Insider tip #2: Normally only allowing a 1-year reservation period, the Courthouse is now accepting 18-month reservation periods! Behind them entered Scott and Nicky, radiant, joyous, full of expectation. Keep it simple. They live in a dream upon a dream. If you opt for a private ceremony, youll also need to secure your own officiant. Spectacular, loving, spirited and sacred time. Santa Barbara is stunning from the iconic resorts to the romantic beaches, this coastal city is perfect for couples seeking adventure, and the courthouse is the perfect place to hold your wedding ceremony! 2) The second step is to schedule a marriage ceremony appointment. The palm trees up against the Spanish style architecture of the courthouse made for a beautiful backdrop while the couple said their vows . The Santa Barbara County Clerk Recorders Office makes the civil ceremony process simple and easy. We love this!! The heavy rain in January could have put a pause on some of the restoration - however this is 100% speculation on my part. Heres a helpful list of items you will need to bring with you if you are holding a private ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Wedding Information Animal Care & Adoption. The clay-tiled terracotta roof and white stucco walls frame the Spanish Colonial Revival style that rolls throughout the entire architectural design. How to get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Please note these times include set-up to exit. The deputy marriage commissioner who completes your paperwork can also perform your marriage. One thing to be aware of is that without reserving parts of the grounds, the space stays open to the public. No amplified sound, but soft acoustic music would be permitted. The Santa Barbara Courthouse is now scheduling appointments for in-person civil ceremonies (during which you obtain your marriage license AND have your ceremony during the same appointment). Look no further! Wedding Location: Santa Barbara, CA / Photographer: Lavender & Twine / Flowers: I did all the succulent If you have a few favorite locations picked out for your ceremony, or if youre set on a particular location, you have to options depending on your guest count size. The Ultimate Guide to Colorado Wedding Venues. Your closest loved ones or just the two of you. Take the quiz. It was electrifying, humbling, a relief, my gratitude soaring along with a giddy feeling of excitement, and most of all, a profound appreciation for my peers and the beautiful work I am called to do. Your close family and friends for your special day. From the bride, Natalie: We really wanted an intimate, casual and fun feel for our wedding. The City of Santa Barbara realized the importance of preserving its historic buildings earlier than most American cities. Taping off or coning any area of Courthouse Grounds is not permitted. Copyrights Flothemes 2021 | All rights Reserved, Steps to Have a Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding, Crucial Info for a Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding, STEP 2: Select the Space for Your Ceremony (Based on Your Guest Count!). When walking through the Santa Barbara Courthouse it feels like a castle in Spain and its easy to forget that it is a fully functional California Superior Courthouse. You chose happiness and peace over fear and anger. If youve had your heart set on the Santa Barbara Courthouse and the restoration or any city wide events that use the Sunken Garden space detract from your overall wedding vision, you have other options. Photographers are welcome to sign as witnesses for your marriage license! Why I love photographing weddings at The Santa Barbara Courthouse. This Spanish Colonial Revival style building was designed by William Mooser III and completed in 1929. You can hold your civil ceremony on any day of the week except for the weekends. Their wedding was a spectacular event. Check out these other courthouse weddings weve featured on the blog! Parking is available on the streets around the courthouse or in the parking garage across the street from the entrance to the courthouse grounds off of Anacapa Street. Im also more than honored to be your witness if its just the two of you and you dont have a witness and would like to save the $51 witness fee that they charge for providing a witness. So much so that it is quite the popular venue for wedding ceremonies, small or large. To find the perfect officiant for you and your spouse you can contact the Wedy concierge team, or explore personalized officiants on the Wedy app! We are also big fans of California and Santa Barbara in particular and after we picked the Santa Barbara Courthouse as our wedding venue the succulent theme naturally followed. Furthermore, that Santa Barbara courthouse is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Marriage License: $104 (A confidential license is $111), Civil Ceremony Under 15 People (Including Vendors): Free. The interior was closed due to the pandemic unfortunately. I am drawn to this Santa Barbara wedding location because