Beverly Hills Courthouse Wedding Photography at City Hall
All-inclusive elopement photography, videography, content Creation and planning.
Planning a Beverly Hills elopement or courthouse wedding? You're in the right place.
As Los Angeles wedding photographers, the Beverly Hills Courthouse is right at the top of our list of elopement places to shoot. It fits our photography style so well because it has just the right amount of Old Hollywood glam and gives us the possibility to be creative in every corner.
With the courthouse’s clean marble, Art Deco details, and the surrounding beauty of Beverly Hills, we can help make your elopement everything you’re dreaming of.
Before planning your Beverly Hills Courthouse elopement, it is important to know that the courthouse and Beverly Hills City Hall are close to each other, but they are not the same place. The legal civil ceremony is handled through Los Angeles County, while many of the most iconic photo locations around Beverly Hills may fall under City of Beverly Hills photography rules. Wedding and group photography permits are required for places such as Beverly Hills City Hall exterior, Boat Court, Palm Court, Beverly Gardens Park, Rodeo Drive, and the sidewalk next to the courthouse. Interior courthouse photography requires permission from Los Angeles Superior Court, so couples should not assume every area is open for photos.
Beverly Hills Courthouse Elopement Permit Information and Cost
• Beverly Hills requires a Wedding and Group Photography Permit for professional wedding or group photos in certain public areas.
• The permit is currently listed at $83 per hour, with a 2 hour maximum.
• The city recommends applying at least 7 business days before your shoot.
• If you apply 2 to 6 business days before your shoot, there may be an additional $308 fee.
• If you apply within 2 business days, there may be an additional $308 fee, plus a $137 late permit fee.
• Permit fees and rules can change, so always confirm directly with the City of Beverly Hills before booking your elopement session.
• The permit is currently listed at $83 per hour, with a 2 hour maximum.
• The city recommends applying at least 7 business days before your shoot.
• If you apply 2 to 6 business days before your shoot, there may be an additional $308 fee.
• If you apply within 2 business days, there may be an additional $308 fee, plus a $137 late permit fee.
• Permit fees and rules can change, so always confirm directly with the City of Beverly Hills before booking your elopement session.
All marriages in LA County go through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. You start the application online, then finalize it in person at the courthouse with both partners present.
In California, you can choose between a Public and a Confidential marriage license.
1. Public Marriage License
This is the most common type of license.
Public Record: Once recorded, anyone can look up the record or request a copy if they have the required information and fees.
Witnesses: You are required to have at least one witness present at your ceremony (and can have up to two sign the license).
Availability: You can be married anywhere in the State of California.
Best for: Couples who want a traditional record or need a standard document for international purposes.
2. Confidential Marriage License
This was originally designed for couples who had already been living together and wanted to protect their privacy.
Private Record: The record is closed to the public. Only the married couple can obtain a certified copy. Anyone else would need a court order to access it.
No Witnesses: You are not required to have any witnesses. This is ideal for very private elopements where only the couple and the officiant are present.
Requirements: You must be living together at the time you apply for the license and both must be at least 18 years old.
Availability: Depending on the county, you may be restricted to getting married in the same county where the license was issued.
Best for: High-profile individuals, couples who value extreme privacy, or those eloping without any guests.
- Public License: $91 | Confidential License: $85
- Bring a government-issued photo ID; if previously married, bring proof of divorce or a death certificate
- The license is valid for 90 days from the issue date.
- Pro tip: Book your license appointment 1–2 weeks before your wedding date.
In California, you can choose between a Public and a Confidential marriage license.
1. Public Marriage License
This is the most common type of license.
Public Record: Once recorded, anyone can look up the record or request a copy if they have the required information and fees.
Witnesses: You are required to have at least one witness present at your ceremony (and can have up to two sign the license).
Availability: You can be married anywhere in the State of California.
Best for: Couples who want a traditional record or need a standard document for international purposes.
2. Confidential Marriage License
This was originally designed for couples who had already been living together and wanted to protect their privacy.
Private Record: The record is closed to the public. Only the married couple can obtain a certified copy. Anyone else would need a court order to access it.
No Witnesses: You are not required to have any witnesses. This is ideal for very private elopements where only the couple and the officiant are present.
Requirements: You must be living together at the time you apply for the license and both must be at least 18 years old.
Availability: Depending on the county, you may be restricted to getting married in the same county where the license was issued.
Best for: High-profile individuals, couples who value extreme privacy, or those eloping without any guests.
Obtain Your Marriage License
Photographers also need proper insurance. The City of Beverly Hills requires a Certificate of Insurance, and the city’s insurance page says the certificate holder must be listed as the City of Beverly Hills. The photographer or applicant may also need an additional insured endorsement, depending on the permit requirements. This is why couples should work with a professional photographer who already carries business liability insurance, because the permit process may require the photographer’s legal business name, insurance documents, and matching application information. The permit is for exterior photography only, so couples should not assume they can take professional photos inside the courthouse. Interior courthouse photography is handled separately by Los Angeles Superior Court. For the easiest experience, plan your ceremony first, then schedule portraits outside the courthouse, around Beverly Hills City Hall, Palm Court, or nearby Beverly Hills streets. This keeps the legal part simple and gives you more variety for photos without trying to rush everything in one place.
