The Cost of Getting Married in a California Courthouse
And Other Practical Advice for Eloping in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is undeniably one of the most expensive cities to live, visit, and have a wedding in. Whether you're a local or someone traveling in for the occasion, the looming question post-proposal often is "how much is this going to cost me?" And while this isn't a Wedding vs Elopement debate, know that eloping is a practical option if a traditional wedding isn’t for you. Be it at the Beverly Hills Courthouse, Pasadena City Hall or by the cliffside in Palos Verdes. However how much does it cost to get married at the courthouse? To simplify your planning, I've compiled a concise barebones pricing guide, focusing solely on the essential elements needed to put together your own elopement package in L.A.
The Total Cost of Eloping in Southern California
Just like any run of the mill wedding, eloping in L.A. only has one cost: the marriage license, which usually costs no more than $100 in 2024. However, you will need a legal officiant if you’re planning a confidential marriage. Bringing the total cost to around $5,500 if you choose to add a photographer, book an Airbnb and throw in a fancy dinner or two.
It's important to note however, that this doesn’t account for airfare, transportation, hair, makeup, dress, tux, shoes, etc. With a more realistic total being anywhere between $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the time of year. Lastly, it's essential to remember that actual expenses will vary greatly depending on your individual preferences.
The Cost of a Marriage License in Los Angeles
The price of a public marriage license in Los Angeles is $91 in 2024. A confidential marriage license $85 with an additional $35 for a civil ceremony inside the clerk’s office building as an option. Be prepared to present government-issued identification and proof of any prior legal separations.
Do your homework and familiarize yourself with the state's marriage laws and requirements especially if you’re flying in. However, it's important to note that different counties in the Golden State have specific regulations, such as additional fees and required documents. For instance, in San Francisco, marriage licenses are around $120 for both private and public ceremonies, while in Orange County, prices range from $61 for public and confidential licenses.
Average Cost of a Wedding Officiant in L.A.
Assuming you’re already legally married, anyone can officiate your elopement because the elopement ceremony is a symbolic one rather than a legal one. Therefore, the price of an officiant will vary significantly from a free lunch to a minimum of $300 to $500 for a legal officiant and even into the thousands of dollars for a celebrity to officiate your elopement.
Alternatively, you can pay for a legal officiant to sign your marriage license at the location of your choice, meaning you don’t have to go the county clerk’s office to do it yourself. However, keep in mind that you only have ten business days to submit the paperwork to the state to be recognized as legally married. Most importantly, make sure the officiant is certified by the state of California at the time of signing.
I recommend you check out The Officiant Guy's website, an expert in the matter who will provide further detail on eloping throughtout Southern California and take care of most of the legal paperwork for you.
Booking Rates for Elopement Photographers in Los Angeles
Expect to pay anywhere between $1,800 to $5,000 for an elopement photographer in the greater L.A. area. Keep in mind that prices vary because some photographers specialize in photographing elopements and charge a flat rate, with others charging you by the hour. If you’re local, my advice is to book a photographer by the hour to document your elopement. However, I strongly recommend if you're flying in for your elopement to book your photographer for a few extra hours or preferably for a full day.
Elopement Locations and Venues: Beverly Hills Courthouse & Pasadena City Hall
In the spirit of keeping things simple, I recommend eloping and taking photos in and around one the major courthouses scattered throughout L.A., Beverly Hills Courthouse, Pasadena City Hall and of course, Los Angeles City Hall. If you rather keep things a little more private, I recommend renting a photo studio, usually between $50 to $100 per hour in Downtown L.A., with some even offering fully furnished houses as photo studios.
I also recommend Griffith Observatory, The Last Book Store, Arts District, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Olvera Street and if you know who to ask, a rooftop in the heart of Downtown L.A., making a stop or two at one of the many breweries and street tacos stands to make an afternoon out of it. Alternatively, you can simply elope at your Airbnb.
Lastly, because L.A. is a massive place, there is no reason why you should spend your limited time driving hours between five different locations. Keep in mind that every major landmark in L.A. is not down the street from each other. And many of the places you’re probably thinking of as photo locations can take anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour plus to get to depending on the time of the day. It’s no secret L.A. traffic is a nightmare. Plan accordingly.
The Legality of Eloping in California
I’m no lawyer, but it’s my understanding that there is no law stating you cannot exchange vows privately out in the open. Meaning, you can ceremoniously elope anywhere in public in the state of California IF you are already legally married. Note that some sought-after locations in California may require permit fees for elopements or simply taking photos in.
And yes, you can legally sign your marriage license in any private residence or private property with prior permission from the state of California if you have a legal officiant present.
Lastly, whether you’re planning a simple elopement or a confidential marriage in California, be sure to do your homework on what the county clerk's office will require from both you to be legally married. The same applies if you’re planning a destination wedding and or elopement in a different country. Save yourself the headache and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth international paperwork by legally tying the knot locally, and then having your ceremony at the destination of choice.
Traveling With Vendors for Destination Elopements
If you are traveling to California for your elopement or any other location for that matter, note that most officiants and photographers do not include travel and lodging fees in the initial quote. I recommend searching for local photographers and officiants in the general area where you are planning to elope. And if there is a photographer you really want, ask about their 2024 travel schedule and book them when they are near the location of your choice to save you travel and lodging fees.
The Joyful Journey of Eloping in The Golden State
As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that eloping in Los Angeles, California is not just about the stunning photos or even the destination itself. But a celebration of love, intimacy, and the commitment you share with each other. Whether you choose to exchange vows on a secluded beach, in a bustling city park, or at a picturesque courthouse, focus on what truly matters: the love between you and your fiancé. Cherish the moments, create lifelong memories, and embrace the joy of starting this new chapter together. Congratulations on your upcoming elopement, and may your California adventure be filled with love, happiness, and unforgettable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Ai images were used in this post to uphold the privacy of clients who often book me for confidential marriages.
Year round out of the box locations to propose to your fiancé in Los Angeles.