Everything you need to know:


Debating on getting married at the San Diego Bay Front Courthouse? Let's chat some details.

Here are some answers to common questions, what it looks like to get married outside or inside & some of my favorite places around the courthouse to take portraits!

And if you'd like me to add more information leave a comment or send me an email! I'd love to help answer your Qs and help you plan your ceremony.

 

 

LOGISITICS & FAQs

 

Where do I park?

There are tons of street parking around the courthouse. There are even 2 hr free spots on the bay side of the building near the fountain that are occasionally available. There is also an underground lot that you can pay for, but I recommend street parking. You can download the Park Smarter App so that you can pay digitally and add time if needed from your phone.

When should I arrive?

Arrive to your appointment early so that you have time to park, get inside (there is security), find the room, check in, fill out paperwork, and wait. Your ceremony will only take 2-5 minutes, but there is a lot of logistics that has to be done before.

Do I get my license the same day?

The courthouse has started as of July 2025 to offer this service! It usually takes 30 minutes or more to process and be available to pick up so if you want a same day license be prepared to stick around after and wait.

If you do not do the same day option it will be 7-9 days to process and you will need to go back to the courthouse to pick it up.

How Long Should I book a photographer?

My civil ceremony packages are usually 1.5 hours. It looks like this:

  • 10 - 15 minutes for ceremony
  • 10 - 15 minutes for photos with guests and or witnesses
  • 10 minutes for details (invitations, bouquet, rings, and anything else that is special to you that you bring)
  • 45 minutes - 1 hour for individual & couple portraits.
What about courthouse delays?

Depending on the time of year there can be absolutely no wait or a small wait. 

There’s been several times (mostly earlier in the year & the off seasons) where you’re the only person in the courthouse. I’ve never had a couple wait more than 20 minutes because of the courthouse. 

If it was longer it was because the couple was late for their appointment. 

When should I book a photographer?

Marriage appointments for the bay front courthouse don't become available until 7 weeks before the day you're interested in booking.

But its important to note that these are not hard to come by. I've never had a couple have an issue with booking their ceremony on their preferred date. So if you're a planner - go ahead and book your photographer early so you can lock them in. Alternatively, you can wait until you secure your appointment 7 weeks ahead of the ceremony.

 

WHERE SHOULD YOU HAVE THE CEREMONY?

 

 

Depends on the vibes youre looking for?! Want the classic palms in the background or do you want the classic courthouse vibe?

Your choice, but here is what they look like captured by me!

 

 

An Outdoor Ceremony

 

A series of candid dancing moments from a wedding celebration in an outdoor garden setting.
Wedding photography session taking place in a lush tropical garden setting with palm trees and flowering bushes.
A joyful couple celebrates under a rustic wooden pergola draped with pink flowers and greenery during their garden wedding.
A row of palm trees sway against a bright blue sky at a beachside resort property.
Delicate white flower girl dresses flow in the breeze as the children play together on a lush green lawn.

 

An Indoor Ceremony

 

Multiple romantic black and white photos showing a couple in formal attire sharing intimate kisses.
Two people in formal attire having a conversation near bright windows in an office setting.
A bride and groom share an intimate first look moment at their wedding in front of white curtains with natural light.
A couple stands together under an archway decorated with white flowers during an intimate wedding ceremony.

 

WHERE CAN I TAKE PICTURES AFTER THE CEREMONY?

 

 

Sharing a few of my favorite spots below! Take a peek and see what vibe speaks to you. Once you’ve got a feel for it, we’ll make sure to capture photos that match the look you’re going for!

 

 

The Bay Front Side of the Court House:

 

A couple stands together on a grassy lawn surrounded by palm trees and tropical foliage with a statue in the distance.
A couple walks together on a grassy lawn with palm trees and golden sunlight streaming through the scene.
Palm trees sway against a bright sunny sky with golden sunlight filtering through their fronds and leaves.
A romantic wedding couple embraces in front of tropical greenery at an outdoor venue.
A couple walks along a sidewalk next to a pink building with a tall palm tree on a sunny day.
A wedding couple walks together on a wooden pier with palm trees and boats in the background.
Palm trees line the entrance of a modern white building with columns under bright blue sky.
A romantic couple embraces in front of a grand white building with tall windows and manicured hedges.
Two people in wedding attire playfully dance together on a green lawn in front of a white building with palm trees.

 

The City Side of the Court House:

 

A couple in wedding attire sharing a romantic moment in front of a brick building with large arched windows.
Two people in a sunny garden petting a happy white dog lying on the grass.
A person in a white dress stands on manicured lawn in front of a classical building with columns on a sunny day.
Couple celebrating their wedding day under a large tree outside a pink Art Deco style building on a sunny afternoon.
A couple embraces and laughs together in front of an Art Deco style government building on a sunny day.
A joyful couple embraces and laughs together on their wedding day, with the bride wearing a white dress showing her arm tattoo.
A couple shares a romantic kiss on outdoor steps of an elegant venue with greenery and sunshine in the background.
A bride in a flowing white ball gown poses gracefully on a sunny lawn in front of a building with tall windows.
A joyful couple in formal wedding attire pose playfully on a sunlit lawn in front of a light-colored building.
Professional photo of a person in a dark suit and blue tie standing on grass in front of a building with hands in pockets.

 

The Bay Front:

 

A figure in a flowing white dress stands on a waterfront deck overlooking a sparkling ocean on a bright sunny day.
A couple embraces while looking out over a sparkling harbor with boats and sunlit water on their wedding day.
Couple sitting on wooden pier overlooking tranquil ocean during romantic coastal wedding photoshoot.
A couple stands together on a pier overlooking a tranquil waterfront on a bright sunny day.
A couple stands together on a waterfront pier overlooking a blue harbor on a sunny afternoon.
A person in a coral dress and white cardigan holds flowers while standing on a pier by the ocean at sunset.
A cropped panoramic view shows someone standing at a concrete seawall overlooking calm ocean waters on a bright day.

 

Inside the Court House:

 

A progression of three photos showing a romantic first kiss between newlyweds at their wedding ceremony.
Two silhouettes stand in conversation against a large window overlooking a bright outdoor landscape.
A couple stands in silhouette holding hands near large windows in an elegant indoor venue for a wedding ceremony.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple sharing a kiss on a staircase with black railings.
A couple shares a tender kiss in matching formal black and white attire against a marble hallway backdrop.
A series of three wedding photos showing a romantic embrace with floral bouquets against a white wall.
People examine a multi-letter museum display spelling out 'CLT' with vintage local landmark photos incorporated.
A couple poses together in front of a vintage gold elevator door in an art deco style hallway.
A romantic dip pose in front of large windows and elevator in an elegant vintage building hallway.
Close-up images showing hands with wedding rings from multiple angles.
A romantic black and white photograph of a couple sharing an intimate kiss, with the woman wearing white.

 

Have more questions? Shoot me an email and let's chat!