A Guide to Having a Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding: From a Los Angeles Photographer

If you’re planning a Beverly Hills Courthouse wedding, this guide covers everything you need to know: from marriage license logistics and ceremony options to the best photo locations, permits, timelines, and insider tips from a Los Angeles photographer who has photographed over 100 weddings here.

Who this guide for?

This guide is ideal for couples planning an intimate Beverly Hills elopement or wedding.

Real Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding Photos

Beyond the ceremony photos (documented inside the actual courthouse), these photos were taken at the Beverly Hills City Hall (around the corner from the courthouse).

Beyond Digital, I Also Offer 35 mm Film Photography & Wide Format Polaroids

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I’ve documented over 100 weddings at the Beverly Hills Courthouse. Elopement photography ranges from $1,550 – 2,200. I typically recommend 2 hours of coverage. This covers the ceremony, family and friend portraits, and couple portraits.

Detailed Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Get Married at the Beverly Hills Courthouse

Overview

• Types of Ceremonies
• Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding Cost
• Beverly Hills Courthouse VS Beverly Hills City Hall
• How to Get Your Marriage License
• How to Schedule Your Ceremony
• Best Times for Your Ceremony
• Photo Details
• Vendors
• Local Dinner Recommendations
• Timeline Recommendation
• Beverly Hills Courthouse VS Other Los Angeles Courthouses
• FAQS

Step 1: Decide If You’d Like to Have a Civil Ceremony VS an Express Marriage

You will be given the opportunity to choose between a civil ceremony or an express ceremony for your Beverly Hills courthouse wedding ceremony.

Civil Ceremony (private room with seating for guests)

• Vibe: More formal and intimate, officiated in a private room / more traditional “mini-wedding” feel
• Interior: Private, spacious room with seating and bright yellow walls
• Cost: $35
• Length: 10 – 12 minutes
• Vows: Does allow personalized vows, short readings, music
• Guests: Up to 18 people allowed in the ceremony room
• Availabilty: Wed, Thurs, Fri Only, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM / Can be booked up to 3 weeks out

Express Ceremony (public space at clerk window)

• Vibe: Quick, efficient, done at the clerk’s window / Ultra fast and minimal
• Interior: Public room with white walls (DMV feel)
• Cost: $35
• Length: 5 minutes
• Vows: Does not allow personalized vows, short readings, or music
• No guests allowed during ceremony (they can wait outside the room)
• Availabilty: Offered throughout the week, , 8:30 AM–4:30 PM / Can be booked up to 3 weeks out

Tip: Arrive early (I always suggest 15–20 minutes before your appointment). The courthouse schedules back to back ceremonies and only allows a 5-minute grace period if you’re running late.

Photos Inside the Beverly Hills Courthouse Ceremony Room

My Personal Ceremony Suggestion

If you plan on having guests, I would go with the civil ceremony because this option offers seating for them.

However, to keep it honest, the ceremony room is not the cutest. It has very bright yellow walls with quotes on written on them.

A lot of couples are not fans of this. If that’s the case, you can always have an express ceremony (which takes place at the clerk’s window) and then a symbolic ceremony a 5 minute walk away at the iconic Beverly Hills Courthouse. Your guests can surround you at the symbolic ceremony.

How much does a Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding cost?

When it comes to getting married at Beverly Hills Courthouse, the marriage License fee is currently $91 to $100, depending on the type of marriage license you choose. The civil ceremony fee is $35. The Beverly Hills Courthouse can also provide a witness for your civil ceremony for $20. I can also be your witness as the photographer.

Step 2: Know the Difference Between the Beverly Hills Courthouse and Beverly Hills City Hall (people confuse the two)

Beverly Hills Courthouse Is Not the Same As Beverly Hills City Hall

A lot of people confuse the two. When people search Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding or Beverly Hills Elopement, the photos shown are at the Beverly Hills City Hall, a gorgeous Art Deco Building with a SoCal vibe. However, this is not where ceremonies are held.

So where are Ceremonies Held?

Ceremonies are held at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, which is a 5 minute walk away from the Beverly Hills City Hall. Full transparency, the courthouse has a completely different vibe. It has a DMV office feel. This is why the majority of photos are taken at the city hall.

Planning Notes (Worth flagging)

• Courthouse vs. City Hall: They’re different buildings ~5 minutes apart. Ceremonies happen at the courthouse, not City Hall.
• The courthouse itself isn’t the most photogenic inside, so most couples opt to head outside for pictures afterward.
• Professional photography around Beverly Hills City Hall, the Palm Court, Civic Center Plaza, Rodeo Drive, or Beverly Gardens Park requires a permit.

Step 3: Obtain Your Marriage License

Before getting married at Beverly Hills Courthouse, you’ll need a marriage license.

• Where to apply: All marriages in LA County go through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
• How to apply: Start the application online, then finalize it in person at the courthouse with both partners present.
• Fees: $91 for a public license / $85 for a confidential license.
• Documents needed: Government-issued photo ID. If previously married, bring proof of divorce or death certificate.
• Expiration: The license is valid for 90 days from the issue date.