Lighting is everything for your photos. Best times:
Early morning (before 9:30 AM): The light is soft, flattering, and dreamy — plus mornings are usually quieter around the courthouse.
Golden hour (~2 hours before sunset): Warm, cinematic, and romantic — ideal for couple portraits.
Avoid 11 AM–2 PM: Harsh midday sun causes squinting and unflattering shadows.
By Season:
Spring: Lavender blooms in front of City Hall add beautiful color
Summer: Book early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat
Fall: Golden light and comfortable temperatures — a top pick
Winter: Mild overall; a clear umbrella during light rain can make for stunning photos
Early morning (before 9:30 AM): The light is soft, flattering, and dreamy — plus mornings are usually quieter around the courthouse.
Golden hour (~2 hours before sunset): Warm, cinematic, and romantic — ideal for couple portraits.
Avoid 11 AM–2 PM: Harsh midday sun causes squinting and unflattering shadows.
By Season:
Spring: Lavender blooms in front of City Hall add beautiful color
Summer: Book early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat
Fall: Golden light and comfortable temperatures — a top pick
Winter: Mild overall; a clear umbrella during light rain can make for stunning photos
Choose the Right Time of Day for your Elopement in Beverly Hills
Choose Your Photo Locations
Finalize Your Ceremony Details
- Guests: Officially up to 12; in practice, up to 20 guests can be accommodated.
- Vows: Personal vows and ring exchanges are allowed, just let the judge or commissioner know ahead of time
- Music & readings: Permitted with advance notice to the deputy commissioner
- Witness: One witness required; the courthouse can provide one for $20.
- Decor: Bouquets and small accents are welcome; arches, backdrops, and heavy décor are not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need rings? Not legally — but most couples bring them and exchange them during the ceremony.
When are ceremonies held? Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, by appointment only.
What if we need to cancel? Notify the courthouse at least 24 hours in advance to avoid losing your fee.
Where do we park? Paid parking at the courthouse + metered street parking. Address: 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
What to Wear: Beverly Hills Elopement Style
For Brides:
For Grooms:
- Structured white mini dresses, silk slip dresses, or vintage lace midis
- Tailored white jumpsuits or bridal pantsuits
- Statement veils (yes — even cathedral length looks stunning here)
- Pearl headbands, gold statement earrings, vintage clutch bags
For Grooms:
- Tailored suits in navy, charcoal, or cream
- Blazer with trousers and loafers for a relaxed-chic look
- Patterned ties, colorful socks, or statement sunglasses for personality (recommended in summer)
Things to Do in Beverly Hills for Creative Elopements & Non-Traditional Weddings
- The Witch's House First Look: Before your ceremony, do your first look in front of the famous Spadena House, a real 1921 fairytale storybook cottage with a crooked roof and overgrown garden. It photographs like pure dark romance. Zero crowds at early morning.
- Write Your Vows on Beverly Hills Hotel Stationery: Before the ceremony, sit in the Polo Lounge, the pinkest, most legendary room in Hollywood history, and write your vows on their iconic stationery.
- Art Deco Skybridge Walk: The Beverly Hills Courthouse has a pop-of-color Art Deco skybridge hallway that most couples never use. It makes for a cinematic walking shot that looks nothing like a courthouse. We know exactly when the light hits it right.
- Cake Smash at Virginia Robinson Gardens: This hidden six-acre estate, once home to Hollywood royalty like Fred Astaire and Charlie Chaplin, has fountains, pathways, and a tropical garden that feels like you've teleported to Rome. We have a curated list of cake smash spots throughout the estate. Smash-ready cakes available starting at $25.
- Mulholland Drive Sunset + Smoke Bomb: Drive up Mulholland with us at golden hour
- Bundle Options: Add video or content creation at reduced rates for your reception at:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel – Polo Lounge
- Spago — Wolfgang Puck's flagship; sleek, modern, and perfect for foodies
- Il Pastaio — Classic Italian, Beverly Hills staple, lively atmosphere
- Avra Beverly Hills — Upscale Greek seafood with a chic, airy feel
- La Dolce Vita — Vintage Beverly Hills charm with Rat Pack history, dim lighting, and nostalgic old Hollywood energy
- Hidden Spots & Custom Ideas: We have a curated list of hidden Beverly Hills locations and off-beat elopement ideas that aren't on any guide. Call us or book a free video consultation to access the full list and plan something completely your own.
Why Beverly Hills Is One of the Best Places to Get Married in Los Angeles
A Beverly Hills courthouse elopement is one of the most stylish, affordable (Total cost: as low as $150, up to ~$3,000 with all vendors), and memorable ways to get married in Los Angeles. With the right planning — license secured, ceremony booked, permit in hand, and photo route mapped, your wedding day can be completely stress-free and absolutely stunning.
