Plan Your Dream Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is one of the most well-known wedding venues in Santa Barbara County. Completed in 1929, the building is Spanish colonial in style and its architecture is one of the many reasons couples opt to get married there. The courthouse offers civil and private ceremonies, and reservations can be made up to 18 months in advance. If you plan to have a private ceremony, it is best to get your marriage license prior to your ceremony date. You can have your ceremony at any of the designated free areas of the courthouse or reserve an area of the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room.

Civil vs private ceremonies

The Santa Barbara Courthouse offers civil and private ceremonies. The difference between these two options is relatively small but still very important.

For civil ceremonies, you'll need to bring a valid state-issued form of ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and payment for your license and ceremony. You'll also need to appear in person together.

For private ceremonies, reservations can be made up to 18 months in advance, though no fewer than 5 business days from the ceremony date. You can have your ceremony at any of the designated free areas of the courthouse or reserve an area of the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room. You will need to hire an officiant to perform your ceremony unless a friend or family member wants to get ordained or deputised for the day. It is best to get your marriage license prior to your ceremony date.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is the perfect wedding venue for couples who want to keep it classy and low-key. From small to large weddings, extravagantly planned to minimalistic, this venue caters to all needs and styles. It's also conveniently located just blocks from the beach and there are numerous amazing venues to host your wedding reception nearby.

Reserving a location

If you plan to have a private ceremony, it is best to get your marriage license before the ceremony date. You will also need to hire an officiant to perform your ceremony unless a friend or family member wants to get ordained or deputised for the day.

Hiring an officiant

If you're planning a wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, you'll need to hire an officiant to perform your ceremony unless you have a friend or family member who wants to get ordained or deputised for the day.

You can choose to have a civil or private ceremony. If you opt for a private ceremony, you'll need to get your marriage licence before the ceremony date. You can have your ceremony at any of the designated free areas of the courthouse or reserve an area of the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room. To reserve either of these locations, you'll need to contact the County of Santa Barbara at [email protected].

If you're planning a civil ceremony, you'll need to bring a valid state-issued form of ID, such as a driver's licence or passport, and payment for your licence and ceremony.

When hiring an officiant, it's important to consider their availability, especially if you're planning your wedding at short notice. You'll also need to discuss their fees and any additional services they may offer, such as pre-wedding counselling or customising the ceremony script. It's a good idea to meet with potential officiants beforehand to ensure they are a good fit for your wedding and understand your vision for the ceremony.

Finally, don't forget to confirm the details of the ceremony with your officiant, including the date, time, and location. You'll also need to provide them with any necessary information, such as the number of guests and any special requests or requirements you may have.

Getting a marriage license

To get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, you will need to obtain a marriage license. For private ceremonies, it is best to get your marriage license before the ceremony date. You can make reservations for private ceremonies up to 18 months in advance, but no fewer than five business days before the ceremony. You will also need to hire an officiant to perform your ceremony, unless a friend or family member wants to get ordained or deputised for the day to officiate. You will need to bring a valid state-issued form of ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and pay for your license and ceremony.

If you are planning on having a civil ceremony, you will need to bring the following: yourselves (you'll both need to appear in person together), a valid state-issued form of ID for both parties, and payment for your license and ceremony.

You will also need a witness to sign your marriage license, who will also need to bring their ID.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse offers a convenient and affordable option for couples looking for a laid-back California vibe for their wedding. With its tropical gardens and Spanish Colonial architecture, it is the perfect fit for those seeking a stress-free and beautiful wedding venue.

Venue options

The Santa Barbara Courthouse offers civil and private ceremonies. For private ceremonies, reservations can be made up to 18 months in advance, but no fewer than 5 business days before the ceremony date. You can have your ceremony at any of the designated free areas of the courthouse or reserve an area of the Sunken Gardens or Mural Room. To reserve either of these locations, you will need to contact the County of Santa Barbara at [email protected].

If you plan to have a civil ceremony, you will need to bring a valid state-issued form of ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and payment for your license and ceremony. You will also need a witness to sign your marriage license, who will also need to bring their ID.

The courthouse is located just blocks from the beach and numerous venues that can host your wedding reception. The venue caters to all needs and styles, from small to large weddings and from extravagantly planned to minimalistic.

Frequently asked questions