Dekalb County Courthouse Wedding Photos: Ultimate Guide to Beautiful, Stress-Free Portraits

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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.

Dekalb County Courthouse Wedding Photos
Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

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.

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings
Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings
Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings
Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

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.

dekalb county courthouse wedding photos featuring gay couple

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.

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

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.

dekalb county courthouse wedding photos featuring lgbtq couple
dekalb county courthouse wedding photos featuring lgbtq friendly photographer

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.

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings
Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings
Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

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.

dekalb county courthouse wedding photos featuring gay friendly photographer

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.

Reach out via email to start the conversation—or schedule a call if you prefer to chat. Let’s make your Dekalb County Courthouse wedding photos truly unforgettable.

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings

Dekalb County Courthouse Weddings
dekalb courthouse wedding

To see more Courthouse Weddings in Georgia, check out our Guide!

Meet Us - About Jaimie & Kyle

Meet Jaimie Dee

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!

Click here for our Elopement Guide!

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Jaimie and Kyle captured our wedding day perfectly. We booked them for our engagement photos and we knew then that they had to join us for our wedding too! They are such an incredible team and so much fun! ... they really put us at ease. Our wedding photos look like US in the best way possible. They captured our dynamic, our silliness, and of course our love for each other...  You absolutely must book them for your big day."

– Rhiannon Youngbauer | Bride

weddingwire.com (See What Others Are Saying)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"... [Jaimie] was patient, friendly, and professional throughout the whole experience, and seemed genuinely interested in our story and relationship... She was able to very naturally capture our moments of happiness, and was a pro at finding great shots. Even the sales aspect of their services are very well put together and thorough. 100% recommend, and we will be contacting them for any services we need in the future."

– Corey McPhetridge | Groom

weddingwire.com (See What Others Are Saying)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

" ... THE most organized, thoughtful, and excellent photography duo in the industry! Hands down!!  I have had the pleasure of working with Jaimie Dee and Kyle for years, and they NEVER miss! My clients adore them and are always given the VIP treatment. I love their attention to detail, their masterful eye, and how they can be everywhere they need to be to capture the key moments.  We love them and highly recommend them!"

– Lauren Hines, Hinesmark Affairs

weddingwire.com (See What Others Are Saying)

Atlanta Elopement Packages

An Elopement (Courthouse/ Intimate/ Micro wedding) is defined as an event with fewer than 10-50ish guests - but we won't hold you to that! These intimate weddings only require 1-4 hours of coverage. Our Atlanta elopement packages are perfect if you're looking for a photographer for a small wedding. Don't need ceremony coverage? Stand alone Wedding Portrait Packages also available. Feeling confused? Check out our Elopement Guide!

Every COLLECTION includes edited digital jpgs from your wedding, access to our recommended wedding vendors, complimentary timeline planning, sneak peeks, and a complimentary Ordering Premiere.

Team of 1-2

Team size dependent on the nature of your elopement. (Learn More)

    Time 1-4 Hrs

    1-4 Hours depending on the nature of your elopement.

      Timeless Editing

      Your images are designed to look stunning now and for generations to come. (Learn More)

      Thorough Coverage

      75-150 images per hour to capture every detail, emotion, and special moment.

      Tailored Planning

      Work together to create a custom timeline, ensuring stress-free and seamless coverage. (Learn More)

      Ordering Premiere

      A personalized session to order beautiful products & preserve your memories. (Learn More)

      Weekend Collections $3299* / $1699*

      Weekday Collections Begin at $799* / $999*

      * These are general estimates. Exact rates vary due to availability, peak season rates, & travel (if required).

      More Services Starting at $799 / $999

      Elopement Session
      Engagement Session
      Proposal Session
      Wedding Portraits

      Contact

      Book Now. Limited Spots Available.

      Atlanta Wedding Photographers at Ventanas

      Micro Wedding/ Elopement FAQ's

      Can I see a full price menu?

       While basic pricing info can be found on our website, exact pricing fluctuates based on studio availability, time of year, & required travel (if necessary).

      To provide you with the most accurate pricing for your day, you will be asked to schedule a quick 15 minute phone call to discuss your exact needs. We may even create a custom quote designed specifically for your day. (WhatsApp calling also available for those outside of the USA.)

      Photography is a huge decision - we want to do our best to provide you with the most accurate information for your day.

      Who will be my photographer(s)?

      Our micro wedding/ elopement collections include a Photo Team comprised of a Primary and a Secondary photographer, or a single Primary photographer. Assigned Photo Team pairings include:

      • Kyle + Associate Photographer
      • Jaimie Dee + Associate Photographer
      • Kyle + Jaimie Dee
      • 2 Associate Photographers

      Single Primary photographers may include Kyle, Jaimie Dee, or an Associate Photographer based on studio availability.

      Contact the studio directly for your Photo Team availability.

      Learn more about your photographers here.

      How many photos do I get from my wedding?

      With one to two photographers included in every micro wedding/ elopement photography package, we average 100 – 150 images per hour.  For example – for a standard 4 hour intimate/ micro wedding, we typically deliver 400 – 600 images.  For a 120 minute elopement, we typically deliver 200 - 300 images. With fewer guests in attendance and fewer details to photograph, you can expect to receive fewer images on the spectrum.  With more guests and more details to photograph, you can expect to receive more images.

      Do I get ALL of the photos from my wedding?

