything you need to know to be ready:
- When to Arrive: 15–30 minutes early
- What to Bring:
- Appear together in person
- A non-expired government-issued photo ID. such as a passport or drivers license.
- At least one witness with non-expired photo ID. (your photographer can be your witness)
- Form of payment ( ) for the marriage license and the ceremony fees.
- Wedding rings (optional)
Must know: A marriage ceremony will not be performed if a couple does not have a witness present who can sign their public marriage license and who can physically witness the marriage ceremony. In addition, both individuals must be able to read, speak and understand English. You must bring your own translator if either person does not speak english.
The department does not provide translation services nor witnesses.
- Parking:
- Santa Ana: Street parking or structure nearby
- Laguna Hills: Free lot with ample space
- Busiest Days: Fridays and numerically significant dates (e.g., 2/22/25)
- Appointments Needed? Yes, for both license and ceremony.
Orange County Marriage License Requirments
Marriage licenses are now available for both walk-in service and by appointment
Appointments are highly recommended and can be made online.
Apply online for marriage license application
This is your first step.
Customers must complete an online marriage application prior to visiting any of the OC offices.
Who Can Apply
Citizens and non citizens
There are no citizenship or residency requirements. No blood tests required to obtain a marriage license.
Age requirment to get married
Applicants must be over 18 years old.
Valid I.D.
Appear together in person.
Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
Who Can Apply
Citizens and non citizens
There are no citizenship or residency requirements. No blood tests required to obtain a marriage license.
OC Marriage License Fees
Which Orange County Courthouses are open for an in-person services?
- The historic Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana
- Laguna Hills Civic Center
These 2 options are now accepting walk-ins or appointments. However, you must fill out an online marriage license application before you head over to either location.
Learn about a civil ceremony at The Old Orange County Courthouse or Laguna Hills Civic Center wedding
Marriage license fees
Marriage License $ 61.00
Confidential Marriage License $ 66.00
Marriage Ceremony $ 28.00
Appointments
Do I need an appointment to get my marriage license? Civil Ceremony?
An appointment can be made online along with a marriage license. This is highly recommended for an easier process. However, walk-in appointments are now allowed at the Old Orange County Courthouse and the Laguna Hills Civic Center for your marriage license and civil ceremony. Walk-ins are on a first come first serve basis. Keep in mind, priority is given to customers with an appointment.
Get all the details here for an Orange County civil marriage ceremony.
For those looking to have a marriage ceremony performed, you must complete your marriage license application before visiting our offices at https://ocweddings.ocrecorder.com/#/.
About Marriage License
Can an Orange County marriage license be used in counties in California?
Yes. County clerks issue these licenses, which can be used anywhere in the state. Additionally, this license requires at least one witness at the ceremony, and you must file the license in the county in which you first obtained it to be registered at the County Recorder's Office.

Orange County marriage license requirements
- A marriage license is only valid for 90 days from the issue date
- There are no citizenship or residency requirements
- You don't need a blood test to obtain a marriage license
- Applicants must be over 18 years old
- Both parties must show a valid I.D. a driver's license, passport
- Identification issued by a government agency will also be accepted
- All documents must be in English
- Both parties must be present
Have A Specific Orange County Courthouse Wedding Question?
Just click below to schedule a quick chat
Civil Marriage Ceremonies
How do I get married at the courthouse in Orange County
- Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting any of our offices.
- Couples must present valid government issued photo identification at their appointment.
- Ceremony rooms are open to the public. A maximum of ten guests are allowed to attend a wedding ceremony.
- Online appointments can be made for a civil ceremony.
- Must bring at least one witness.
- Both couples must be able to read and speak english.
- The department does not provide translation services or witnesses.
- At this time you must have an Orange County marriage license to get married at the courthouse.
- Payments can be made by credit/debit card, cash, check or money order.
Top 3 Orange County courthouses for a civil ceremony
Discover the best courthouses for an Orange County civil ceremony.
OC Clerk-Recorder Department Information Line (714) 834-2500
Where can I have a courthouse wedding or city hall wedding in Orange county?
The best place for civil marriage ceremony is Laguna Beach City Hall. One thing to note here you must bring an Orange County Marriage license with you. The city hall does not issue them at their location. Ceremonies take place outside City hall or next door in the garden. Get all the details about a Laguna Beach City Hall marriage ceremony here.
The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana or at the Laguna Hills Civic Center offer in-person marriage services including civil marriage ceremonies. Laguna Hills Civic Center sometimes referred to as the Laguna Hills Courthouse has a brand new room for indoor ceremonies. There is an outdoor location for ceremonies that is offered dependent on the weather and time of day. The old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana has ceremony rooms that can accommodate up to 10 people. Some Saturdays are available check official website for details.
Elopement & Courthouse Wedding Articles
Below are some articles we think you will love!
FAQs
Some of our most frequently asked questions from couples getting married?
Where can I get an Orange County marriage license?
There are 3 locations in Orange County to get a marriage license. Anaheim City Centre, the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, or Laguna Hills Civic Center.
How much does an Orange County marriage license cost?
An Orange County Marriage License fee is $ 61.00
Confidential Marriage License $ 66.00
Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate $ 17.00
Payments can be made by:
cash
credit/debit card
check
cashier's check
money order
Make checks and money orders payable to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
How long is a marriage license valid for?
A marriage license in California is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. There are absolutely no refunds for expired licenses. So if you plans change you will not get your money back.
Should I get an extra copy of my marriage certificate?
Yes. It is recommended you pay for a couple extra copies of a certified marriage certificate. It is most convenient to pay for a certified copy at the time of your marriage license. The cost for a copy of your marriage certificate is $17.
What is the difference between a marriage certificate and a marriage license in California?
A marriage license:
is a legal document obtained by a couple prior to marriage. Once the license is signed (during or after your ceremony)
A marriage certificate:
is a legal document that is issued after the marriage licenses is signed. This takes place during or after your ceremony and returned by an officiant to the county.
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license in Orange County?
No you do not need an appointment. Marriage licenses are now available for both walk-in service and by appointment. It is highly recommended to make an appointment online. Appointments will be given priority over walk-in services.
Do couples need to change their name (s)?
No, couples are not required to change their name (s) to get a marriage license. However, couples must select the name each wishes to use after marriage, to be listed on the marriage license.
If couples decide to change their name (s) they must do this at the at the time of signing the marriage license. Once the license is signed only a court order can change the name(s).
Is there an age requirment to getting a marriage license in California?
Yes! Applicants must be over 18 years old to apply.
What is the difference between a public marriage license and a confidential one?
Public Marriage License
A public marriage license becomes a public record, and anyone can request an informational copy. This license can be used anywhere in the State of California. The cost for a public marriage license is $61.
Confidential Marriage License
A confidential marriage license becomes a confidential record, and the only people able to obtain information about it are the couple, except by special court order. The requirements to obtain this type of license are:
Couple must be living together prior to the marriage.
This license can be used anywhere in the State of California.
The cost for a confidential marriage license is $66.
Meet Christopher Todd: Your Orange County Photographer
Hi, I’m Christopher Todd! I launched
Christopher Todd Studios back in 2000, but my love for photography started long before that.
Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful area. From surfing in Huntington Beach to discovering the best photo spots across the OC. Over the past
25 years as a professional photographer, I’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine my craft.