Portland Courthouse Wedding: Photos + Tips for Multnomah County Courthouse
Courthouse wedding days don’t look like traditional wedding days - and that’s the point! I truly believe that some of the best celebrations of love are quiet, intimate, and focused around choosing each other in a setting that doesn’t demand anything extra. Oftentimes scaling down and getting married with just you, your partner, and your closest loved ones is the most romantic way to wed. Lindsey and Alex’s courthouse elopement was such a beautiful reminder of that. On a dreary December day they eloped at the Portland courthouse, no fluff, just a celebration of 10 years together. It was so much fun photographing their day and taking these photos. We explored the courthouse building, walked around the waterfront, and captured their union.
Portland Courthouse Weddings
The Multnomah County Courthouse is such a beautiful building! It’s located in downtown Portland - right next to the South Waterfront and across the Hawthorne Bridge. Inside the building there are large glass windows with gorgeous views over the river, and on clear days you are able to see Mount Hood. The windows are perfect for photos and for that reason it’s great for weddings at any time of year!
The Portland Courthouse address is 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204.
At the courthouse itself, your ceremony will be held inside a courtroom, pictured below. I have seen photos of ceremonies held elsewhere on the property (namely outside on the front steps or outside the courtrooms near the windows) but I’m not sure if that’s standard. Definitely ask your judge about the location possibilities. The courtrooms are intimate and private! The ceremonies themselves are very quick. You are allowed to say personal vows but if you choose not to, the judge will handle the rest!
In Portland you must have 2 witnesses when you wed. As a photographer, I am always happy to sign off as one. Witnesses must be over the age of 18 and present at the time of your ceremony.
How to have a Courthouse Wedding
The first step to scheduling your courthouse wedding is to contact the courthouse and to email a judge to set up a time for your ceremony. They may tell you a few possible times to pick from once you confirm a date.
Once you set up an appointment with a judge, you’ll want to obtain your marriage license from the (separate) marriage license office right across the river on Hawthorne St. (the address is 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd #175, Portland, OR 97214) To do this, you will fill out your application online. You and your partner must go to the marriage license office together to pick up your license at least 3 days before your courthouse ceremony. (If you don’t go at least 3 days in advance, you can waive the waiting fee for ~$5).
On the day of your courthouse wedding appointment you should arrive early so that the office can process your paperwork and marriage license. Once this is done, they will let you back to the courtrooms where you will meet your judge who will hold your ceremony and sign your license.
What to wear for a Courthouse Wedding
You can wear anything to your courthouse wedding - whether it be a traditional white dress, something more casual, or a fun outfit that reflects your personality! What matters most is that you’re comfortable. If you need inspiration, I would recommend looking on Pinterest at courthouse wedding outfits. Definitely don’t feel like you need to dress a certain way - this is your day and you should love your look!
Portland Courthouse Wedding Photographer
Below are some photos of Lindsey and Alex’s day on digital and film! If you are looking for a wedding photographer to capture your courthouse wedding, I would love to chat. I have a couple courthouse wedding packages that include both digital and film photos, and am typically flexible in availability. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to chat more!
Portland Courthouse wedding photos
Photographer: Together Theory
Venue: Multnomah County Courthouse
