Planning a Cobb County marriage ceremony? Learn everything you need to know about hosting your Marietta Courthouse marriage, including tips for a perfect day. Whether you’re envisioning a simple elopement or a more intimate gathering, a Cobb County Courthouse wedding offers a unique blend of convenience and elegance. With its historic charm and central location, the courthouse is an ideal venue for couples seeking a memorable yet straightforward ceremony.
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Why Choose a Cobb County Courthouse Wedding?
The Cobb County Courthouse in Marietta, GA, is an ideal venue for couples looking for a beautiful and convenient location for their wedding ceremony. Here are some reasons why we love photographing weddings at this venue:
Elegant Architecture for Your Marietta Courthouse Marriage
The building boasts stunning architecture, providing a picturesque backdrop for your Marietta Courthouse marriage.
Convenient Location for Cobb County Marriage Ceremony
Situated in the heart of Marietta, a Cobb County marriage ceremony offers easy access for guests and close proximity to local amenities.
Elegant and Exclusive Setting
A Cobb County Courthouse wedding offers a refined and sophisticated ambiance, perfect for couples seeking an intimate yet distinguished venue. The courthouse’s timeless charm and elegance provide a beautiful backdrop for your special day.
Key Information About Hosting Your Cobb County Marriage Ceremony
Plan your dream marriage ceremony at the majestic Cobb County Courthouse! Discover all the key information about hosting your ceremony here and make the most special day of your life even more perfect.
Hire Your Cobb County Courthouse Wedding Photographer First
Unless you have a very special date in mind, it is highly recommended to hire your Cobb County courthouse wedding photographer first to ensure the best availability. Many couples have found it beneficial to secure their courthouse wedding photographer before finalizing other details.
Current Cobb County Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Schedule
Cobb County Magistrate Court currently publishes fixed group ceremony times rather than a traditional private wedding schedule. Ceremonies are held at 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday and at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM Friday through Sunday and on county holidays.
If you need to obtain your marriage license on the same weekday as your ceremony, Cobb County instructs couples to arrive at the Probate Court Licensing Division by 4:30 PM.
Based on our firsthand experience, Cobb County has not generally assigned individual ceremony appointment times. Court procedures can change, so review the current Cobb County wedding ceremony information before finalizing your photography timeline.
Obtaining Your Cobb County Marriage License
Marriage licenses are processed through the Cobb County Probate Court, located at:
32 Waddell StreetMarietta, GA 30090
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
The marriage-license office and the Magistrate Court wedding ceremony are related but separate parts of the process. Obtaining a marriage license does not mean your ceremony has automatically been scheduled.
Georgia residents may apply for a marriage license in any Georgia county. If neither applicant is a Georgia resident, the license must be obtained in the county where the ceremony will take place.
As of September 5, 2026, Cobb County’s publicly accessible ceremony information does not clearly state a numerical guest limit or a specific policy for outside professional photographers.
Review the current court instructions associated with your ceremony before finalizing your guest list and photography plans. We’ll plan your courthouse and Marietta Square portraits around the locations and photography access permitted for your ceremony.
Information last reviewed September 5, 2026, using Cobb County Probate Court and Magistrate Court official information.
Photography Tips for Cobb County Courthouse Weddings
Having a skilled courthouse wedding photographer can make all the difference in capturing the beauty of the Cobb County Courthouse. Here are some expert tips:
Best Times for Photos
Schedule your ceremony for early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon (sunset) to take advantage of the beautiful, soft natural light. Avoid solar noon when the sun is highest in the sky for the best outdoor photos.
Photo Spots
While the Cobb County Courthouse provides a dignified setting for your ceremony, some of the best photo opportunities can be found around the courthouse in the downtown Marietta area. Capture the essence of your special day with portraits featuring the charming streets, rustic brick backgrounds, and vibrant murals of Marietta Square. We take great care to position photos to minimize unwanted elements and highlight the unique character of the area.
3 Reasons Why We Love Photographing Cobb County Courthouse Weddings/Elopements on Marietta Square
1. The Marietta Sign & Surrounding Murals
Marietta Square has some cool artwork around that makes for the perfect backdrop for your elopement/wedding photos! If you want something more urban with bright pops of color, this will be your jam! This Marietta Mural sign is right next to the train tracks.
2. The Rustic Brick Backgrounds
If you want rustic brick backgrounds, Marietta Square has TONS of opportunities for various colors of painted brick throughout the downtown square area. It’s hard to move in a certain direction and NOT bump into a brick wall!
