A courthouse wedding is one of the most searched ways to get married in Southern California, and for good reason: it is simple, fast, and affordable. But it isn’t the only legal option, and for many couples a private ceremony with their own officiant feels more personal without costing much more.
What a courthouse wedding is
In a courthouse (or county clerk) wedding, a county-authorized officiant performs a short civil ceremony at the government office. You bring your marriage license, a witness if one is required, and valid ID. Ceremonies are typically brief, scheduled in set time slots, and follow the building’s rules on guests, photos, and attire. Availability, hours, and fees are set by the county, so check with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk before you plan around a date.
Pros: simple and low-pressure, few decisions to make, good for a quick legal marriage.
Trade-offs: fixed time slots, limited guest and photo rules, and a short standardized ceremony with little room for personal vows.
What a private officiant offers
With a private officiant you choose the place and time: a backyard, a garden, a restaurant, a park, or your favorite venue. The ceremony is written around you, with your vows, readings, rings, and any traditions you want to include. The officiant signs your marriage license and makes sure it is returned to the county on time.
Hernandez Weddings serves couples within 50 miles of San Dimas, including the San Gabriel Valley, with two simple packages: Simply The Ceremony ($400) and The Royal Wedding ($500). See the full breakdown in our wedding officiant cost guide.
Can you do both?
Many couples do. The most common approach:
- Get your marriage license from the county before the ceremony.
- Have your ceremony with a private officiant on the day you choose, anywhere you choose.
- The officiant signs the license and returns it to the county to be registered.
If you already signed at the courthouse and want a ceremony with family and friends later, a vow renewal-style ceremony is another option.
Which should you choose?
| Courthouse | Private officiant | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | The courthouse | Anywhere you choose |
| Ceremony | Short, standard | Personalized, your vows |
| Guests | Limited by building rules | Your guest list |
| Photos | Limited | Whatever you like |
| Timing | Set slots | Your schedule |
Choose the courthouse if you want the quickest legal route. Choose a private officiant if you want the day to feel like your wedding and not just paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment for a courthouse wedding? Policies vary, so confirm with the county clerk office handling your marriage license.
Do we need witnesses? For a public marriage license, California requires at least one witness. A confidential license has no witnesses. See our post on confidential vs. public marriage licenses.
Who returns the license? The person who performs the ceremony must return it to the county recorder within 10 days.
Ready to talk?
Tell Gabriel your date and the kind of day you want. Call or text (626) 675-9904 or book a free consultation.