Justine + Ryan | San Diego Courthouse Elopement
On 2.22.22 Justine and Ryan headed downtown to the San Diego Courthouse to make it official. I absolutely love the San Diego courthouse. Technically the building where weddings are performed is not the courthouse. The San Diego Administrator’s building downtown is where San Diego civil wedding ceremonies and marriage licenses are issued.
Built in 1938 the design was intended to complement structures in Balboa Park, with a mix of Spanish Revival and Beaux-Arts architecture. Southwestern touches such as a red Mission-style tile roof, glazed Franciscan tile, and arched doors.
A couple details about getting hitched here. If you’re just looking to pick up a license there are 4 more locations throughout the county. They do perform ceremonies, but the most scenic spot is the downtown location. Here are a few more tips direct from the county website.
- Both bride and groom must be 18 years or older and have a birth certificate and photo ID. Driver’s license or passport are suitable. Both parties must be present when applying for a license. Neither party is required to be a CA resident to be married in California.
- Appointments are required. Appointments fill up quickly, so please plan accordingly. Appointments may be made up to 6 weeks in advance. Appointment Link: https://arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov/Pages/marriage-licenses.aspx
- Both parties must present valid government-issued photo IDs.
- Ceremonies are performed in English or Spanish. (Performing a ceremony in any other language is not permissible by County Clerk staff.)
- Civil Marriage Ceremony fee is $88.00.
- For outdoor ceremonies, there is no limit to the number of guests you may have. (For indoor ceremonies up to 30 guests may attend)
