This session was shot by GMP founder and Principal Photographer Elizabeth Millar who also officiated their marriage ceremony
Felicia and Matthew got married on the steps of the historic Pasco County courthouse in Dade City, and I got to officiate and photograph at the same time.
Felicia found me because she loved our cinematic wedding films, which is an add-on any couple can request and I’ll get into more below. She and Matthew wanted their photos warm and earthy, with an organic, lived-in vibe instead of anything too bright or polished. That choice ended up matching the building perfectly, with its regal red brick and old Florida charm.
I officiated their ceremony myself, then we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering Dade City for portraits. The day felt candid and natural, with real laughing, a few tears during vows, and the kind of undeniable chemistry between two people that makes my job easy.
Felicia mentioned early on that she’d seen our cinematic wedding films and wanted one for their day. These movies end up being something families watch for years, not just once at the reception. You can see examples and learn more on our cinematic films page.
About the Historic Pasco County Courthouse
The historic Pasco County courthouse is a Dade City landmark built in 1909. It’s made of red brick with white columns, a fountain sits out front, and it’s been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006. It’s one of the prettiest county buildings I’ve photographed in Central Florida. Even though the day-to-day office work has moved elsewhere, it’s still open to the public for photos. It’s gorgeous, and I’d love to capture more elopements here!
What most couples don’t expect: the Pasco County Clerk of Court doesn’t perform wedding ceremonies inside this building, aside from a Valentine’s Day event once a year. Marriage license business now happens a few minutes away at the East Pasco Government Center, and even then, they don’t perform marriage ceremonies themselves.
But if you really want a Florida courthouse wedding here, you can actually get married outside the building if you bring your own officiant (like me)—on the steps or by the fountain, wherever the light is good that day.
Why You Should Consider Getting Married Outside the Courthouse
Pasco County isn’t unusual. A lot of historic Central Florida courthouses either have interiors that don’t photograph well, or like this one, don’t offer ceremonies at all. That’s part of why I offer both photography and officiating together—it means we can choose whatever backdrop you like best, and we can move around while we do it.
I’ve photographed couples outside the Volusia County courthouse in Deland. I’ve done the same outside the Seminole County courthouse in Sanford and at the Osceola County courthouse in Kissimmee. Every one of those days looked completely different because the couple got to choose what fit them. If a courthouse ceremony room isn’t calling your name, a park or garden works just as well. So does a downtown street or another historic building. I keep a running list of my favorite Central Florida photo locations if you want more ideas.
Felicia and Matthew didn’t need the inside anyway. Since I was officiating, we picked the fountain outside the courthouse for their ceremony, timed for the soft afternoon light that looks great on the old brick. They read their own vows to each other, and Matthew didn’t quite make it through without getting emotional.
Portraits While Wandering Downtown Dade City
After the ceremony we walked through downtown Dade City for portraits. We crossed a few quiet streets lined with old storefronts and just kept shooting. We found ivy-covered walls and a black-and-white mural of wings with a personality of its own. Nothing about the afternoon was fussy—it was candid and a little loose, and the photos are full of real reactions instead of posed ones. When a couple has natural chemistry like Felicia and Matthew, it’s easy for me to pull out the kinds of images that really reflect their personality.
A photographer who lets you choose your editing style
I offer a few different editing styles, and Felicia and Matthew picked warm and earthy: brown tones, warm color, a bit of film grain. It’s moodier than my bright and punchy option and less true-to-life than clean and natural. It also happens to be a great match for a building this old and the earth tones of their wardrobe. You can see all three styles side by side on my editing style page if you’re trying to decide what fits your own wedding or photo session.
FAQ: Planning a Historic Pasco County Courthouse Wedding
The historic brick courthouse building is located at 37918 Meridian Avenue in Dade City. If you want to get your marriage license in Pasco County, visit the East Pasco Government Center at 14236 6th Street, Dade City, FL 33523.
The historic building itself isn’t a working office anymore, so there aren’t public hours to plan around for a visit. If you need the Pasco County clerk office for a marriage license, that’s handled at the East Pasco Government Center, open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4pm.
Every county handles it differently. Some perform ceremonies inside for a fee. Others, like Pasco, don’t offer ceremonies at all. The workaround is simple: get your license from the Pasco County Clerk of Court (or any county near you), then have an outside ceremony nearby with your own officiant.
No. You’ll need to bring your own officiant for a ceremony outside the courthouse. The county does provide a list of officiants for your convenience, or you could have me officiate as I take photos.
Yes. It’s a public, historic building, and the steps, columns, and fountain all make for great portraits. I’d plan around late afternoon light if you want that warm glow on the brick.
No. A Florida marriage license works anywhere in the state no matter which county issued it. A lot of my couples pick theirs up wherever is most convenient and then get married somewhere else entirely.
In some counties, yes. Seminole County and Hillsborough County both run fully virtual appointments. You apply online, then meet the clerk over Zoom with both of you on the call and your IDs ready. They take payment and collect your signatures right there, then email you the license to print at home. I wrote a full walkthrough of how to apply for your marriage license online.
No. Florida doesn’t require them, so it can be just the two of you and whoever’s officiating. Bring people if you want them there, it’s simply not a legal requirement.
Find the Perfect Florida Courthouse Wedding Photographer for Your Vision
Congratulations, Felicia and Matthew, thank you for letting me marry you and photograph you on the same afternoon. If you’re picturing a Florida courthouse wedding of your own anywhere in Central Florida, whether it’s Pasco or somewhere else entirely, I’d love to help you plan it. Get in touch here and let’s figure out what your day could look like.
