Pasadena City Hall Wedding: An Unfiltered Photographer’s Guide (From Someone Who Shoots Here…a lot)

If you’re dreaming about vows under soaring arches with a dome that looks like it belongs in Rome (because it basically does), a Pasadena City Hall wedding might be exactly your vibe.

As a Los Angeles wedding photographer who’s here constantly (elopements, micro weddings, first looks, portraits), I’ve learned every corner, shadow, and stairwell of this place.

This is your no-fluff, step-by-step guide to planning a beautiful, low-stress Pasadena City Hall wedding or elopement, with insider photo tips, real timelines, permit truths, and “wish-I-knew-that-earlier” advice.

The Quick Take: Pasadena City Hall is stunning, affordable to photograph, central to everything, and public. That means you’ll get jaw-dropping architecture...plus dog walkers, prom groups, and the occasional Parks & Rec fan reenacting a Leslie Knope speech. (Yes, this is Pawnee City Hall—at least on TV. More on that in a second.)

Pasadena City Hall Wedding Photos

Why Pasadena City Hall Is So Special (and Why TV Loves It)

• Film-famous & instantly iconic. Pasadena City Hall stands in for Pawnee City Hall in Parks and Recreation. Those exteriors you know and love were filmed right here.
• Design that photographs like a dream. The 1927 landmark is timeless. It blends Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean influences. Arches frame your ceremony, the rotunda wraps your portraits, and the warm stone sings at golden hour. The City itself describes it as influenced by early Renaissance and Palladian style, finished in 1927.
• One location, multiple looks. Courtyard with fountain, colonnades, the grand arch on Garfield Avenue, stairwells, second-story balconies (availability varies), and tree-lined edges. Your photo gallery will look like five locations in one.

Can You Actually Get Married at Pasadena City Hall?

Short answer: Yes, but with nuance.

• The City of Pasadena doesn’t perform civil ceremonies. CCivil ceremonies and marriage licenses are handled by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. You’ll secure the legal part with the County and then celebrate and photograph at City Hall. You can get your marriage license here.

If you are looking for a courthouse that DOES perform civil ceremonies and is a one & done shop, I recommend checking out the Beverly Hills Courthouse Guide or the Santa Barbara Courthouse Guide.

• Formal set-ups require a City Hall rental/permit. If you want seating, décor, amplification, or a private feel, you’ll be looking at a Courtyard/Rotunda rental through the City’s Parks, Recreation & Community Services Special Events team. There’s a 4-hour minimum for wedding ceremonies, set hours, and some blackout dates (holiday moratorium). Details on that can be found here.
• Simple vow exchange? Many couples choose a minimalist approach: skip décor, and treat it like portraits + vows in a public space.

How much is It to Have a Ceremony at Pasadena City Hall?

For a Quick Vow Exchange:

If you are using it just for photos and quick vows without any guests, you can most likely get away with having a very short, discreet ceremony free of charge. Keep in mind, this would look like more of a vow exchange, then a formal ceremony, but any couples prefer to do this. It's super beautiful and intimate.

For a More Formal Ceremony:

If you're planning on having a larger ceremony with several guests, you'll need to reserve the space (more details on this below!) The courtyard can be reserved here and the cost can range from about $400 - $1,200. This will privatize the space for your ceremony and allow you to bring in items (decor, seating for your guests, music, etc.) It also allows couples to take photos on the stairwells and bridge, which is usually not allowed.

Keep in mind that without a reservation, Pasadena City Hall gets extremely crowded with other guests + photographers using it for engagement sessions, Quincenera shoots, family sessions, proposals, wedding party photos, etc. So the reservation is absolutely worth it considering the space is so gorgeous.

