Courthouse Wedding - Photographer/Advice Needed!

[Deleted User]

My fiancé and I originally planned to have a full wedding in DC in November 2012, but due to some family conflict have decided to downscale to a courthouse wedding in April 2012. We'll probably go to the Rockville courthouse, as I'm a Maryland resident, and then just go to a private dinner later with two friends. We're determined to have a photographer because we want this to feel like a real wedding, but I don't know how to go about getting a photographer who will only be needed for at most two hours or so (the ceremony and maybe some additional photos). Anyone had a courthouse wedding and have advice on photographers, what to wear, and ways to make the event feel special?

razdazzle

I have some thoughts... email me for additional ideas and vendors M_zeidner at yahoo dot com A) Wear something white....maybe a short/knee length white dress with a cardigan...groom wears a suit - navy or gray? Carry a small bouquet, match one of the flowers for groom bout C) Explain to photographers what you needin terms of location and time, they may have some thoughts for a mini photo session near courthouse after ceremony

2dBride

You might check out Kat Forder Photography.  Kat is a very experienced wedding photographer.  However, she is now trying to rebuild her business after moving here from Canada, so her rates tend to be lower and her willingness to be flexible tend to be higher than most photographers in this area.  Plus, she just had her own courthouse wedding recently (of which she and her photographer husband took their own photos), she'll be sympathetic.

LoveKiss

Just a thought, the courthouses in Talbot and Kent Counties (on the Eastern Shore) are absolutely adorable and would offer fantastic photo opportunities. You could also do an elopement package at some place like the Brampton Inn (their simple package includes a photographer).

Our photographers, Gillette Portrtait Arts, are very flexible and accomodating. I am sure Raye and Kristie could come up with something fabulous for you.

TheJohns

hello there! I'd be happy to photograph your courthouse wedding! email me at helenjohnphotography@gmail.com

brenda2000

Soheil Photography is VERY creative! I think documenting the day in a photobook would be beautiful. Please contact him. I believe he lives in Rockville.
http://www.soheilphotography.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Soheil-Photography/137750602910816

jashleya

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_dc_courthouse-wedding-photographeradvice-needed?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:57Discussion:391eebff-dc7d-4010-9c12-c7d0a94c40d4Post:4e397658-bf57-48b8-922d-48c795dd5979">Courthouse Wedding - Photographer/Advice Needed!</a>:
[QUOTE]My fiancé and I originally planned to have a full wedding in DC in November 2012, but due to some family conflict have decided to downscale to a courthouse wedding in April 2012. We'll probably go to the Rockville courthouse, as I'm a Maryland resident, and then just go to a private dinner later with two friends. We're determined to have a photographer because we want this to feel like a real wedding, but I don't know how to go about getting a photographer who will only be needed for at most two hours or so (the ceremony and maybe some additional photos). Anyone had a courthouse wedding and have advice on photographers, what to wear, and ways to make the event feel special?
Posted by zenithpunkin[/QUOTE]

Thanks for posting this. 

I am getting married on the Mall on April 2 with just my fiance, myself, and our officiant present.  We would like a photographer, but haven't been sure how to go about it.

Good luck with everything!

Lisa50

Photographers can be hired for any duration.  Just find one you want and outline the flow of the day for him/her, including start and finish times, and you should be all set.
 
Our photographer told us the story of a wedding he worked -- just the bride, groom, officiant in the couple's condo. He said it was one of the most unique events he'd worked.  He really enjoyed it.

Good luck!

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all the advice ladies; it's very helpful! I particularly like the mini photo session idea, especially because I would have no idea where something like that could be done nearby. In some ways booking a photog should be easier in that we can get married on a weekday or an off time - as in, not a Saturday afternoon/evening/night when a lot of people will already be booked. On the other hand, we can't get a license until my fiancé's back in the country from Afghanistan (end of March) and we can't book a date until we get a license, so this whole shebang will inherently be somewhat last minute. I'll see how flexible photogs' schedules are, try to remain flexible myself, and see how it goes. Also, razdazzle - your attire suggestions were exactly what I was thinking

PrfctL7

Everyone already said all the things that I was thinking, haha. I'm sorry you had to change all your plans though, that must be a pain (to say the least). No matter what, it WILL be a real wedding because it's YOUR wedding! It'll be great! 

cliffordmatheson

I know most of the great photographers in the area and most would be more than happy to cover your courthouse wedding and perhaps some forma photos in the park across the street in Rockville.  They are creative and will come up with memories you will cherish forever.  Just be in touch and I will give you a short list.  Good luck!  P.S.  I am a successful full-time videographer in the DC area and after hundreds of events; I feel I am qualified to offer this advice.  Regards, Cliff Matheson

formymoush

Try Ashley - http://ashleyysphotography.com/ 571-357-2743. I used her for my wedding, and she was very, very reasonable with her price!!! She was very timely, she was with us for the whole day. She will charge for the time spent, but it wasnt' that much. She edited all the photos she took, and gave me all the photos she tooked. She also brought an assistant, and the nice thing was she didn't charge me extra for it, I just paid her a little extra for that. Goodluck