Laguna Beach Courthouse Wedding (2025 Complete Guide)

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Updated October 2025

Quick Answer:

According to Laguna Beach City Hall, your first step is to call the City Clerk's Office (949) 497-0705 or begin the process by completing the City Hall Civil Marriage Ceremony Registration Form to submit your request.

Appointments must be scheduled during City Hall hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Alternate Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Alternate Fridays.

Next, obtain a California marriage license. I recommend obtaining this through the official website of the OC Clerk Recorder's office. On the day of the wedding, bring the original marriage license to your appointment along with valid photo IDs for both parties. Attend the ceremony performed by the appointed City Clerk.

Everything I’ve Learned Photographing Laguna Beach Courthouse Weddings

A Laguna Beach Courthouse wedding takes place outside in front of the City Hall building or next door at the Laguna Beach County Water District in the beautiful Bruce Sherer Waterwise Firesafe garden. Here, an appointed official City Clerk will perform your civil marriage ceremony.

Laguna Hills City Hall is a beautiful location located at 505 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, in the heart of Laguna Beach, CA. Directly across the street is one of my favorite Instagrammable spots in Laguna Beach. 

A few years back, I photographed a beautiful civil marriage ceremony at the Laguna Beach City Hall. I fell in love with this location immediately. Since then, I have learned all the ins and outs of an elopement wedding here. In this article, I share all the FAQs and everything you need to know about a Laguna Beach City Hall Marriage. Be sure to watch the video for a behind-the-scenes tour of what a real wedding here looks like. 

Learn more about Christopher Todd Studios' Orange County elopement photography services, packages, and prices. 

See other photography services by Christopher Todd Studios

Step-by-Step: How to Get Married at the Laguna Beach Courthouse

Step 1. Make your City Hall Wedding Appointment

• Weddings at Laguna Beach City Hall, also known as Laguna Beach Courthouse, are by appointment only
• City Clerk's Office (949) 497-0705
• Complete the City Hall Civil Marriage Ceremony Registration Form to submit your request
• Can make an appointment up to one month in advance
• Ceremony fee is $100

Step 2. Obtain a Marriage License

• Bring your original marriage license. A California Marriage License is only valid for 90 days and must be used during that time
• A marriage license must be obtained in advance through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office
• The Laguna Beach City Hall DOES NOT issue marriage licenses

Step 3. Attend your Civil Marriage Ceremony

Gather and bring documents before you head over to the City Hall. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get here. I have seen many couples run late to their appointment due to heavy traffic on Laguna Canyon Road, one of the two roads into town. The other option is the Pacific Coast Highway, which can also traffic.

• Original marriage license
• Present photo identifications
• Bring at least one witness
• Pay the $100 ceremony fee
• Exchange wedding vows

What to Expect From a Civil Marriage Ceremony at Laguna Beach City Hall

City Hall is a perfect location for a Laguna Beach elopement. Let's dive deeper into the costs, steps, and what to expect.

Where Laguna Beach Courthouse Weddings Take Place

Laguna Beach City Hall Ceremony Location

All civil ceremonies take place outdoors during city hall hours.  You have two options to choose from. 

• Outside in front of the City Hall building, either on the lawn or in front of the main door. This is a nice backdrop for a ceremony. Sometimes there is a local art exhibit on display.
• The second location is in front of the Laguna Beach Municipal Water District building in the Water Wise Firesafe Garden. This is a 60-second walk from the City Hall. This garden is beautiful and partially shaded. The couple typically exchanges vows in front of the Spanish-style house surrounded by California native plants in the garden. Most couples opt for this location.
• Couples looking to get married on the beach in Laguna can get details on permits and locations by visiting the official Laguna beach City site here.

Hours, Parking, and Guest Guidelines

• City Hall hours:  Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every other Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Guest limit: Up to 25 guests can be accommodated comfortably in the space. There are no chairs or places to sit. Most couples I have photographed have around 10-15 guests. You can also have a ceremony with just the bride and groom and a witness.
• Your photographer can be your witness. There are no photo permits needed at the Laguna Beach City Hall. 
• You can check the official calendar to see which Fridays the city hall is open.

How does a civil marriage ceremony work at Laguna Beach City Hall?

• Schedule an appointment to have a civil ceremony at Laguna Beach City Hall. The First step, go online and complete the City Hall Civil Marriage Ceremony Registration Form and submit your request.
• Marriage License: Apply for your marriage license through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. This needs to be done in advance and bring the marriage license with you for your civil marriage ceremony at the city hall.

What to Expect on Your Wedding Day

In my experience, having photographed over a dozen weddings here, couples can expect to have a stress-free wedding ceremony. From check-in to exchanging your vows, the city hall provides an intimate environment, and you are the only couple getting married during your appointment time. You rarely see appointments overlap with other couples getting married. 

