Nothing is more romantic than a courthouse wedding. You might not immediately equate courthouses with romance, but as a Texas wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed enough courthouse weddings to be convinced. I mean, think about it. Courthouse weddings are about you, your partner, and the love you share. You can keep it just the two of you or invite guests. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to tie the knot and begin your lives together.
Simple and lighthearted was the goal for Lauren and Nick, who got married at the Travis County Probate Courthouse on Valentine’s Day! As a couple, they are so joyful, loving, and full of laughter. They wanted their wedding photos to reflect their relationship, leaning into fun, flirty, and candid shots around the courthouse and downtown Austin.
Ceremony at the Travis County Probate Courthouse
The Travis County Probate Courthouse is the perfect location for a courthouse wedding. Located in the heart of Austin, it has gorgeous historic architecture, marble walls, and a stunning staircase for group and individual photos! While courthouse weddings are typically more intimate, the Travis County Courthouse has enough space for plenty of guests, which worked out great for Nick and Lauren!
The first thing I noticed about Nick and Lauren’s wedding was how relaxed everything felt. While some weddings feel like grand performances (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) Nick and Lauren greeted their guests on the courthouse stairs, and everyone walked into the ceremony together. The ceremony itself was short and sweet, and Nick and Lauren exchanged handwritten vows.
After the ceremony, I stole Nick and Lauren away for couple’s portraits around the courthouse. You can’t look at these and say they’re not romantic! And, while we had originally planned to take group portraits on the outside staircase, the weather had other plans. Luckily, I know how to navigate unpredictable weather and have lots of experience at the Travis County Courthouse! I easily directed guests to the lobby of the courthouse, with its beautiful marble floors and walls. We were able to get all the group shots the couple wanted without anyone getting wet!
Rainy Day Candids And Portraits in Downtown Austin
The rain may have made outdoor group shots challenging, but capturing candids around Downtown Austin was still a priority for Nick and Lauren. By carrying an adorable see-through umbrella, we were able to get the iconic Austin portraits near the “I love you so much” mural. Maybe I’m biased, but I think the rain only added to the charm!
While their guests headed to the Meteor Cafe for cocktail hour, Nick, Lauren, and I wandered through downtown Austin. When we first talked about their vision for their wedding, Nick and Lauren told me they wanted photos filled with laughter that captured their silly personalities. So while they stopped for coffee at a local cafe, I faded into the background. This let me capture their natural smiles, laughter, and soft glances without even needing to pose or direct them. By simply allowing them to be together, I documented the most important part of their wedding: being present with one another.
An Iconic Wedding Reception at The Meteor
Not every courthouse wedding has a reception, but this one did! Nick and Lauren joined their guests at The Meteor, a local cafe that the couple’s moms had decorated for them. Here, you could see the Valentine’s Day theme truly shine with pink and red accents, roses, sweetheart candies, heart-shaped candlesticks, and handmade decorations honoring the couple.
Just like their ceremony, the reception felt laid back and casual. Nick and Lauren were so obviously in love, and everyone in the room could feel it. The couple mingled with their guests, enjoyed dinner, and toasted to speeches from the maid and matron of honor, best man, and parents. They even had two wedding cakes, each made by the bride’s two best friends’ mothers! Everything about their celebration felt joyful and peaceful, just like Nick and Lauren.
Courthouse Wedding Photographer
It was such an honor to photograph Nick and Lauren’s courthouse wedding. When your wedding is focused on the person you love, rather than performing for your guests, you can truly enjoy every moment of your day! Nick and Lauren originally found me through another wedding at the Travis County Probate Courthouse, and I am thrilled that courthouse weddings are becoming more popular.
If you are planning a courthouse wedding and want a photographer with experience navigating the specific challenges of photographing in a courthouse (or a stormy wedding day), I would love to hear from you! Explore my wedding photography packages and inquire to get started!
“I am SO glad we chose Naomi to photograph our wedding! We woke up on our Valentines Day wedding to dark rain clouds. It poured rain (and lightening-ed) ALL day. But that did not stop Naomi. Naomi was out there in the rain capturing our wedding day, which took place under umbrellas. I had so many friends and family approach me at and after the wedding complimenting our photographer. Naomi is responsive, kind, and a HARD worker. Our wedding photos came out better than I could have imagined. I could not recommend her enough!!”
Lauren & Nick
Vendors:
Photography: Naomi Phelps Photography
Ceremony Venue: Travis County Probate Courthouse
Reception Venue: The Meteor