Approximate Cost Estimates for Pasadena City Hall Weddings

Here’s a streamlined breakdown to place in your blog post—clear, human-coded, and rooted in the latest data:

• Marriage License & In‑County Civil Ceremony (LA County):
  • Public Marriage License: $91
  • Civil Ceremony: $35
  • Optional witness: $20
  • Deputy Commissioner for a Day (if you want a friend to officiate): $75
• Photography/Commercial Permit (Film Office):
  • Around $79 per hour for professional stills
• City Hall Courtyard/Rotunda Rental (with setup/cleanup):
  • Pasadena resident/commercial: approx $400–$1,200 per hour (4‑hour minimum)

How to Get Married at Pasadena City Hall: The Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, now let’s break this down into actionable steps so you can get your dream wedding on the books.

Step 1: Determine if You’ll Need to Make a Reservation for Your Ceremony

Whether or not you'll need to make a reservation is dependent on 1 factor:

• Whether you're having a very low key vow exchange with just you two and your photographer or a micro wedding, with guests, an officiant, a photographer, etc.

Pasadena City Hall is a public space making it free for all to use. However, it is also home to several offices and there is security, so a ceremony can't be held without a reservation.

They are EXTREMELY strict about this and if they see a ceremony taking place (even if it's just a few people) they will stop it mid ceremony.

It's not a pleasant experience for couples, so I absolutely recommend reserving the space if you're planning on having any guests beyond you two & your photographer.

If you plan to have guests:

• Your Pasadena ceremony reservation can be obtained HERE. This reservation will privatize the space so that you have the entire space to yourselves for the ceremony! This will also allow you to bring in external items, such as decor, seating for your guests, etc. It will also allow you take photos on the balcony and stairwells!

If you plan to have a vow renewal with just you two and the photographer:

• In this case, you should be able to have a short & sweet vow exchange, followed by photos without any problems.
• Keep in mind, this is not a guarantee. However, based on my experience, vow exchanges with just the couple & photographer have gone very smoothly and make for a really beautiful experience!

STEP 2: If You are Reserving the Space, Make Your Reservation Below

A reservation can be made here.

Pros of Making a Reservation:

• The ENTIRE space of Pasadena City Hall will be yours for your guests and ceremony. This allows for an intimate and private ceremony.
• It gives one the ability to bring in items like florals, decor, seating, music, etc.
• It also allows couples to take photos on the stairwells and bridge, which is usually not allowed.

Key Points to Keep in mInd if Reserving the Space:

• No items in the fountain (including flower petals)
• No attaching décor to lamps or landscaping, and amplified sound must follow placement and noise rules.
• Loading/unloading: It’s curbside on Garfield Avenue—vehicles cannot drive onto the courtyard or sidewalk

STEP 3: Choose Your Ceremony Date (My Recommendations Below)

• If you're NOT reserving the space: I 100% recommend a Monday - Friday date. This is because Pasadena City Hall gets extremely crowded on weekends. On the weekends, all of the weddings taking place in nearby cities use Pasadena City Hall as the backdrop for their wedding party photos.

• If you ARE reserving the space: I'd recommend a weekend date, as the courtyard will be privatized for you, meaning you'll have intimacy regardless. I also believe Pasadena City Hall doesn't charge more for weekend dates, vs week dates. So it's worth it to book a weekend, making it easier for more guests to attend.

Can I Have My Ceremony on Any Day?

No. One thing to note is that Pasadena City Hall is used for private and large scale events fairly often. Please check their calendar to ensure there aren't any events taking place on the day you're looking to have your ceremony. If there is an event, they guard the entire building off making it impossible to access.

STEP 4: Choose Your Ceremony Time Based on Your Preferences

If you aren't reserving the space AND prioritize intimacy and an empty space:

• Early Morning (Before 8:30 AM): Fewer crowds, soft + pretty light, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Note: Pasadena City Hall is the most crowded on weekends or weekdays the 2-3 hours before sunset.

If you prioritize amazing, golden light:

• Golden Hour (2 Hours Before Sunset): That dreamy, golden, romantic lighting

I recommend googling the time the sunset will be on the day you want to have your ceremony and use that to gage what time the light will be best. Keep in mind, there is always going to be more people during golden hour, compromising intimacy. By "more people," I mean A LOT of people. Pasadena City Hall is a SUPER popular place for photography.

