Eloping at the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a timeless choice for couples looking for history, charm, and simplicity all in one place. Built in 1929, this Spanish Colonial landmark is known for its striking architecture, vibrant murals, and lush gardens, making it one of California’s most sought-after elopement destinations. Whether you’re planning a quiet ceremony with just the two of you or an intimate gathering with close friends and family, this guide covers everything you need to know to make it happen.
Why should you get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
Santa Barbara is a beautiful and popular wedding destination, filled with adventures for couples, amazing weather, and stunning wedding venues. Here’s why couples love getting married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse:
- Historic charm: The courthouse is a designated historic landmark featuring grand archways, hand-painted murals, and intricate tile work.
- Scenic ceremony locations: Choose between the lush Sunken Gardens or the elegant Mural Room, both of which provide stunning backdrops for exchanging vows.
- Cost-effective: Compared to traditional wedding venues, the courthouse offers a budget-friendly alternative.
- Convenient licensing process: Couples can obtain their marriage license on the same day as their ceremony, simplifying logistics.
- Coastal climate: Santa Barbara’s year-round pleasant weather means you can host an outdoor wedding without worrying about inconvenient weather.
Two Types of Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies
When hosting a wedding at the Santa Barbara courthouse, you have the choice between two types of ceremonies – a private and a civil ceremony.
Private Ceremony
For this type of ceremony, you will receive a 60 minute private block of time to hold the ceremony. There is more flexibility with private ceremonies, and you can bring up to 15 guests (including your vendors) for the service. With private ceremonies – you are able to book your wedding ceremony on any day of the week, including weekends. Here’s what you need to know!
- Allows for up to 15 guests, including vendors.
- You receive a 60-minute time block for your ceremony.
- Private ceremonies can be held any day of the week, including weekends.
- You’ll need to bring your own officiant, and the Wedy app offers a large local selection of experienced, professional officiants!
Civil Ceremony
For this type of ceremony, you will receive a 60 minute time slot where you will both receive your marriage license and then hold your ceremony shortly after. If you have already secured your marriage license (applying less than 90 days before your ceremony date), then you can book a simple 30 minute ceremony session instead! Here’s what you need to know:
- Limited to 8 people, including vendors.
- Includes both the marriage license issuance and the ceremony in a single appointment.
- Civil ceremonies are only available Monday through Friday.
- A Deputy Marriage Commissioner (provided by the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office) officiates the ceremony.
Pro Tip: You can obtain your marriage license at any County Clerk’s office in California, it does not need to be from Santa Barbara County. . You can make an appointment at any County Clerk’s office in California. Click here for the Santa Barbara Courthouse’s County!
The Mural Room
Capacity: Up to 100 guests (seated)
Fee: $600 (includes a $200 non-refundable application fee and a $400 facility fee)
The Mural Room at the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a beautiful indoor space with historic charm. Featuring hand-painted murals, intricate woodwork, and grand chandeliers, it creates a warm and intimate setting for your vows.
The mural room has specific guidelines for hosting a ceremony, accessed through the County’s website. For more information – see here!
Sunken Gardens
Capacity: Up to 250 guests (depending on the section reserved)
Fee: $1,200 (includes a $200 non-refundable application fee and a $1,000 facility fee)
The Sunken Gardens at the Santa Barbara Courthouse offer a gorgeous outdoor setting surrounded by lush greenery and stunning architecture. With open lawns, towering palm trees, and a scenic backdrop of the courthouse, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic ceremony.
Please be aware that capacity is limited depending on which area of the garden your ceremony will take place. For more information – see here!
Santa Barbara Wedding Checklist
To ensure your wedding day goes smoothly, here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Valid state-issued ID (for both partners)
- Marriage license (obtained no more than 90 days before the ceremony)
- Form of payment (to cover all applicable fees)
- Witness (with valid ID, photographers can also serve as witnesses)
- Rings (if exchanging them during the ceremony)
- Vows (if personalizing your ceremony)
- Parking plan: Guests can park in the four-level garage across from Anacapa St. (75 minutes free, then $1.50/hour)
Parking Information: In addition, the day of your wedding, you will need to park directly across the street from Anacapa St. in the four level parking garage. You also have the option of parking at City Lot #7, which is the structure at 1115 Anacapa Street, near the Courthouse. You are allowed 75 minutes of free use, before there is a $1.50 charge per every additional hour after that.
When is the best time of year to get married in Santa Barbara?
The best time to get married in Santa Barbara depends on weather, crowds, and cost, with spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offering the best balance.
- Spring and fall provide mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and fewer tourists compared to peak summer months.
- April, May, September, and October are ideal, offering warm days, cooler evenings, and better availability for venues and vendors.
- Summer (June–August) is the busiest season, with warm, sunny weather but higher prices and larger crowds.
- Winter (December–February) is the most affordable time to get married, though occasional rain and cooler temperatures make outdoor weddings less predictable.
For assistance with planning your Santa Barbara wedding, download the Wedy App to chat with a Wedy Planner, who can fast track your questions, share venue recommendations, and share personalized guidance on the best time to say “I do” based on your vision.
Where can I find Santa Barbara wedding packages?
The Wedy App offers tailored wedding packages in Santa Barbara and beyond, created with style and flexibility in mind. Our all-inclusive packages include the venue, photography, officiant, full-service planning, hair & makeup, and more. Your experience can be customized to fit what you’re envisioning and you’ll be paired with an experienced Wedy Planner, who will plan your day from start-to-finish.
You can also book a-la-carte services, and add-on experiences, from private chef catering to documentary-style videography to floral design for your reception!
Santa Barbara is full of hidden gems like Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Villa & Vine, and of course – the stunning Santa Barbara Courthouse, making it an epic choice for a destination wedding!
Cost Breakdown of a Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement
The cost to get married in Santa Barbara ranges from $2,950 to $7,950 depending on the venue and vendor services you choose. With Wedy’s tailored packages, you can get customize your experience to include photography, an officiant, and florals for as little as $2,950. Below is a cost breakdown from a real wedding planned by the Wedy Team!
- Ceremony appointment reservation: $23
- Marriage license: $100
- Venue fee: $1,200
- Photographer: $1,800 for 3 hours
- Wedding Planning: $1,500
- Officiant: $550 (travel fee may apply)
- Bridal Hair and Makeup: $500 (travel fee may apply)
- Floral: $450 (delivery fee not included)
- TOTAL COST: $6,123
How to get a marriage license for a Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding
Getting your marriage license is a straightforward process in Santa Barbara, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Schedule an appointment with the County Clerk for $23.
- Marriage license fee: $100 for a public license, $111 for a confidential license.
- Processing time: Licenses are valid for 90 days from issuance.
- Witness requirements: Public licenses require one witness (or two max), while confidential licenses require none.
- Online application available—start the process here.
Please note, you will need to make an additional payment for the venue rental itself, to Parks & Recreation to reserve one of these locations. The fee is $600 for the mural room and $1,200 for the Sunken Gardens. For a public marriage license, you will only need one witness. For confidential marriages, you don’t need a witness. Photographers are welcome to sign as witnesses for your marriage license!
Plan Your Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding with Ease
A wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse is the perfect blend of elegance, history, and simplicity. Whether you’re planning an intimate civil ceremony or a larger wedding and reception surrounded by loved ones, this stunning venue provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your special day.
Ready to start planning? Download the Wedy app to browse all-inclusive experiences, fast-track your questions, and book local, trusted vendors!
