The Best Courthouse Wedding Locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, From a Photographer Who's (Mostly) Been There

There’s a very specific kind of energy to courthouse weddings that I don’t think gets talked about enough. They’re quieter, faster; sometimes a little chaotic. They’re also often deeply emotional in a way that bigger weddings aren’t. There’s no production to hide behind: just two people, a small room, and a moment that’s over, start to finish, in about five minutes, tops.

I photograph a lot of these across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, and over time I’ve started to notice something: the courthouse you choose does shape the experience more than you’d expect. Some feel warm and intentional, while some feel like you’re speedrunning paperwork. Some give you incredible photo opportunities five minutes away, and others leave you desperately searching for inspiration.

If you're searching for the best courthouse wedding locations in Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia, here's what you need to know.

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1) District of Columbia Marriage Bureau (DC Courthouse)

If you want the simplest possible option, DC is hard to beat. No officiant required. You can self-officiate, sign the paperwork, and be done. It’s incredibly flexible, which is why a lot of couples choose it. From a photography perspective, the building itself is pretty minimal, and not every officiant even allows photography. But that’s kind of the point — mundanity leads to exploration.

At the DC Courthouse, you’re right in the middle of the city, and within minutes you have access to the National Mall, museums, and some of the best architecture in the area. Most couples I work with here treat the courthouse as the legal step, then we go create something meaningful somewhere nearby at the National Gallery of Art, the National Portrait Gallery, Union Station, the Library of Congress, even some candid-inspired metro shots work wonderfully. The choices are endless.

2) Rockville Circuit Court (Montgomery County Circuit Court)

This is one that I end up at the most... and not just because I only live ten minutes away! The ceremony room is pretty straightforward, and quite small. As a photographer, you’re working with tight angles and limited movement, and you have to be really intentional about where you stand at all times. And yet, I love it, for all its quirks.

The process is consistent, the officiants are efficient, and everything runs smoothly. If you want something straightforward and low-stress, this is a really solid choice. From a photography standpoint, I focus less on the room itself and more on the moments - expressions, hands, reactions - then we step outside and build the rest of the story from there.

There's solid scenery you can use in the courthouse itself (as long as you follow the rules) but better backdrops right outside. And best yet, Glenview Mansion is only a ten minute drive away.

3) Annapolis Circuit Court (Anne Arundel County Circuit Court)

If you care about both the experience and the photos, Annapolis is hard to beat. From the friendly security guards at the entrance of the building to the cacophony of celebratory honking you'll experience when you exit to the streets as a newlywed couple, Annapolis is the most homey of all. The courthouse itself has more character than most, and the surrounding area does a lot of excellent work, too. Historic streets in old town, waterfront views, boats, cafes — it’s all within walking distance.

These reasons and more are why this is my most-photographed courthouse setting for weddings, even if Rockville is right down the street from me. I've been there so much that the security guards know me and we share a laugh every time they tell me the photography regulations (I end up finishing their own sentences).

I am always chasing after that perfect golden hour light to catch on the corner of buildings so it cuts across the subject at just the right angle. And as a bonus, I get to stop at Sofi's Crepes before I leave for a snack that I can munch on during the drive home.

4) Alexandria Circuit Court (Alexandria, VA)

This is easily my favorite Virginia option. The courthouse itself is solid, and the rustic look to the outdoor setting (with onlookers cheering you on) is excellent, but the real draw is Old Town Alexandria. Cobblestone streets, waterfront views, historic buildings... It's one of the most consistently photogenic areas in the entire DMV.

Everything is close together, which makes the whole experience feel easy and natural. You’re not rushing from place to place. You can just walk, explore, and let things unfold naturally. It has a certain elegance to it that not all courthouses share.

If you want a courthouse wedding that still feels like a traditional wedding day, this is a really strong option!

5) Howard County Circuit Court

Howard County is a bit of a hidden gem. While it wouldn't be my first choice from an artistic point of view, it's still a super efficient and relaxed experience compared with some of the busier courthouses. The ceremony space is somewhat small and the building is somewhat industrial. But that makes the challenge of creating beautiful art from it all the more fun.

