Old Orange County Courthouse Micro Wedding
An Old Orange County Courthouse wedding like Mayra and Peter’s feels different when the couple has been together for over ten years. The feeling of their steady kind of love that’s already lived through a decade of life together. They’re local to the area, so choosing the historic courthouse in Santa Ana felt intentional, surrounded by that gorgeous Victorian architecture, tall windows, and worn details that hold so much history. We documented the whole day on a mix of digital, 35mm film, and Polaroid, which felt so right for a day that was equal parts classic and intimate.
It was short and sweet, just a three-hour window. But every piece of it was thoughtful. From their ceremony inside the courthouse to Mayra’s beautifully styled mini reception brunch at Benchmark Restaurant, the entire morning felt elegant, quiet and personal.
An Intimate Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding in Santa Ana, California
When we arrived for their Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, Mayra and Peter checked in with their small group of about sixteen guests. It felt calm from the start. Just immediate family and close friends gathered close. It was exactly the kind of intimacy they wanted for a 10:40 a.m. ceremony.
Mayra wore a beautiful, flowy Jenny Yoo dress that moved so softly as she walked, paired with a moody bouquet by Florina Florals that added the perfect depth against the courthouse’s historic backdrop. Peter kept it classic in a black Friar Tux. Their looks were timeless. Honestly they were perfect for an Old Orange County Courthouse wedding with all that Victorian architecture surrounding them.
After they said their vows, we wandered through the courthouse for portraits. And if you’ve never been inside, it’s stunning. Tall ceilings, ornate detailing, worn staircases, all that old Victorian architecture woven through every corner. The light filters in just right, and every hallway feels like it holds a little piece of history. It’s one of those places that doesn’t need much. You just let it be what it is, and it elevates everything around it.
An Orange County Micro Wedding Brunch at Benchmark Restaurant
After their Old Orange County Courthouse wedding ceremony, we made our way over to Benchmark Restaurant for Mayra and Peter’s mini reception brunch. Mayra put so much intention into the styling of this part of the day. She had gorgeous florals, beautiful linens, and thoughtful little details that made the whole space feel warm and intimate. With their closest family and friends gathered around, it was the perfect setting to slow down, share a meal, and actually soak in the moment together.
Their day was short and sweet, just about three hours from start to finish, but it proved something I always love reminding couples: just because you’re planning a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean the celebration has to stop there. A cozy dinner or brunch like this can turn a courthouse ceremony into a full, meaningful experience with the people you love most.
An Old Orange County Courthouse Micro Wedding + Brunch on 35mm Film
Part of Mayra and Peter’s Old Orange County Courthouse wedding was photographed on 35mm film, which honestly felt perfect for the historic setting. There’s something about film that just pairs beautifully with places like this with the textures and the way the light hits those old Victorian details throughout the courthouse. It adds this nostalgia that digital just can’t fully recreate.
If you love the look of film as much as I do, you can see more of my film work on my 35mm film portfolio page!
Mayra + Peter’s Miro Wedding on Polaroid
We also captured a few Polaroid photos throughout the day, which are always some of my favorites. Polaroids have this imperfect, instant charm to them that feels especially fitting for intimate days like Mayra and Peter’s Old Orange County Courthouse wedding. They always end up feeling like tiny keepsakes from the day.
If you want to see more of how I incorporate Polaroids into wedding days, you can check out my Polaroid film portfolio as well.
Planning Your Own Old Orange County Courthouse Wedding?
If you’re planning your own Old Orange County Courthouse wedding, a day like Mayra and Peter’s is the perfect reminder that courthouse ceremonies can still feel intentional. Whether it’s keeping things small with just your closest people, adding beautiful details like florals and linens, or celebrating afterward with an intimate brunch or dinner, it doesn’t have to feel rushed or impersonal. A short and sweet day can still hold so much meaning when it’s centered around the people you love most.
While I’m based in Las Vegas, I absolutely love traveling to photograph weddings and intimate elopements like this. If you want to see another beautiful day at this location, you can check out this Old Orange County Courthouse Elopement on film | Santa Ana, CA. It was another beautiful wedding that was captured exclusively on 35mm film.
And if you want to learn a little more about me, you can head over to my about page. If I sound like the photographer you’d want documenting your Old Orange County Courthouse wedding (or wherever your story is taking you), you can inquire through my contact page. In the meantime, you’ll find more real wedding stories here on the blog!
Cruz Valentin Photography | Las Vegas + Orange County Elopement Photographer
Photography details:
Digital, 35mm film, and polaroid.
Vendors:
Makeup: Amber Nicole Makeup | Photographer: Cruz Valentin Photography | Bride's dress: Jenny Yoo | Groom's tux: Friar Tux | Florals: Florina Florals | Cake: Frosted by Lynn | Reception Venue: Benchmark Restaurant