5 STEPS FOR GETTING MARRIED AT THE OLD ORANGE County COURTHOUSE

Getting married at the Old Santa Ana Courthouse doesn't have to be confusing. Get the details for planning your courthouse wedding below.

5 STEPS FOR GETTING MARRIED AT THE OLD ORANGE COUNTY COURTHOUSE

UPDATE as of March 29, 2023

The historic Old Orange County Courthouse, located in Santa Ana, California, is a beautiful and unique location to tie the knot. Built in 1901, this stunning building is full of history and architectural detail that will make your wedding day even more special. If you're considering getting married at this iconic venue, there are a few important steps you'll need to take to ensure everything goes smoothly. In this blog post, we'll outline the five essential steps to help you plan your Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, also known as the Old Santa Ana Courthouse. From obtaining your marriage license to booking your ceremony, we've got you covered. So, let's get started!

Learn about Christopher Todd Studios' Orange County elopement photography.

couple signing marriage certificate in the orange county clerk recorder office in santa ana

1. Choose Your Date

Your first step is to decide on the date you want to elope.

The OC courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8 am -4:30 pm
Walk-in services are available on a first come first serve basis, appointments are highly recommended and have priority.
Complete Your Application and Make an Appointment online.
To request a marriage license and appointment online Link here

Read more here on how to avoid busy times.

bride and groom wearing black for elopement

2. What You Need To Bring

There are 3 important items you must bring to get married.

Appear in person: Both parties have to appear in person at the courthouse. Both individuals must be able to read, speak, and understand English. If not, the couple must bring a witness who can also serve as a translator to have a ceremony performed. The department does not provide translation services.
Valid I.Ds: Be sure to bring a valid form of government-issued photo I.D. for both parties. A current driver’s license or a passport. Your I.D. must be shown to the Orange County Clerk-recorder’s office to apply for your marriage license. Both individuals have to show their I.D
Proof of divorce or death of a spouse: If divorced within the last 90 days, must provide a copy of the divorce decree.
If spouse is deceased within the previous 90 days, must provide a certified copy of the death certificate.

bride and groom walking out of Old Orange County Courthouse holding hands up just married

3. Don't Forget A Witness

Important* The court WILL NOT provide a witness for you.

Witness. Don’t forget your witness.
You must bring a witness to sign the marriage license and be present at the ceremony.
This can be any person you choose.
Even the photographer you hire can be your witness.
The OC Clerks' office will not provide one for you. They must be able to sign the marriage license.
There is no age requirement in the state of California. However, they have to be able to read, speak, and understand English.

Looking for another elopement location in California? See why Laguna Beach City Hall is another favorite for a Laguna Beach courthouse wedding

Bride and groom eloping at the old orange county courthouse in santa ana

eloping couple standing on the steps in front of the old orange county courthouse

4. Know The Fees

There are 2 fees that will need to pay in person at the courthouse.

Marriage license fee: The current fee is $61 for a public marriage license or $66 for a confidential marriage license.
A public marriage license becomes a public record, and anyone can request an informational copy. This license can be used anywhere in the State of California.

Confidential Marriage License
A confidential marriage license becomes a confidential record, and the only people able to obtain information about it are the couple, except by special court order. The requirements to obtain this type of license are: Couples must be living together prior to the marriage.
This license can be used anywhere in the State of California.
The ceremony fee This fee is $28
Acceptable forms of payment: Cash, personal check, cashier's check, and most major credit cards. Be sure to always check the website for up-to-date fees.

couple in old orange county courthouse ceremony room standing under decoritive arch

5. Civil Ceremony

All marriage ceremonies will be performed in one of the ceremony rooms.

The ceremony is 5 minutes long. No joke.
A civil non-sectarian ceremony will be performed by a Deputy Commissioner of Marriage.
Civil ceremonies are available by appointment and walk-ins. Book your ceremony appointment here.
For couples looking to obtain a public marriage license and have a ceremony, a maximum of ten guests are allowed to attend a wedding ceremony.
For couples looking to obtain a confidential marriage license and have a ceremony, a maximum of ten guests are allowed to attend a wedding ceremony.
For couples who have already purchased a confidential marriage license and are looking to have a marriage ceremony performed, only the couple can be present.

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getting-married-old-orange-county-courthouse

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FAQ

Some of our most frequently asked questions from couples planning an Orange County Courthouse wedding?

How to get married at courthouse Orange County?

If you're looking to get married at an Orange County Courthouse, here are a few essential steps to follow:

Obtain a Marriage License: The first step must complete the Orange County marriage license online application prior to visiting any of the OC offices. Online application website. Appointments are highly recommended and can be made online. You can obtain a marriage license from any California County Clerk's office. The Orange County Clerk-Recorder's office has several locations throughout the county where you can obtain your marriage license.
Schedule Your Ceremony: Walk-ins are based on first come first serve with priority given to couples who have an appointment.
Marriage Ceremonies Update: Currently, civil marriage ceremonies are only being performed for couples who obtained their marriage license from the Office of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department.
Appear in person.
The couple must provide at least one witness if they are having a marriage ceremony performed at any of our available locations after having obtained a public marriage license.
A marriage ceremony will not be performed if a couple does not have a witness present who can sign their public marriage license and who can physically witness the marriage ceremony.
Both individuals must be able to read, speak and understand English. If not, the couples must bring a sole witness who is able to translate to obtain a license and to have a ceremony performed.

By following these essential steps, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony at an Orange County Courthouse.

