Are you dreaming of an elopement day surrounded by the charm of Santa Barbara? If so, a Santa Barbara elopement might be just for you! Elopements at the Santa Barbara Courthouse offers a unique experience for couples looking for a simple yet special celebration. In this guide, we will walk your through the steps to make your Santa Barbara courthouse absolutely seamless! Let’s go!

Pick the Day + Book Your Appointment

The first step in planning your Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement is choosing the perfect day that resonates with you and your partner and securing your appointment. Fortunately, the Santa Barbara Courthouse makes this process extremely easy by allowing couples to schedule both their ceremony and marriage license appointment in one go. You can visit the link HERE to schedule your appointment!

Civil Ceremony Vs. Private Ceremony

Before your big day, you will need to decide between a civil ceremony and a private ceremony. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two:

Civil Ceremony: Officiated by a Deputy Marriage Commissioner, this option allows up to 8 guests, including your photographer. You’ll receive your marriage license before the ceremony.
Private Ceremony: Choose your own officiant and invite up to 15 guests to be your witness. You will need to obtain your marriage license in advance. These ceremonies are available on the weekends.

Make sure you choose the option that aligns with your vision and the number of guests you would like to include in your celebration!

Come Prepared

To ensure you have a smooth sailing day - make sure you bring the following essentials!

A Valid state-issued ID (drivers license or passport)
Payment for the marriage license
A witness with their ID to sign your marriage license
Your rings and any personal vows you plan to exchange

Personalize your Elopement Day!

Now here comes the fun part! Personalizing your elopement day to make it uniquely yours. Consider adding a personal touch to your attire with some accessories like sunglasses, unique shoes or a distinctive veil. Make a gran entrance or exit by renting a fun vintage car! These always look GREAT in elopement photos! Also consider bringing a bottle of champagne or a fun personalized cake that will infuse your personality into your elopement day.

Bethany Joy | Santa Barbara Wedding + Couples Photographers

Eloping at the Santa Barbara Courthouse provides such a gorgeous backdrop for your intimate and romantic celebration. By following these steps, you will have the best elopement and the memories will last a lifetime! If you need someone to capture your elopement at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, count us in! Head over to our contact page and we will be in touch soon!