Pro Tip: Book your license appointment 1–2 weeks before your wedding to avoid a last-minute scramble.

Step 4: Schedule Your Beverly Hills Courthouse Ceremony

Once you have your marriage license, it’s time to schedule your Beverly Hills Courthouse wedding appointment. If you’re undecided between an express ceremony or civil ceremony, read this.

• Online: Book your appointment here
• Phone: Call 1-800-201-8999 to check availability and book.
• Reminder: You must have your marriage license in hand before scheduling (see above)

Photo Tip: Snag the first or last slot of the day for best timing for photos

Appointment Details

• Appointments are released 3 weeks in advance. If slots are full, keep checking — cancellations can open daily.
• Ceremonies run Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, by appointment only.
• There is a requirement for 1 public witness. The courthouse can provide one for $20 or I can also be your witness/photographer.

Guest Count

• Officially, the courthouse says up to 12 guests are allowed.
• In reality? They’re usually not too strict (within reason). I’ve seen couples squeeze in around 18 guests.
• Remember, guests are only allowed during the civil ceremony NOT the express ceremony

Readings, Music, Vows,

You can bring in your own personal touches for the civil ceremony, which takes place in a private room with seating. This does not apply to the express ceremony, which takes place in a public space (clerk’s window).

For a civil ceremony, the following is allowed. Just check with the deputy commissioner beforehand so there are no surprises.

• Personalized vows
• Music
• Short readings
• Bouquet
• Guest Book

STEP 5: Choose Your Ceremony Time – When is the Best time to Have a Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding?

The best time for Beverly Hills City Hall wedding photos is early morning or late afternoon, so I would recommend the following ceremony times:

• Early Morning (before 9:30 AM): The light is soft, flattering, and dreamy. You’ll avoid squinting and harsh shadows on your faces — plus, mornings are usually quieter around the courthouse.
• Golden Hour (about 2–2.5 hours before sunset): This is that magical, glowing light that makes everything look cinematic. It’s warm, romantic, and perfect for couple portraits.

Try to avoid the midday hours (11 AM–2 PM) if you can. The sun is at its highest then, which often means harsh light and squinting.

Which Ceremony Time(s) do I Recommend Based on the Season?

• Summer: Hot! Mornings are most comfortable (and most flattering for photos). Afternoon ceremonies aren’t recommended since the last slot is at 3:30 pm…and the golden hour is around 7-8 pm during summer.
• Fall: Morning or afternoon sessions. The afternoon sessions of around 3 pm correlate well with the golden hour, since the sun goes down earlier.
• Winter: Morning or early afternoon sessions. Although it rarely rains in LA, I recommend bringing a clear umbrella (just in case) as it still passes light onto the subject’s face.
• Spring: Mornings. Similar to summer, afternoon ceremonies aren’t recommended since the golden hour isn’t until much later. A pro of a spring ceremony is that the flowers will be in bloom at the Beverly Hills City Hall. There are a lot of lavender flowers for a good pop of color.

STEP 6: Plan for Your Beverly Hills City Hall Wedding Photos

Although ceremonies take place at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, the majority of couples head to Beverly Hills City Hall immediately afterward for portraits. The two buildings are only about a 5 minute walk apart, making it incredibly convenient for a courthouse wedding or elopement.

Why Couples Love Beverly Hills City Hall Wedding Photos

• Elegant Art Deco architecture
• Iconic green tiled dome
• Palm-lined walkways and fountains
• Soft neutral tones that photograph beautifully
• A mix of editorial, romantic, and classic Los Angeles vibes

One of my favorite things about photographing a Beverly Hills City Hall wedding is how much variety you can get within a very small area. The Civic Center Plaza, Palm Court, arches, staircases, and nearby Beverly Gardens Park all create completely different backdrops while staying walkable.

Optional: Select a Close-By Secondary Location for Photos

Most couples say “I do” at the courthouse, then head to Beverly Hills City Hall (just a 5-minute walk away) for portraits. This a simple, but absolutely beautiful option since there’s a lot of variety with the city hall’s art deco architecture.

However, there are so many other incredible spots nearby for your Beverly Hills Courthouse photos if you want even more variety. I’ll cover my favorite routes below.

My Favorite Route

Courthouse ➡️ City Hall ➡️ Greystone Mansion
This route gives you a mix of elegant architecture, lush gardens, and cinematic editorial vibes.