How much is a civil ceremony in Orange County?

Civil non-sectarian wedding ceremonies are $28. There are currently 3 branches where ceremonies can be performed at

North County Branch Office in Anaheim
South County Branch Office in the Laguna Hills Civic Center
The Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana.

A marriage license must be purchased prior to the ceremony; please click here for further information on obtaining a marriage license. Both individuals must be able to read, speak, and understand English. If not, the couple must bring a witness who can also serve as a translator to have a ceremony performed. The department does not provide translation services.

It's also worth noting that the cost of a civil ceremony at an Orange County Courthouse is separate from the cost of obtaining a marriage license, which is a requirement for getting married in California. The cost of a public marriage license in Orange County is currently $61.

What documents do you need to get married at the courthouse in California?

To get married at a courthouse in California, you will need to bring several documents with you when you apply for a marriage license. Here are the essential documents you will need:

Valid Identification: You will need to bring valid government-issued identification, such as a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID.
Proof of Age: Applicants must be over 18 years old.
Proof of Divorce or Death: If divorced within the last 90 days, provide a copy of the divorce decree. If the spouse is deceased within the previous 90 days, provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
Payment: You will need to pay a fee to obtain a marriage license. The fee varies depending on the county, but in Orange County, the fee is currently $61. Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit card, check, cashier's check, and/or money order. Make checks and money orders payable to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.

It's important to note that the requirements for getting married at a courthouse in California may vary slightly by county. It's always best to check with the county clerk's office or the courthouse directly to confirm the specific requirements in your area.

Where do I get a marriage license in Orange County CA?

Online Marriage License Application

To obtain an Orange County marriage license you must first fill out the online marriage license application. This is your first step towards obtaining your official marriage license.

Once you have applied online, you may pick it up at any of the three Orange County marriage license locations; Anaheim City Centre, the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, or Laguna Hills.

You have 90 days from the date your online application is submitted for both parties to appear together in person to complete and obtain an official marriage license.

Do you need an appointment for a marriage license in Orange County?

Marriage licenses are now available for both walk-in service and by appointment. While some counties in California require an appointment to apply for a marriage license, Orange County does not require an appointment to obtain a marriage license. You can simply walk into one of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's offices during their regular business hours and apply for a marriage license.

However, you must first fill out the marriage license application online before you go to the clerk's office. You can also make an appointment for a wedding ceremony if you want to have a civil ceremony performed at one of the courthouses in Orange County.

It's always a good idea to check the hours of operation and any specific requirements before you go to apply for a marriage license. You can visit the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's website or call their offices for more information.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Orange County CA?

The process of obtaining a marriage license in Orange County, CA typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, assuming you have all the necessary documents and information with you when you apply. The county clerk's office will process your application, collect the necessary fees, and issue your marriage license on the spot, assuming everything is in order.

Additionally, the marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued, so you will need to plan your wedding accordingly.

Can I apply for a California marriage license online?

The first step to acquiring your marriage license is to fill out the online marriage license application. After this is complete you must appear in person to complete the process.

To obtain a marriage license in California, you must appear in person at a county clerk's office and complete the application process in person.

Couples must complete their marriage application online prior to visiting any of our offices.
Couples must present valid government-issued photo identification at their appointment.

It's also worth noting that some counties in California offer an online appointment scheduling system for a marriage license and civil ceremony services. This can help reduce wait times and ensure that you have a designated time to complete your application or ceremony. Again, you should check with the county clerk's office where you plan to apply for more information on their specific procedures and requirements.

How do I get married in California the same day?

It is possible to get married in California on the same day, but it will depend on a few factors, including availability and timing. Here are the steps you can take to increase your chances of getting married in California on the same day:

Obtain a Marriage License: Before you can get married in California, you will need to obtain a marriage license. To do this on the same day, you will need to go to the county clerk's office in person to apply for the license. You will need to bring valid identification and payment for the license fee.
Check Availability: Once you have obtained your marriage license, you will need to check availability for a ceremony. Many courthouses in California offer same-day marriage services, but it's always best to check ahead of time to ensure availability. You can call the courthouse or check their website to find out more information.

By following these steps and being flexible with your timing and ceremony preferences, you may be able to get married in California on the same day. However, it's important to note that availability and requirements may vary by county, so it's always best to check with the county clerk's office or courthouse directly for specific information.

Have more questions? Get in touch with us to start planning your elopement today.

Meet Your Santa Ana Courthouse Wedding Photographer

Call Me Chris

I won't bore you with too many details, but I will say that I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to merge my passion and career.

A couple of quick things about me personally. I was born and raised in Orange County. I currently live with my family near Huntington Beach where I love to surf or be in the ocean with my boys.

My passions include art, traveling, and of course photography.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER

Meet Your Santa Ana Courthouse Wedding Photographer

Call Me Chris

I won't bore you with too many details, but I will say that I consider myself to be the luckiest guy in the world and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to merge my passion and career.

A couple of quick things about me personally. I was born and raised in Orange County. I currently live with my family near Huntington Beach where I love to surf or be in the ocean with my boys.

My passions include art, traveling, and of course photography.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER

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5 STEPS FOR GETTING MARRIED AT THE OLD ORANGE County COURTHOUSE

5 STEPS FOR GETTING MARRIED AT THE OLD ORANGE County COURTHOUSE

Getting married at the Old Santa Ana Courthouse doesn't have to be confusing. Get the details for planning your courthouse wedding below.