Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement: How to Have a Simple, Beautiful, and Unforgettable Day

So you’re thinking about a courthouse elopement in Laguna Beach? Heck yes, I am HERE for it! If you’re all about keeping your wedding day chill but also want those OMG, is this real life? vibes, then Laguna Beach is the spot to be. Imagine this: you and your love, exchanging vows at the iconic Laguna Beach Courthouse (which looks like something straight out of a dream), then heading over to the beach for some fun, laid-back photos with the ocean breeze in your hair. Sounds like the perfect day, right? Let’s dive in and talk about how you can make your Laguna Beach courthouse elopement everything you’ve been dreaming of!

A bride and groom stand together on a cliffside, gazing out at the ocean on their wedding day.

A close-up of the bride and groom’s hands wrapped together, their rings catching the light.

The bride and groom embrace with a soft smile, coastal greenery behind them at their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement.

How to Have a Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement

Step 1: Grab That Marriage License (It’s Easy, I Promise!)

Before you can say “I do” (and let’s be honest, we can’t wait for that moment!), you gotta grab your marriage license. Lucky for you, California makes this super easy. You don’t even need to be a resident! Just head to a local county clerk’s office (any county works, but let’s be real—you’ll probably want to do this in Laguna), bring some ID, and pay a small fee (around $100). Once you’ve got your license, you’re ready to rock and roll—no waiting period needed. That means you can get married the same day if you're feeling spontaneous!

Step 2: Say “I Do” at the Laguna Beach Courthouse

Okay, now for the fun part—your ceremony! The Laguna Beach Courthouse is a hidden gem in this dreamy coastal town. It’s charming, intimate, and seriously gorgeous. The courthouse itself is a beautiful Spanish Revival-style building that feels both historic and welcoming.

A bride approaches her groom from behind for their first look during their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement.

The groom lights up with a big smile as he turns to see his bride in her wedding dress.

The bride and groom lean in for a kiss outside the courthouse after their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement ceremony.

The bride holds up her dress as she walks with her groom toward the courthouse surrounded by palm trees.

Here’s what I love about it: you get the perfect blend of a laid-back vibe with a touch of elegance. It's not as big as some grand venues, which makes it feel more personal, and that’s exactly why so many couples choose this spot for their elopements. It’s a peaceful and intimate setting, and when you step outside, the beauty of Laguna Beach is waiting for you.

The couple exchanges vows beneath a white floral arch with a beach backdrop at their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement.

The bride looks lovingly at her groom as they stand hand-in-hand under the arch during their ceremony.

The couple kisses beneath a floral arch, celebrating their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement with joy and love.

The ceremony space is small and simple, but it’s literally one of the best spots for a no-fuss ceremony that still feels magical.

Step 3: Take Photos at Crystal Cove (You Deserve It!)

Alright, so here’s where Laguna Beach really shines. After you say “I do,” you’re probably thinking, “I need some gorgeous photos to remember this day!” I got you. Crystal Cove is just a short drive away from the courthouse and is perfect for your post-ceremony photos. There’s something about it that just makes everything feel special, and with so many beautiful spots, you’ll get variety, beach vibes, lush greenery, ocean views—you name it.

A joyful bride and groom share a close embrace with the ocean behind them on a breezy coastal path.

Newlyweds share a romantic kiss on a sunlit trail lined with greenery during their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement.

The groom lovingly gazes at the bride as she looks down, holding a bouquet of white flowers against a serene ocean backdrop.

The couple walks hand-in-hand along the cliffside after their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement, smiling at each other with the sea in view.

Parking? Super easy! We even had a blast shooting right in the parking lot (because why not?!). After the ceremony, we took a stroll around and grabbed some fun shots, letting Michelle and Johnny enjoy some quiet moments together. The best part? We weren’t rushing anywhere, which made everything feel super relaxed and natural.

The groom opens the door of a vintage convertible for his bride, who steps out gracefully with her bouquet in hand.

A sweet moment of the couple kissing inside a vintage convertible, captured through the windshield.

After their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement, the bride raises her bouquet from the passenger seat of their getaway car parked near the ocean.

Newlyweds share a kiss behind the wheel of a classic white convertible as they celebrate their elopement day.

Here’s my tip: If you want to balance out your courthouse photos with some epic scenic shots, Laguna is your sweet spot. You get the best of both worlds—an intimate ceremony at the courthouse and then some fun, relaxed photos at the beach. Perfect combo.

Step 4: Keep It Simple, Fun, and YOU

One of the best things about a Laguna Beach courthouse elopement is that it gives you the freedom to make the day completely your own. Forget about the big wedding drama and stress—just the two of you, saying “I do,” and then having the best day ever. You get to focus on what’s most important: your love for each other.

For Michelle and Johnny, their big day ended with an ice cream treat from Shake Shack (yup, the last ones of the night, how cute is that?! AND we captured it on film!). I absolutely loved how they kept the day real, fun, and authentic to who they are. No big party, no stress, just a simple, meaningful day.

Under the glow of night, the groom feeds the bride a spoonful of milkshake as they stand in front of their wedding getaway car.

Bride and groom share a kiss with a milkshake in hand, celebrating with a late-night treat after their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement.

Quick tip: Keep the day stress-free by focusing on what makes you happy. If you want to have a milkshake at midnight or take a walk on the beach after your ceremony, do it. This is your day!

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Details

Even though a courthouse elopement is simple, don’t forget about the little things that make your day truly special. Whether it’s your bouquet, the rings, or what you’re wearing, a wedding cake, these are the small but important touches that will help make your day feel complete.

Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake on the hood of their car

You don’t need to go all-out, but a few thoughtful details can make all the difference. Pick flowers that make you feel good, wear something that reflects your personal style, and of course, pick a spot that means something to you both. Your elopement doesn’t need to be over-the-top—it just needs to feel like you.

Bride holding a white bouquet, basking in the sun and ocean breeze during her Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement.

Groom in a classic tuxedo smiling toward the bride with golden-hour light behind him at Laguna Beach.

Bride and groom sharing a kiss, her veil sweeping in the wind—an intimate moment from their elopement.

Step 6: Keep It Relaxed and Enjoy the Moment

The beauty of a Laguna Beach courthouse elopement is that it’s a no-stress way to get married, but you still get incredible photos. You’re not tied to a rigid timeline, and there’s no pressure to make everything perfect. Take time to enjoy each moment, and let the day unfold however it does. You’ll look back on your wedding day and realize how beautiful it was because it was authentically yours.

Sunset vows with bride and groom standing on a stone path above the ocean after their Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement.

Close-up of groom reading vows to the bride, showcasing her floral lace gown at golden hour.

Bride and groom kiss at the ceremony site, waves crashing in the background during their coastal elopement.

Bride gently cups the groom's face as they share a quiet moment by the sea after saying their vows.

Soft-focus image of bride reading vows with rocky ocean cliffs in the background—Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement magic.

Ready to Plan Your Laguna Beach Courthouse Elopement?

Are you dreaming of a Laguna Beach courthouse elopement and want to make sure you capture every perfect moment of your special day? I’d love to be there to document it! Whether you want fun beach photos, some quiet moments after your vows, or just a laid-back celebration, I’m here to make sure you get the best photos to remember your day forever.

Get in touch with me today and start planning your dream Laguna Beach elopement! I can’t wait to be part of your beautiful journey.

See more of Michelle and Johnny’s Laguna Beach Courthouse elopement below on film and see more of my work on Pinterest!

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