Portland Courthouse Wedding Photographer | An Intimate Downtown Ceremony
An Intimate Downtown Ceremony
There’s something refreshing about a courthouse wedding in Portland.
No production.
No timeline pressure.
No elaborate decor.
Just two people, a clerk, a judge, and a decision.
This wedding at the Multnomah County Courthouse was exactly that — and it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun days I’ve photographed.
A Real Multnomah County Courthouse Wedding
This couple was visiting Portland from Wisconsin.
They were in town for a vacation — exploring the city, trying new restaurants, soaking in the Pacific Northwest atmosphere. They weren’t planning a big wedding. They wanted simplicity. Intimacy. Just the two of them.
When I arrived at their Airbnb to photograph them getting ready, I learned they were heading downtown afterward to get married at the courthouse.
I hadn’t planned to attend the ceremony.
But I still had film left in my camera. I had no other plans that afternoon. So I asked if I could join them.
I’m so glad I did.
What the Ceremony Felt Like
Quiet.
Stress-free.
Quick but meaningful.
Joyful.
The Multnomah County Courthouse was surprisingly beautiful inside. Large windows. Clean lines. Soft natural light pouring through the building. It was nearly empty, which made everything feel calm and private.
The judge and clerk were kind and welcoming. The entire process was simple and straightforward.
It cost less than $130.
It didn’t feel like a compromise.
It felt intentional.
After the Ceremony
After they signed the paperwork, we walked through a nearby city park on our way back to the car.
We stopped on a bridge.
We stood in the grass.
We took portraits as the city moved quietly around us.
Then we drove to a dive bar called QT’s.
The bride and I ordered Shirley Temples.
The groom had a beer.
They hung out there for a while before heading to dinner reservations and later a pinball machine bar.
That was their wedding day.
No stress. No rigid timeline. Just moments.
The Details That Made It Theirs
Three things from that day still stand out.
First, they told me they were pregnant.
That moment shifted everything. This wasn’t just a courthouse ceremony — it was the beginning of something bigger.
Second, inside QT’s they noticed subtle nods to the Midwest. As Wisconsin natives, it made them laugh and feel strangely at home.
Third, the groom was thrilled by the vintage physical media details inside the bar — old movie posters and VHS tapes on the walls. He loves vintage formats.
It fit perfectly with their wedding choices.
They had thrifted and antique-sourced all of their attire. The veil. A vintage cake topper. Everything felt thoughtful without feeling curated.
I made the bride’s bouquet from flowers in my own garden.
Nothing about the day was elaborate.
Everything about it was personal.
Why We Shot It on 35mm Film
This entire wedding was photographed on 35mm film.
The couple specifically requested film because they prefer physical media and vintage formats. It aligned with their personalities and the overall feel of the day.
The grain.
The softness.
The texture.
Film captured the courthouse light and dive bar atmosphere in a way that felt cohesive and nostalgic.
When you choose a courthouse wedding rooted in simplicity and intention, film can elevate it without making it feel staged.
What Surprised Me
I didn’t expect to be there.
I thought I was only photographing them at their Airbnb.
But when I realized I had film left and no other commitments, I followed the day wherever it led.
That spontaneity is part of why I love intimate weddings.
There’s room for flexibility.
There’s room to say yes.
There’s room for unexpected joy.
Why the Multnomah County Courthouse Is a Great Option
If you’re considering a Portland courthouse wedding, here’s what I can tell you honestly:
The building is beautiful inside.
The lighting is incredible.
It’s quiet and not overcrowded.
The staff were kind.
Parking was manageable.
It’s affordable.
And here’s something practical.
Applying for a permit to get married in a Portland park can be complicated and time-consuming.
If you get married at the courthouse instead, you can take photos at a nearby city park before or after — without dealing with permit lines or long waits.
You get simplicity and beautiful portraits.
Who a Portland Courthouse Wedding Is Perfect For
Couples who:
Want intimacy
Prefer simplicity
Are traveling
Don’t want a big production
Value experience over spectacle
It’s not a lesser option.
It’s just a different one.
And when done intentionally, it can feel just as meaningful as any traditional venue.
If You’re Considering a Portland Courthouse Wedding
You don’t need a guest list of 150.
You don’t need an elaborate plan.
You can get married quietly at the Multnomah County Courthouse, walk through the park afterward, have a drink at a dive bar, and still have it documented beautifully.
If you’re planning something similar and want photography that feels honest, relaxed, and rooted in the moment, I’d love to hear about it.
Sometimes the simplest weddings are the most unforgettable.
If you’re planning a Portland courthouse wedding and want it documented in a way that feels intentional and honest, I’d love to hear your plans.
Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of guests, we can keep it simple and meaningful.
Reach out here and tell me your date and vision:
https://amandajae.com/contact
