The “Sunken Gardens” at the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a meticulously groomed venue for small to large weddings. There are several locations within the gardens to choose from. For intimate ceremonies with a few guests (4- 25), the “Rotunda Lawn” is lovely. It is tucked in the corner with gorgeous tropical plantings that create an amazing background in photos. Another spot for intimate weddings is the “Fiesta Stage.” The photo you see is of a couple who chose to be off the beaten path and have their sweet ceremony at the top of the stage. The arched doorway behind them looks fantastic in photos, and off to the side is a space that’s perfect for a guitarist or harpist to sit and play. At Santa Barbara Classic Weddings we have a list of extraordinary local musicians who create a wonderful atmosphere at whatever location is chosen for a marriage ceremony. Another serene place for a small group is in the Redwoods Grove – along Santa Barbara Street. This area doesn’t require a fee. For a map and info on fees at the Courthouse, go to —https://www.countyofsb.org/parks/courthousewedding.sbc. Although the site says a fee is required for “exterior gardens,” there are many free spaces available. Although they’re not reservable, we’ve rarely had two weddings wish to occupy the same free space on the same day.
For weddings on a grander scale, the “Sunken Garden” itself can accommodate many guests. Chairs are usually set up just below the main staircase. The backdrop of the Grand Arches is magnificent and is why many couples who are having large weddings choose to marry there. As a Santa Barbara Wedding Officiant, I marry couples from all over the U.S and countless other countries because they have seen photos taken of our world-famous Courthouse. Please feel free to call us for help in deciding the best place for your ceremony…we love to help! One darling couple who married there left this sweet review:
“Patrice was everything that we were hoping for. Being new to California & unfamiliar with the Santa Barbara area, we were worried about finding an officiant that would be falsely personal or detached. Patrice was perfect! She spent the time to get to know us, our relationship, & our guests. She is unbelievably kind, but also provides a good balance of guidance as to how the ceremony can be structured, taking thoughtful consideration of what you're envisioning. She is entirely professional and fun - our guests all loved her. 100% recommend.” Julia B.