3. The Gazebo
The gazebo in Marietta Square is in the heart of the square! It’s a popular photo location. If you want your wedding photos to include this iconic gazebo, it’s wise to schedule your photo session at a time of day when the square is less busy! On a typical weekend, it’s not uncommon for there to be a line to take photos in this spot! For least busiest times, we typically recommend weekday sessions before 5pm (and avoiding the lunch hour rush!).
Legal and Trademark Information
We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to Cobb County, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Cobb County as well as related names, marks, emblems, and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only.
Conclusion
Planning a courthouse wedding or an intimate ceremony at home or an Airbnb? Our Atlanta Elopement Photography Packages cover both ceremony and portrait sessions. If you’re only interested in portraits—before, after, or without a ceremony—explore our Wedding Portrait Packages.
Ready to plan your perfect Cobb County Courthouse wedding? Contact us at Jaimie Dee Photography to capture every beautiful moment of your special day. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
See more Cobb County Courthouse Wedding Photos below –
We were honored to capture these Piedmont Park Bridal Session images for our dear friends Kim & Jaesen! Below are a couple of highlights from their super fun bridal session!
One of the things we absolutely love about all photo sessions at Piedmont Park are the incredible views this park has to offer! The lake in the background is definitely one of the key features!
Kim & Jaesen were laughing non stop throughout their bridal session! We loved every minute of it!
We can never get enough of these Atlanta city skyline views from inside the park! One of the best spots we love to shoot in is right on top of this gorgeous brick wall & stair steps!
And of course, the best time of day to schedule your photo session is usually just after sunrise, or just before sunset – depending on the time of year and the season we’re currently in! This session took place in the fall! Since fall weather in Georgia is so perfect, couples can book their sessions at sunrise or sunset!
To see more from Kim & Jaesen’s bridal session at Piedmont Park, view the slideshow below –
Lullwater Park photos have a quiet, storybook feel that surprises most people who have never been. Tucked beside Emory University in Atlanta, Lullwater is a wooded preserve with a lake, a little waterfall wall, a swaying suspension bridge and a stone mansion that looks like a castle. It’s one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets for wedding portraits and engagement photos.
Below you’ll find Lullwater Park photos from a wedding portrait session, what each part of the park looks like in photos, and tips for planning your own Lullwater Park wedding or engagement portraits.
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About Lullwater Park
Lullwater is about 132 acres of woods, trails and water owned by Emory University, which bought the land from Walter Candler in 1958, per Emory’s Lullwater management plan. Candler Lake sits at its heart, and Lullwater House, the stone home of Emory’s president, overlooks the grounds. Visitors stay on the designated trails, and dogs must be leashed.
What Lullwater Park Looks Like in Photos
The waterfall wall. Water spills over a wide stone wall into a shallow creek, giving you a bright, moving backdrop that works in color and in black and white.
The suspension bridge. A narrow bridge hangs high above the creek and sways as you walk. It makes a dramatic frame lined with green on both sides.
Lullwater House. The stone mansion, built from stone quarried on the property, has a castle-like look with its gables and chimneys.
Candler Lake and the lawns. Open grass, tree-lined paths and the lake give you room to walk, laugh and relax between portraits.
Lullwater Park Wedding Portraits
These wedding portraits were taken after an elopement, when the couple came back to the place that meant the most to them. We started on the wooded paths and the lawn, then worked our way to the waterfall, the bridge and Lullwater House.
Wooded Paths and Candler Lake
The Waterfall Wall
The Suspension Bridge
Lullwater House
Lawns and Garden Paths
Details
Engraved rings add a personal touch you will wear for the rest of your lives, and they make a lovely detail photo.
Lullwater Park Engagement Photos
Lullwater Park is just as lovely for engagement photos. We have photographed engagement photos here too, and the same lake, waterfall and wooded paths that make these wedding portraits so pretty give engagement photos a calm, storybook feel.
The waterfall and the lakeside paths make natural backdrops for relaxed, candid moments, and the open lawns give you room to walk, laugh and settle in.
Planning Your Lullwater Park Photos
Plan around the light. Within a few hours of sunrise or sunset, the light is softest and the paths are quietest.
Pick a comfortable season. Spring, fall and winter are the most comfortable times for outdoor portraits in Atlanta. In summer, we recommend an indoor location.
