If you’re planning a San Diego courthouse wedding, you might be wondering how much photography coverage do we actually need? Especially for courthouse weddings, many couples are aiming to keep everything simple. But they also might want:

• getting ready photos
• a first look
• family photos
• portraits at a second location
• time with their dog
• sunset photos
• dinner or celebration coverage
• space to actually enjoy the day without rushing

The beauty of courthouse weddings is you can both have a simple day and incorporate all the “traditional” wedding day things that feel right to you. A courthouse wedding doesn’t have to feel like just a paperwork appointment – it can and should feel personal, emotional, and fully your day.

If you’re wondering what a realistic San Diego courthouse wedding timeline looks like, here are three examples based on my most popular courthouse elopement packages.

And if you’re looking for other resources on planning your San Diego courthouse wedding, here are other blogs:

• Full planning guide: San Diego courthouse wedding
• how to book your San Diego courthouse wedding
• Customizing your San Diego courthouse wedding

Ready to just book that appointment to get married already? This link is for you!

1. 1 Hour 30 Minute San Diego Courthouse Wedding Timeline

Best for: Simple, meaningful, low-key courthouse weddings

This package is perfect for couples who want the heart of the day documented – your ceremony, portraits, and those just-married moments – without having a full-day or even half-day event.

Example Timeline:

10:30AM: Meet at the courthouse – arrival moments, details, walking in together

11:00AM: San Diego Courthouse Ceremony – brief ceremony (optional vow and ring exchange)

11:20AM: Couple + optional family photos at ceremony location

11:45 – 12PM: brief portraits at a second location close to the courthouse

2. 3 Hour Courthouse Wedding Timeline

Best for: Couples who want a second location and more breathing room

This is my most popular option because it gives you enough time for your ceremony and a second location without feeling like the day is rushed. This is where your courthouse wedding starts to feel less like “we got legally married” and more like “we had a wedding day.” I’ve worked with couples who have chosen to have getting ready coverage at the beginning or chose to adventure together after instead to multiple locations, like Paul and Emily’s courthouse wedding followed by Balboa Park and the beach.

Example Timeline

2:00 PM: getting ready touches or first look – home, Airbnb/hotel etc. Small moments before the day begins.

2:45PM: arrive at courthouse for brief photos before

3:00PM: courthouse wedding ceremony

3:20PM: couple portraits around courthouse area + with any guests

4:00PM – 4:15PM: travel to second location

4:15PM – 5PM: second location photos, whether that’s portraits or a celebration

3. 6 Hour Courthouse Wedding Timeline

Best for: Full courthouse elopement days with multiple locations

This is for couples who want their San Diego courthouse wedding to feel like a full wedding experience. Whether that’s more getting ready coverage, fam photos, or a full celebratory reception. This often includes:getting ready, first look, ceremony, portraits, dinner, family gathering, sunset photos, or even a mini reception.

Example Timeline

1:00PM: getting ready + candid moments before the wedding all begins

1:30PM: solo portraits of each partner

2:00PM: first look and private vows

2:30 – 3PM: travel to courthouse

3PM: arrive at courthouse and candids + some guided portraits in courthouse

3:30PM: courthouse ceremony

4:00PM: Couple photos at ceremony site + fam/friend portraits

4:40 – 5PM: travel to second location

5PM: second location portraits – beach, downtown, a mountain – whatever feels right

6PM – 6:20PM: travel to celebration

6:20PM – 7:00PM: dinner or celebration

How to Choose the Right Courthouse Wedding Package

My honest advice? Choose a little more time than you think you need. Not because you need more photos, but because more time allows you to be fully present, not rushed, and settle into the day and feeling of being photographed. As a photographer who works with many camera-nervous people, I’ve been told that the first 20-3 minutes are a transition period of getting comfortable. Then of course we’re having fun after that, but allowing that transition can be so valuable.

If you’re torn on coverage and what your day could look like, I’m happy to help you think through the flow and give you my input!

Planning a San Diego Courthouse Wedding?

If you’re looking for a San Diego courthouse wedding photographer who helps your day feel intentional – not stiff, rushed, or like any other day – I’d love to help. Contact me here to help plan your day! I help couples create courthouse weddings that feel personal, relaxed, and actually like them. Dog-friendly plans encouraged and completely unique days always welcome.