A DC courthouse wedding is intimate, elegant, and wonderfully efficient. You get heartfelt vows, a small circle of loved ones, and the city as your backdrop—without the overwhelm of a full-scale production. Photo and video still matter, though: compact timelines and security checkpoints mean your day moves quickly, and you want images that feel intentional, not rushed. At Million K Production, we design courthouse coverage that’s calm, stylish, and tailored to the way DC actually flows on weekdays. Here’s your quick guide.
Booking, Timing, and a Realistic Window
Civil ceremonies typically run on tight schedules, and weekday mornings are your friend. Earlier slots mean lighter foot traffic both inside and outside, smoother rideshare times, and more privacy for portraits afterward. Plan a buffer on both sides of your appointment—arrive early for security and check-in, and leave space afterward so we can step outside for portraits in the best light. If you prefer golden tones, aim for late-afternoon portraits and treat the ceremony as the anchor in an earlier block.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
Keep your carry-in list minimal. Security checkpoints and compact waiting areas reward couples who travel light. Put essentials—IDs, rings, vow cards, a compact touch-up kit—into a small tote that one person can manage easily. Shoes you can walk in comfortably will pay off when we move between portrait spots. If you’re including a few guests, designate one friend as the “keeper of the bag” so your pockets stay clean in photos.
A Micro Timeline That Works
Think of the day in three beats:
Beat 1: Arrival & Pre-Ceremony — Quick candids outside, a few detail frames (vow books, rings), and a calm breath together.
Beat 2: Ceremony — We frame respectfully, capture the exchange of vows and signatures, and step back to document hugs and congratulations.
Beat 3: Portrait Walk — Two nearby locations with different textures deliver range without the commute: one architectural, one green or waterfront.
Even a 90–120 minute window is enough for a complete story when the route is smart and close.
Portrait Route Ideas Near the Courthouse (No Spoilers Needed)
You don’t need a dozen landmarks for great photos—two well-chosen stops beat five rushed ones. We favor clean lines, light stone, and colonnades for timeless frames, then pair that with a softer setting like a tree-lined path, a quiet plaza, or a river edge for movement and intimacy. Weekday timing curbs crowds; sunrise or late afternoon adds gentle light. We’ll scout tiny pockets—steps, corners, and shaded edges—that feel private even in busy zones.
Styling for Scale (Close-Ups Matter Most)
Courthouse galleries lean into close portraits and small gestures, so texture and tailoring shine. Flowy fabrics read beautifully in motion; structured jackets look sharp with a quick press. Consider one statement element—a veil, bouquet, pocket square, heirloom—so we can build a few editorial frames without extra props. If you’re doing two looks, start formal for the ceremony and change to a relaxed outfit for the portrait walk.
Guests, Witnesses, and Small Touches
With a tiny guest list, everyone becomes part of the narrative. Plan one quick group portrait immediately after the ceremony while everyone is present, then dismiss friends to coffee while we do your couple session. If family is watching remotely, a short video message recorded just outside makes a keepsake that pairs beautifully with your highlight film.
Weather and Plan B (That Still Looks Chic)
Light rain flatters skin and reduces crowds—clear dome umbrellas keep faces bright and photographs elegant. For heavier weather or summer heat, we pivot to covered architecture with open shade: porticos, arcades, or lobby edges where security allows. The goal is directional, flattering light with room to move, not a specific landmark at all costs.
Accessibility, Security, and Etiquette
Courthouse operations run on schedule. Arrive early, follow staff guidance, and keep devices quiet during the ceremony. Photography is welcome in many areas but not in all; we know where to stand, when to step back, and how to stay unobtrusive while preserving the moment. Accessibility needs? Tell us in advance. We’ll map elevator routes, seating, and the shortest path to portrait spots.
Local Insight: What Works in DC
Weekdays win—lighter lines, calmer backgrounds, and friendlier rideshare times. A two-stop route within a five- to ten-minute walk keeps portraits efficient and relaxed. If you’re eyeing peak-bloom or holiday periods, sunrise sessions pair beautifully with mid-morning ceremonies. And if the building is especially busy, we begin portraits offsite and return closer to your appointment time to reduce wait fatigue.
Courthouse weddings are small in size and big in feeling. With a tidy timeline, a light kit, and two thoughtful locations, you’ll come away with images that feel timeless and personal. If you want a DC courthouse plan built around your appointment time, light, and comfort level, Million K Production will craft the route, cues, and coverage so you can simply enjoy the day.
