Julia & Matt’s Volusia County Courthouse Wedding Photography in Downtown DeLand Historic District

A Heartfelt Courthouse Elopement in the Historic Downtown of DeLand, Florida

Some weddings remind you exactly why you love what you do — and Julia and Matt’s intimate courthouse elopement was one of those days.
On a crisp January afternoon, surrounded by just their closest family members, the couple exchanged vows at the Volusia County Courthouse in Downtown DeLand.

Their day was filled with pure emotion, meaningful moments, and the kind of simplicity that makes small weddings so timeless. As a Central Florida wedding photographer, I adore courthouse elopements like this — elegant, stress-free, and focused entirely on love.

The Heartwarming First Look Outside the Volusia County Courthouse

As they arrived at the courthouse, Julia and Matt shared a first look that instantly brought everyone to tears. The joy and warmth between them were undeniable, and the moment felt straight out of a movie.

After a few portraits around the courthouse’s exterior, the couple finalized their paperwork and met with their officiant. With sunlight spilling across the lawn and a light winter breeze rustling the trees, they decided to hold their ceremony outside on the courthouse lawn — turning a simple public space into a deeply personal setting for their vows.

The combination of historic architecture and the couple’s radiant connection made this one of my favorite DeLand wedding ceremonies to date.

Strolling Through the Historic Downtown DeLand District

After their ceremony, we set out to explore the Downtown DeLand Historic District — easily one of my favorite locations in all of Central Florida for portraits. The area is packed with charm, color, and texture.

The Perfect Backdrop for Downtown Wedding Photography

Mainstreet DeLand features red-brick streets, local boutiques, and century-old buildings that create the perfect mix of small-town romance and historic character. Every turn offers something new — vibrant murals, vintage façades, and pops of color that give portraits a stylish, editorial look.

As we wandered through town, Julia and Matt laughed, danced, and soaked up every second of newlywed joy.

The Old Volusia County Historic Courthouse

One of the highlights of the day was stopping at the Old Volusia County Historic Courthouse.
Built in 1929, this architectural gem is known for its grand white columns, stately dome, and neoclassical design — a perfect reflection of Florida’s rich history.

We took portraits on the courthouse steps, where the symmetry and timeless design framed Julia and Matt beautifully. The way the light danced off the limestone façade gave their photos a warm, vintage glow, making the scene look straight out of an old Hollywood film.

A Boudoir Gift He’ll Never Forget

Partway through the day, Julia surprised Matt with a deeply personal gift — a boudoir album that I had photographed for her prior to the wedding. His reaction was priceless; pure awe and emotion filled his face as he flipped through each page.

It was an incredible reminder that boudoir photography isn’t just an experience for the bride — it’s a love letter to your partner, captured through confidence, trust, and artistry. The moment added another beautiful layer of intimacy to their wedding story.

If you’re curious about adding a boudoir session to your own wedding experience, you can learn more here:

👉 View my boudoir photography experience

The Athens Theatre – Champagne Pop Magic

No Downtown DeLand wedding is complete without a stop at the historic Athens Theatre.
Built in 1922, this iconic venue features vintage marquee lights, ornate architectural details, and a nostalgic glow that feels straight out of a 1920s film set.

The theater’s golden light made it the perfect spot for a celebratory champagne pop — one of my favorite photo moments from the day! The combination of excitement, laughter, and the sparkle of the champagne mist created an energy that perfectly captured Julia and Matt’s joy.

Da Vinci Gardens – A Romantic Local Favorite

Since Julia and Matt often enjoy date nights at Da Vinci Gardens, it was only fitting to include it as part of their photo story.
This cozy restaurant and garden patio in Downtown DeLand is filled with romantic lighting, lush greenery, and an intimate European feel.

We captured quiet, candid moments among the café lights — a peaceful pause in the midst of their celebration. Incorporating personal places like this adds deeper storytelling and emotional value to each gallery.

Sweet Endings at Whit’s Frozen Custard

To wrap up the evening, we stopped by Whit’s Frozen Custard of DeLand for dessert — one of the town’s most beloved local gems.
The couple shared an ice cream sandwich (and a few laughs!), finishing their day on the sweetest note possible.

The nostalgic, small-town feel of Whit’s Frozen Custard perfectly matched their personalities — joyful, relaxed, and full of love. These fun, playful images are some of my favorite ways to close out intimate wedding days.

Why Courthouse Elopements in Central Florida Are So Special

Elopements like Julia and Matt’s prove that weddings don’t need to be large to be meaningful. A courthouse wedding allows couples to focus on what truly matters — their vows, their love, and their families — without distraction.

Holding your ceremony at places like the Volusia County Courthouse and exploring nearby Downtown DeLand gives you access to rich history, character, and endless photo opportunities. From classic architecture to small-town warmth, DeLand provides the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy.

Volusia County Courthouse Wedding Photographer | Michelle Vila Photography

Julia and Matt’s Downtown DeLand courthouse wedding was the perfect reminder that simplicity often creates the most powerful stories. From their emotional first look to their champagne celebration under the glowing marquee of the Athens Theatre, every moment reflected joy, personality, and connection.

If you’re planning an elopement, courthouse wedding, or small ceremony in Central Florida, I’d love to help you capture your day beautifully — whether it’s at the Volusia County Courthouse, Downtown Winter Garden, or another charming Florida venue.

👉 Book your Orlando or DeLand courthouse wedding photography

✨ Featured DeLand Locations

• Volusia County Courthouse

• Old Volusia County Historic Courthouse

• Athens Theatre

• Da Vinci Gardens

• Whit’s Frozen Custard of DeLand

• Downtown DeLand Historic District