How to Get Married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
Courthouse weddings and elopements are so romantic—especially when they take place somewhere as beautiful as the Santa Barbara Courthouse. This remarkable and historic building boasts some incredible architecture, murals, and views; making it an ideal place for wedding and elopement photography. From the spiral staircase to the rooftop panorama, the lush greenery and the Spanish design, there’s a reason why couples choose the Santa Barbara Courthouse for a classic and elegant wedding experience.
Located in Santa Barbara, couples and their guests enjoy close proximity to the beach and all the city has to offer. Here’s why you should consider a Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding and how to do it.
The Practical Benefits of a Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding
Getting married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse isn’t just a lovely way to tie the knot, it’s also practical. Since weddings are legal ceremonies, as well as romantic traditions, getting hitched at a government building makes it simple to knock out the marriage license at the same time.
Here’s where you can make your County of Santa Barbara Marriage Appointments.
Pro tip: Save time by getting your marriage license the day before your ceremony. While the process is straightforward, it still moves at the pace of bureaucracy. On an especially slow day, couples could wait for an hour or longer.
Let’s talk wedding officiants. You have a few options here:
You can choose to get married right then and there while picking up your marriage license. This is less ceremonial than a full wedding. But it’s simple and straightforward. Plus, you can still have a commitment ceremony.
You can hire an officiant. Love & Latitudes makes it easy since we are a wedding photographer/officiant team. But you can also hire your own priest, rabbi, or minister.Want a friend or family member to host the ceremony? They will need to get their ordination online.
“Isiah was the perfect officiant!”
"We started the process with a video call and discussed the type of ceremony we wanted. He asked us questions and gave us templates to fill out so he had a complete picture of us as a couple. Once Isiah wrote the full script, he sent it to us to proof and was very receptive of the changes we wanted to make. The ceremony ran smoothly and Isiah was very articulate, steady, and engaging. We had many guests come up to us and compliment our ceremony!”
Where can you have your wedding ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse? As of writing this, there are three sites: The Hall of Records Archway Door, the Courthouse Gardens, or the Mural Room indoors.
Personally, I think the Archway Door and Courthouse Gardens are the best options for wedding ceremony photos; especially since the Mural Room has dark lighting.
Note that, these ceremony sites can change due to repairs and restorations. Stay in the know by visiting their website or calling ahead. We can tour the building before or after the ceremony for photos!
Pro tip: Wedding ceremonies are performed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Book ahead of time to make sure you get the spot that best fits your ceremony, guest count, and vibes.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
SB Courthouse wedding packages are based on the site you choose for your ceremony. Reach out to the courthouse for availability and pricing for ceremony spots.
For example, the Hall of Records Archway Door costs only $104. This lovely outdoor area is framed by palm trees and looks into the Sunken Gardens. The space is fairly small, so it only allows for eight guests (including a photographer and officiant).
Other areas of the Courthouse allow for up to 15 guests. If you have a larger list of attendees, you might need to change your venue or get creative (such as having a larger reception elsewhere, while only having a dozen attendees at the actual courthouse). Personally, I have photographed weddings with larger guest counts here—so try asking the courthouse about their stipulations.
Pro tip: Since this is a popular wedding venue, you’ll want to book your reservation sooner rather than later. In most cases, SB Courthouse is unable to accommodate last-minute requests.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara boasts a lovely Mediterranean climate and coastal charm. You can experience sunny skies and ocean breezes downtown. A brief drive into the hills brings cooler temps and occasional mists.
Here’s a quick look at each of the four seasons to help you perfectly time your Santa Barbara wedding or elopement:
Winter: Mild and relatively dry, Santa Barbara winters are a dream compared to much of the country. Occasional rain showers bring out lush greenery in the surrounding hills. With fewer tourists around, it’s an intimate and peaceful season for a romantic celebration. Plus, sunsets over the Pacific are particularly vibrant this time of year.
Spring: It’s all about blooming gardens and comfy temperatures. The city’s iconic jacaranda trees start to bloom, adding a pop of purple to the streets. It’s an ideal time for outdoor ceremonies with ocean views and fresh, colorful scenery. Note that June gloom and May grey can make things, well, grey. So take that into account when scheduling your wedding.
Summer: Early summer gets June gloom and milder temps. Late summer is better since it offers warmth, sun, and feel-good energy.
Fall: Autumn is arguably the season in Santa Barbara; warm and golden. Coastal breezes keep temperatures pleasant—but it can still get hot and humid. Be mindful of the crowds, since this is a popular time for tourists.
Pro tip: Bring a light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings, especially if your celebration is near the water. The coastal breeze can sneak up on you once the sun goes down.
