Elopement Photo Tips: Creative OC Courthouse Weddings & Elopement Ideas

Explore our elopement photography blog featuring tips, courthouse wedding guidance, and creative elopement ideas throughout Orange County. These articles are designed to answer common questions and help couples know what to expect.

Couple walking

How To Get Married At An Orange County Courthouse (Complete Guide 2025)

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • July 1, 2025
Thinking about a courthouse wedding in Orange County? Learn how to get married at the Santa Ana or Laguna Hills courthouse, from licenses to ceremony tips and guest rules.
A bride and groom are getting married in the historic courtroom in Santa Ana.

How to Reserve the Historic Courtroom at the Old Orange County Courthouse for a Wedding

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • May 22, 2025
Step-by-step guide to booking the historic courtroom at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana for a memorable courthouse wedding. Includes tips, costs, and requirements.
Heisler Park Gazebo Laguna Beach wedding ceremony

How to Plan a Small Wedding in Laguna Beach at Heisler Park

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • May 21, 2024
Planning a wedding at Heisler Park? Discover why this Laguna Beach gem is ideal for portraits, proposals, and romantic elopement photography.
elopement ideas for small weddings in Orange County

7 Unique Elopement Photo Ideas

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • March 28, 2023
Make your elopement unforgettable with these 7 creative photo ideas. Capture the joy, emotion, and story of your intimate wedding day.
A bride and groom are posing for a picture in front of the Laguna Beach City Hall.

How To Choose The Perfect Elopement Photographer

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • February 22, 2023
Looking for the right elopement photographer? Learn what to consider, style, experience, and personality, to ensure your intimate wedding is beautifully captured.
Couple signing Orange County marriage license at courthouse

How to Get an Orange County Marriage License (2025 Complete Guide)

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • September 28, 2022
Everything you need to know about getting your Orange County marriage license including costs, requirements, locations & ceremony options for 2026.
A bride and groom are kissing in front of the orange county clerk recorder department.

Los Angeles Marriage license

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • September 7, 2021
Getting married in LA? Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a Los Angeles marriage license—requirements, locations, and tips.
A bride and her parents are kissing her on the cheek.

How To Tell Your Parents You Are Eloping Without The Drama

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • June 17, 2020
Planning to elope? Get thoughtful tips on how to talk to your parents, reduce stress, and handle the conversation with care and confidence.
A bride and groom are posing for a picture in front of the old courthouse in Orange County

5 Steps For Getting Married At The Old Orange County Courthouse

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • June 17, 2020
Planning a courthouse wedding? Follow these 5 essential steps to get married at the Old Orange County Courthouse with ease and confidence.
A bride and groom 's wedding rings are stacked on top of each other.

7 Elopement Ideas To Make Your Small Wedding Special

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • June 16, 2020
Planning a small wedding? These 7 elopement ideas will help you create a meaningful and unforgettable celebration, no matter the guest count.
A bride and groom are posing for a picture in front of Avalon Harbor in Catalina

Top 5 Southern California Elopement Locations

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • June 9, 2020
Check out our top 5 Southern California elopement locations we love. Need help planning your elopement? We offer mid-week packages. Call us!
A bride and groom are sitting on a bench in a hallway at the Old Courthouse.

Best Courthouse Wedding In Orange County

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • September 16, 2019
Discover why the Old Orange County Courthouse is the best place to get married. Learn how to plan your courthouse wedding with tips, details, and what to expect.
A bride and groom are kissing on the beach on Catalina Island

Catalina Island Elopement

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • June 13, 2018
Christopher Todd Studios specializes in elopements in Southern California. Get in touch today for prices and packages.
A man and woman are walking in front of a the old courthouse in Orange County

Old Orange County Courthouse Elopement Photographer

By Christopher Todd Griffiths • April 16, 2018
The best courthouse wedding in Orange County takes place at the Old Orange County Courthouse. Be sure to read our tips and tricks for a smooth ceremony.

Our elopement photography blog is a practical and supportive resource for couples planning intimate weddings and courthouse elopements throughout Orange County. These articles are designed to help couples feel informed, prepared, and confident as they plan a day that reflects their priorities without unnecessary complexity.


Throughout this collection, you will find guidance on Orange County courthouse weddings at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, Laguna Hills Civic Center weddings, and Laguna Beach City Hall Civic weddings. Discover elopement timelines, location considerations, and strategies for approaching photography coverage in a way that feels both relaxed and intentional.

Many couples choose to elope to simplify the wedding experience, yet still want their day to feel meaningful, well-documented, and thoughtfully planned.


These blog posts are written to help answer common questions, clarify expectations, and provide insight into how elopement photography works in real-world settings. We share considerations around timing, lighting, permits, and location flow, along with ideas for creating space for candid moments and natural portraits. Rather than focusing on trends or elaborate styling, the emphasis is on creating a calm experience that allows you to be present and enjoy the day as it unfolds.


Drawing on years of experience photographing courthouse weddings and elopements across Orange County, this blog aims to serve as a guide that supports informed decisions and reduces uncertainty. Whether you are planning a simple courthouse ceremony or a more customized elopement experience, these articles are meant to help you approach your day with clarity, confidence, and a sense of ease, knowing the experience is designed to be straightforward, intentional, and meaningful.