A Beautiful Courthouse Elopement in Thousand Oaks with Stunning Pre-Ceremony Photos at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley

What does eloping mean?


Elopements have become increasingly popular especially in post-Covid days, for couples seeking an intimate and meaningful wedding experience. Recently, I had the honor of capturing a beautiful courthouse elopement in Thousand Oaks, complete with pre-ceremony photos at the picturesque Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley. The combination of digital and 35mm film photography added a timeless touch to the special day. Soledad and Warren met online and have had a long-distance relationship for the past few years. They chose to have a small legal ceremony in Thousand Oaks to pledge their love and commitment, and later on plan to host a grander more traditional wedding day in Peru.

A couple smile at each other at a courthouse wedding in Thousand Oaks

Pre-Ceremony Photos at Strathearn Historical Park: Before heading to the courthouse, I captured pre-ceremony photos at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley. This charming park is rich in history and offers a variety of beautiful settings and local Ventura County history, making it an ideal location for wedding photography. Also the park does not charge a permit fee for professional photography!


  1. The couple's love for each other was evident as they posed amidst the greenery and cacti at Strathearn Historical Park. The bride's elegant dress and the groom's sharp suit complemented the natural surroundings perfectly. The use of 35mm film added a vintage feel to these romantic portraits, capturing the timeless essence of their love.
  2. Strathearn Historical Park is the home of many historic buildings from Simi Valley, which provide a unique and charming backdrop for photos. The bride and groom's playful and loving interaction in front of a green door marked with the year 1958 was a highlight of the session. The juxtaposition of modern love in a historical setting was captured on 35mm film, which was perfect for the colors of the park!


Bride and groom holding hands and looking at a green door with the year 1958 at Strathearn Historical Park
Bride and groom standing together in a garden with cacti at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley, shot on 35mm film
A wedding couple shares an intimate moment together in a white wooden gazebo with a brown roof, surrounded by greenery.
A couple in wedding attire dips romantically outside a barber shop with a classic striped pole in Simi Valley.
A couple shares a joyful moment on a bench against a red and white Royal Crown Cola sign backdrop on 35mm film.
A couple shares a romantic moment outside a white church with stained glass windows and blooming rose bushes in Simi Valley.
A romantic moment captured between newlyweds with a red rose bouquet in an outdoor garden setting.
A couple in wedding attire sharing a joyful moment in a garden filled with blooming flowers and greenery in Simi Valley.

Thousand Oaks Courthouse


The day concluded with a heartfelt wedding ceremony at the Thousand Oaks Courthouse. The simple and intimate setting provided the perfect backdrop for their vows and exchanged rings, making it a truly unforgettable moment. Elopements or micro weddings offer a more personal and stress-free alternative to large traditional weddings. For this couple, it meant focusing on their love and commitment without the pressure of a large event. The combination of a courthouse ceremony and a photo session in a scenic location like Strathearn Historical Park made for a perfect day.

Modern city hall building exterior with vintage white lettering sign mounted on a beige concrete wall.
A couple in wedding attire stands at a doorway before their first look moment in Thousand Oaks.
A couple kisses under an elegant white fabric arch decorated with delicate green vine garlands at Thousand Oaks City Hall elopement.

Photography: Digital and 35mm Film:


Using both digital and 35mm film photography allowed me to capture a wide range of emotions and moments throughout the day. Digital photography provided the flexibility and immediacy needed for the courthouse ceremony, while the 35mm film added a nostalgic and artistic touch to the pre-ceremony portraits. The blend of both mediums created a diverse and beautiful collection of images that the couple will cherish forever.

A white church chapel with a beautiful stained glass gothic window and red roses blooming in front in Simi Valley.
A couple in wedding attire poses in front of a rustic Simi Store building.
A joyful wedding couple embraces in front of a white Victorian house with a picket fence in Simi Valley.
A couple in wedding attire dances near a vintage car on fallen leaves in Simi Valley.
A couple in wedding attire poses outside a modern city hall building at Thousand Oaks Courthouse.
A couple stands under a floral arch with greenery and white flowers at their indoor wedding ceremony.
A romantic wedding ceremony moment with the couple exchanging rings under a floral arch with white and green decor at Thousand Oaks Court.
A couple shares a candid moment on a bench in front of a retro Cola sign in Simi Valley.
A couple exits a rustic wooden storefront during their wedding photoshoot.
A vibrant bridal bouquet featuring deep red roses and purple flowers with golden ferns against a white wedding dress in Simi Valley.
A tender moment between newlyweds as bride leans in to kiss while holding dark bouquet by a window.
Playful wedding couple laughing together near vintage wagon on rustic farm.

This courthouse elopement in Thousand Oaks, paired with pre-ceremony photos at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley, showcased the beauty and simplicity of eloping. The combination of digital and 35mm film photography added a unique and timeless quality to the images. I am so thankful to have been a part of this day and celebration!


If you're considering an elopement or wedding in Simi Valley or Thousand Oaks, don't hesitate to reach out to discuss how I can capture your special day in a way that reflects your unique love story.