Courthouse Wedding at Palais de Justice | Montreal Wedding Photography
COURTHOUSE WEDDING AT PALAIS DE JUSTICE | MONTREAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Why this Old Montreal location is perfect for your elopement or civil ceremony
We had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful courthouse wedding this past weekend with Kathrine and Mathieu at the Palais de Justice—and it reminded us just how special these simple, love-filled ceremonies can be.
More and more couples are skipping the long guest lists and all-day timelines in favor of something simpler: an intentional, love-filled courthouse wedding. And if you’re looking for the perfect location to say “I do” in a way that feels low-key but still beautiful? You should absolutely consider the Palais de Justice in Montreal.
Why Choose the Palais de Justice?
Located in the heart of Old Montreal (which has some of our favorite Montreal venues), the Palais de Justice is the official Montreal courthouse where many civil weddings and elopements take place. And while it may not be a traditional wedding venue, it checks all the right boxes for couples who want to keep things simple, stylish, and stress-free.
What makes it so great?
✨ Clean, modern architecture
🏛️ Just steps away from iconic Old Montreal photo locations
💍 Ideal for quick, private ceremonies or intimate elopements
📍 Easy to get to, surrounded by cafes and beautiful side streets for post-ceremony strolls
It’s honestly one of our favorite spots for couples who are choosing to elope in Montreal or planning a small civil ceremony before a celebration later on.
What a Courthouse Elopement Looks Like
Don’t be fooled by the word “courthouse.” A Palais de Justice wedding can be just as emotional, beautiful, and full of joy as any traditional ceremony. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. No seating charts, or fuss—just the two of you (and maybe a few loved ones) making it official.
After your ceremony, you’re in the perfect place to explore Old Montreal and capture stunning photos. Whether it’s walking down cobblestone streets, stopping for a coffee, or laughing together under the arches of the courthouse—it’s all part of your story.
To find a courthouse in Quebec, for your civil wedding, consult this link: the list of courthouses.
Who It’s Perfect For
A Palais de Justice elopement is ideal for:
Couples who want a no-fuss civil ceremony
Out-of-town visitors getting legally married in Montreal
Anyone planning a private elopement followed by a larger celebration later
Couples who value candid, documentary-style photos in a beautiful urban setting
If you're planning a small wedding in Montreal or thinking about eloping, this might be the perfect spot for you.
What to Expect (and How We Help)
We’ve photographed many courthouse weddings over the years, and every one has its own rhythm and charm. Our approach is always the same—light, relaxed, and focused on capturing genuine moments without stiff posing or pressure.
We'll help you plan around the best light, recommend nearby photo spots in Old Montreal, and walk you through what to expect at the Palais de Justice. From that “just married” feeling to candid moments on cobblestone streets—we’re here to tell your story, beautifully.
📸 Our standard wedding collections start at 6 hours of coverage, perfect for couples planning a full experience or adding a celebration after their ceremony.
That said, if you're planning a shorter courthouse elopement or intimate civil ceremony, we’re happy to create a custom package just for you.