Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Wedding: Essential Photo Tips and What to Expect

A Gwinnett Historic Courthouse wedding brings together an 1885 landmark, a chandelier-lit ballroom and shady green lawns in the heart of historic downtown Lawrenceville. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse sits at 185 West Crogan Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is run by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation as a wedding and event venue. We have photographed weddings and elopements here, and this guide shares what couples should know about the venue and how to plan for beautiful photos inside and out.

Many locals simply call it the Lawrenceville historic courthouse, and it hosts everything from intimate elopements to full ballroom receptions. Venue offerings, rates and policies can change, so confirm the details with the county’s wedding specialists as you plan.

What Couples Should Know About the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

The courthouse was built in 1885, gained its clocktower in 1908, and reopened in 1992 after a full restoration. Today its Superior Court Ballroom is the centerpiece for weddings. According to the county’s Historic Courthouse weddings page, the ballroom has 24-foot ceilings, a hardwood dance floor, vintage chandeliers, Palladian windows with plantation shutters, crown molding and wainscoting, with a grand staircase, main gallery and welcome area just outside.

The ballroom seats up to 200 guests for a banquet, 220 theater style, or 300 for a standing reception.
Ceremonies can take place indoors in the ballroom or outdoors on the east lawn, at the gazebo or in the garden under stately shade trees.
Separate ready rooms give each side of the wedding party a place to get ready on site, which keeps the morning relaxed and close to the ceremony.
The grounds include a turret, an outdoor restroom and ambient lighting, and free parking is available downtown.

With the ballroom right there, an outdoor ceremony has a beautiful indoor option built in if the weather changes, which gives you peace of mind as your date gets closer.

Intimate Weddings and Elopements at the Historic Courthouse

For smaller celebrations, the county offers intimate wedding packages at the Historic Courthouse. The Simple I Do’s package is a one-hour ceremony, and the Intimate Wedding Package gives you two hours in a private, decorated setting for your ceremony and a small reception with up to 28 guests. You bring your own officiant, and the county asks couples to book at least three weeks in advance. Check the county’s page for current rates and inclusions.

This makes a Lawrenceville courthouse wedding here a lovely fit for couples who want a historic setting and a small group of loved ones. When you rent a room, your booking includes a set block of time, and in our experience that time can include portraits around the grounds, so you can have photos in front of the courthouse without planning a second location. Confirm the details with the county when you book.

Historic Courthouse Weddings and Probate Court Ceremonies

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is a rentable event venue. Free civil ceremonies through the Gwinnett County Probate Court take place in a separate building, the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive. Our Gwinnett County courthouse wedding guide walks through how those ceremonies work.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Photos: Our Favorite Spots

Right outside the courthouse. Our favorite portraits here are just outside the building, with the historic courthouse behind you. The brick, arched windows and clocktower frame your photos with a sense of place you’ll recognize instantly.
The front green space. The lawn in front of the courthouse gives you open, natural backdrops for portraits of the two of you and your family.
The grand staircase. A classic indoor spot for couple portraits, and a comfortable option in any weather.
The ballroom. Tall arched windows and vintage chandeliers give first dance and reception photos a warm, timeless look.

Black and white and color photos of a first dance by the arched windows of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse ballroom

Planning Around the Light

Light changes the look of your Gwinnett Historic Courthouse photos more than anything else, so we plan portraits around it.

Outdoors, time of day matters. Soft light near sunrise or sunset is the most flattering. An overcast day is a gift here, because the clouds soften the light and let us photograph almost anywhere on the grounds. When portraits fall in bright midday sun, our lighting assistant adds supplemental light to balance it, so faces stay soft and even in your photos.
Choose your season for the setting. For outdoor portraits on the lawn, spring, fall and winter bring the most comfortable conditions. In summer, we plan portraits in the ballroom and on the grand staircase so you stay cool and fresh in your photos.
Indoors, we bring the light. The ballroom and staircase have a warm, low-light mood, so we add supplemental lighting for portraits and receptions. Your skin tones stay bright and true while the room keeps its glow.
Your ceremony stays distraction-free. We don’t use flash during ceremonies, so your guests can stay fully present. Our low-light cameras and lenses capture the ceremony as it happens, and we add supplemental lighting afterward for portraits at the altar space. Our guide to wedding photography at night shows more about how we light low-light spaces.

