HOW TO CREATE A SPECIAL ELOPEMENT DAY

Getting married or eloping in Laguna or any other similar location, is a popular choice these days. Saving money on the theatrics and over stimulation of a large wedding, leaves you more money to spend on preserving the experience through photography and indulging in a more luxurious honeymoon.

Getting married civilly typically involves a series of steps and adhering to specific rules and regulations. Keep in mind that the exact process and requirements may vary by location, so it’s essential to contact the Civic Center or the appropriate local government office to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. Here are some general rules and tips for getting married at a civic center:

OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE

You and your partner must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married. In this case, you would likely visit the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s office.

CHOOSE A DATE AND TIME

Contact the Laguna Hills Civic Center or the specific location within the Civic Center where you want to hold your ceremony to inquire about availability and book a date and time.

MARRIAGE OFFICIANT

The Civic Center will supply the officiant. The space has a white flower alter, with seating for up to 20. You can also hire an independent officiant, obtain a Laguna Beach permit, and have a small beach cermeony.

MARRIAGE LICENSE PROCESSING

Make sure to bring your marriage license with you on the day of the ceremony. Your officiant will sign it, along with your witnesses, after the ceremony. Afterward, your officiant should return the license to the county clerk’s office to be recorded. After you check it, you’ll wait to be called in to say your vows.

MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Both parties should be present to obtain the marriage license.
• You’ll need valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
• There may be a waiting period before the license becomes effective, so plan accordingly. It will come in the mail.

WITNESSES

In California, you need at least one witness (in addition to the officiant) to sign the marriage license. Most places require two witnesses. Check the specific requirements with the Civic Center.

MARRIAGE FEES

Be prepared to pay fees for the marriage license and any rental fees for the Civic Center venue.

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

After your marriage is recorded, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate for legal purposes or name changes. It will be mailed to you, and you should plan on at least 2 copies, just incase. As of 10/2023, the fee is approximately $7 each copy.

DECOR AND SETUP

Discuss with the Civic Center about any rules regarding additional decorations, seating, and setup for your wedding ceremony. If you’ve obtained a permit for the beach or any public space in Laguna Beach, a wedding planner is a big help.

GUESTS

Ensure you understand the venue’s capacity limits and any restrictions regarding the number of guests, up to 20 guests at the civic center, but will vary if you are planning something outdoors.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY

Any hired vendors will count in your guest capacity, so plan accordingly. The property has some beautiful options for photos before/after your appointment. To create a complete wedding day vibe, photographers can offer a 4 hour elopement package. This is great to have the ability to tell the story of your day through an album, and reminisce on your special day with loved ones. The benefit of an elopement day: getting ready photos and details, photos on site at the beautiful Laguna Hills Civic Center property, capture family portraits with your guests, venture of to another location (or two) for romantics portraits, and meet your guests at a restaurant to celebrate. Keep mind that any location in the city of Laguna requires a photo permits, and the processing time is 7 business days. Take advantage of the beautiful beaches and overlooks for a small fee. Your photographer can advise on a plan that works with your appointment slot.

Breana Isley Photography can help curate an experience to make the day extra special, and you’ll walk away with all the treasured keepsakes of a large scale celebration.

MARRIAGE REGULATIONS

Familiarize yourself with any specific rules and regulations set by the Civic Center or local government that may apply to your ceremony if you have any special requests.

CELEBRATE

Plan a day of adventure with your photographer to create art to document the occasion, or have a small reception with friends and family. Why not both? Eloping gives so much wiggle room to curate the stress-free day of your dreams.

Remember that the rules and regulations can change, so it’s essential to contact the Laguna Hills Civic Center or the relevant local authorities well in advance to ensure a smooth and legal wedding ceremony.

Contact Breana Isley Photography for your Laguna Hills Civic Center or Laguna Beach Wedding Day coverage, and enjoy the intimate elopement day of your dreams.

Treasure this special day with artistic and nostalgic wedding photography with Breana Isley. Visit the Breana Isley Photography website for more about the wedding experience, wedding photography, or scroll down to send an inquiry for your date.