      Prior to delivering your wedding photography end product, we remove duplicate images, test photos, blurry photos, and any other images that might dilute the quality of the overall end product.  The end product we deliver averages 100-150 images per hour. (Learn more about our Editing & Post Production Process here)

      What photography equipment do you use?

      We use all the photography equipments!  Haha, but seriously we bring whatever equipment we need to get the job done and then some.  With camera & equipment rentals available to photographers all throughout the United States (and probably the world), we can also rent additional equipment at any time if a particular job requires equipment we don’t already own.

      Do you include videography services?

      As we are primarily a wedding photography studio, we specialize in creating the best possible photography for your wedding day.  Although we do not currently offer videography as a service, we include a Preferred Vendors List (videographers included) to all of our booked wedding clients.

      Do you have insurance?

      Yes.  We have general liability insurance and equipment insurance. We are happy to provide proof of insurance if your venue requires it.

      How long have you been photographing weddings?

      Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008! Depending on your assigned wedding day photographers, you will typically have between 10 - 30 years of combined experience on your Photo Team. (Learn more about Jaimie Dee Photography's background & experience here)

      Do you have any full weddings we can view?

      Yepp.  Check out the blog here.  You can see all of our latest weddings there.  Be sure to also check out the extended slideshows that happen to accompany most of our blog posts as well.

      Have you photographed at my wedding venue before?

      Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. If your wedding venue is in the metro Atlanta area, there is a high likelihood we've been to your venue before. (You can see previous venues we've worked at here - keep in mind, this is not a full conclusive list) In the event we have not photographed your venue in the past, (or you happen to be planning a wedding out of state, or outside the USA) we are happy to send samples of previous work from similar styled weddings. These previous wedding samples should help to offer insight for lighting conditions & general shooting styles for any given venue type. On the wedding day, we also typically arrive early to scout your location & check current lighting conditions.

      Can you photograph my wedding in Switzerland/ Japan/ Hawaii/ insert cool place to get married here!

      Yes, yes, and yassssss.  We love to travel & service couples all over the globe.  We simply charge additionally for travel + accommodation in addition to our regular collection pricing.

      Do you offer any discounts?

      There are very few circumstances in which we offer discounts.  However, in addition to our typical Wedding Photography Collections, we offer alternative pricing for weekday Courthouse & Intimate weddings (Monday-Thursday).  We also offer alternative pricing for non-wedding day bridal portrait sessions.  We do also offer value-added specials from time to time as part of our Consultation Booking Special.

      My wedding venue is very dark – Do you bring additional lighting?

      YES!  We bring…. ALL OF THE LIGHTS….. (Rihanna, anyone? 😜).  On camera flashes, off camera flashes, and even video lights that act as personal spot lights (so you can ….. shine bright like a diamond…..😝).   We bring lighting equipment to prepare for just about any situation that may or may not arise.  And on the off chance your venue is a dark church or chapel that doesn’t permit additional lighting, we photograph with professional grade equipment that specializes in low light situations.

      Do you edit ALL of my wedding photos?

      Yes & no! All of the images you receive (100-150 images per hour) are corrected for color & exposure – meaning the images will be brightened or darkened as necessary and colors are edited to look as true to life as possible with a little added pop. We then do a natural beauty style edit that includes subtle skin smoothing, teeth whitening, and eye brightening – including the under eye area. We also do our best to light and pose our couples correctly while photographing to create the most flattering images for every skin type, body size and shape – this should minimize the need for additional retouching. Our goal while photographing is to create the most flattering images that shouldn’t require additional retouching most of the time. (Learn more about our Editing & Post Production here)

      Do you offer additional retouching? Like SUPER skin smoothing, ULTRA teeth whitening, body shaping, object removal, etc?

      Your images are initially edited to look as true to life as possible with a little added pop (learn more about the process here). If you require additional custom retouching, we include this service complimentary for art pieces commissioned during your Ordering Premiere (learn more here). Your commissioned art pieces will be retouched to your level of specification to the best of our abilities, and even tinted or toned to perfectly match any room you wish to place your artwork in. This complimentary retouching service is also available for all images placed in your wedding album.

      Additional Custom Retouching is currently only available for art pieces commissioned at your Order Premiere and currently unavailable as a stand alone service. If you have additional questions on this, feel free to contact us.

      Do you back up our images?

      Yaaaaaaas.  And our backups have backups!  While photographing images on the wedding day, our professional grade cameras record identical images to two separate cf/ sd cards simultaneously.  Upon returning to our studio from the wedding day, images are immediately uploaded to our local server as well as well as backed up by the cloud to an offsite server.  The cf/ sd cards are then stored in a fire proof/ waterproof secure vault on site until the images are shared with you in an online photo gallery.  At any given time there are 2-3 copies of your photos stored on and offsite. (Learn more about the Backup & Post Production Process here)

      What happens if we cancel or reschedule our wedding?

      In order to reserve your date, we require a signed wedding contract and a retainer payment.  This ensures your Photo Team does not accept other photography work on your date.  In the event of a cancellation or rescheduled wedding, our studio suffers a loss.  If this cancellation/ rescheduling occurs 60 days  or more before your wedding, liquidated damages include your retainer payment.  If this cancellation/ rescheduling occurs within 60 days or less of your wedding, then liquidated damaged include all monies paid. Contact us for additional questions.