HOW TO GET MARRIED AT THE SANTA BARBARA COURTHOUSE
JULY 2020 COVID19 UPDATE: Standard protocol for Courthouse weddings is evolving. The Courthouse is currently not accepting wedding reservations for the Courthouse grounds or the Mural Room for any dates from now through July 26, 2020. All events scheduled for the Mural room through July 26, 2020 have been canceled. We will update this post with further information as it becomes available! See below for pre-COVID protocol.
If your wedding dream is a truly tiny gathering with all your favorite humans, the courthouse is an incredible option right here in Santa Barbara. Having everyone so close up and together is absolutely romantic! It changes the feel and vibe of the day in such a tangible way. If that’s what you’re looking for, read on for some pointers on how to get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.
1. What makes a marriage ceremony in California legit?
A MARRIAGE LICENSE.
– There are two ways to do it. You can either:
i. Apply on a weekday to receive your license from the county clerk’s office before your wedding day
ii. Do it ‘two-birds-with-one-stone’ style by booking a 60-minute appointment on your wedding day, so you can apply + get married.
GETTING HITCHED HERE.
– Within 90 days of buying your marriage license, say “I do” within state lines.
– An authorized officiant – a county clerk, priest, rabbi, minister, judge or civil marriage commissioner – needs to sign on the dotted line.
MAKING IT OFFICIAL.
– Bring your license back to the county it was issued in, so they record it and make it official for you two! Once they have it, you can request a copy.
2. What’s the difference between a civil ceremony vs. a private ceremony?
– A civil ceremony (also called eloping) is when a county clerk marries you.
– A private ceremony is when your own officiant marries you on the courthouse property.
CIVIL CEREMONY
– A weekday wedding is your only option, as government operations are closed on the weekends!
– Pile in up to 10 of your favorite people, or keep it to just the two of you with your photographer signing as a witness.
– If 10 is too teeny a number, reserve the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room by emailing weddings@countyofsb.org before making your appointment with the county clerk so you can fit everyone in.
PRIVATE CEREMONY
– When you love the look of the courthouse but you want your own officiant and a weekend date, this is your best bet.
– You have to get your marriage license ahead of time to go the private route.
– Call reservation dibs on the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room by emailing weddings@countyofsb.org
3. How much does it cost to get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
Here’s the quick list:
– Marriage license = $100
– Civil ceremony appointment = $23
– Civil clerk officiating on the premise = $104
– Civil clerk officiating in the Sunken Gardens or Mural room = $116.
– Parks & Recreation fee for the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room = It depends! Contact the Park’s Department for a quote.
4. Anything else I should know about getting married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
– Everyone’s wheels can find parking right across the road on Anacapa Street.
– Fridays are the busiest for civil ceremonies, and weekends are slammed with private ceremonies in the Sunken Gardens and Mural room. For all things wedding, book as far ahead as you can.
5. How much does it cost to hire you to photograph our ceremony and some portraits during the week?
Weekday Civil Ceremonies = $600
– One hour of coverage.
– Sneak peek photos the same day.
– 50+ images delivered 4-6 weeks after your wedding.
Weekday Civil Ceremonies = $1,200
– Two hours of coverage.
– Sneak peek photos the same day.
– 50+ images delivered 4-6 weeks after your wedding.
6. Where can you take photos in the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
– We get free reign to shoot anywhere!
– Inside the courthouse is always gold, but my favorite spot is the spiral staircase (endless portrait options)!
– Outside and near the Sunken Gardens is full of gorgeous greenery to get lost in.
A few links that will help you make a courthouse ceremony happen:
- Make an appointment for a marriage license.
- Reserve the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room.
- Make an appointment for a civil ceremony.
- Grab a colorful bouquet from local florist, Fleur de Rye. Need some floral inspiration? Click here!
SEE IF WE’RE FREE TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR CELEBRATION!
JULY 2020 COVID19 UPDATE: Standard protocol for Courthouse weddings is evolving. The Courthouse is currently not accepting wedding reservations for the Courthouse grounds or the Mural Room for any dates from now through July 26, 2020. All events scheduled for the Mural room through July 26, 2020 have been canceled. We will update this post with further information as it becomes available! All information above is for pre-COVID protocol.
-Sarah Ellefson Photography
P.S. To inquire for a weekend date, click the button below.
