The Top Courthouse Wedding Locations in Los Angeles
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Los Angeles, there are surprisingly different options depending on the vibe you want. Some courthouses feel romantic and European-inspired, while others lean modern, coastal, historic, or editorial.
Here are some of the best courthouse wedding locations in Los Angeles and Southern California for intimate weddings and elopements.
Which Courthouse Wedding Location Is Right for You?
I go into greater detail on each courthouse below, but here is a quick overview:
Beverly Hills Courthouse
Editorial and stylish with elegant Art Deco architecture and iconic Beverly Hills surroundings
Pasadena City Hall
Romantic and European-inspired with arches, fountains, and timeless historic charm
Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Urban and cinematic with a classic downtown Los Angeles courthouse feel
Santa Barbara Courthouse
Spanish Colonial architecture with mountain views, epic murals, gardens, and a destination-style atmosphere
Old Orange County Courthouse
Historic and vintage-inspired with dramatic staircases and old-world character
Laguna Beach Civic Center
Relaxed and coastal with ocean views and a laid-back Southern California vibe
Beverly Hills Courthouse
- Best for: Stylish, iconic Los Angeles courthouse weddings
- Ideal for couples wanting a fashionable Los Angeles courthouse wedding experience
- Vibe: Elegant, upscale, editorial with an Art Deco style
Why couples love it:
- One of the most popular courthouse wedding locations in Los Angeles
- Beverly Hills City Hall is just a short walk away for portraits
- Surrounded by luxury hotels, restaurants, and palm-lined streets
- Perfect for chic, modern elopements
- The officiants are really kind (I’ve shot over 100 weddings there, all of them have been wonderful!)
Things to know:
- The ceremony room itself feels DMV like, so that’s why couples always walk to the iconic Beverly Hills City Hall after for photos.
- Permit Fees: There’s a small photography permit fee for shooting at the City Hall building.
- Ceremonies can only be booked up to 3 weeks out
Pasadena City Hall
- Best for: Romantic European-inspired architecture
- Vibe: Historic, soft, timeless
Why couples love it:
- Gorgeous arches, fountains, courtyards, and staircases
- One of the most photogenic elopement locations near Los Angeles
- Feels cinematic and romantic
Things to know:
- Pasadena City Hall is not a courthouse that performs legal ceremonies, so couples bring their own officiant
- Permit Fees: There’s a small photography permit fee for shooting here (I have a yearly permit for this specific location, so I’ll have that covered!)
- Ceremony Space Rental Fee: Ceremonies require the space to be rented out. This means you’ll get all of Pasadena City Hall to yourself!
Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Downtown Los Angeles)
- Best for: A true downtown Los Angeles courthouse wedding
- Vibe: Urban, classic civic architecture
Why couples love it:
- Traditional courthouse wedding experience
- Located near Grand Park and downtown skyline views
- Convenient for couples already living in Los Angeles
Things to know:
- Less visually romantic than Beverly Hills or Pasadena
- Busy downtown environment
- Ideal for couples wanting a simple and authentic courthouse wedding in Los Angeles
Santa Barbara Courthouse
- Best for: Spanish-style destination courthouse weddings
- Vibe: Coastal, historic, romantic
Why couples love it:
- One of the most beautiful courthouses in California
- Stunning tilework, gardens, arches, and mountain views
- Perfect for both elopements and intimate weddings
Things to know:
- About two hours from Los Angeles
- Does NOT require a permit
- Very popular with tourists, especially on weekends. Monday – Thursday are the best days for a ceremony.
- Ideal for couples wanting a destination-style courthouse wedding without leaving Southern California
Old Orange County Courthouse
- Best for: Historic architecture and vintage charm
- Vibe: Timeless, formal, historic
Why couples love it:
- Beautiful interior architecture and staircases
- Unique historic feel compared to newer courthouses
- Great indoor portrait opportunities
Things to know:
- Less outdoor scenery nearby
- More traditional government-building atmosphere
- Gets extremely crowded during the day, picking an ideal time is key (early morning)
- Ideal for couples wanting a classic courthouse wedding aesthetic
Laguna Beach Civic Center
- Best for: Coastal Orange County elopements
- Vibe: Relaxed, modern, beachy
Why couples love it:
- Ocean nearby for portraits
- Natural light and coastal scenery
- More relaxed atmosphere than traditional courthouses
Things to know:
- Laguna Beach City Hall and the Civic Center are part of the same general civic complex where ceremonies are often performed
- Less dramatic architecture compared to Beverly Hills or Pasadena
- Ideal for couples wanting a laid-back Southern California courthouse wedding near the beach
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a simple courthouse wedding in Los Angeles or a more elaborate Southern California elopement, each location offers a completely different experience. From the iconic Beverly Hills Courthouse to the romantic Santa Barbara Courthouse, there’s a courthouse wedding location for every style and atmosphere.
If you’re currently planning your courthouse wedding Los Angeles celebration, you can also read my full guides on:
Beverly Hills Courthouse weddings
Santa Barbara Courthouse weddings