Consider a weekday. From Monday through Thursday, popular trails tend to be calmer, and weekday outdoor sessions include complimentary rescheduling for inclement weather, per our weather policy.
Wear comfortable shoes for the walk. The waterfall, bridge and house are spread out, so bring shoes you can walk the trails in and change for portraits.
Check the rules first. Lullwater Park may require permission or additional fees for professional photos, so it is worth checking with Emory before your session. We are happy to help plan the timing and route.
Lullwater Park Photos FAQ
Where Is Lullwater Park?
Lullwater Park, also called Lullwater Preserve, is next to Emory University in Atlanta.
Is Lullwater Park Good for Wedding and Engagement Photos?
Yes. The waterfall wall, suspension bridge, lake and Lullwater House give you several very different looks in one session.
Can We Get Married at Lullwater Park?
These portraits were taken after the couple’s elopement. For ceremonies or events on the grounds, check with Emory University directly.
Planning to take DeKalb County Courthouse wedding photos? You’re in the right place. We’ve photographed courthouse weddings in Decatur since 2008, and over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of couples navigate the process – whether it’s a quick legal ceremony or a beautifully planned micro wedding.
Many couples initially consider having their ceremony photographed inside the DeKalb County Courthouse – but once they get a sense of the environment, they often realize it may not align with their vision. The interior is practical and serves its purpose well, but it reflects the functional nature of a working government building rather than the ornate, traditional courthouse aesthetic some couples have in mind.
That said, if capturing your ceremony inside the courthouse is meaningful to you, we’re absolutely happy to be there! And if you’re looking for more photogenic alternatives for your DeKalb County Courthouse wedding photos, we’ve got great nearby options to consider.
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How to Apply for a DeKalb County Marriage License
Obtaining a marriage license through the DeKalb County Probate Court is a two-step process. First, both applicants must complete the online marriage license application. After submitting the application, save the order number shown on the confirmation page and use it to schedule an appointment with the Probate Court.
Both applicants must attend the appointment and bring the required identification and supporting documents. The court also requires proof of the scheduled appointment before applicants can enter the building for marriage-license processing.
The DeKalb County Probate Court is located at 556 North McDonough Street in Decatur. Because the court’s official pages currently show different room and afternoon-hour information, follow the location and arrival instructions provided in your appointment confirmation rather than relying on an older room number or schedule.
Does DeKalb County Offer Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies?
A marriage-license appointment and a wedding ceremony are two different things. The Probate Court’s official website documents appointment-based special ceremony events, including its Valentine’s wedding program. For those events, couples must obtain their marriage license in advance and bring both the license and proof of their ceremony appointment.
As of September 5, 2026, the court’s official website does not clearly publish a standing, year-round courthouse wedding ceremony schedule. If you are planning to have your legal ceremony inside the active DeKalb County Courthouse, review the court’s current ceremony information before finalizing your photography timeline.
Guest and Photography Policies
The court’s official website does not currently publish a general guest limit or a specific camera and photography policy for courthouse wedding ceremonies. Requirements may depend on the particular ceremony or special event.
Based on our experience photographing courthouse weddings in Decatur, timing inside the active courthouse can be unpredictable. We generally recommend allowing at least two hours when your plans include both ceremony coverage and portraits, even when you have a confirmed appointment.
Things to Consider with Photos Inside the Dekalb County Courthouse
The Dekalb County Courthouse interior, while designed to be efficient and functional, tends to feature clean lines, neutral tones, and practical lighting that supports the day-to-day work of a government building. It can also experience a steady flow of people throughout the day, which may impact privacy and timing.
If you’re investing in professional photography, we want your Dekalb County Courthouse wedding photos to reflect the beauty, significance, and emotion of your day. While we’re always happy to photograph your ceremony inside the courthouse, many of our clients choose nearby locations that offer more visual interest and privacy. Some even opt to hold their ceremony next door at the Historic Dekalb Courthouse for its timeless charm and more intimate setting.
Best Places for Courthouse Wedding Portraits in Decatur
1. The Historic DeKalb Courthouse
Right next door to the modern courthouse is its older, far more photogenic sibling: The Historic DeKalb Courthouse. This is what people imagine when they think of a classic courthouse wedding.
NOTE: The Historic DeKalb Courthouse is a separately operated event venue and portrait location – not the active Probate Court office where couples process their marriage licenses.