it has a quirky element that sets it apart from the others. Courthouse Garden Weddings - Santa Barbara County, CA You can always add on more time if you want more photos. Both Phase 2 and Phase 3 are popular locations for weddings and photos. The ceremony and reception could take place on their amazing rooftop. The Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder's Office has Deputy Marriage Commissioners available to perform civil wedding ceremonies during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday (and Fridays in Santa Barbara), excluding holidays. You can start the online process here, in addition to reserving your time slot ($23) in advance. If you arrive to your appointment and have not done your marriage license, they will take you over to the computers for you to complete this before you can meet with them. Dark green debris tarps are being used to cover the construction scaffolding and work as it rotates around the courthouse during its four phases. Street parking is a limit of 75 minutes; in City Lot #7, the first 75 minutes in the city lot are free, and then its $2.50 per hour. Requirements: $200 non-refundable administrative fee and venue fee paid at time reservation is made, Time Allotments: Available for rental in 3-hour increments, Vendors: Only local area vendors with experience at the Courthouse are allowed. The first dance happened organically and we now have "our song". Couples come from all over the US to Santa Barbara to enjoy its Spanish Style beauty for their wedding backdrop with Los Angeles being one of the most popular home cities. She hadnt even contacted him yet to let him know she was back in town, when they saw each other in the lobby. For a public marriage license ($100), you onlyneedone witness, and you can have two sign your marriage license. I prefer the timing when the sun is lowest on the horizon. Required fields are marked *. Donna Romani, Coordinator, Nico Cervantes, florist, Anna Costa, photography, and me, minister, basked in the warmth of their love once again. The breathtaking scenery and historical landmark make the Santa Barbara County Courthouse an ideal destination for your wedding. 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! I recommend parking in the round rotunda parking lot (located at 1115 Anacapa St) and walking across Anacapa Street to the Hall of Records. is an actual tavern. Phase 4 (shown in light rose) is the back patio, a less popular spot for photos and somewhat easier to shoot around. To plan your Santa Barbara wedding with ease download the Wedy app! Note: If you're doing a confidential license, a witness isn't needed. Santa Barbara wedding photographers. We had a very untraditional wedding so no official first dance or processional. This is the most common option. Health Services. STEP 5: Make Your Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Appointment! When it came to saying "I do" San Francisco couple, Tommy and Ava, decided to settle for a small Santa Barbara Wedding. From the Spanish architecture to the green plants around the exterior, this space says Santa Barbara visually. You did it! When it comes to elopements, simplicity and ease are a lot of the point. If you want to add a second location like the beach, thats usually 2 hours +. B) If you have more than 10 guests, or if you want the peace of mind to lock in and reserve your location so you can have chairs and have flowers, or if you want to have your wedding in either of the courthouses interior locations such as the Mural Room or Clocktower, you will need to reserve your ceremony location ahead of time. Your total Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding cost will depend on your guest count, which then influences which space you'll need to rent. Now as far as the rest of the planning involved, we recommend reaching out to some awesome professionals who can assist you along the way - and sure enough, you can check all of them out right here in our vendor directory! This stunning historic landmark in Santa Barbara captures the blend between the Spanish and Moorish architectural influences making it a dream to photograph. We could feel the electricity between us as we joined our minds and hearts with the significance of their upcoming marriage. Cancellation Policy: Must be cancelled 60 (sixty) days before the event date to receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable reservation fee. If youre searching for a beautiful location to have your wedding, Santa Barbara offers one of the best city hall and courthouse wedding venues around LA. YOU CAN NOT BE LATE TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. Gay wedding couple portrait with corgi and trolley. Photography Coverage: $1,550 - $7,500 depending on whether it's 2 hours vs full day coverage. There are a few different ways to have your wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Santa Barbara, California. Or, if you're having a larger Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding, you may want to hold a reception party at a