Where to Stay for Your Santa Barbara Wedding or Elopement
If you’re getting married in Santa Barbara, you might be wondering about lodging. The great thing about Santa Barbara is that each neighborhood offers its own unique charm and atmosphere. I suggest exploring hotels and vacation rentals in these areas:
Downtown Santa Barbara: Stay where the action is—shops, restaurants, and the iconic State Street Promenade. Look into the Hotel Californian or Kimpton Canary Hotel for a luxury stay—or for an intimate vibe, check out the Simpson House Inn.
The Funk Zone: Cute name, right? Known for its artsy, eclectic feel, the Funk Zone is full of wine-tasting rooms, breweries, and creative spaces. The Hotel Indigo or the Moxy are some cool hotels to check out.
Montecito: Upscale and serene, Montecito offers reprieve and privacy. Rosewood Miramar Beach and the Montecito Inn are glamorous choices.
West Beach: Mere steps from the sand and Stearns Wharf, the Harbor View Inn or the Mason Beach Inn offers easy beach access.
The Mesa: If you’re down for a quiet, residential stay, maybe think about an Airbnb for you and your guests or explore the Cliff House Inn.
These are just suggestions, so do a little research to find the perfect lodging for yourselves, your style, or the needs of your guests.
Thinking of staying outside the city? The nearby Santa Ynez Valley offers charming inns and vineyard stays that are perfect for a romantic getaway. You could also look into Carpinteria, which is quieter than SB—or even Goleta, where UC Santa Barbara is located.
Getting In & Around the Santa Barbara
Traveling into Santa Barbara is fairly simple. You can either drive in or fly in. Here’s a quick look at your airport options:
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is a smaller airport—and therefore, probably more expensive. But SBA does give you the easiest ingress.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is your other option. More flights, more availability, and cheaper prices—but also a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to SB, which can suffer from that harsh LA traffic.
Once you’re in the beach city, you can either drive your rental car or hitch a ride. There are lots of buses, trains, taxis, and Ubers. If you’re driving yourself, there are plenty of paid parking lots near the beach or free street parking near residential areas. Whatever you pick, pad your schedule to allow for extra time between locations.
Where to Visit on Your Santa Barbara Wedding Day
The Courthouse is a glorious building for your wedding day. But what are you going to do with the rest of your visit to this wonderful city? Here are some suggestions to make the most of your time in Santa Barbara:
The Funk Zone: We mentioned this above, but this area is known for its art, cocktail bars, music, and good eats. Walk around and see what catches your eyes, ears, and taste buds.
Stearns Wharf: The famous pier offers panoramic ocean views, tourist shops, nice restaurants, and gorgeous sunsets—a perfect backdrop for a post-ceremony stroll or dreamy portraits.
Old Mission Santa Barbara: A historic site with a rose garden and relaxing park.
Lotusland: This one is for the plant aficionados. Explore 37 acres of rare cacti and botanicals.
As you can see, Santa Barbara has lots to offer couples who appreciate city amenities, historic hot spots, and natural beauty.
Pro Tips for Santa Barbara Elopements and Weddings
Here are some helpful advice to make sure your Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding runs smoothly:
Book your SB Courthouse wedding early. Reservations can be competitive, so book early!
Wear good walking shoes and bring layers. Even if you plan on wearing nice shoes to your wedding, it’s wise to keep a comfortable pair nearby for walks. It’s also smart to bring layers in case the temperature changes.
Hire a photographer intimately familiar with the area. Your wedding photographer should have keen insights into hidden gems, portrait spots, and amazing attractions.
Go with the flow. SB is popular with both locals and tourists. Everyone shares the city, so be accommodating even if it’s your wedding day.
Your wedding should reflect your values. Love romance and ceremony? Then do it big. Prefer an intimate and casual affair? You do you! As your photographer, I can help you make your dreams come true so long as you communicate your needs and desires.
Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Vendors
Seeking local vendors for your Santa Barbara wedding day? Here are some helpful recommendations from Love & Latitudes:
Santa Barbara Stories
Need a little inspiration for your SB wedding day? Here are a few images and blogs to help you envision your special day.
Book Your Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer
Pumped for your Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding day? Book your wedding and elopement photographer with Love & Latitudes today to start planning your big day!
Santa Barbara Courthouse Packages
+ 4-8+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images or purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your SB Courthouse Photographer
I'm Diana Lustig, a Southern California-born adventurer with a camera for a hand and a resounding love for the outdoors and towns with lots of personality. I'm a professional photographer of 15 years and counting. In my free time, you'll find me traveling with my husband in our van, Clyde.
How did I get into wedding and elopement photography? In 2019, I hired adventure photographers for my wedding and they showed me there’s a different, more personal way to get married. It was such a special day, I want to bring it to so many more couples who believe in getting married their own way.
I've photographed multiple weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse—and am more than happy to help you capture your memories in spectacular color.
