Courthouse Wedding Checklist
Courthouse Wedding Checklist: What to Bring for a Ventura & Los Angeles Civil Ceremony (Real Brides’ Regrets)
Planning a courthouse wedding in Ventura, Los Angeles, or Orange County is beautifully simple however the smallest details are often the easiest to forget that is why this Courthouse Wedding Checklist: What to Bring for a Ventura & Los Angeles Civil Ceremony (Real Brides’ Regrets) will be helpful for your special day!
After photographing 100+ civil ceremonies across Southern California, I’ve seen exactly what couples wish they had brought, especially at busy locations like Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and more relaxed settings like Ventura County Government Center.
This guide combines a practical checklist for you to follow, real bride insights, and local tips so you can feel fully prepared walking into your courthouse wedding.
What to Bring to a Courthouse Wedding (Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange County Checklist)
If you’re planning a civil ceremony in Southern California, this is your essential checklist:
- Marriage license (California county-issued)
- Valid photo IDs for the two of you
- Witness (if required)- we also love to act as the witness if you are keeping your guest list to just the two of you
- Wedding rings
- Printed vows or notes
- Bouquet or simple florals- real florals is always the best in our opinion for photos!
- Comfortable shoes or backup pair
- Touch-up kit (lipstick, powder, hair pins)
- Appointment confirmation
- Payment for any fees
- Small photo details (rings, perfume, invitation), these always add to the story of your day when we’re documenting the images
Popular Courthouse Wedding Locations in Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange County
If you’re still choosing your location, these are some of the most common civil ceremony spots couples book:
- Ventura County Government Center
- Santa Barbara Courthouse (popular nearby alternative)
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
- Pasadena City Hall
- Beverly Hills City Hall
- Laguna Hills Civic Center
- Old Orange County Courthouse
- Santa Barbara Courthouse
If you’re deciding between locations, you may also like:
- How to Get Married at the Beverly Hills Courthouse (Cost, Timeline + Photo Tips)
- When is the best time for photos at the Pasadena City Hall
Things Brides Wish They Brought to Their Courthouse Wedding
A Bouquet for Photos
Even simple ceremonies feel more elevated with florals, they really make the photos a little more elevated too. At places like Pasadena City Hall, a bouquet instantly transforms your whole look of the day and gives you something to hold onto plus adds a little character and charm.
Related: Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Checklist: What you need to know for the big day
Comfortable Shoes (or a Second Pair)
Courthouse weddings often include walking between parking, waiting areas, and photo spots…the Beverly Hills Courthouse is a great example of this. You start at the 4th floor of the courthouse then walk about 5 minutes to the Beverly Hills Civic Center to capture those amazing photos. This is a nice little break for your feet if you are wearing heels.
This is especially true in LA locations like Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
A Touch-Up Kit
Between nerves, waiting, and California weather, makeup rarely lasts perfectly all day, I think most of the ladies understand this dilemma. Always best to have backup on your special day!
A small kit keeps you ready without stress.
Printed Vows or Personal Notes
Even short ceremonies feel more meaningful when couples exchange something written. This could be done in the ceremony if you ask the officiant or we have a lot of couples do this privately for a photo opportunity or just with their close friends and family.
It really creates emotion filled photography moments to help document and tell your story of this special, sweet intimate day.
Rings in One Safe Place
One of the most common last-minute panic moments is misplaced rings. There have been so many times that couples forgot to either bring their rings to the location or mis place them.
A dedicated ring box solves this instantly and plus there are so many cute ones that can be a perfect touch to your photos!
Small Photo Details
Courthouse weddings are simple but your photos don’t have to be! In fact, they shouldn’t be!
Don’t forget to bring details like:
- Perfume
- Doggies!- yes this is one that a lot of our couples love to bring and it makes for the cutest wedding photos!
- Jewelry
- Invitation suite
They really add to your gallery and make it feel like a more official day with details like these.
Water (Especially for Los Angeles Weddings)
LA courthouses can involve waiting, walking, and warm weather.
Hydration matters more than couples expect, just always a great idea to stay hydrated and have all the necessities with you.
A Light Layer
Even in Southern California, indoor courthouses can be cold.
A neutral blazer or wrap keeps your look clean and comfortable and also adds for some variations to your photos.
A Simple Timeline
Even a loose plan helps your day feel smooth:
- Arrival
- Ceremony
- Portraits afterward
I am always here to help with this portion if you ever have any questions!
Someone to Celebrate With
Even one witness or close friend changes the entire emotional tone of the day. If eloping is more your thing, that is totally fine! However, we have couples who thought they couldn’t bring a certain number of guests and often times they’re surprised to see that most people bring a few family members and a few friends, sometimes a good sized group. It makes it fun to have your closest people near you on this special day. Also a plus to have these moments documented to have for the future of you and your people!
Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange County Courthouse Wedding Requirements
Before your ceremony, make sure you’ve covered the basics:
- Obtain a California marriage license
- Bring valid photo ID
- Confirm appointment requirements
- Check witness rules by county
- Prepare payment for ceremony fees
Ventura County weddings (like at Ventura County Government Center) tend to feel more relaxed, while Los Angeles and OC ceremonies require more planning due to volume and scheduling.
Related blogs to check out:
- How to Get Married at a Ventura Courthouse
- Do I Need an Appointment to Get Married at the Laguna Hills Civic Center?
What You Don’t Need for a Courthouse Wedding
One of the best parts of a courthouse wedding is simplicity. It truly makes your day so much smoother and calm.
You won’t be needing:
- A large guest list
- Heavy décor- the beauty of the buildings is perfect for photos
- Overcomplicated timelines
- Traditional wedding stress..yay!
How to Make Your Courthouse Wedding Feel Special
Even simple ceremonies can feel intentional and elevated.
A few meaningful upgrades that will take your courthouse wedding to the next level:
- Bring florals or a bouquet (real ones are the best!)
- Choose an outfit that feels like you
- Plan time for portraits after the ceremony
- Celebrate somewhere meaningful nearby
You may also be interested in these blogs:
Our Final Thoughts on Courthouse Wedding Planning
Your courthouse wedding may be simple however the details you bring shape the entire experience and how it will feel on this special day.
By learning from what real brides wish they had packed, you can avoid common regrets and create a day that feels effortless, meaningful, and fully present for you two.
Save This Courthouse Wedding Checklist
If you’re planning a courthouse wedding in Ventura, Los Angeles or Orange County, save this guide so you don’t forget the small details that make a big difference. Just because it is a smaller day doesn’t mean you need to make it less meaningful and pretty!
If you have any questions about getting married at the courthouse, we are here to help! These are our favorite days to document and we have so much experience in capturing California Courthouse weddings. Reach out below if interested!