Ceremony Officiant and Deration

• An elected city clerk will be assigned to you on your wedding day to perform the civil ceremony.
• Ceremony times range from 10-15 minutes. This includes exchanging vows and rings. 

Parking at the City Hall

• Parking on the street is paid meter parking (best option)
• This is strictly enforced. I have seen cars get ticketed
• Paid parking lot next to City Hall. Closed on Saturday for the farmers' market.

What to Bring

• Valid Government IDs
• Marriage License
• Witness
• Rings (optional)
• Flowers (optional)
• Form of payment for ceremony fees.

 Photography and Timing Tips

• Portraits on the lawn in front of the City Hall building are a nice place to start after you check in or right before.
• Arrive early to find parking and take some photos before you check in.
• Leave yourself 20-30 minutes after your ceremony for more photo opportunities.
• We’ve photographed dozens of weddings here; mornings and late afternoon tend to have the best light.

Pro Tip: Hire a Laguna Beach Photographer who is familiar with the area. This will ensure your special day is documented for you and your loved ones. 

How Much Does a Laguna Beach Courthouse Wedding Cost?

Civil Ceremony Fee

• Laguna Beach City Hall civil marriage ceremony fee is $100.
• This is paid to the City Clerk. According to the Laguna Beach City Clerk’s office.

Marriage License Fee (Orange County)

• $61 public / $66 confidential
  

What to bring to your Laguna Beach City Hall wedding

• Important to know: You must bring your original marriage license with you on the day of your ceremony.
• Both parties must present photo identification (i.e. driver’s license or passport).
• Don't forget to bring a witness. Just in case you do City Hall can provide one for you. (Your photographer can also be your witness).

Tips for a Beautiful Laguna Beach Courthouse Wedding

I have gathered these tips from my experience photographing wedding ceremonies in Laguna Beach. I hope you find them useful.

Best Time of Year to Get Married

• August-October
• February-April
• It can be overcast with the marine layer during May-beginning of July. Locals call this "May Gray" and "June Gloom"

Where to Celebrate Afterward

• Best photo ops are Main Beach, just a 5-minute drive
• Stroll through downtown Laguna
• Las Brisas Restaurant has beautiful views
• The Deck for celebratory drinks or a meal

What Couples Love Most About This Venue

• They love how intimate it feels
• The Spanish-style buildings
• The ease of the process to get married here

Pro Tips:

1. Choose a date for your Laguna courthouse wedding ceremony. This is done only by advanced appointments.Up to one month in advance.  No walk-ups are taken. 
2. Apply for a marriage license and bring it to your civil ceremony.
3. Write a love note to your groom and vice versa to read at the ceremony.
4. Choose a nearby location for an intimate portrait session immediately following the ceremony. Main Beach in Laguna is perfect for photos. 
5. Book vendors for your special day. Including an elopement photographer, florist, and advanced reservations for an intimate celebratory meal after your ceremony. Las Brisas, Mastro's Ocean Club, and The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach are some of our favorite spots. 
6. Wear something special on your wedding day. 
7. For the bride, we suggest getting hair and makeup done to look and feel your best. For the groom, be sure to iron your outfit and get your hair cut a week before. 

Bottom Line

Choosing the Laguna Beach City Hall for your civil wedding ceremony is a perfect place to exchange vows. The location is perfect for portraits and nearby are plenty of options for a second location for a portrait session. If you are looking for other locations in Laguna Beach not regulated by the city you can check out these locations below.

Crystal Cove State Park, The Montage, The Ranch Laguna Beach, The Ritz-Carlton

Seven7Seven, The Surf and Sand Hotel, Terra Laguna Beach



If you are not quite ready to tie the knot but want more information on a Laguna Beach marriage proposal, we've got you covered. 

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Laguna Beach Weddings

Meet Christopher Todd – Your Trusted Orange County Photographer

Hi, I’m Christopher Todd! I launched Christopher Todd Studios back in 2000, but my love for photography started long before that. Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful area. From surfing in Huntington Beach to discovering the best photo spots across the OC. Over the past 25 years as a professional photographer, I’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine my craft, specializing in headshots, family portraits, weddings, and events. My deep local knowledge helps me guide clients to the perfect locations—whether it’s a hidden coastal gem in Laguna Beach, a sunlit park in Irvine, or an iconic spot like the Huntington Beach Pier.

To make planning your session even easier, I’ve put together my Top 10 Outdoor Family Portrait Locations in Orange County guide. If you're looking for an experienced, passionate photographer who truly knows OC, let’s connect! Contact me today.

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