A Sunny California Courthouse Elopement at the Laguna Hills Civic Center
This couple’s Laguna Hills Courthouse elopement was such a joy to be a part of! Having never shot at the Laguna Hills Civic Center before, I did TONS of research prior to their elopement day on how getting married there works and of course where the best spots are for photos. I was so pleased to learn that not only is it an incredibly streamlined process for elopements, there are also a number of gorgeous little spots around the Laguna Hills Courthouse that are absolutely perfect for taking some post elopement ceremony photos!
Laguna Hills Civic Center Location & Overview
The Laguna Hills Civic Center is a charming and convenient location for couples looking for a courthouse elopement. Nestled in the heart of Laguna Hills, CA, this civic center offers a simple but romantic setting for a low key elopement. The courthouse features a soft but modern design with clean lines and a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the Civic Center is known for its efficiency and super friendly staff!
How To Obtain a Marriage License and Book an Appointment
You’ll want to fill out your marriage license application online ahead of time through the Orange County Clerk Recorder office, where you can also book your appointment for both your license and ceremony. The public marriage license costs $61, with the civil marriage ceremony fee coming in at just $28. If you’re bringing guests, the chapel space can host up to 20 people. Public licenses require at least one witness, and as your photographer, I am always more than happy to sign as your official witness!
Essential Tips for Your Laguna Hills Courthouse Elopement
If you’re thinking about getting married at this location and want a quick tip for planning your Laguna Hills courthouse elopement, here’s my advice: don’t skimp on time for photos AT the courthouse. The actual courthouse itself has some beautiful spots such as the water fountain out front, the staircase inside, and some architectural elements that are such a lovely backdrop for some couples photos. Even though your ceremony will be quick, taking some time afterwards to document your time in the place where you got married will be something you treasure in the years to come!
Overall, I recommend reserving around 3 hrs for photos! The most ideal timeline would look something like this:
1 hour of getting ready time at a nearby home or hotel
30 minutes of time at the courthouse (e.g. ceremony and some photos afterwards)
30 minutes for travel, parking, and getting setup at a second location
1 hour for a fun excursion! Go to the beach and have a picnic, grab In-n-Out, or whatever feels like a fun way for you to celebrate!
Tips For Making Your Laguna Hills Courthouse Elopement Feel Like YOU!
1. Personal Vows: Even in a courthouse setting, you can exchange personally written vows to add a special touch to your ceremony. Bonus tip: you can also do the standard vows at the courthouse and then read your personal vows at a second location when you do your couples photos!
2. Custom Flowers: Bring in fresh flowers or custom-made bouquets and boutonnieres that match your wedding vibe or favorite colors. This small detail can add a ton of uniqueness to your elopement photos.
3. Family Heirlooms: Incorporate family heirlooms or sentimental items into your ceremony. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a handkerchief, or a special photo, these items can add such a special touch to your day and make your overall gallery feel so meaningful. In many ways this can act almost like a time capsule, preserving these items in photos for years to come.
An extra bonus? The Laguna Hills Civic Center sits in the middle of a number of breathtaking locations that are also perfect for going to a second spot for couples photos after the ceremony (I recommend timing this part to be during golden hour!) More on that later!
Recommendations for Local Places to Celebrate After Your Elopement
Just because you might be doing a more minimal courthouse elopement, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Below are some ideas for places to celebrate once you’ve said your vows!
***Important tip: Orange County is notorious for being sticklers about photography permits in city, state, and county park locations. Your photographer (hi, it’s me!) can help you with obtaining a photo permit. So make sure to factor in the cost of a permit (usually around $100 depending on the location) and the lead time needed to receive it (usually around 2-4 weeks).
1. Laguna Beach: Just a short drive from the Laguna Hills Civic Center, Laguna Beach offers stunning coastal views and a variety of activities. You can have a romantic picnic on the beach, take a sunset walk along the shore, or enjoy a meal at one of the many oceanfront restaurants.
2. Crystal Cove State Park: If you’re nature lovers, consider visiting Crystal Cove State Park! This beautiful park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views, tide pools to explore, and historic cottages for a unique experience. It’s a great place for a relaxed and scenic post-elopement celebration.
3. The Ranch at Laguna Beach: For a more luxurious and intimate celebration, book a stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. This secluded resort offers gourmet dining, a spa, and beautiful accommodations. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic getaway to continue the celebration.
4. Local Breweries and Wineries: If you enjoy craft beer or wine, you can explore some of the local breweries and wineries nearby! Places like Laguna Beach Beer Company and Orange Coast Winery offer tastings and a fun cozy atmosphere.
This Couple’s Story!
I had already spoken with this couple over the phone a bit to get to know them and help plan out their day, so I knew they were going to be such awesome people and that we were going to be a great fit for each other. But what stood out to me most about meeting them in person was how incredibly strong of a connection they had. I felt like I was bearing witness to a story with a long and beautiful tale that had started far before I entered into the picture and would go on long after me.
These two actually had a rather interesting plan for their day. Covid had now multiple times delayed their wedding plans, so they decided to do a Laguna Hills courthouse elopement and then immediately follow it up with an engagement session somewhere nearby. The whole idea was to be able to marry each other in a private ceremony, but also to be able to have engagement photos for their big wedding announcement in the future. Such a genius idea!
Remember how I said that the Laguna Hills Civic Center is situated nearby some breathtaking locations? Well, we definitely took full advantage of that for their follow up engagement photos!
Read on to see what the second half of their day looked like!
You can find the second part of their story here. Or if you want to get in touch about planning an elopement or engagement session of your own, head on over to my contact page and slide into my inbox!
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