nearby venue! This award had me stop my critical behavior abruptly. Is there anything more iconic than the Santa Barbara Courthouse? Santa Barbara Clock tower elopement twirl. Since this is a hotel, guests could stay there after the event, offering ease and convenience. The Clerk-Recorder's office is on the north-west corner at Anacapa and Anapamu. Its so much greater than we realize, that when I have moments of seeing it more clearly, the emotions I experience are the same as receiving an award like I was granted. When it comes to elopements, simplicity and ease are a lot of the point. They had a dynamic gospel choir that processed up the aisle singing I Believe in You and Me. The Spanish architecture, gorgeous light sweeping through the hallways, and exquisite details all make it one of the most beautiful places to get married at. If you're having a Santa Barbara elopement with 2-15 people (including vendors), you'll be having a Santa Barbara courthouse civil ceremony. If you are planning to hold the ceremony at either the Sunken Gardens or the Mural Room, then this fee is increased to $116. It appears from my observations around where the tarps are on the courthouse contrasted with the Proposed Phasing Plan map below that the restoration work is taking longer than expected. When you photograph a lot of weddings, you tend to see this happen. Employment Resources. I much more prefer photographing around the diverse photographic options at the Santa Barbara Courthouse over the Santa Barbara Mission. The Mission has more people to shoot around, and has fewer angles and options. Life over death and when you met, you found someone else to believe in you as no other. If we can get to the courthouse on a weekday before they close at 4:45p unofficially (5:00p officially), the interior offers many architectural options that capture the Santa Barbara Spanish architectural look and feel. To fully appreciate the beauty of the Santa Barbara Courthouse, it helps to have a little history. As a Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding photographer, I am intimately familiar with this space from both a photography location and lighting perspective. Another way to have your wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse is to bring in a coordinator and an officiant to plan and perform your private ceremony. The Hall of Records office offers different time slots for your paperwork and ceremony. How to get married at Santa Barbara Courthouse - Anna Delores Photography Marriages | Santa Barbara County, CA - Official Website Clerk, Recorder, Assessor & Elections (CRAE). The photo above is Phase 1 which is the Rotunda corner (shown in mimosa yellow on the map below). Ive found most tourists cohabitate the space well with couples in their wedding attire allowing us to both get the photos we want. Here is a sample timeline of what a 3:00p civil marriage ceremony will look like. It was a daunting task. santa barbara courthouse - Santa Barbara Wedding Planner for Intimate It is a public space, so please be aware that someone may be performing a ceremony in your favorite spot. Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room Wedding This pushes back your appointment and can delay your wedding. Ive included a photo above. A photographer to document all of the magic! This ensures that the space you want for your wedding is reserved for you on your wedding day. Held at the Mural Room at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, it had the beauty of historical times, the richness of an opulent yet functioning courtroom in true Moorish style, and the light of the sky coming in through the vast windows. Cancellations received less than 60 (sixty) days will be subject to a 50% cancellation charge of the paid site fee. 15/20 min of paperwork with the Deputy Marriage Commissioner. Photographs of candids signing. 2023 Anna Delores Photography. You can choose whether you want to hold a private ceremony or a civil ceremony. If there is one word Id use to describe this venue, it would be romantic. It makes you feel like youre in the English countryside, surrounded by large trees, roses, stone, and at night an exquisite starry sky. It provides comfortable seating for up to 100 guests and is the only indoor option for your ceremony! Her 'maids wore flirty, soft mint dresses and a matching beaded necklace. While its under restoration, you may want to consider other options. Once you experience beautiful exterior and inteior architecture in person, you will understand why it is such a popular destination wedding location for weddings needing a larger Santa Barbara venue to elopements that are intimate and personal. There are people from all over the world who choose to have a Santa Barbara Courthouse weddingand for good reason. The night John proposed to her in Paris atop the Eiffel Tower at their finest restaurant, all manner of beauty filled the space and the night skies. If this is the case, its often possible to just wait 10 to 15 minutes for them to finish their ceremony and move to a