Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your LA Elopement
If you’ve been flirting with the idea of ditching the big wedding energy and going full main character at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, consider this your sign. And honestly? Same. I love a good elopement, no chaos, no 17-person wedding party group chat, no arguing over chair rentals, just you two, a cute outfit, and a day that feels like you actually want to remember it.
Frankie + Robin did exactly that, and I left their elopement day wondering why everyone isn’t getting married this way. Iconic architecture? Check. Vintage car? Absolutely. Sprinting through crosswalks like we were auditioning for La La Land? Happened. And yes, I would like to relive it weekly.
If you’re dreaming up your own Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement, I’ll walk you through everything, what to expect, what to plan, and how to make the whole thing feel like a tiny Old Hollywood moment without the pressure of, well… anything.
Why the Beverly Hills Courthouse Is The Spot for a Modern LA Elopement
Here’s the thing about the Beverly Hills Courthouse: it has this funny little personality where it’s like, “Yes, I’m a courthouse, but I’m also going to give you architecture, charm, clean lines, and just enough drama to make your photos look expensive.”
Meanwhile, the vibe is calm, the crowds are minimal, and nobody’s screaming in the background while you exchange vows. Love that for us.
Around the building, it honestly feels like LA is playing backup dancer to your wedding day. You’ve got palm-lined streets that look cinematic without trying, pockets of older architecture tucked just out of sight, and these quiet little corners that somehow feel private even though you’re in the middle of Beverly Hills. The light stays clean and bright, which means your photos don’t need a ton of edits later (thankfully) because the courthouse does the heavy lifting for you!
If you want a courthouse elopement that still feels special, Beverly Hills delivers without trying too hard.
How to Actually Plan a Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement
Here’s the practical stuff, fast, simple, not boring:
Schedule your appointment on the LA County Clerk website (choose Beverly Hills).
Bring your marriage license, IDs, and your calmest energy.
Ceremony appointments run exactly on time (shocking, I know).
Guest count? Keep it simple! This is an elopement, not a family reunion.
Parking is easy if you don’t show up 30 seconds before your appointment (learn from others’ mistakes).
Once you’re checked in, we wait for your ceremony time and grab a few documentary details, rings, hands, laughter, the “holy crap we’re doing this” faces, all the good stuff.
Legal Requirements for a Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement (The No-Stress Version)
If you’re the type who likes to double-check things (same), here’s the quick, no-fluff breakdown of what you actually need for a Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement:
A valid California marriage license
Government-issued photo IDs
An appointment booked specifically for Beverly Hills
At least one witness (some appointments provide one, but I always recommend confirming ahead of time)
That’s it, seriously. No scripts to memorize, no pressure to perform, no standing in front of a crowd wondering what to do with your hands. The ceremony itself is short and sweet, (which is kind of the whole point), which is why a Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement works so well for couples who want meaning without the madness. You show up, get married, and then go live your best “just-married” life.
Your Perfect Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement Timeline
A real timeline you can literally steal! Here’s what Frankie + Robin did that worked so well:
3:00 PM — Meet at the Beverly Hills Courthouse
We meet outside, chat, breathe a little, and document the anticipation. You’ll be shocked by how cute the “waiting around” photos are.
3:30 PM — Ceremony
Quick. Simple. Emotional. No stress. You walk out married and glowing like you just got upgraded to first class.
3:50 PM — Courthouse Portraits
Now the fun begins. We head around the corner to the older part of the courthouse, where the architecture suddenly starts giving “European weekend getaway.” Hardly anyone is ever there, making it a peak elopement perk, so it feels like your own private set.
We sprint through crosswalks, laugh a lot, and lean into the whole Old Hollywood vibe. This is the part where the gallery starts to feel like a movie.
4:15 PM — Take Your Vintage Car Through Beverly Hills
If you want Old Hollywood energy… get a vintage car. Frankie + Robin rented one, and the photos were my fave. Rodeo Drive, palm-lined neighbourhoods, anywhere with good light, the car makes everything feel elevated without being overly curated.
5:00 PM — Celebrate With Dinner
Stop at your favorite restaurant. Something cozy, something delicious, something that makes you say, “This is so us.” We get a few candids on the walk over, champagne in hand, golden California light, just-married glow fully activated.
How Much a Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement Actually Costs
Let’s talk numbers for a second, because pretending budgets don’t exist is exhausting. A Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement is one of the most cost-effective ways to get married in LA without sacrificing style or experience. You’re not paying for 200 chairs, a twelve-hour venue rental, or decor you’ll barely remember. You’re investing in the parts that actually matter!
