1910 Harris County Courthouse Wedding | Tamara & Erek's Elegant Downtown Houston Wedding
By Monica Blackshire Photography
When most people hear the words courthouse wedding, they imagine something quick, simple, and forgettable.
I imagine something completely different.
I imagine an intimate wedding day where every decision is intentional. A day where the focus isn't on entertaining hundreds of guests but on celebrating the beginning of a marriage. A day where every meaningful moment is preserved beautifully.
That's exactly what Tamara and Erek created when they exchanged vows at the historic 1910 Harris County Courthouse in downtown Houston.
Their wedding was elegant, emotional, and full of love—and it served as a beautiful reminder that a courthouse wedding deserves every bit of the care, beauty, and celebration of a traditional wedding.
If you're considering a Harris County Courthouse wedding, I hope their story inspires you to dream a little bigger.
Bride and groom Tamara and Erek celebrating their wedding outside the historic 1910 Harris County Courthouse in downtown Houston, Texas.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at the 1910 Harris County Courthouse
As a Houston courthouse wedding photographer, I've photographed weddings throughout the city, but the 1910 Harris County Courthouse remains one of my favorite locations.
The historic architecture is breathtaking. The stone columns, intricate details, grand hallways, and timeless character create a sophisticated backdrop that feels editorial and romantic.
Historic architecture of the 1910 Harris County Courthouse, a popular location for courthouse weddings in downtown Houston.
Newlyweds Tamara and Erek outside the Harris County Courthouse after their wedding ceremony.
Many couples choose a courthouse wedding because they want to simplify the planning process—not because they want to sacrifice beauty.
The 1910 courthouse proves you don't have to.
A Helpful Tip Before Your Wedding Day
There is one important thing every couple should know before planning portraits at the courthouse.
Photography inside the courthouse is never guaranteed.
During Tamara and Erek's wedding, an active trial was taking place inside the building. Because of courthouse operations, we weren't permitted to photograph in the interior hallways.
This was actually the second time this has happened during one of my courthouse weddings.
Fortunately, we already had a backup plan.
Instead of photographing indoors, we created beautiful portraits around the courthouse's stunning exterior, front entrance, columns, and surrounding architecture.
Their gallery is proof that flexibility—and an experienced photographer—can turn an unexpected change into something beautiful.
My advice is simple: plan for both possibilities. If we have access to the inside, wonderful. If we don't, we'll create timeless images outside.
Wedding portraits outside the Harris County Courthouse after indoor photography became unavailable due to courthouse proceedings.
Don't Skip the Getting Ready Experience
One of the biggest mistakes I see courthouse couples make is rushing straight to the ceremony.
Instead, I encourage my couples to slow down.
Your wedding day deserves to unfold like a story.
One of the easiest ways to elevate that experience is by booking a beautiful hotel near the courthouse.
Not only does it make the morning less stressful, but it also creates an elegant setting for some of the most meaningful photographs of the day.
The finishing touches.
The dress hanging by the window.
Your bouquet waiting nearby.
The excitement before you walk out the door.
The quiet moments you share together before saying "I do."
These are often some of my favorite images from the entire gallery.
If you're getting married downtown, I highly recommend the Marriott Marquis Houston. Its modern design, beautiful natural light, luxurious rooms, and convenient location make it an excellent choice for courthouse wedding couples.
Professional Makeup Is Worth Every Penny
If there is one place I encourage couples to invest, it's professional makeup.
Wedding makeup is very different from everyday makeup.
It is designed to last all day, photograph beautifully in every lighting condition, and hold up against Houston's heat and humidity.
Professional makeup also allows you to relax and fully enjoy your wedding morning instead of rushing to get ready.
For brides looking for an experienced artist, I highly recommend:
Mia
📞 (832) 953-8934
Flowers Are More Important Than You Think
Elegant bridal bouquet prepared for an intimate courthouse wedding in Houston.
Another investment that has an enormous impact on your photographs?
