Now that Covid restrictions are changing, many couples are choosing to come to town to marry at our historic Santa Barbara Courthouse. Our marriage ceremonies here are beautifully photographed by some of the best award-winning photographers in California…chiefly because the grounds of the Courthouse are so gorgeous! The building takes up a whole city block, so every side has lush foliage…tropical trees, perfectly maintained plants, specimen trees, redwoods…you name it! Often couples will have photos taken that show not only the verdant greenery but a backdrop of wrought-iron covered windows, elegant stone entrances to ornate wooden doorways, balconies with flowering plants trailing down. The groom in this photo came from Ireland and felt the vibe of the stonework just like at the ancient manors and castles in his country. It’s possible to reserve the inner “Sunken Gardens” of the Courthouse for a fee of $900 (as of May 2021) https://www.countyofsb.org/parks/feeschedule.sbc. But it is also possible to marry on the exterior gardens for free — if no chairs are needed. These exterior garden weddings are often intimate affairs…either elopements or small weddings with the bride and groom surrounded by their closest friends & family. Santa Barbara Classic Weddings offers ceremony packages that are appropriate for both elopements and small weddings, as well as for weddings with many guests. It’s really best to call Patrice Handley, wedding officiant at Santa Barbara Classic Weddings at (805)886-5930, to discuss all the options for a marriage ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, but a description of Services & Fees can be found on this website. For a lovely venue in the heart of Santa Barbara, a paradise between the mountains and the sea, you can’t go wrong. Especially when a personalized ceremony has been created just for you!
Note: much of the internet information about Courthouse weddings is out-of-date, so please call Patrice for current info.