The Best Times for Light, Fewer Crowds, and Maximum Wow

• Sunrise (yes, really): Soft light, near-empty courtyard, and calm energy. Best for couples who want privacy and are okay with early alarms.
• Golden Hour to Twilight: This time reveals that warm, cinematic glow. However, note that this also the time Pasadena City Hall is the most crowded.
• Weekdays > Weekends: If you’re eloping, weekday mornings help avoid wedding parties, quince shoots, and prom groups.
• Seasonal note: Summers run very hot in Pasadena; plan shade breaks under the colonnade and bring water. Winters are lovely; just add a light wrap or jacket for comfort between takes.

HOT TIP About Light

Pasadena City Hall gets darker earlier! This is because it's surrounded by buildings, which means a lot of the light is blocked. With this in mind, if you're going for an evening golden hour ceremony, you'll want to start your ceremony a minimum of 2 hours before sunset. This will also ensure enough time for portraits while the sun is still out.

Other Ceremony Location Options that Don't Require a Reservation

If you aren't keen on reserving the space for Pasadena City Hall, there are other areas to have a ceremony at in Pasadena that are very close to Pasadena City Hall.

These spaces would be good for very intimate (around 10 people or less) elopements where guests stand around you during the ceremony. After your ceremony, you can take portraits at Pasadena City Hall.

Some options very close to Pasadena City Hall include:

• Across the street from Pasadena City Hall
• Arlington Garden (the cutest garden that has a "secret garden, whimsical vibe)
• Ambassador Mansions and Gardens

Step 5: Create Your Timeline

Insider Itineraries You Can Copy/Paste

Elopement + Brunch (Weekday)

1. County civil ceremony mid-morning (fast and sweet). LA Vote
2. Head to Pasadena City Hall for portraits & personal vows (no décor).
3. Celebrate with brunch in Old Pasadena (walkable).

Sunset Micro-Wedding (No Décor)

1. Meet an 2 hours before sunset for portraits.
2. Exchange vows under the rotunda as the light softens.
3. Drive 5 minutes to dinner with family—done.

Formal Courtyard Ceremony (With Rental)

1. Set chairs under the City’s guidelines; sound check with the monitor. City of Pasadena
2. Ceremony timed ~2 hours before sunset → portraits in golden light.
3. Cocktail hour photos in the colonnade, then off to your reception nearby.

Look at photos from elopements captured at Pasadena City Hall below to get a better idea of what your ceremony can look like!

Step 6: Get Your Marriage License

Before you walk down the aisle (or grand staircase), you’ll need a marriage license. Here’s what you need to know:

• You can obtain your marriage license at any California County Clerk’s office.
• Both of you need to be present, bring valid ID, and be ready to pay the fee (which ranges from $61 to $91 depending on the county).
• There’s no waiting period, so you can get married the same day if you want!
• The license is valid for 90 days, so plan accordingly.

You can apply for your Pasadena marriage license HERE.

STEP 6. Book Your Vendors

Vendors for Pasadena City Hall weddings or elopements typically include the following:

• An officiant (Couples often use a friend or family member for this as one can get ordained online in a day it using someone you know as the officiant will make the ceremony more personal).
• Your photographer (Please don't skip on this. Memories get hazy. These will transport you back to the day and serve as an heirloom for you family.)
• A florist for your bouquet
• Hair and Makeup Artist

Take a look at an elopement ceremony that took place at Pasadena City Hall below

STEP 7: Provide Your Guests With the Following Details

• Pasadena City Hall is wheelchair accessible
• Tell your guests to arrive at least 20 minutes before the actual ceremony start time. I can't stress this enough. Traffic in LA can be terrible. One accident on the freeway can delay arrival times by 30 minutes or more.
• Inform them about Pasadena City Hall parking. Pasadena City Hall is located at 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. There is metered parking surrounding the area!
• Pasadena City Hall's restrooms are closed on weekends, unless a reservation is made. Otherwise, they have very nice, spacious, and accessible restrooms open Monday - Friday.
• If it's a summer day, have your guests bring water. Pasadena gets very hot.

