First off – CONGRATS! You and your partner are choosing forever and that means getting married at the beautiful San Diego Courthouse in Downtown. Not to be confused with the courthouse you go for jury duty but the one located at the San Diego County Clerk – 1600 Pacific Hwy #260, San Diego, CA 92101.

If you’re dreaming of a stunning backdrop with waterfront views, tall palm trees, and elegant marble architecture for your “I do,” read this guide to help prepare for your elopement day! All information is sources from the San Diego County Clerk website.

Securing Your Appointment

Please note that appointments are required! Appointments become available 7 weeks in advance Monday – Friday from 8 am – 4 pm. Ceremonies are held every 30 minutes and be sure to allow a buffer for any potential delays. If you’re hoping for a Friday ceremony, please book your desired date asap as those time slots fill up very quickly!

Photography recommendation – 2 hours: marriage license 30 minutes, ceremony 30 minutes, family portraits 15 minutes, and couple portraits 30 minutes – 1 hour.

Schedule the correct appointment type:

• Marriage License + Ceremony (Outdoor) Most popular option! If you want to receive your marriage license and get married in one day and have your ceremony held on the beautiful harborside, pick this option! Keep in mind that in rare cases, due to construction or weather, outdoor ceremonies may be moved indoors.

• Marriage License + Ceremony (Indoor) There are 2 indoor options – one smaller and one bigger.

• Marriage license only – If you’re looking to just get your marriage license and you’re getting officially married elsewhere, we can take the whole time taking pictures around the courthouse instead!

• Ceremony – Outdoor (Must have active marriage license within 90 days)

• Ceremony – Indoor (Must have active marriage license within 90 days)

Book your Photographer

Finding the right photographer isn’t easy but it’s important to capture the emotions, details, and moments that make your day unique. Whether it’s the quiet anticipation before saying “I do” or the joy of walking out of the courthouse hand in hand, every part of your story deserves to be remembered. With my experience at the San Diego courthouse, I’ll make sure the process feels seamless and stress-free, so you can focus on what truly matters—each other.

My goal isn’t to just be your photographer but more as a guide. The SD courthouse feels like my second home at this point and I’m forever grateful that so many couples have entrusted me to document such big milestones. You chose your love over anything else and that should be celebrated on its’ own! Let’s document a day as special as this one.

What to Bring

1. Government approved ID (driver’s license, passport)
2. Application fee (credit card, cash, check)
3. Wedding attire: wear anything that makes you most comfortable and confident! Feel free to bring some fun props: floral bouquet, champagne, champagne glasses, sun glasses, picnic basket, blanket, anything to add a little uniqueness to your wedding day.
4. Minimum of 1 witness if you plan to have a public marriage license. No more than 2 witnesses can sign the license after the ceremony. If you prefer privacy, Natasha is happy to be your witness at no additional cost!

Book Additional Vendors

1. Videographer
2. Content Creator
3. Florist
4. Baker
5. Additional rentals / activities
6. Reserve restaurants in advance

Parking

1. Street parking along North Harbor Drive and Pacific Hwy (Free/metered street parking)
2. Free 3 hour parking garage access from W Ash St

Where to Enter

You can either enter through the W Ash St. side entrance or the front entrance on Pacific Hwy. There is security at both entrances. Make your way to the second floor and head to the marriage license office at room #260. We can always plan to meet in front of either entrances before going in!

Photo Opportunities

A photography permit is NOT required at the San Diego courthouse, which means the world is our oyster! Of course, please be mindful as staff is busy working during the week and please avoid using flash photography in the marriage license office.

Take a peak below at the popular locations to take photos in and around the courthouse. Let’s create some magic and be able to look back on these fonds memories on the day you said “I DO!”

Golden Elevator

Staircase

Waterfront Park

Candids in the Marriage License Office

Hallway with Flags

Interested in eloping at the San Diego Courthouse but looking for even more? It is your official wedding day for after all. Let’s continue the fun and create an elopement experience that allows you to have the greatest day with you and your partner, fill your day with laughter and joyful activities while saying “I do” in the middle of it all. Check out this Ultimate Guide to Planning your Full Day Elopement in San Diego. Happy eloping!