Florals.
Your bouquet appears throughout your wedding gallery.
It adds color, texture, movement, and elegance to nearly every portrait.
Beautiful florals instantly elevate your images and make even the simplest courthouse ceremony feel refined and intentional.
Just because you're having a courthouse wedding doesn't mean your bouquet should be an afterthought.
Spend Your Budget Where It Matters Most
One of the things I admire most about courthouse couples is their intentionality.
Many choose this route because they'd rather invest in their future than spend tens of thousands of dollars on one day.
That decision resonates with me personally.
When my husband and I got married, we chose a destination wedding instead of hosting a large traditional wedding.
Rather than putting all of our savings into one day, we used that money as the down payment on our first home.
Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
That experience shaped the way I view weddings.
Your wedding budget isn't about spending more.
It's about spending wisely.
If you're planning a courthouse wedding, my advice is to invest in the things that will continue bringing you joy long after the day is over:
Professional photography
Professional videography
Hair and makeup
Beautiful florals
Your wedding attire
A professionally designed wedding album
Those are the pieces you'll revisit for years to come.
One of the Best Decisions You Can Make: Hire an Amazing Officiant
Every great wedding begins with someone who knows how to guide you through it.
For Tamara and Erek's wedding, that person was Ingrid of Weddings by Ingrid.
From our very first interaction, it was clear that Ingrid genuinely cares about the couples she serves.
Her communication is exceptional.
She walks couples through every step of the process before the ceremony, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the ceremony itself, and continues helping long after the vows have been exchanged.
One thing I especially love is that she helps couples navigate the name-change process after the wedding—a detail many people don't think about until they're overwhelmed by paperwork.
Having someone in your corner who can answer questions before and after your wedding day brings incredible peace of mind.
Wedding officiant Ingrid leading an intimate courthouse wedding ceremony in downtown Houston.
If you're planning a Houston courthouse wedding, I highly recommend connecting with her.
Weddings by Ingrid
📞 (832) 766-1935
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbyingridofficiant
Courthouse Weddings Deserve the Full Wedding Experience
This is probably the most important thing I want every couple to hear.
Choosing a courthouse wedding is not choosing a lesser wedding.
You still deserve to feel beautiful.
You still deserve stunning portraits.
You still deserve flowers that make you smile.
You still deserve professional hair and makeup.
You still deserve an incredible wedding album that your children and grandchildren will one day flip through.
Your marriage begins the same way every other marriage begins—with two people promising forever.
Whether you spend $500 or $70,000, that promise is equally significant.
Celebrate it accordingly.
Congratulations, Tamara & Erek
Tamara and Erek, thank you for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful chapter in your lives.
Your joy was contagious.
Your love was evident in every glance, every smile, and every quiet moment you shared together.
Although we had to pivot because of courthouse restrictions, your gallery turned out beautifully—and that's a testament to your flexibility, your positive attitude, and your willingness to embrace the moment.
It was truly an honor to document your wedding day.
I wish you both a lifetime filled with laughter, adventure, and a love that continues to deepen with every passing year.
Intimate candid portrait of bride and groom embracing after their courthouse ceremony.
Romantic portrait of newlyweds after their 1910 Harris County Courthouse wedding in Houston, Texas.
Planning a Courthouse Wedding at the 1910 Harris County Courthouse?
If you're planning an intimate wedding, civil ceremony, or elopement in Houston, I'd love to help you create a wedding experience that feels elevated, intentional, and unforgettable.
At Monica Blackshire Photography, I believe every couple deserves a luxury experience, regardless of the size of their wedding. From planning guidance and timeline recommendations to timeless imagery and handcrafted wedding albums, I'm here to help you celebrate your day with the same level of care and attention as any grand celebration.
I'd love to hear your story and help you create photographs that will become part of your family's legacy.
Website: https://www.monicablackshire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicablackshire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicablackshirephotography
I can't wait to celebrate with you.