Marble floors, soaring ceilings, and elegant architectural details make it the perfect backdrop for wedding portraits—or even the ceremony itself! Couples love the private rental option, which includes a bridal suite, a separate holding room for the groom, and full access to the space. Seating for guests is also available as part of their elopement package, if you’re planning to have attendees.
It’s an ideal alternative for:
Couples who want to avoid the busy lobby of the main DeKalb County Courthouse
Portraits in case of rain or extreme heat
Those who want to bring their own officiant and personalize their ceremony
They offer packages for elopements and micro weddings, and the weekday hourly rental rate for photo-only sessions is often quite reasonable. (For the most up-to-date pricing, reach out directly to the Historic DeKalb Courthouse.)
2. Downtown Decatur
Just steps from both courthouses, Downtown Decatur offers charming urban backdrops with greenery, brick, and plenty of character. It’s a fantastic location for wedding portraits near DeKalb County Courthouse before or after your ceremony.
Weekdays tend to be quieter, making for a more relaxed and private photo experience. On weekends, the area is much busier—which can mean more time is required for photo sessions due to waiting for clean backgrounds, navigating foot traffic, and having more bystanders present. We can absolutely make it work (we’re pros!), but privacy and efficiency are always easier on a Tuesday morning than a Saturday afternoon.
Tips for Scheduling Your Courthouse Wedding Photos
Weekday vs. Weekend: Weekday sessions are typically less expensive, less crowded, and more private. Weekends bring more foot traffic, which can require extra time for photos and offer less privacy.
Timing: For the best lighting outdoors, we recommend scheduling portraits during golden hour – within a couple hours after sunrise or before sunset. Midday sun (especially near solar noon) creates harsh shadows and limited shade, making it the most challenging time for flattering portraits. If you’re planning for indoor portraits (like inside the Historic DeKalb Courthouse), there’s much more flexibility with timing – it can be scheduled for whenever is most convenient for you, and we bring our own lighting equipment to ensure your images look their best.
Coverage Duration: We offer flexible photography packages, including shorter sessions, half-day, and full-day coverage. For sessions inside the DeKalb County Courthouse, we generally require a 2-hour minimum due to the often unpredictable wait times – even with an appointment. If you’re only booking a short session and it runs long, additional time may be billed if we’re able to stay.
Not sure how much time you need? Reach out! We’re happy to help you build a custom timeline that fits your vision.
Photographing Your Ceremony at the DeKalb County Courthouse
If your ceremony is taking place inside the main DeKalb County Courthouse and you want that moment captured – we are absolutely on board! We’d be honored to document such a meaningful event for you. Every love story is unique, and we’re excited to photograph your wedding in the setting that feels right to you.
While the courthouse interior may not offer traditional wedding aesthetics, with thoughtful planning and professional lighting, we can still create beautiful DeKalb County Courthouse wedding photos that tell your story authentically. We do recommend budgeting for a minimum of 2 hours of coverage for courthouse interior ceremonies, as wait times can vary significantly and sessions are often subject to the courthouse’s schedule, which may shift without notice – even with a confirmed appointment.
Let’s Make Your Wedding Day Unforgettable
Whether you’re envisioning portraits in front of the historic courthouse, a walk through Downtown Decatur, or documenting the exact moment you say “I do” inside the courthouse, we’re here to bring that vision to life.
Ready to Book Your Courthouse Wedding Photographer?
We’d love to help you document your special day in a way that feels authentic and beautiful – whether you’re inside the courthouse, in front of the historic building next door, or wandering through downtown Decatur.
Old Mill Park, along Vickery Creek in downtown Roswell, is one of our favorite spots for a Roswell elopement or a small, non-traditional wedding. We have photographed elopements and micro weddings here in a few different ways: couples who marry privately nearby and walk over for portraits, couples who hold their ceremony right in the park, and couples who marry at the courthouse and come here just for photos afterward. It works well whether you are eloping later in life or simply want an intimate day at any age. Here is what we have learned from real experience at this location, and what to consider if you are planning something similar.
What Makes This Location Right for a Small Wedding
Old Mill Park packs a lot of variety into a small area. The creek, the covered bridge, the old brick ruins, and the wooded pathways all sit close together, so you are not losing daylight or portrait time traveling between backdrops. Because it is a public park rather than a private venue, it also suits an intimate day without the cost or planning of booking a full venue. That said, it is a real public park, not a rented space, so timing, crowds, and permits are worth planning around rather than assuming.
