Kimberly & Tyrie’s Valentine’s Day courthouse elopement in Ocoee, FL
Intimate courthouse elopement at Ocoee Branch Courthouse of Orange County in Ocoee, FL | Orlando Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Author Made lead photographer Michael and team videographer Austin captured this short & sweet Valentine’s courthouse elopement in Ocoee, FL
Kimberly & Tyrie’s Valentine’s Day elopement was simple and intimate. With just the two of them present, they chose to officially tie the knot now and celebrate later with family. There’s something really refreshing about weddings like this, proving that you can still enjoy the romance of starting your happily-ever-after without the expense and stress of a big production.
Their morning started early at the Orange County Courthouse Ocoee Service Center, better known as the Ocoee branch courthouse of Orange County, with Tyrie arriving ahead of time (and very nervous). Kimberly had a slight detour and ended up at the wrong courthouse at first, but once everything came together, the pace of the day felt relaxed and easy. Michael (on photo) and Austin (on video) spent that in-between time capturing a few quiet moments and portraits before the ceremony. We did a sweet first look on the steps of the courthouse, and Tyrie’s reaction to seeing his stunning bride was everything!
A hidden gem courthouse option in west Orlando
For couples living in Ocoee, Winter Garden, or Apopka, the Ocoee courthouse is such a convenient alternative to the downtown Orlando location. It’s smaller, less busy, and definitely a bit more low-key in terms of design (think darker interiors and a slightly dated feel overall) but the dedicated indoor ceremony space is actually really charming. The green walls and wood lattice framing give it a modern, intimate look for elopements. Another major bonus is how close it is to Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden, which opens up so many options for photos (or perhaps post-ceremony brunch?). Kimberly and Tyrie even got to walk through the Saturday morning farmer’s market, which made for some really fun, candid moments right after their ceremony!
A quick ceremony & a first toast
After their appointment (no photos or video allowed inside the clerk’s office, but we got some cute photos of them in the waiting room!), Kimberly & Tyrie stepped into the courthouse’s wedding chapel for their ceremony, officially becoming husband and wife in a short but sweet moment.
Afterward, we stepped outside for a champagne toast, complete with engraved cups featuring their names and wedding date. Tyrie took on the responsibility of opening the bottle… only to realize it was a twist-off, which made for a pretty funny moment and broke any remaining nerves.
Portraits on Plant Street
From there, we headed over to downtown Winter Garden for a short portrait session along Plant Street. Just five minutes away, it’s the perfect contrast to the courthouse: charming, walkable, and full of character. Between the brick streets, storefronts, and the energy of the farmer’s market, it gave Kimberly and Tyrie a chance to soak in the moment and just enjoy being newly married.
Kimberly & Tyrie’s elopement may have been short, just a two-hour coverage, but it had everything it needed for starting their new life together. We wish you guys all happiness and joy in the years to come!
Author Made Photographer: Michael Kuo
Author Made Team Videographer: Austin Taft
Venue: Orange County Courthouse Ocoee Service Center, Ocoee, FL
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