Santa Clara Courthouse Wedding | Alessa + Brantin’s Civil Ceremony
Alessa + Brantin’s Intimate Wedding at the Santa Clara Courthouse Chapel
If you’re dreaming of a courthouse wedding that feels simple, meaningful, and a little less chaotic than San Francisco City Hall, Alessa and Brantin’s day is such a sweet example of what that can look like.
These two got married at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Wedding Chapel with just their closest family by their side, and honestly, it was one of those days that felt really grounded in what mattered most. No huge production, no overcomplicated timeline, just the two of them getting married and celebrating with the people they love.
Their guest list was small, around 12 people total, which made the whole day feel really intimate from the very beginning. Everyone met at the Santa Clara Courthouse for their civil ceremony, and the vibe was calm, easy, and genuinely really lovely.
A Civil Ceremony at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Wedding Chapel
Alessa and Brantin chose to have their ceremony in the indoor chapel at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, which is such a cute and underrated option for couples planning a courthouse wedding in the Bay Area.
One of the things I really like about this courthouse is that it feels a little more manageable than some of the bigger, busier courthouse locations. It still feels special, but without as much rushing around or navigating a million people in the background.
Their ceremony was officiated by the County Deputy Marriage Commissioner, and it was short, sweet, and exactly what a civil ceremony should be. They exchanged rings, said “I do,” and were married surrounded by their families. It was simple in the best possible way.
One thing that really worked in their favor was choosing to add a little extra time to their chapel reservation. That gave us a little breathing room after the ceremony, which made such a difference. Instead of immediately being shuffled out, they actually got to soak it in a bit, hug their people, and take a few extra photos without everything feeling rushed.
And honestly, if you can swing a little extra time it's so worth it!
Family Photos and Just-Married Portraits at the Santa Clara Courthouse
After the ceremony, we stayed in and around the chapel for some family photos and a few portraits of just the two of them.
One of my favorite things about smaller courthouse weddings is that there’s usually more space for those in-between moments. The hugs right after the ceremony, family members tearing up, everyone smiling at the couple like “okay wait… you’re actually married now.” Those little moments always end up being some of my favorites.
Because Alessa and Brantin had kept their day so intentional and simple, there was room for that. Room to slow down, room to actually be present, room to let the day unfold without feeling like they had to sprint through it.
After that, I took them around the Santa Clara Courthouse a bit more for portraits, and I was honestly so pleasantly surprised by how many good little spots there were tucked around the building.
This courthouse definitely has more of a modern look than some of the older Bay Area courthouse locations, but I actually think that works really well in photos. There are clean lines, nice textures, pockets of good light, and enough visual variety to give a gallery a little dimension without needing a huge location.
We also stepped over to the outdoor chapel area for a few more portraits, which gave us a nice mix and made their gallery feel a little fuller.
A Small Reception at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Santa Clara
After their wedding at the Santa Clara Courthouse Chapel, Alessa and Brantin headed over to Fleming’s Steakhouse in Santa Clara for a small dinner reception with their family and friends.
And honestly, it was such a good choice.
They rented out the back room, and it was the perfect setup for the kind of celebration they wanted. It felt intimate without feeling too small, and polished without feeling stuffy. There were big windows, a long table for everyone to gather around, space for gifts and cake, and just enough room for everyone to settle in and really enjoy the evening together.
Before dinner, everyone hung out with drinks, took a few shots together, and played some games, which made it all feel really relaxed and personal. It didn’t feel overly formal or performative, it just felt like a group of people who were genuinely so happy to be there celebrating these two.
A few people gave speeches, dinner was served, and they ended the night with a gorgeous wedding cake and the kind of full, happy energy that makes a small wedding feel really special.
Why the Santa Clara Courthouse Is Such a Great Option for a Small Wedding
Alessa and Brantin’s day was such a good reminder that a wedding does not have to be big to feel important.
Their Santa Clara Courthouse wedding was simple, easy, emotional, and full of intention. It gave them space to focus on the actual reason they were there, which was to get married and celebrate with the people they love most.
If you’re planning a civil ceremony at the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office and want something that feels a little more laid back than SF City Hall, this is such a great option. It’s easy, it’s beautiful in its own way, and it gives couples the chance to create a wedding day that still feels personal without needing a huge production behind it.
Planning Your Own Santa Clara Courthouse Wedding?
If you’re thinking about having a Santa Clara Courthouse wedding and want photos that feel candid, joyful, and true to your day, I’d love to help.
Courthouse weddings can move fast, but they can still feel really special when you have the right people around you and enough space to actually be present in it all.
And that’s always the goal for me, helping you slow down just enough to really remember how it felt.
Wedding days end, newborns become toddlers, and parents become grandparents. These moments go by so fast. You deserve to live fully in them, to be present, and then relive them through imagery that tells your story. Photography is more than just a picture, it’s a way to document your history. These are the good old days. Let me help you remember them.
photos that live up to the
memories.
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Photographer, dog mom, book hoarder, and Trader Joe’s loyalist. I’m a Pisces, an ENFJ, and an Enneagram 3, which basically means I feel everything, care deeply, and always have a running to-do list (with color coding).
These days, I’m also figuring out life as a new mom — balancing baby snuggles with camera gear and reminding myself to slow down and soak it all in. I’ve built a career out of noticing the details, chasing the light, and turning everyday moments into art.
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I'm Shannon.
"She has a unique ability to make you feel at ease
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