I'm a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer and if you're looking to take Mission San Juan Capistrano wedding photos, then you've come to the right place. Here is my detailed guide on how to take Mission San Juan Capistrano wedding photos.

The History of Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum (SJC Mission for short). Pretty much known as the "Birthplace of Orange County". This Orange County wedding portrait location was originally founded in 1776. The original chapel is still standing and making it one of the most beautiful features of this beautiful location. Today, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is a monument to California's multi-cultural history, embracing all parts of its Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and European heritage.

Is A Permit Required For Your Mission San Juan Capistrano Photos?

If you're wondering if there is a permit required for your San Juan Capistrano Mission wedding photos, the answer is yes! You will need to make a reservation and complete the online form at least one week in advance. You can fill that form out here.

Locations For Your San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photos

There are several different locations for you to choose from for your wedding day portraits. Each is unique in its own way and is absolutely perfect for couples wanting unique wedding portraits.

The Front Courtyard

The Front Courtyard area is a beautiful open area with stone pathways, a koi-filled fountain, and vibrant gardens. In the courtyard, you will also find the iconic Bell Wall or better known as "Campanario". Surrounding you is beautiful historic architecture and is incredibly romantic.

The Central Courtyard

Surrounding this Spanish-style courtyard is historic buildings and archways dating back to the 18th century. The Central Courtyard is an outdoor space within a grassy quadrangle with a perfect amount of spacing and is incredibly romantic. There are smooth pathways and planters, gardens filled with rose bushes, and blossoming native plants. The key feature, however, is the water garden and koi fish fountain that has tons of water lilies.

The Soldiers Barracks Gallery

This charming building offers a private patio and is best for a smaller guest count. Inside you will find dimmable chandeliers and lighting and is great if you're wanting a bit more flexibility within the space.

Photography Packages For Your SJC Mission Wedding Photos

San Juan Capistrano Mission offers several packages to utilize their space for photos. Each varies in guest size and duration of your wedding portrait session.

*IMPORTANT: The San Juan Capistrano Mission doesn't provide a photographer or videographer. The package costs only includes a time slot to utilize the space and ability to have videography and photography taken there.

Wedding Package

Their wedding package includes both videography and photography. You receive a 2-hour duration for your wedding portraits in this specific package. For guest sizes between 1-10, it will cost you $300. For guest sizes 11-24, this will cost you around $500.

Engagement and Pre-Wedding Package

Their engagement and the pre-wedding package include both videography and photography. You receive a 1.5-hour duration for your wedding portraits in this specific package. This package is ideal for 2-guests and will run you approximately $200.

Portrait Package

Their portrait package includes photography only and is the least expensive out of all the package options. You receive a 1-hour duration for your wedding portraits in this specific package. This package is perfect for guests sizes between 1-5. This package will cost you $80 from Tuesday-Sunday or $100 on Mondays.

Please keep in mind that San Juan Capistrano Mission offers different rates depending on whether or not you're a photography member. You can read more about their guidelines for being a photography member and the different rates here.

Where to Get Married Near San Juan Capistrano Mission

Weddings/receptions are not currently permitted at San Juan Capistrano Mission. However, that doesn't mean you can't have your cake and eat it too. Here are a few alternatives on where to get married near San Juan Capistrano Mission to still reap the benefits of such a gorgeous location.

Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano

One option, is to have your wedding at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. Just a 1-minute drive or 3-minute walk from SJC Mission, you can have your wedding ceremony in this beautiful church. This church was fully done back in 1986. Inside you will find gorgeous motifs scattered along the interior walls designed and painted by Dr. Norman Neuerberg. Some couples may opt to take some Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano photos, however, with such a close proximity to San Juan Capistrano Mission, you can easily have your ceremony at this location and pop on over for your portraits.

Elope at City Hall

Another option is if you're planning on having an elopement in San Juan Capistrano or an intimate wedding, definitely look into the local city hall. This is perfect for the couple looking for something a bit more casual and relaxed. One option is the Old Orange County Courthouse. While still a bit of distance from SJC Mission, it still gives you the opportunity to have something a bit more private for your wedding day.

Reata Park

You also have the option to have your wedding at Reata Park. This park is about an 8-minute drive from SJC Mission and is the perfect alternative to have your wedding in SJC. This beautiful park features native gardens, large oak and sycamore trees. There are plenty of nature paths and open areas to host your wedding ceremony. Then you're able to hop over for your San Juan Capistrano Mission wedding photos.

The Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano

Lastly, you can also host your wedding day at The The Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano. Just a 1-minute drive or 2-minute walk down the street, you can celebrate your wedding day at The Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano. Think high ceilings, mission-style grand armoires, chandeliers and thick corbel ceiling beams and timeless authenticity. Have your wedding ceremony at the Los Olivos Room and Olive Grove. An outdoor courtyard filled with verdant fruit trees and string lights. You then can go to Los Olivos, which is their 3,000 sq. ft ballroom for your wedding reception. This would be the perfect alternative for your SJC wedding and then heading over for your San Juan Capistrano Mission wedding photos.

Some of the services included with their wedding packages at The Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano are:

• Custom on-site catering
• Getting ready rooms for bridal party
• Indoor + outdoor venues
• Floor-lenth linens + napkins
• 6 ft tables and banquet chairs

You can read more about services offered for a your wedding day at this Orange County wedding venue here.

Important Information For Your San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photos

Before you go and take your wedding photos, there is some important information you're going to need to know first.

• Currently, weddings and receptions are not permitted at this location
• "Vacation-style" or impromptu photography/videography is permitted throughout the grounds without reservation.
• Drones are not permitted
• No flash photography or tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks in the buildings. These items can only be brought into the gardens.
• Remember that you will need a permit to get your SJC wedding photos taken here. Reserve your spot here.

Tips For Having Amazing San Juan Capistrano Mission Wedding Photos

Below are a few tips for having amazing San Juan Capistrano Mission wedding photos!

Get Creative

One thing is true, if you're wanting San Juan Capistrano Mission wedding photos, then you're going to need to get creative and think BIG. Since you're going to be working with the beauty of San Juan Capistrano Mission, feel free to get creative when it comes to posing and even including props. This will be a perfect way to spice up your SJC Mission wedding photos.

Trust Your Wedding Photographer

Trust is key when it comes to getting your San Juan Capistrano Mission wedding photos. Your wedding photographer is there to help guide you through prompts and make sure that you are looking and feeling your best. So be sure to allow your wedding photographer to learn what works for you and your partner, and trust the process!

Incorporate A First Look/First Touch

Just because you can't have your wedding here doesn't mean that you can't soak up the moment by incorporating a first look/first touch. At San Juan Capistrano Mission, you have a ton of different photo opportunities. Use one of these beautiful backdrops for your first look/first touch before continuing on with your San Juan Capistrano Mission wedding photos.

Rent A Vintage Car

One of the best props you can use for your wedding portraits at SJC Mission, is renting out a vintage car! A vintage car will be able to bring you to and from your ceremony location to SJC Mission for your wedding portraits. You're able to ride in style and use it to add a bit of spice to your wedding photos.

Helpful Wedding Resources & Guides

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