How to Have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding

Mar 9

How to have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding

[updated] 2024

Couple holding hands and walking in front of the San Diego County Administration Building with an officiant to get married

Consider this a full guide on how to get married in San Diego at “the courthouse”. First of all, a San Diego Courthouse Wedding actually takes place at the County Clerk & Administration Building. It is a few blocks from the judicial building, located along the Harbor and has wonderful views of the Bay!

The grounds are quite large and have four main areas that include fountains, gardens, and playgrounds. There is even a little café on the South side of the building in case you need a bite or forget your water. Bookmark their website for future reference. You can find everything from palm trees to flowers to sculptures there.

couple holding hands and dancing on a sidewalk with trees in the background

Here are the 6 steps on how to have a San Diego Courthouse Wedding:

Step 1: Online Paperwork & Appointment Scheduling

You will need to complete the initial paperwork for your Marriage License online. You can also do this in-person but I would recommend the online option. There, you will also be able to request your Marriage Appointment up to 7 weeks in advance. Once your appointment is confirmed, the fun & planning begins!

couple embracing with a kiss inside the courthouse wedding building looking out on the San Diego Bay

Step 2: Prepare for your Special Day

Have fun and keep it simple! Go dress shopping with your best friends and order a bouquet. If you’re planning to have a bigger ceremony in the future, I would suggest to use this as your chance to have your hair & makeup trial.

Couple holding hands and walking with palm trees in the background

Step 3: Hire a Photographer

Hiring your San Diego Courthouse Wedding Photographer even before your date is confirmed is highly recommended! Make sure to ask your photographer what will happen if your preferred date and time is not available. You will be able to find a photographer that has a fairly flexible policy for Courthouse Weddings. Your photographer can also serve as your Witness!

Couple kissing and showing their wedding ring to the camera

Step 4: Arrive to your appointment 20 minutes early

If you are any earlier, they will ask you to come back so take the time before-hand not to feel rushed and to potentially take a few photos before you head upstairs to your appointment. There, you will check-in, wait for a few minutes for your number to be called, finish your paperwork with a clerk and pay, wait a few more minutes, then an officiant will call you to perform your ceremony, and then voila - “I do”!. The ceremony will literally take 5 minutes max, so try to be present and enjoy the moment of exchanging rings! The Marriage Hut has officially been closed so you can park underneath the building for free. Access is on the South side of the building.

Couple experiencing their first kiss after being married outside in downtown san diego under a trellis

Step 5: Finish your Photography Session

Have your first official portrait session as a married couple with your photographer before heading out to celebrate! Your photographer will pose you and guide you and make you feel at ease. There are so many beautiful locations on the property so if you are wearing heels, you might want to bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops to help you get around and avoid any blisters.

blurry photo of a couple kissing in black and white

Step 6: Your Marriage Certificate will arrive

After 10 days or up to a few weeks after your ceremony, your marriage certificate, (purchased during registration) will arrive and you can begin the process of updating your name change to various entities and accounts. For more information on name changes provided by the County, you can read more by clicking here.

man giving his wife a hug and a kiss from behind in front of a grove of palm trees

I hope this helps to plan your San Diego Courthouse Wedding and honestly, it really is super easy!

Keep in mind that planning your San Diego Courthouse Wedding should be fun! With a little planning you’ll be able to get the most out of your Special Day!

Make sure to schedule your appointment and find more information on the County’s Website.

Here is a list of dates the County has scheduled for events on their property.