different location for photos. the county said that there will be scaffolding around the portion of the building at the corner of Anacapa St and Figueroa St which might detract from photos and aesthetics that visitors and wedding parties expect.. The Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding cost for a civil ceremony under 15 people is between $231 -$238, not including vendors, such as photography, hair/makeup artist, florist, etc. explore personalized officiants on the Wedy app! 15 - 100 People Ceremony: $600 In order to reserve the Mural Room. Be it an intimate gathering or a vast ceremony and reception, a wedding at the Courthouse is an unforgettable celebration. It is simply a partnership that is non-religious and purely legal, often comprised of a statement of vows and signing of documents. Just so you can appreciate them even just a little, I give you this excerpt from their wedding: Scott and Nicky, you two are truly, the most magnificent men. Photo Courtesy of Kaitie Brainerd Photography. For brides, a white dress (or jumpsuit, like Julia wore!) SANTA BARBARA COURTHOUSE Jenn and Chris were married in front of the Giant Bird of Paradise in the Sunken Gardens at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Cost: $1,100 ($200 non-refundable reservation fee plus $900 site fee). Santa Barbara Courthouse Santa Barbara Wedding Style A Sweet, Stylish Elopement at the Santa Barbara Courthouse - Brides If you miss the parking structure driving because youre not in the right late, just circle counterclockwise around the courthouses one-way streets and try again. His dream lay in waiting until he met Ursula. 3) You have two options as to who does your ceremony. $111. If you're having over 100 guests, the Exterior Gardens will need to be reserved. A coordinator lets you show up and enjoy the simplicity that a micro wedding or elopement offers, while not compromising on all the style you love. It has a Mediterranean style and panoramic views of both the ocean & mountains. Santa Barbara Courthouse is one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous courthouses where you can be married. Click here for the Santa Barbara Courthouses County! If I passed muster on the phone call, Id be so blessed. As my as my photography style, I'd say its: ethereal, heartfelt, and emotion driven. Download the application here, fill it out, and send it toweddings@countryofsb.org along with your preferred date(s). You are allowed 75 minutes of free use, before there is a $1.50 charge per every additional hour after that. Its not uncommon for tourists to be walking the grounds taking photos of the beautiful architecture. Fleur de Rye or Ella + Louie are our top suggestions for getting a bouquet and/or boutonniere for the ceremony (and photos afterwards). I have photographed several weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. I made all the succulent wine corks, the straw flags and the succulents vases and my bouquet! You also have the option of parking at City Lot #7, which is the structure at 1115 Anacapa Street, near the Courthouse. If your top ceremony site location is reserved by another couple through the courthouse, then it is unavailable for us. How to Get Married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Marriage License: $104 (A confidential license is $111) You can apply for your marriage license here. In addition, the Santa Barbara Courthouse is surrounded by the beautiful nature of Santa Barbara and offers the following benefits! I hope this information is as helpful as I can be with construction timelines being outside of our control. Please note, that in addition to the $116 you will pay to the county clerk (ceremony fee), you will need to make a separate payment to Parks and Recreation of there will be a separate paymentyou will make to theParks & Recreationto reserve one of these locations. 3:45 Following the family photos, we will excuse your family and friends while the three of us (the two of you and I) play around the Santa Barbara Courthouse taking some amazing photos together. They are about youabout the incredibly beautiful truth of who you are and the importance of your union, your marriage, its life and contribution on earth. So no weekend appointments. Arguably one of the most beautiful public buildings in the country, with its Spanish-Colonial style red tile roof, gorgeous clock tower and lush Sunken Gardens, it really is something to behold. An error has occurred and this page must be reloaded. You can make an appointment at any County Clerks office in California. When you think intimate wedding, you probably think something like a COVID wedding with less than 50 people, maybe even less than 20 people. The construction large tarps change the aesthetic of the outside of the courthouse in pictures. Directly across the street from the Anacapa St. entrance is a four level parking garage - 75 minutes free and a dollar and a half ($1.50) an hour after that. It is tucked in the corner with gorgeous t 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.
