If you’ve been looking into courthouse weddings and keep landing on San Francisco City Hall, but it feels a little too hectic, too busy, or just not quite your vibe, I want to put the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office on your radar.

I’m a Bay Area wedding and family photographer, and I’ve photographed over 100 courthouse weddings across the region, from San Francisco to Alameda County to Santa Cruz and Santa Clara. Ever since this chapel opened, it’s become one of my favorite courthouses to work at.

The Santa Clara Courthouse is such a great option for couples who want a wedding day that feels simple, intimate, and easy to navigate, while still feeling special.

It’s a little more low-key, a little less overwhelming, and a really solid choice if you want to keep things small while still having space for family, portraits, and maybe even a nice dinner after.

If you’re planning a civil ceremony at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, here’s what I’d want you to know before booking.

Why I Think the Santa Clara Courthouse Is Such a Good Option

One of the biggest reasons I love this location is because it just feels easier and more accessible overall.

There are a lot of couples who love the idea of a courthouse wedding, but don’t necessarily want the crowds and fast pace that can come with somewhere like SF City Hall. And that’s where Santa Clara Courthouse weddings can be such a sweet in-between.

You still get the beauty of keeping things simple and intentional, but the overall experience tends to feel calmer and more manageable.

That can make a huge difference if:

• you’re inviting lots of family
• you or your guests need a more accessible space
• you have loved ones coming in from out of town
• you want the day to feel relaxed instead of rushed
• or you just want to get married without needing a giant production

Where Is the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office?

To keep things simple, here is the address:

110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor
San Jose, CA 95134

Even though a lot of people casually call it the Santa Clara Courthouse, your ceremony is actually handled through the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, where you’ll apply for your marriage license and reserve your wedding ceremony.

The Clerk-Recorder office sits in a business park and has plenty of easy parking. When you walk in, there’s usually someone there to guide you through your next steps, which makes the whole experience feel really approachable.

How to Get Married at the Santa Clara Courthouse

It’s pretty straightforward.

Step One: Get Your Marriage License

Before you can have your ceremony, you’ll need to get your marriage license through Santa Clara County.

Both people getting married need to appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID, and you can start the application online ahead of time to make things easier.

Once your license is issued, you have 90 days to get married anywhere in California.

Step Two: Book Your Ceremony

Once you have your license, you can reserve your ceremony through the county.

Santa Clara County offers ceremonies in either:

• the indoor chapel
• the outdoor chapel

Ceremonies are reservation-only and are typically offered Monday through Friday.

If you want the day to feel like an actual wedding and not just paperwork, the chapel is definitely the way to go.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Chapel

Indoor Chapel

The indoor chapel is such a nice option if you want something simple, clean, and a little more polished.

It’s especially great if:

• you’re bringing family
• you want a little more structure
• you don’t want to worry about weather

Outdoor Chapel

The outdoor chapel is a lovely option if you want something more open and natural.

My take: If you book the indoor chapel, you can often still step outside for photos afterward (as long as another ceremony isn’t immediately after yours). It gives you a really nice mix without needing to overthink it.

Should You Add Extra Time?

If it’s in your budget, I really do recommend it.

Ceremonies are short, and everything moves quickly once you’re in it. Adding extra time gives you space for family photos, a few portraits, and just a moment to breathe before heading off to the next part of your day.

One thing to note about this office is that they run a very tight schedule. I’ve rarely seen ceremonies delayed, and they do move people along quickly. If you don’t have extra time booked, things can feel a bit rushed at the end.

This is one of the biggest things I recommend to couples.

Can You Bring a Photographer?

Yes, and I highly recommend it.

Courthouse weddings go by fast, and having someone there to capture everything means you’re not missing all the little moments in between. (Hi, I’d love to be an option for you! Reach out to me here.)

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Best Places for Wedding Photos Near the Santa Clara Courthouse

If you want more variety in your photos beyond the Santa Clara Courthouse, there are some really beautiful spots nearby that are perfect for additional portraits before or after your ceremony.

Municipal Rose Garden (San Jose)

About 15 minutes away. Beautiful when in bloom, but very seasonal.

Gamble Garden (Palo Alto)

About 25 minutes away. A great year-round option with greenery and a gorgeous pergola.

Downtown San Jose

Perfect if you want a more urban, modern feel with lots of texture and variety.

Where to Celebrate After

Just because you’re having a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you have to skip celebrating.

A lot of couples end up doing a really nice dinner with their people, which can feel just as special as a larger reception, just more relaxed and intentional.

Here are a few local restaurants that can accommodate larger groups for intimate dining:

• Fleming’s Steakhouse (Santa Clara)
• Farmer’s Union (San Jose)
• Puesto (Santa Clara)
• Orchard City Kitchen (Campbell)
• State Street Market (Los Altos)

Planning Your Own Courthouse Wedding?

If you’re thinking about getting married at the Santa Clara Courthouse and want photos that feel natural, relaxed, and true to your day, I’d love to help.