Old Orange County Courthouse Elopement on film in Santa Ana, CA

May 16

Brittany and Cory’s Old Orange County Courthouse elopement was everything! Classic, intimate, and effortlessly cool. When they reached out about not only capturing their courthouse vows in California but also their Vegas mini reception at Evel Pie—all on film—I knew this was going to be special. I’m obsessed with film, so when couples are just as excited about it as I am, it’s always a beautiful time!

Brittany + Cory’s Intimate Old Orange County Courthouse Elopement on 35mm Film

Brittany and Cory’s Old Orange County Courthouse elopement was straight out of a vintage film reel! Captured entirely on 35mm film, this day had all the classic Hollywood glamour vibes with a touch of 1920’s elegance. Brittany’s sleek, open-back white mini dress and slingback heels paired perfectly with Cory’s sharp white tuxedo jacket and vintage-inspired details. She carried a bold, romantic bouquet by Love Her Madly Weddings, adding the perfect pop of color to their elopement! With only Brittany’s best friend as their witness, the ceremony was intimate, warm, and so romantic!

Afterward, we took things outside for photos with Cory’s beloved buggy, a nod to his passion for restoring old cards. The soft film grain, the old-school courthouse architecture, and that vintage ride? A perfect mix of timeless and personal!

Bride and groom sitting at Old Orange County Courthouse for their intimate elopement

Bride and groom kissing during their intimate Old Orange County Courthouse elopement ceremony

Bride and groom kissing after their intimate Old Orange County Courthouse elopement

Just married sign on a vintage buggy car

Bride and groom posing outside of the courthouse with their vintage buggy

35mm Film elopement photos from a Old Orange County elopement in California

Bride and groom posing in an old vintage buggy captured on 35mm film

Couple kissing during their 35mm film elopement on an old vintage buggy

Bride and groom sitting in an old vintage buggy

Couple holding hands in their old vintage buggy

Couple posing for their Old Orange County Courthouse elopement photos on 35mm film

Bride and groom posing outside of Old Orange County Courthouse on 35mm film

Couple posing outside of Old Orange County Courthouse in California for their 35mm film elopement photos

35mm film elopement photo of a florals by Shelby Williams - Wedding Florist

Black and white 35mm film elopement photo of a couple in a vintage buggy

A Mini Las Vegas Reception Celebration on 35mm Film

Brittany and Cory’s mini Las Vegas reception was the perfect mix of cool, classic, and completely them. They kicked things off at Evel Pie, sharing greasy slices and a vintage-inspired cake topped with cherries because pizza and cake are the only wedding menu that truly matters!

Then, we hit the streets, and Vegas showed off. Neon lights, 35mm film, and the kind of energy that only Las Vegas delivers! A champagne pop on Fremont and kisses under the El Cortez sign just made it even more special. Their elopement and mini reception was just so iconic, just like their love and style!

Blue vintage heart shaped Las Vegas reception cake with cherries

Couple cutting into their reception cake

Couple kissing during their mini Las Vegas reception

Couple posing in front of Evel Pie in downtown Las Vegas

Couples downtown Las Vegas photos in front of El Cortez Hotel

Couples downtown Las Vegas elopement photos on 35mm film

Black and white 35mm film elopement photo

Black and white 35mm film elopement photo of a couple in downtown Las Vegas

Black and white 35mm film elopement photos of a couple posing on Fremont Street in Las Vegas

35mm film elopement photo of a couple kissing in downtown Las Vegas

Couples 35mm film elopement photos in downtown Las Vegas

Couples downtown Las Vegas elopement photos

Couple popping champagne in downtown Las Vegas

Couples downtown Las Vegas elopement photos in front of Cheapshot

Couples playful 35mm film elopement photos

Couple kissing in downtown Las Vegas on 35mm film

Planning Your Own Old Orange County Courthouse Elopement or Looking For a Film Elopement Photographer?

The Old Orange County Courthouse is one of those places that feels like it was made for intimate, timeless elopements. Whether it’s just the two of you or a few of your closest people, the vintage architecture and warm, romantic atmosphere makes it the perfect location. And the best part? You can do exactly what Brittany and Cory did—exchange vows in a stunning historic setting, then celebrate with a mini reception after. Pizza, champagne, a cozy dinner, or whatever feels right for you.

If you’re thinking about adding film to your elopement or going all-in with 35mm film, you can have the best of both worlds—or fully embrace the nostalgia and let film tell your story. Either way, it’s a whole different vibe that brings so much depth and emotion to your day. Curious about the difference? Check out my ‘Digital vs. 35mm Film Photography’ blog where I dive into the differences between each.

If you’re planning your Las Vegas or Old Orange County Courthouse elopement, I’d love to get to know you! You learn more about me here, and if you feel like we’d be a good match, let’s make it happen by inquiring with me!

Couple posing in downtown Las Vegas on 35mm film

Kind Words From Brittany + Cody:

“I cannot say enough good things about or recommend Cruz enough! Cruz photographed on film our courthouse elopement and a small reception we had in Vegas. The photos exceeded our expectations! They are aesthetically stunning and tell a story that will allow us to relive our special days.

Cruz was so kind, genuine, and warm throughout the entire process. My husband especially isn’t comfortable in front of a camera, and Cruz gave us gentle cues and ideas while she photographed us. We were able to loosen up and have fun. She is also a perfect professional, very communicative and responsive over email throughout the entire process.

It was such a pleasure to have Cruz capture our wedding on film. She is so talented!”