Ways Couples Have Married Here
Every elopement at Old Mill Park looks a little different. Here are three real approaches we have photographed at this location.
A Private Ceremony, Then Portraits in the Park
One couple rented a private residence in downtown Roswell and held their ceremony indoors, with just one or two witnesses that grew into a small family gathering. It was a rainy day, so we started with a first look and the ceremony inside as the weather cleared. Once the clouds parted, we moved outdoors for family portraits, then crossed the street to Old Mill Park for the rest of the couple’s portraits.
A Ceremony Held Right in the Park
Another couple, both in their late forties and early fifties, chose to exchange vows in the park itself rather than hold a separate ceremony space. We photographed portraits in and around the park before the ceremony, then documented the vows and the portraits that followed. It is a good option if you want the whole day, ceremony included, to happen in one relaxed, scenic spot.
Courthouse Vows, Portraits Here Afterward
A third couple, younger and at a more typical marrying age, married at the courthouse and came to Old Mill Park just for portraits afterward. This is one of the more common ways couples use this location: a simple courthouse ceremony, then a scenic backdrop for the photos that follow. If you are planning something similar, our courthouse wedding photography guide covers what a courthouse-to-portraits day usually looks like.
Choosing a Non-Traditional Look
Some brides skip the traditional white dress altogether in favor of a color that feels more like them. One bride we photographed at Old Mill Park wore burgundy instead of white, and it made for some of the most striking portraits we have taken at this location, the deep color standing out beautifully against the greenery and the old brick. If you are considering something similar, do not talk yourself out of it.
This location also works at any age or stage of a relationship. We have photographed couples eloping in their twenties and couples marrying decades into knowing each other, and the park photographs beautifully either way. Small and non-traditional does not mean less meaningful.
Timeline and Logistics for a Small Wedding Here
Plan for at least an hour between your ceremony and portraits so neither feels rushed. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than weekends, which matters if you would like the park mostly to yourselves. Because Old Mill Park is a public space rather than a private venue, always confirm current permit and reservation requirements directly with the City of Roswell before finalizing your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married in Old Mill Park itself?
Yes. Some couples hold their full ceremony in the park, while others prefer a private ceremony nearby and use the park just for portraits. Either way, confirm current permit requirements with the City of Roswell before you plan around it.
Can we come just for portraits after a courthouse wedding?
Yes, this is one of the more common ways couples use this location. See our courthouse wedding photography guide for what a courthouse-to-portraits day usually looks like.
What if it rains?
Have an indoor backup for your ceremony if you can. We have photographed a ceremony that started indoors as the rain cleared, then moved outdoors for portraits once the sun came back out. A little flexibility in the timeline goes a long way here.
How many guests can we bring?
Intimate weddings at this location have ranged from just one or two witnesses to a small family gathering. The park suits both comfortably.
Is this a good fit if we are eloping later in life?
Yes. Some of our favorite weddings at this location have been couples marrying later in life, often choosing a non-traditional dress or a smaller guest list. It suits any age or stage of a relationship.
Ready to Plan Your Own Elopement?
If you are considering an elopement or micro wedding of your own, our elopement collections and micro wedding collections have more on what to expect from working with us. And if you want the full rundown of what Old Mill Park itself has to offer for photos, our Old Mill Park and Vickery Creek guide covers the covered bridge, the waterfall, and the other spots in the park in more detail.
It was an absolute honor to capture these Piedmont Park wedding photos for this gorgeous couple! This micro wedding elopement ceremony was a short and sweet micro wedding, and the couple were surrounded by their loved ones in an intimate circle under the gazebo at Piedmont Park. Below are the highlights from the day.
Planning a courthouse wedding or a cozy indoor ceremony? Our Atlanta Elopement Packages cover both ceremony and portrait sessions. For portraits without ceremony coverage, explore our Wedding Portrait Packages.
Hi! We're Jaimie & Kyle (+Associates) with Jaimie Dee Photography. We're Atlanta photographers based in the metro area and service clients all over the globe. Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. We're primarily a wedding and portrait studio. Our images are crisp, clean & colorful and strike a balance between classic and candid styled portraits. Aside from the photography, we help you craft the perfect photo experience - from the beginning planning stages to the finished artwork hanging on your walls. When you're in front of our camera, we'll also offer you gentle guidance through a combo of stationary and movement based poses. We'll help bring out your inner diva too - even if you're shy! If you're looking for a photographer in the metro Atlanta area or beyond, we'd love to meet you!