Timeline Tips for Your Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Wedding

Plan portraits inside your rental time. With a two-hour intimate package, a short portrait session on the grounds before or after the ceremony keeps the day relaxed. We’ll help you map out the timing together.
Consider a weekday date. From Monday through Thursday, while most people are at work, downtown Lawrenceville tends to be quieter, so you have more room to take your time with portraits. Many venues also have more dates open during the week, which gives you more choices as you plan.
Add a downtown stop for your engagement session. The streets around the square make a charming setting for engagement portraits. See our downtown Lawrenceville engagement photos for ideas.
Compare courthouse options. If you’re still deciding where to marry, our guide to courthouse weddings in Georgia compares options across the metro area.

Wedding guests gathered around the couple during a reception tradition in the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse ballroom

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Wedding FAQ

Can You Get Married at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse?

Yes. Gwinnett County rents the Historic Courthouse for weddings, with ceremonies in the Superior Court Ballroom or outdoors on the lawn, at the gazebo or in the garden, plus receptions in the ballroom. The county’s wedding specialists can be reached at 770.822.5450.

Where Do Gwinnett County Probate Court Weddings Take Place?

Free civil ceremonies through the Gwinnett County Probate Court are held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville, a separate building from the Historic Courthouse. Our Gwinnett County probate ceremony guide covers reservations, marriage licenses and what to bring.

How Many Guests Does the Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville, GA Hold?

The Superior Court Ballroom seats up to 200 guests for a banquet, 220 theater style, or 300 for a standing reception. The county’s Intimate Wedding Package is designed for up to 28 guests plus the couple.

How Much Does a Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Wedding Cost?

It depends on the package, the day and the space you reserve. The county publishes weekday and weekend rates and separate intimate wedding packages, so contact the wedding specialists or check the county’s website for current pricing. To compare photography options for a smaller celebration, see our Atlanta elopement collections.

Can We Take Photos on the Courthouse Grounds?

In our experience, couples who rent a room can photograph around the grounds during their booked time, including in front of the courthouse and on the front lawn. Confirm the details for your booking with the county.

What Is the Best Time of Day for Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Photos?

Soft light near sunrise or sunset is the most flattering for outdoor portraits, and an overcast day lets us photograph almost anywhere on the grounds. When portraits fall in bright midday sun, our lighting assistant adds supplemental light so faces stay soft and even.

Is the Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville, GA a Good Fit for Elopements?

It’s a beautiful choice for an elopement or a small Lawrenceville courthouse wedding. The county’s Simple I Do’s and Intimate Wedding Package options give you a historic, decorated setting for a small group, with the grounds just outside for portraits.

Photographing Your Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Wedding

Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony with a few loved ones or a full ballroom reception, a Gwinnett Historic Courthouse wedding gives you a timeless setting in the heart of Lawrenceville. We’d love to help you plan your portraits around the light and your favorite spots on the grounds. If you are still searching for a team to document your day, meet our Atlanta-based wedding photography studio, or reach out to check your date. You can also explore more Lawrenceville wedding venues.

Check Your Date

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!

See More Work ...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"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

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"... [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

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

" ... 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

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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.



Weekdays (Mon-Thurs)

Weekday Elopements starting at

$999

The most flexible option available to our elopement couples with coverage starting from 2+ hours.

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Weekends (Fri-Sun)

Weekend Coverage starting at

$2799

If your date is within the next 45 days, we may have smaller coverage options available based on current availability.

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

Need Portraits Only?

No ceremony. Retainer starting at

$300

Then you’ll select the images and any artwork you’d like to purchase after the session.

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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 elopements or 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.

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.

Is 2 hours really enough for a courthouse wedding?

For many courthouse couples, yes - 2 hours typically covers the ceremony and a short portrait session before or after.

Do elopement packages include an album?

Not by default - albums are included in full wedding collections, but you can add one after delivery if you want a keepsake from your elopement.

We're not photogenic and feel weird about posing - will that be a problem for a small ceremony?

No - guided, natural-feeling posing is part of every session regardless of size. You'll never be left to figure out where to stand on your own.

Do you know the permission requirements for Georgia courthouse weddings?

Yes - some counties, including Fulton County, require an advance photography permission form. We'll point you to the right paperwork and walk you through what's needed, but you'll need to submit it yourself before your ceremony. Full details are in our Elopement Guide.

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