Rocio and Ben got married in the heart of Old Town Fairfax. They exchanged their vows at the Fairfax County Courthouse on a rainy May afternoon, followed by sweet moments together surrounded by the cozy neighborhood and lush gardens. The day was unhurried, exploratory, and completely theirs.
What I love most about documenting elopements is that the day tends to reflect exactly who the couple is. Rocio and Ben were relaxed and warm and genuinely happy to be out in it — the rain, the garden, the wandering. There was no performance. They were just two people who wanted to get married and then enjoy the day they’d built around it.
Their Courthouse Elopement in Fairfax City
Fairfax County is a place where the old and new sit comfortably together — historic architecture, quiet pathways, and the hum of a growing downtown. It makes a wonderful backdrop for couples who want something personal and unfussy yet still full of character.
Having a courthouse elopement is one of the most straightforward ways to get married in Northern Virginia, and one of the most underrated. What you build around your ceremony is entirely up to you, and the sky is the limit with options.
For Rocio and Ben, the ceremony included one detail that made it feel complete in a way nothing else could: a video call with Rocio’s family, who were watching from another country. They couldn’t be there in person, but they witnessed it, and it is such a thoughtful solution to include your loved ones in your elopement.
One practical note: professional photography at the courthouse requires prior approval, so make sure to reach out to the courthouse in advance to confirm its policy.
Exploring Fairfax Old Town Square Park in the Rain
As we made our way to the courthouse and afterward, we spent time in and around Old Town Square. Even with rain coming and going throughout the day, Rocio and Ben were open to exploring it all.
Clear umbrellas in hand, they wandered through the neighborhood — under the covered arcade of the brick courthouse building, along the tree-lined walkways, through the garden. Rocio’s bouquet was full of peonies, garden roses, and ranunculus in coral, peach, and warm pink, and it really popped against the grey of the day.
Why Fairfax Is Worth Considering for Your Elopement
Couples sometimes overlook Fairfax City in favor of DC or Richmond, but there’s a lot here. The historic district has genuine charm with brick sidewalks, white clapboard buildings, trees lining the streets, and stone steps worn smooth from decades of use.
It’s also genuinely convenient. Old Town Fairfax has good restaurants within walking distance, making it easy to move from the ceremony to portraits to a celebratory lunch or dinner without anyone getting in a car. And for couples who want to extend the day, DC is close enough to make an afternoon of it — the monuments, the Mall, a museum, a particular neighborhood you’ve been wanting to explore.
An elopement doesn’t have to mean choosing between intimacy and experience. You get to have both!
Planning Your Own Fairfax Courthouse Elopement
If you’re drawn to the idea of a smaller, more intentional wedding day, Fairfax is a wonderful place to begin. You can keep things simple by staying near the courthouse, or make a full day of it by exploring downtown, visiting local restaurants, or even heading into DC for additional portraits.
If you’re eloping in Northern Virginia, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning. Reach out and let’s plan your day together!
