Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Courthouse Weddings

Thinking of getting married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse!  Excellent choice!  You’ve found my page that talks all about the Santa Barbara Courthouse, why I love it and why you’ll love it too!  

About The Santa Barbara Courthouse

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara on Anacapa Street.  There is a parking structure across the street, making it easy to access any time of the year.  

The courthouse was completed in 1929 and has been called the most beautiful government building in America.  I certainly agree with that!  It was built in a Spanish-Moorish style and replaced the former courthouse that was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1925.

Many events are hosted at the courthouse with weddings being at the top of the list.  

 

View of the back of the Santa Barbara Courthouse from the Sunken Garden area
Bride and groom pose under a tree at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photography

There’s really not much that I don’t love about photographing weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.  Once you see the courthouse and the surrounding gardens, you instantly fall in love with the place.

I love the architecture of the buildings and the abundance of palm trees and other semi-tropical foliage.  With an entire city block of courthouse grounds to explore, I’ve never run out of incredible wedding photo locations.  I really can’t get enough of this wedding venue.

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Santa Barbara Courthouse Gardens and Features

Gardens

Bride and groom walking along the grass with palm trees behind them at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

The Santa Barbara Courthouse has several options for outdoor wedding ceremonies.  The main gardens are available by reservation only and can hold up to 250 guests.

Small ceremonies with up to 15 participants are offered free of charge at any of the six designated locations around the exterior of the courthouse.  

Architecture

View of the Santa Barbara Courthouse from the Sunken Gardens

The Spanish-Moorish architecture of the Santa Barbara Courthouse is unmatched.  It is considered the most beautiful example of this type of architecture anywhere in the world.  Plus, it makes for some amazing wedding photos!

Indoor Ceremony Options

bride and groom holding wedding themed horseshoes

The mural room is a very popular option for wedding ceremonies at the courthouse. It is available to reserve for wedding ceremonies and can accommodate up to 100 people. 

Recent Weddings At The Santa Barbara Courthouse

Intimate Courthouse Wedding

Summer Courthouse Elopement

Wedding Photography Information At The Santa Barbara Courthouse

Bride and groom kiss under a tree at their Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding

Couple’s Portraits At The Santa Barbara Courthouse

One of the great things about the Santa Barbara Courthouse is that you don’t need to leave to get absolutely amazing photos.  Between the gorgeous landscaping and the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, you’ll never be short of the most beautiful Santa Barbara backdrops for your wedding photos.

Some of my favorite locations for couple’s photos are on the steps of the Fiesta Stage, under the Anacapa Arch and in the upstairs hallway leading to the tower.  

Wedding Ceremonies At The Santa Barbara Courthouse

Wedding ceremonies are super informal at the courthouse.  The justice of the peace will offer a few suggestions as far as location goes and you simply step outside or into the mural room for a quick ceremony and you’re all set!

Because of the architecture and abundant greenery at the courthouse, there’s almost no way to choose an undesirable location to say your vows.  In my experience, the staff at the courthouse is very flexible and they really want you to be happy with your choices.  The friendly California attitude is alive and well at the courthouse.

Bride and Groom under an arch at their Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding
Bride and groom look back at the camera on the steps at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

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Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photos

Top 3 Reasons To Get Married At The Santa Barbara Courthouse

Important Information About The Santa Barbara Courthouse

Courthouse Address

1100 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Parking structure within walking distance.

Pulled back photo of bride and groom standing with flower girl at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

Accommodations

The Santa Barbara Courthouse has no on-site accommodations for the bride, groom or wedding party.  All preparations will need to be done off site.

Nearby hotels are perfect for guests and are just minutes away from the courthouse.

Courtyard by Marriott

Kimpton Canary Hotel

De La Vina Inn

How To Find The Santa Barbara Courthouse

From HWY 101 North:
Exit at Carrillo St.
Turn left on Carrillo St.
Turn left on Santa Barbara St.
Turn left on E. Anapamu St.
Turn left on Anacapa.
The parking structure will be on your right and the courthouse will be on your left.

From HWY 101 South:
Exit at Carrillo St.
Turn right on Carrillo St.
Turn left on Santa Barbara St.
Turn left on E. Anapamu St.
Turn left on Anacapa.
The parking structure will be on your right and the courthouse will be on your left.

There are several one way streets, which is why there are so many left hand turns on the way to the courthouse.

 

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