How to Get Married at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
If you’re dreaming of a simple yet stunning courthouse wedding, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is one of the most beautiful places to say “I do.” With its Spanish Colonial architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking mural room, it’s a perfect setting for an intimate and elegant ceremony.
📍 Santa Barbara County Courthouse
1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
How to Book Your Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding
1. Make an Appointment
To get married at the courthouse, you’ll need to schedule an appointment for either a civil ceremony (officiated by a county official) or a marriage license issuance (if you’re bringing your own officiant).
Appointments become available 90 days in advance, hour by hour, on a rolling basis. Be sure to check the website frequently if you have a specific date or time in mind!
2. Choose Your Ceremony Location
The courthouse offers several beautiful spots for your ceremony:
The Sunken Gardens – A lush, outdoor space with historic charm.
The Mural Room – A grand indoor setting with stunning painted walls.
The Clock Tower – A unique spot with panoramic views of Santa Barbara.
For larger groups or private reservations, you may need to obtain a permit. Contact the county for details.
3. Guest Limit
The Santa Barbara Courthouse enforces a guest limit of eight (8) people, including children and photographers. That means a total of 10 people, including the couple. Keep this in mind when planning your guest list!
4. Prepare for Your Wedding Day
Bring valid photo IDs for both partners.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in.
Witnesses: You’ll need one witness (or up to two) to sign the marriage license. If you don’t have one, the county can provide one for a small fee.
Photography: The courthouse is full of beautiful backdrops, so plan time for photos!
Capture Your Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding with Stunning Photos
A courthouse wedding can be just as magical as any other, and having a professional photographer ensures you’ll have gorgeous memories to look back on. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your Santa Barbara courthouse ceremony, I’d love to capture your special day!