We recently had the joy of photographing Monica & Arturo’s engagement session at Pasadena City Hall. Their session had a softness and joy that really matched the vibe of this historic location. We know how much thought went into the day.
Pasadena City Hall Engagement sessions are some of our absolute favorites to capture. We love coming here for photography because this venue has everything—elegant architecture, dreamy lighting, and picture-perfect gardens. Every corner feels timeless and romantic, which makes it a dream for a professional wedding photographer. It’s the kind of place that turns simple moments into unforgettable memories. Even though our engagement venue was in Pasadena, our wedding photography team came from Los Angeles for this special session—and it was so worth it.
Monica and Arturo’s love story started back in 2018 during their first year at UC Merced. They lived in the same dorm and met through mutual friends on a Friday night while playing Uno. Soon after, they found out they were in the same Intro Biology class and started forming study groups. Arturo invited Monica and her roommates to watch High School Musical (yes, really!), and they clicked. A week later, he asked her to see Black Panther on opening night. After three weeks, he officially asked her out through a Kahoot quiz—on March 13th. Since then, they’ve traveled to 14 different states and have a goal of visiting all 50 together. They love trying new restaurants and exploring the world side by side.
Their engagement session theme was romantic and rustic with soft, elegant touches. The ceremony was outdoors, fitting perfectly with the natural beauty of Pasadena City Hall. As a wedding photographer and videographer, we know how much a setting like this elevates a couple’s connection on camera. That’s why we love offering wedding photography packages that help tell these unique love stories in the most authentic way.
We can’t wait to share more from Monica & Arturo’s beautiful day. The photo of them wrapped in each other’s arms captures just one of the many sweet moments we were lucky to witness. If you’re looking for inspiration or planning your own session, take a look through our gallery. Be sure to read our reviews to hear what couples have said about working with us.
Original Weddings is a team of Los Angeles wedding photographers. Please click here to learn more about our Los Angeles photography and videography services. This session was edited in our Rustic editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
Pasadena City Hall Engagement Photos
Pasadena City Hall Rental
Pasadena City Hall is a stunning architectural landmark available for private rentals, ideal for weddings, photoshoots, and special events. The building’s iconic dome, grand arches, and elegant courtyard make it one of Southern California’s most sought-after venues. Managed by the City of Pasadena, rentals typically include access to designated areas such as the Courtyard, Rotunda, and surrounding gardens. Rental fees vary depending on the day, time, and type of event, with additional costs for security, permits, and insurance. Reservations are required well in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons. It’s a perfect blend of history, elegance, and charm.
Pasadena City Hall Events
Pasadena City Hall hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from cultural festivals and civic ceremonies to private functions like weddings and corporate gatherings. Its beautifully landscaped grounds and iconic Mediterranean Revival architecture provide a picturesque setting for both public and private events. Community gatherings, film shoots, and art installations are common, and the venue is especially popular during the holidays, when it’s beautifully lit. The City of Pasadena provides a calendar of scheduled events, and permits are required for any organized activity on-site. With its central location and historic ambiance, it’s a cherished event destination.
Pasadena City Hall Wedding Photos
Pasadena City Hall is one of the most popular locations in California for wedding photography, offering an elegant, European-inspired backdrop. Couples are drawn to its romantic architecture, featuring grand staircases, archways, fountains, and a majestic rotunda. The natural light and beautifully maintained landscaping make it ideal for capturing timeless images. While permits are not always required for casual photography, formal wedding photoshoots may need advance approval and scheduling. Many couples choose to take photos here before or after a ceremony held at a nearby venue. The site’s unique charm adds a magical touch to any wedding album.
Pasadena City Hall Engagement Cost
The cost of having an engagement session at Pasadena City Hall is relatively affordable compared to other upscale locations. As of recent guidelines, informal engagement photo sessions typically do not require a permit, provided no large equipment or commercial activity is involved. However, for professional shoots with lighting setups or a full crew, a permit may be required, ranging from $75 to several hundred dollars depending on scope. Additional costs might include photographer fees and optional props or styling. Given its beauty and accessibility, many couples find Pasadena City Hall to be a cost-effective and memorable engagement photo location.