Best Beverly Hills Courthouse photo locations

Beverly Hills City Hall (0.2 miles / 5 min walk)

• Mixture of Spanish Renaissance architecture with Art Deco architecture
• Iconic dome + courtyard + palm trees + SoCal vibes
• Easy, convenient, and absolutely gorgeous

Beverly Gardens Park (0.3 miles / 10–20 min walk)

• Iconic Beverly Hills sign
• Rose gardens, cactus garden, Electric Fountain
• A little more walking, but worth it

Greystone Mansion & Gardens (1.8 miles / drive)

• Historic estate with a European castle feel
• Grand staircases + dramatic architecture
• Perfect for cinematic editorial portraits

Virginia Robinson Gardens (2.1 miles / drive)

• Botanical gardens + fountains
• Unique architectural details
• Feels enchanting and tucked away

Franklin Canyon Park (4.4 miles / drive)

• Natural setting with lake + trails
• Scenic views of the Santa Monica Mountains
• Great if you want a more outdoorsy look

Coldwater Canyon Park (3.1 miles / drive)

• Meandering trails + charming bridges
• Lots of greenery for romantic portraits

UCLA Campus (4.5 miles / drive)

• Iconic Royce Hall + brick architecture
• Sculpture garden + historic courtyards
• Feels elegant, not like a campus in photos

STEP 7: Secure Your Photography Permit

When it comes to Beverly Hills Courthouse photos, most couples don’t take portraits inside the courthouse (the ceremony room is small and dark). Instead, they walk 5 minutes over to the gorgeous Beverly Hills City Hall.

Important: You’ll need a photography permit for any photos here

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Photography Permit Costs

• Hourly Fee: $83/hour (max 2 hours)

Apply online HERE or call the Beverly Hills Film + Photography Permit Office at (310) 285-2408.

When to Apply

• Apply 7 business days in advance (no more than 60 days out).
• ❌ The City will not approve permits if you apply less than 2 business days before your date.

Late Application Fees

• 2–6 business days out: +$308 fee
• 2 business days out: $308 late fee + $137 rush fee

Step 8: Book Your Vendors

Vendors for Beverly Hills Courthouse weddings or elopements typically include the following:

• Your photographer
• A florist for your bouquet
• Hair and Makeup Artist

Where to Grab Flowers

Forgot a bouquet? No problem. Here are some local options I recommend.

• Empty Vase: Lush, dramatic arrangements, often with orchids and roses.
• Twigs and Thyme: Intentional and elevated floral bouquets

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STEP 9: Make Plans for After Your Ceremony

Just because you chose a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you can’t end the day in style. Beverly Hills is packed with incredible restaurants that are perfect for a mini reception, intimate dinner, or champagne toast. Here are some favorites:

The Beverly Hills Hotel – Polo Lounge

• Iconic, glamorous, old Hollywood vibes, romantic
• Pink walls + history

Spago

• Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant
• Sleek, modern, and perfect for true foodies

Il Pastaio

• Classic Italian dishes
• Bustling yet cozy, a Beverly Hills staple

Avra Beverly Hills

• Upscale Greek seafood with a glamorous, airy feel
• Perfect if you love Mediterranean flavors and chic décor

La Dolce Vita

• Vintage Beverly Hills charm with Rat Pack history
• Dim lighting, old Hollywood energy, cozy and nostalgic

Pro Tip: Make reservations early — especially if your wedding is on a Friday. These spots are local favorites, and tables fill fast!

STEP 10: Craft Your Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding Timeline

This will help keep your day stress free! If you’re wondering how to best create a wedding day timeline, I’ve included to templates below.

Please keep in mind that these timelines are simply examples. We can always customize the perfect timeline to best fit you needs. We can include a picnic at the beach, a short hike, portraits at a farther location with a completely different backdrop, etc.

Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding Timeline Template

Sample Timelines

Short & Sweet (2 hours)

• 9:00 AM – Meet at the Beverly Hills Courthouse
• 9:15 AM – Ceremony
• 9:30 AM – Walk to Beverly Hills City Hall
• 9:40 AM – Family/Friend Portraits
• 10:00 AM – Couple Portraits
• 11:00 AM – Photography Ends

Half-Day Celebration (4 hours)

• 2:00 PM – First look at Beverly Hills City Hall + Couple Portraits
• 3:00 PM – Ceremony at courthouse.
• 3:30 PM – Family photos outside.
• 4:00 PM – Portraits at a secondary location
• 5:00 PM – Dinner at Spago or Il Pastaio, speeches, toasts, cake cutting
• 6:00 PM – Photography Ends

Beverly Hills Wedding vs. Other SoCal Courthouses

Are you still debating which Los Angeles courthouse best matches your style? Read my guide below that compares them.

The Top Courthouse Wedding Locations in Los Angeles

FAQS About a Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding

Do we need rings?

Not legally. But most couples bring them and exchange during the ceremony.

Is the Beverly Hills Courthouse and Beverly Hills City Hall Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes

How many guests can we bring to our Beverly Courthouse Wedding?

Officially, up to 10 guests. In practice, I’ve seen as many as 20 squeezed in. Just know the room is small and can feel tight.

When are ceremonies held?

Appointments run Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Arrive early — ceremonies are often back-to-back.

What if we need to cancel or reschedule?

Notify the courthouse at least 24 hours in advance to avoid losing your fee. Emergencies may be accommodated, but call ASAP.

Where do we park?

• Courthouse parking (paid) + metered street parking nearby
• Address: 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
• Accessible: ramps, elevators, and restrooms are available — call ahead for specifics

Can we bring a photographer or videographer?

Yes! Professionals are welcome. Just let the courthouse know in advance and follow any rules on equipment, lighting, or setup.

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