How To Get Married At An Orange County Courthouse (Complete Guide 2025)
How to Get Married at an Orange County Courthouse (Complete Guide 2025)
Information verified with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder as of October 2025
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, it's not a courthouse, but they perform civil ceremonies.
Quick Answer: To get married at an Orange County courthouse, 1. couples must first complete the online marriage license application at ocweddings.ocrecorder.com, 2. appear in person with valid IDs to sign and receive their license. Ceremonies are available by appointment at the Santa Ana, Laguna Hills, and North County Branch in Anaheim. 3. Attend a civil ceremony and say "I do." Rings are optional!
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.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Married at a Courthouse (updated 2025)
Step 1. Apply For Your Online Marriage Application
- 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.
- Pro tip: When you apply for your online marriage application, you have the option at this point to choose:
- ✅ Submit your application to obtain a marriage license and schedule an appointment.
- ✅ Submit your application to obtain a marriage license and schedule an appointment for a civil ceremony.
To get legally married in California, you’ll first need to obtain a marriage license. As of Oct. 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-Recorder's office website for up-to-date information.
Step 2. Prepare For Your Appointment
Gather your documents and witness.
- Documents: Valid Government-issued ID, such as a Passport or Driver's License, is required for both parties.
- Form of payment: Acceptable forms are cash, check, credit card, or debit.
- Witness: Required for public marriage licenses. Not needed for confidential marriage license. (The OC Clerk-Recorder's office will not provide a witness)
- Understand: Be sure you and your partner can both read, speak, and understand English. This is very important, or they will not marry you.
- A license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued. Expired marriage licenses will not be accepted.
Step 3. Attend Your Ceremony
Decide on your location. The Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana or at the Laguna Hills Civic Center. Both offer in-person marriage services, including civil marriage ceremonies. Laguna Hills Civic Center, sometimes referred to as the Laguna Hills Courthouse, has a one room for indoor ceremonies. There is an outdoor location for ceremonies that can be requested, dependent on the weather and time of day. The old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana has ceremony rooms that can accommodate up to 20 people. Some Saturdays are available. Check official website for details.
- When to Arrive: 15–30 minutes early
- Up to 20 guests are allowed to attend
- An officiant will be assigned to you
- Exchanging rings is optional
- Need at least one witness if you have a public marriage license
- 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? No, walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are highly recommended for both the license and the ceremony.
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.
| 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
About:
Located in downtown Santa Ana, 211 West Santa Ana Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92701, this historic 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 with old Orange County courthouse photos
- A blend of romance and history
- Close to great photo spots and post-ceremony lunch spots around downtown Santa Ana
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 also 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
About:
If convenience is your top priority, the Laguna Hills Civic Center 24031 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
is ideal. I recommend this location to couples also known as Laguna Hills Courthouse. It’s quiet, quick, and has a streamlined process. In my experience, if you do choose the one Saturday a month that they are open, it will be hectic here.
Why it’s great:
- Ample parking and easy access
- Shorter wait times
- Great for low-key or last-minute ceremonies
Many couples love the Laguna 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
About:
Slightly lesser known but still a gem. Laguna Beach City Hall at 505 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651offers 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-Recorder's 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 an appointment.
Have A Specific Orange County Marriage License Question?
Just click below to schedule a quick chat
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 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 as of October 2025
Marriage License $ 61.00
Confidential Marriage License $ 66.00
Marriage Ceremony $ 28.00
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 20 guests is 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.
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.
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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.