Romantic Elopement: Frederick Courthouse to Harpers Ferry
Get ready to buckle up and dive into this Frederick Courthouse to Harpers Ferry Elopement Adventure! I met Kim and Christopher at the Frederick County Circuit Court for their intimate courthouse ceremony, then we snapped some stunning portraits outside before taking a quick drive to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. There, we were greeted with breathtaking views of vibrant fall trees and serene waters—an absolutely perfect backdrop! This blog is your ultimate guide if you're dreaming of a laid-back yet stunning elopement—whether you’re all about a courthouse ceremony or hunting for that perfect portrait spot, it’s packed with inspo to make your day just as unforgettable!
As soon as I got off the discovery call with Kim I knew we’d hit it off in person! This is why I think it’s vital to book a discovery call with a couple before they book me as their wedding or elopement photographer! We immediately started going back and forth looking for locations for afterwards. Sending each other tiktoks back and forth and researching. Since it was autumn we were considering Butler’s Orchard or this pumpkin patch called Jumbos but in the end they didn’t make the cut. We settled on Harpers Ferry when Kim sent me a tiktok from there and I knew exactly where it was! I met Kim and Christopher at Frederick Circuit Court and as soon as they walked up to me I was FLOORED. They were absolutely STUNNING! Kim’s dress and heels were so freakin gorgeous! We headed inside to get through security, and get to the ceremony area!
Ceremony
Frederick County Circuit Court DETAILS
Planning to tie the knot in Frederick County, Maryland? Opting for a courthouse wedding at the Frederick County Circuit Court is a straightforward and easy choice! First, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from the Clerk's Office, located at 100 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While only one party is required to apply for the license, each must provide a copy of an official government-issued birth certificate or other official document demonstrating their age. The fee for the marriage license is $75. Keep in mind, there's a waiting period—the license becomes effective at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance. Once you have your license, it's time to say "I do"! Civil ceremonies are typically conducted by a judge, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, or a designated deputy clerk. Ceremony hours generally run Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but it's wise to confirm the exact times and any associated fees by contacting the Clerk's Office directly. After the ceremony, the officiant will return the signed marriage certificate to the Clerk's Office for recording. With its historic charm and efficient process, a Frederick County courthouse wedding offers a delightful and hassle-free way to begin your marital journey!
Parking Information
When it comes to parking near the Frederick County Circuit Court, convenience is key! The Church Street Parking Garage, located at 17 E. Church Street, is just a short walk from the courthouse and is the easiest spot to park for your big day. It’s affordable, spacious, and saves you the hassle of hunting for street parking in downtown Frederick. From the garage, it’s just a block or two to the courthouse doors, making it stress-free to get to your ceremony on time. Plus, with its prime location, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the charming streets of Frederick afterward!
Next — Harper’s Ferry, West virginia
Once we finished up at the courthouse we decided to go ahead and make the quick 30ish minute drive to Harpers Ferry!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
These two left the location up to me and trusted me to find the perfect spot for us and luckily I had already scoped out this place beforehand and I knew the exact spot I wanted to get to! Always be sure you’re allowed to be where you’re at and you have all the proper permits, passes, etc. that you may need when photographing! At this particular spot, parking was spotty and had quite the walk, and bathrooms are limited. The best time to come to this spot for these types of views is going to be beginning of October to beginning of November!
Once we finished up in West Virginia, we raced back to catch a few more photos in Dowtown Frederick before we lost daylight!
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey through such a breathtaking and intimate Maryland elopement! From the historic charm of the Frederick Courthouse to the stunning natural beauty of Harpers Ferry, this day was nothing short of magical. Whether you’re dreaming of a courthouse ceremony, an adventurous outdoor celebration, or a mix of both, I’d be honored to capture every moment of your love story. If you're planning your own scenic Maryland elopement, let’s connect—I can’t wait to hear all about your plans!