A Complete Guide from a Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day filled with timeless architecture, ocean-cooled breezes, and effortless California elegance, a Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding may be the perfect choice. As a Santa Barbara wedding photographer who regularly captures love stories at this iconic landmark, I can confidently say the courthouse is one of the most stunning—and surprisingly easy—places to get married in California. Whether you’re planning a small elopement or an intimate celebration with family, here’s everything you need to know about getting married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

Why Choose the Santa Barbara Courthouse?

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is celebrated for its Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture, lush sun-soaked gardens, and vibrant tiles that make every corner photo-worthy. It’s no wonder it’s consistently ranked among the best elopement locations in Santa Barbara and the best wedding venues in California for small weddings.

Couples love it for:

• Endless portrait locations, from the Mural Room to the sprawling lawns
• Simple, flexible ceremony options
• Low cost compared to traditional venues
• Walkability and convenience for you and guests

As a luxury Santa Barbara wedding photographer, I help guide couples through the courthouse grounds to capture natural, romantic images that feel true to the beauty of the space.

How to Make Your Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Legal

Planning a courthouse wedding in Santa Barbara is refreshingly simple. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply for a Marriage License

You’ll need to schedule an appointment with the Santa Barbara County Clerk. You can do this online through their official system. Both partners must be present and bring a valid ID. The license is good for 90 days, giving you some flexibility in scheduling your ceremony.

2. Choose Your Ceremony Type

You have two options for a Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding ceremony:

• Civil Ceremony with a Clerk
Held Monday–Friday during business hours. You can request the ceremony either outdoors or in the iconic, beautifully detailed Mural Room. Ceremonies are short (around 5–10 minutes), and you may bring a small number of guests.

• Private Ceremony with an Officiant
If you’d like more freedom—more guests, weekend dates, or a longer ceremony—you can hire your own officiant and reserve one of the courthouse gardens. Popular gardens include the Sunken Gardens, Palm Terrace, and Fiesta Stage.

3. Reserve a Ceremony Location (If Needed)

If you’re planning a private ceremony with guests, you’ll need to reserve a specific lawn or garden through the Parks & Recreation department. Weekends book quickly, especially in spring and summer, so planning 3–6 months ahead is ideal.

Best Photo Locations at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

As your Santa Barbara wedding photographer, some of my favorite locations include:

• The Historic Mural Room – Colorful, warm, artistic, and incredibly unique
• The Sunken Gardens – Iconic lawns surrounded by palms and red-tiled roofs
• Clock Tower Staircase – Beautiful lighting and intimate architectural arches
• The Loggia and Archways – Stunning soft light for romantic portraits
• The Bell Tower Viewpoint – Panoramic views of the red rooftops and mountains

These spots photograph beautifully year-round, and each one brings out the timeless, true-to-color aesthetic Santa Barbara is known for.

Tips for a Beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding

• Plan for golden hour portraits—this courthouse glows at sunset.
• Choose light, coastal-inspired colors to complement the warm architecture.
• Add floral touches for a more elevated, luxury look.
• Hire a professional photographer familiar with the courthouse layout (the lighting changes quickly throughout the day).
• Book weekdays for a quieter, more private experience.

Why Photograph Your Courthouse Wedding with Me?

My photography style is bright, elegant, and true-to-color, perfect for showcasing the golden tones, Spanish textures, and romantic gardens of the courthouse. I guide you through the day seamlessly so you can relax and fully enjoy your intimate celebration.

If you’re planning a Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding, I would love to help create imagery that preserves every beautiful moment.

If you are interested in some larger venues that would be suitable for a reception, view my blog post here: 10 Spanish Style Wedding Venues In Santa Barbara.