If you envision a sunkissed Southern California elopement, let’s talk about some incredible Los Angeles city halls. LA has several unique courthouses that make for beautiful backdrops to your “I dos,” even if you don’t tie the knot inside the city hall itself. (Beverly Hills Courthouse is currently the only one that offers civil ceremonies in the city, but check out Santa Barbara as another ceremony option.) As a LA elopement photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most gorgeous spots. Here are my top three picks for the best Los Angeles city halls (and nearby!) for breathtaking elopement photos.
Note: Before heading to the courthouse, make sure you apply for your marriage license up to three months in advance. You cannot get your license and do your courthouse ceremony the same day. Learn more about applying for your marriage license here.
**Most civil ceremony fees are $35, and a public marriage license is $91. (However, be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date info.) Most city halls only perform civil ceremonies Monday – Friday, 9 AM to approximately 5 PM. You must make an appointment in advance and have a valid marriage license.
My Top 3 Los Angeles Courthouses for Elopements
1. Beverly Hills Courthouse
You’ve heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but when it comes to the Beverly Hills Courthouse, it’s the opposite. The inside might not be much to write home about, but the outside location is unbeatable! The real gem here is the Beverly Hills City Hall building right next door. With its stunning architecture and vibrant Art Deco hallways, the photo ops are endless.
Why You’ll Love It
Centralized Location: You’re smack dab in the middle of Beverly Hills, just steps away from the Beverly Hills sign, Rodeo Drive, and high-end hotels where you can celebrate afterward.
Some of the best Officiants: The officiants there are always so nice! You’re almost guaranteed a sweet and simple ceremony—the kind you see in movies. These officiants really love what the do, and that means a memorable experience for you!
Iconic Beverly Hills Backdrops: Beverly Hills may be most recognized by its iconic palm tree-lined streets and Old Hollywood vibes. Near the courthouse, the expansive Beverly Gardens Park has fountains and rose gardens, plus the illuminated Beverly Hills sign. Meanwhile, the 1920s Greystone Mansion is the backdrop for many films. Known as a celebrity haunt, The Beverly Hills Hotel is set in stunning tropical gardens.
Colorful Art Deco Skybridge: These hallways are perfect for walking shots that add a pop of color to your photos.
Endless Photo Spots: Beautiful gardens for your first look, elegant portraits, and all the quintessential California vibes you could ask for.
Heads Up
The Inside Isn’t Cute: The courthouse interior is pretty basic, and the ceremony is quick and not overly personal. (But that’s ok! We’ll make up for it in portraits! Bring your handwritten vows for an extra-personalized touch.)
Permit Fees: There’s a small photography permit fee for shooting at the City Hall building.
Lines and Wait Time: You might have to wait in line for your quick ceremony, so patience is key. (This is the case for most city halls.)
Unique Booking System: Beverly Hills has a very unique booking system, and they only open dates a few weeks at a time. If you are looking for a date further out, try waiting a bit, and it should become available!
2. Pasadena City Hall
If you’re looking for the most aesthetic Los Angeles city hall, Pasadena City Hall is a total showstopper. Seriously, the grounds are stunning and perfect for both engagement sessions and weddings. The architecture here is like a dream, and the natural light is gorgeous all day long. You can view one of my recent editorial engagement sessions here.
Note: While you can’t have a courthouse wedding with a traditional civil ceremony at Pasadena City Hall, you can get your marriage license here. They do allow ceremonies on the ground with the permit fee. If you get married on the grounds, you must hire your own officiant.
**If you’re looking for an officiant or would like a friend or family member to officiate your wedding, here’s a great resource to get you started: How to Guide: Officiating Your First Wedding Ceremony.
Why You’ll Love It
Stunning Architecture: From the courtyard to the rotunda, every corner of this place is picture-perfect.
Flexibility: With a permit, you can have your ceremony on the grounds, courtyard, or rotunda (with your own hired officiant).
Great Lighting: Pasadena City Hall has endless multi-level walkways and breezeways flooded in natural light, making for beautiful photos any time of day.
Convenient Parking: Such a grand building draws quite a few visitors, and they’re prepared with plenty of parking.
Heads Up
Popularity: This is a super popular spot, so expect other wedding and engagement shoots happening simultaneously. However, there is quite a bit of space to spread out. Connect with me for the best dates and times with fewer crowds and great photography light.
Permit Requirements: We’ll need to apply a few weeks in advance for a photographer’s permit. You’ll need a separate permit if you opt for a ceremony on the grounds with your own officiant. You can find that here.
3. Santa Barbara City Hall Civil Ceremony
If you’re open to a short drive outside of LA, Santa Barbara City Hall is an absolute dream. Known for its breathtaking grounds and stunning indoor options, this location lets you have an outdoor ceremony with beautiful backdrops or use its old courtrooms and elaborate staircases for epic photos. You can even go up to the top floor for panoramic views of Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara City Hall is a great option is you want a civil ceremony and beautiful photos. In fact, they even have a Marriage Appointment Calendar online through Calendly so you can easily book an appointment. Book your Santa Barbara City Hall ceremony here.
Why You’ll Love It:
Pretty Location without Permit Fees: Santa Barbara City Hall has gorgeous grounds, a huge garden, and no permit fee! Not only are the outdoor area beautiful but so are the indoor spaces. We can use flash and get some vibey indoor stuff or outside for all romantic garden fees. Plus, you’re so close to the beach for the second half of your elopement session.
Flexible Officiated Civil Ceremony Options: This is the only city hall where you can get married outside with the gorgeous grounds in the background! You do not have to hire your own officiant. They’ve got you covered, and the staff is incredibly nice and professional. Overall, this city hall is so easy, clean, friendly, and just gorgeous.
Heads Up:
Weekends are Busy: Santa Barbara City Hall is pretty enough to be a tourist destination, so Monday through Thursday are the best days for an elopement. Friday through Sunday become very busy as tourists view the grounds.
Keep an Eye on Their Calendar & Book Early: Santa Barbara does require some advance planning. Try to get on the Calendly schedule as soon as possible, especially if you have a certain time in mind. Appointments become available 90 days in advance, hour by hour, on a rolling basis. (For example, I am looking at the Calendar today, March 12, and the next available date is June 10. It does have every time slot open.) If you are somewhat flexible, you can check back for cancellations.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—my favorite Los Angeles city halls for elopement pictures (along with a must-consider spot outside the city). Each location has unique charm and beauty, perfect for capturing your love story.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? The good thing about an elopement is that you can get married anywhere you want with your own officiant! You more than likely know someone who is already ordained, and if not, it is an easy process! Anyone you know can be an officiant, or you can hire a vendor that does this full time. So, if you want to get married at home, at the top of Griffith Observatory, on the beach in Venice—even at the skatepark—you can! The locations are unlimited.
Ready to elope? Let’s make it unforgettable!