…however, right around the corner, there’s Ellicott City. Within minutes, you’ve got historic streets, stone textures, and a ton of character. It’s an easy way to turn a courthouse wedding into something that feels like a full, intentional experience without needing to travel far. While I didn’t make it out to there the last time I photographed at the Howard County Circuit Court, I’m intrigued at the thought of getting back out there so I can explore the more conventionally photogenic areas near the courthouse for portraits.

The Ones I’m Actively Looking For an Excuse to Photograph

This is the part I’m most excited about right now. I've read the blogs from photographers who've been there and can't wait to write one of my own.

Even after photographing a ton of courthouse weddings, there’s still something really fun about walking into a new space and figuring it out in real time. Different light, different pacing, different challenges. It forces me to be more present, more creative — and that’s exactly where some of my favorite images tend to come from.

So if you happen to be getting married at one of these, just know: I am very motivated.

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6) Frederick County Circuit Court (Frederick, Maryland)

Frederick feels like Annapolis in a slightly different flavor. The courthouse sits right on the edge of a downtown that actively feels alive. Brick buildings, painted storefronts, little pockets of color everywhere you look. It’s the kind of place where you turn a corner, see an antique store or boutique shop, and immediately think, “okay, we’re stopping here for a second."

The next big attraction is Carol Creek. Running through the center of town, footbridges crossing over it, reflections bouncing light back up into your face, this is a spot I’ve photographed at some ten years ago and am eagerly waiting a reintroduction. Later in the day, especially closer to sunset, that light starts to get really directional. It wraps around buildings, sneaks through alleyways, and creates those pockets of glow that feel ethereal.

That’s the kind of environment where I’m constantly looking around, letting my ADHD take the wheel, thinking, “wait, hold on, just stand right there for a second.” It has that same “we could spend an hour here without trying” energy that Annapolis has, which is probably why it’s at the top of my most-anticipated list.

7) Fairfax County Courthouse (Fairfax, Virginia)

Fairfax leans more traditional. When you picture a courthouse in your head, this is probably close to what you’re imagining. Clean lines, symmetrical structure, columns out front that immediately give everything a sense of formality. It’s the kind of place where the photos feel a little more composed by default.

I’d approach this one a bit differently than somewhere like Annapolis or Ellicott City. Less wandering, more intention; more creativity. Using the lines of the building, the spacing of the columns, the way everything frames up naturally. It’s not about chasing little moments tucked into a city as much as it is about simplifying everything and letting the structure do some of the work.

If you like a more classic, timeless look, this is probably where you’ll look.

8) Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington, VA)

Arlington feels more modern and stripped down. Less texture, less visual noise, more clean surfaces and open space, kind of like a more elegant version of Howard County's courthouse. It seems efficient in the way the whole experience tends to be efficient... which can actually be a really interesting starting point.

Instead of the location giving you everything, it gives you just enough, and the rest comes from how you use it. Where you stand and how the light hits you will work wonders here.

This is the kind of place where I’d probably build the day around a second location nearby. Something with a little more contrast (likely, Bon Air Park, which I adore). But even within the courthouse itself, there’s something nice about how simple everything looks. It keeps the focus in the right place.

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So… If You’re Getting Married at One of These

I’ll just say it directly: I’d love to photograph it :)

Not even in a salesy way… just in the sense that these are the kinds of locations where I know I’d walk away with something I’m really proud of, and that we both would be in love with.

Now, to answer... Which courthouse wedding location is “best”?

It depends on what you actually care about!

If you want maximum flexibility and iconic scenery → DC

If you want something simple and predictable → Rockville

If you want the strongest all-around photo experience → Annapolis or Alexandria

If you want a relaxed experience + a great nearby photo location → Howard County

If you want variety and color, with a rustic feel → Frederick

If you want a classic courthouse look → Fairfax

If you want (elegant) efficiency → Arlington

I definitely have the ones I keep coming back to. But the best ones are the ones that end up feeling the most like you.

If you're planning something at one of these spots, I'm always happy to help you think through what would work best. Let's get in touch!