Marriage license + ceremony fees (set by LA County)
Photography coverage (this is where most couples choose to invest, and it shows)
Optional florals, outfits, or a vintage car rental
Dinner or drinks afterward
Compared to a traditional LA wedding, this route can save you tens of thousands and still give you a day that feels intentional, elevated, and very you. If you care more about experience than production, this is such a smart way to do it.
How to Make Your Courthouse Elopement Still Feel Special
Quick reminder, because this matters: an elopement is not “less than.” It’s not a budget version of a wedding, and it’s definitely not boring. A Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement can feel stylish, personal, intimate, and genuinely fun when you treat it like an experience instead of a shortcut! Here’s how to make it feel like a whole experience:
Bring florals
They instantly elevate everything and feel amazing to hold. I loveeee bold florals that are unique but add a fun pop to your photos.
Dress up
Wear something that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own movie.
Add a celebration moment
Dinner, champagne, a rooftop drink, a convertible, a sunset walk, whatever fits you.
Make time for portraits
The best moments aren’t posed; they happen when you let yourselves breathe.
Let go of “what weddings are supposed to look like.”
Courthouse elopements thrive when you let them be simple and personal.
Where to Take Photos Near the Beverly Hills Courthouse
You don’t need to travel far to get variety; these spots all hit:
The older courthouse architecture (a personal fav!!)
Palm tree–lined streets (peak LA energy)
Rodeo Drive for a glam moment
Beverly Canon Gardens for clean, editorial vibes
Quiet residential streets with vintage LA charm
Every corner gives a different look without ever leaving Beverly Hills.
Photo Tips for Your Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement
Wear something you can move in, trust me, we’ll be crossing streets and laughing a lot.
Bring a small bag with touch-up essentials.
Work with natural light, not against it (don’t worry, I’ll help with this part)
Don’t worry about posing, I’ll guide you with movement prompts that feel like you, not mannequins.
Be present. The best photos aren’t the ones you plan; they’re the ones you feel.
Sample Itinerary Options (Choose Your Vibe)
The Old Hollywood Elopement
Courthouse → portraits → vintage car → dinner at a classic Beverly Hills restaurant
The Minimalist Modern Elopement
Courthouse → clean architecture shots → walking photos → rooftop dinner
The Film-Lover’s Dream
Courthouse → palm tree street on film → golden hour drive → cocktails
Things People Forget When Planning a Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement (So You Don’t)
I’ve photographed enough courthouse elopements to know exactly where things get forgotten! Not because couples don’t care, but because no one tells you this part until it’s happening in real time, so here are the little things that make the biggest difference once the day actually starts moving!
Timing buffer for traffic (it’s LA… you know this)
Comfortable shoes for walking photos
A plan for personal items during portraits
A celebratory plan after the ceremony
Someone to hold phones, keys, or bags
None of these are deal-breakers, but when they’re planned ahead, your Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement flows so much more smoothly. And smoother days = better photos, better memories, and way less stress.
Why a Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement Works So Well for LA Couples
For couples planning an LA elopement, the Beverly Hills Courthouse hits that sweet spot between effortless and elevated. You get iconic Southern California architecture, walkable photo locations, and a calm environment that doesn’t feel chaotic or rushed. If you want your wedding day to feel intentional without turning into a production, a Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement gives you exactly that.
FAQ: Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement Questions (The Ones Everyone Googles)
How do you elope at the Beverly Hills Courthouse?
Make an appointment through LA County, bring your license + IDs, and arrive 15–20 minutes early. The ceremony takes place inside with an officiant.
Do you need an appointment?
Yes. 100% yes. Walk-ins don’t exist here.
Where can you take photos around the Beverly Hills Courthouse?
The back courtyard, side architecture, nearby streets, Rodeo Drive, and basically anywhere with palm trees. I personally love to just adventure around, go where the light takes us, and just have a blast!
What should we wear?
Whatever makes you feel amazing. Sleek, modern, vintage, bold, you do you.
How long does the ceremony last?
Normally, 3–5 minutes. No joke.
Can we celebrate afterward?
Absolutely, dinner, rooftop drinks, or a vintage car ride. Make it fun and exciting!
Ready to Plan Your Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a day that feels relaxed, meaningful, stylish, and zero-stress, I’m your girl. I’ll document your day in a way that feels real and cinematic without ever forcing anything. Reach out here and let’s plan your Beverly Hills Courthouse moment. Or peek at my Pinterest boards for inspo, film vibes, and elopement ideas.
I can’t wait to help you create your own tiny, perfect LA love story! If you want more wedding ideas, you can read through my blogs:
