The Most Gorgeous Courthouses in the U.S - Famous Favorites and Hidden Gems!
HI Bride, Kiley Vinik in vintage Mugler from the salon. // Photo: Emma Brawley
Sure, we love a grand affair here at HI HQ. Many days, many outfits. But there's also something we love about a good old-fashioned courthouse moment. It's chic, it's laidback, and gives us some of our favorite photo moments. (Also, we loooove a courthouse suit...)
So, for those of you considering this route, we've rounded up some of the most beautiful courthouses in the States! Some you may know - and some you may not!
1. Santa Barbara Courthouse - Santa Barbara, CA
This courthouse is a HI Bride favorite for a reason! It is perfect for transitioning your party from ceremony to celebration because the location is so central. It's romantic and feels intimate, even though the space can accommodate up to 250 guests. Think palm trees, Spanish-style arches, and photogenic views in all directions.
2. San Francisco City Hall - San Francisco, CA
Probably one of the most highly coveted courthouses to elope in. (People regularly stay up until midnight to snag their desired date when it opens!) It’s no secret that the San Francisco City Hall Courthouse is a STUNNER. Gives off major old Hollywood love story vibes with the sweeping staircases, grand dome, and fine arts architecture. Dramatic in the best way!
3. The Allegheny County Courthouse - Pittsburgh, PA
A grand staircase and arched windows? Sign us up! This one is for the couple that secretly wanted to get married in another country, but maybe grandma wasn’t up for it. This courthouse is a one-stop shop, including a dedicated space for a seated dinner in the courtyard that will transport you to Italy. Honorable mention to the 229 ft tower and gorgeous fountain that make for a great photo op!
4. Lapeer County Courthouse - Lapeer, MI
The oldest operating courthouse in the state with Greek revival architecture. It feels like an old chapel, which takes away the feeling of being married in a government building. Think, vintage kind of love. Something out of a black and white movie.
5. Arlington Town Hall - Arlington, MA
With its brick exterior, the Arlington Town Hall has that charming small-town feel. It's perfect for couples who want something classic, cozy, and romantic. Right next to the town hall is a lush garden filled with blossoms, shrubs, trees, and my favorite part - a pool - that offers a serene feel and makes for great photos for a garden-themed cocktail hour.
6. Anne Arundel County Courthouse - Annapolis, MD
This courthouse has timeless architecture, natural light in the ceremony space, and Annapolis is simply full of charm. It's a dreamy option for a small wedding, especially for those who are a little shy when it comes to exchanging their vows (up to 18 guests). After your ceremony, take a stroll and be surrounded by cobblestone streets and lush gardens.
7. New York City Clerk's Office - New York City, NY
Happy Isles Bride, Jillian Husband after tying the knot at the NY City Clerks office in a 1960s baby pink brocade set from the salon.
Would this even be a roundup without mentioning the New York courthouse? This one just feels effortlessly cool. The ceremony is held inside a conference room that feels very bureaucratic, but right outside the conference room are some swoony, photo-worthy backdrops. There is something so stylish about the post-ceremony traditions of getting married here - a cute bouquet in your hand, your friends and family cheering you on from the bottom of the steps, the taxis zooming by, and maybe a person selling hot dogs on the corner. And of course, those iconic green doors.
It's what makes New York, New York. Perfect for the always chic, fashionable, and laid-back couple. We can tell why it’s a HI bridal favorite.
Honorable Mention: Next Door to the Beverly Hills Courthouse - Beverly Hills, CA
*Not the Beverly Hills Courthouse*
This is less a spotlight on the courthouse and more a warning - the Beverly Hills Courthouse feels less like you're getting married and more like you're going to pay a traffic ticket. (Take it from two Happy Isles stylists who learned the hard way...) But, right next door to the courthouse are the Beverly Hills library and Beverly Hills City Hall which usually serve as the backdrop for post-nuptial pics.
So if you're looking for a Los Angeles City Hall photo op, maybe check out Pasadena City Hall instead...
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