STEP 8: Make Plans for After Your Ceremony!

Below are my personal favorite restaurants for a post Pasadena Courthouse Wedding or Elopement!

Nancy Meyers Inspired

• Julienne Fine Foods (Do you ever wish you were on the set of a Nancy Meyers or Nora Ephron film? I've probably seen "You've Got Mail" and "The Holiday" over 20 times now. This place feels like that. It is enchanting. It's the perfect brunch spot!

Intimate Dinner

• The Arbour Incredible farm to table food, romantic, allows couples to rent out a separate space for their intimate event)

• Cafe Santorini (Perhaps my favorite restaurant in Pasadena. Delicious mediterranean food with a romantic atmosphere and twinkling lights. This place books up fast, so book in advance).

Outdoor Celebration

• The Langham Huntington (Luxury garden setting)

What You’ll Need (The Quick Checklist)

Legal & People

• Marriage license (County) + ceremony plan (civil at County or your own officiant). LA Vote
• If a friend will officiate: apply for Deputy Commissioner for a Day early. LA Vote
• Two witnesses (unless you do a confidential license or County provides one for a fee). LA Vote

City Hall / Event

• Decide: minimal vows (no décor) vs. formal setup (chairs, sound, private-ish feel).
• If formal: submit Courtyard/Rotunda application, heed holiday moratorium, and watch hours. City of Pasadena

Logistics

• Parking plan (nearby garages). Old PasadenaVisit Pasadena
• Weather plan (shade/water in summer; wraps in winter).
• Micro-speaker for a private vow exchange (if not amplifying).

Fun Extras

These are totally not necessary, but they are a fun way to customize your elopement.

• Small cake for a lil cake cutting at the end of your ceremony
• Champagne for you and your new husband/wife to pop and enjoy post ceremony
• Vintage car
• Veil, chic purse, bouquet and boutonniere (often completes the outfits)
• A favorite song on hand that I can play on my phone and you two can dance to at some point during your photos

Quick Links to the Official Stuff (So You Don’t Have to Google Later)

• City of Pasadena (City Hall page & contacts)—address and background. City of Pasadena
• City Courtyard/Rotunda Rental Application—hours, rules, fees snapshot, holiday moratorium, staffing. City of Pasadena
• City Film Office—commercial photo permits; plan ~5 business days. City of Pasadena
• City Events/FAQ (photography contact)—who to call for wedding/private photography at City Hall. City of Pasadena
• LA County RR/CC—marriage license + civil ceremonies + posted fees. LA Vote+1
• Deputy for a Day—have your favorite human officiate legally

Few “Glad We Knew” Nuggets

• Keep it simple. City Hall works best when you let the architecture lead—small florals, a clean aisle, and timeless attire.
• Weekday, earlier = calmer. Sunrise or a Tuesday/Wednesday late afternoon wins for privacy.
• Add 15 minutes. Between congratulatory strangers and that last “just one more” archway shot, buffer time keeps you relaxed.
• Bring walking shoes. We cover ground for variety; swap into heels right before photos.
• Backup plan: If rain sneaks in, the arcades still photograph beautifully—clear umbrellas look cute and let light pass onto the subject's face.

What About Privacy? (Honest Answer: Manage, Don’t Fight It)

Even with a rental, City Hall remains a public venue, and the City makes that clear. Staff can help with flow and sound compliance, but total exclusivity isn’t promised. Rather than fight it, we plan smart: schedule for lower-traffic windows, keep your guest list tight, and use the architecture to frame out passersby. It works beautifully—I do it every week.

FAQS I Get All the Time

Can Pasadena City Hall marry us onsite?

