There’s something about a courthouse wedding that I love. You can get dressed at your Airbnb, head downtown, get married, and decide where you want to go afterward.
That’s exactly what this couple did at the Multnomah County Courthouse. They came to Portland from Wisconsin for a vacation and got married while they were here. Afterward, we walked through a park and ended up at a dive bar called QT’s. The bride and I had Shirley Temples. The groom had a beer.
We photographed the entire day on 35mm film, from getting ready at their Airbnb to the courthouse and the bar.
Planning your own courthouse wedding? Get in touch and tell me what you have in mind.
Looking to have a wedding with…
No production.
No timeline pressure.
No elaborate decor.
Just two people, a clerk, a judge, and a decision.
A Multnomah County Courthouse Wedding might be for you, too.
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.
I photograph courthouse weddings and elopements in Portland, and I love seeing what couples decide to do with the rest of their day. Sometimes that means dinner reservations. Sometimes it means finding a dive bar with VHS tapes on the wall.
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.
AND It cost less than $130.
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.
There are places around downtown Portland for portraits before or after your ceremony. We walked through a nearby park and stopped on a bridge on our way back to the car. If you have a particular park or location in mind, it’s worth checking its current photography and permit rules as you plan.
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.
Planning a Portland Courthouse Wedding?
I photograph courthouse weddings and elopements in Portland, and I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
You might want photos while you get ready, a little time at the courthouse, portraits downtown, or someone to come along for a drink afterward. Tell me what you have in mind, and we can talk through the options.