No—the City doesn’t perform civil ceremonies. You’ll use LA County (license + optional civil ceremony), or bring your own officiant (friend, clergy, etc.).

If you are looking for a courthouse that DOES perform civil ceremonies and is a one & done shop, I recommend checking out the Beverly Hills Courthouse Guide or the Santa Barbara Courthouse Guide.

We want chairs, decors, and music. What then?

Rent the Courtyard/Rotunda through the City. Expect a 4-hour minimum, staffing, posted fees, and specific hours. Book early—processing time and holiday moratorium apply

Where do guests park?

Use nearby public garages (Old Pasadena Park & Walk or Convention Center/Marengo); check current rates. We’ll include parking info on your invite/website.

We want a courthouse that performs civil ceremonies. What then?

If you prefer to get married at a city hall that is one & done, in the sense that it performs civil ceremonies on site by providing their own officiant, the following two SoCal Courthouse options are great. Check out my guides on how to elope at those city halls below!

Beverly Hills Courthouse

Santa Barbara Courthouse

Can our friend officiate legally?

Yes. LA County’s Deputy Commissioner for a Day program deputizes someone for one day to marry you—good anywhere in California. Start early to hit training and mail timelines.

What about noise and decor rules?

Be mindful: amplified sound has placement rules, nothing attaches to lamps/landscaping, and the fountain is hands-off. City monitors can stop non-compliant setups.

Can We Bring Our Pet?

I don't see why this would be an issue! Feel free to bring your pet and have them be a part of your intimate ceremony! :)

Is Pasadena City Hall WheelChair Accessible?

Yes, thankfully it is!

Can We Have a Reception at Pasadena City Hall?

While Pasadena City Hall is primarily used for ceremonies, it may be possible to host a small reception on the grounds. Contact the Special Events office to discuss options and any additional fees or restrictions that may apply.

Is Parking Available for Guests?

Yes, there is parking available near Pasadena City Hall. However, availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to provide guests with information about nearby parking options and any associated fees.

Hotels Near Pasadena City Hall

Perhaps you have guests traveling to attend your Pasadena City Hall wedding! Below are my personal hotel recommendations around the area!

• The Westin Pasadena - This hotel is right across the street from Pasadena City Hall. It's literally a two minute walk away! I always recommend this hotel if couples are traveling from out of town. Staying so close to Pasadena City Hall will make everything very simple and stress free on your wedding day!
• Langham Huntington, Pasadena - This hotel is luxurious and gorgeous! If you want an amazing experience, this is the hotel to stay at in Pasadena! Keep in mind that this hotel is about a 10 minute drive from Pasadena City Hall as its located in South Pasadena.
• Hyatt Place Pasadena - This hotel is about a 5 minute drive from Pasadena City Hall, however it's located in old town Pasadena, meaning you'll be close to A TON of restaurants, bookstores, shopping, etc. If you're staying in Pasadena for the weekend and want to easily explore the area, this is the hotel to stay at!

Wedding Venues Near Pasadena City Hall

You may want to integrate the beauty of City Hall Pasadena into your wedding day somehow, but perhaps you're still looking for a wedding venue for a larger wedding reception.

In this case, Pasadena City Hall can be used for your ceremony or some portraits, while a nearby wedding venue can be used for your reception. Below are some of my personal favorites. The great news is that they are all very close to Pasadena City Hall.

You can view my list of the 50 most unique Pasadena wedding venues below!

List of 50 Unique Pasadena Wedding Venues

Ready for Beautiful, Effortless Photos?

If this guide helped, imagine what we can do together on your actual day. I’ll handle timelines, light, and photo locations; you two just show up and be very, very in love.

Send your date + a rough plan (elopement, micro-wedding, or full ceremony), and I’ll build a custom timeline that fits the light, your guest count, and your style.

Inquire about photography for Your Pasadena City Hall Wedding!

GET IN TOUCH!