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 The Santa Barbara Courthouse

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, located in downtown Santa Barbara, California. Completed in 1929, the courthouse is an active government building and a popular tourist attraction.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse offers several options for wedding ceremonies:​

Civil Ceremony

A civil ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse is usually a short, heartfelt, and elegant event. Here's what typically happens:

Before the Ceremony

1. Check In:
   The couple checks in at the Hall of Records (1100 Anacapa Street), where they present valid IDs and their marriage license (if they already have it). If not, they’ll complete that step first.

2. Meet the Officiant:
   Civil ceremonies are typically officiated by a Deputy Marriage Commissioner provided by the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. A county-appointed officiant greets the couple, confirms names and details, and explains the flow of the ceremony.

3. Choose a Location:

The Ceremony

• The Vows:
  The officiant leads the couple through traditional vows.

• Rings (optional):
  The couple can exchange rings if they wish.

• Pronouncement:
  The officiant officially pronounces them married!

• Signing the License:
  The couple and at least one witness (if it’s a public license) sign the marriage license, which is then returned to the clerk for official filing.

Click below to view some full galleries of civil ceremony elopements at the Santa Barbara Courthouse:

Private Ceremony

For smaller, intimate ceremonies, couples can opt for a private ceremony with up to 15 guests in one of eight designated locations around the courthouse, primarily along the Anacapa and Figueroa Street lawn areas. While these areas are available without a reservation, securing a spot is on a first-come, first-served basis. These spots are free of charge and are marked A through H on the courthouse map. The County Clerk-Recorder's Office cannot officiate ceremonies in these locations so couples must bring their own officiant.

Click below to view some full galleries of civil ceremony elopements at the Santa Barbara Courthouse (areas D, F, and G):

Larger Ceremonies

The Santa Barbara Courthouse offers several stunning locations for large wedding ceremonies, each showcasing the site’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and lush landscaping. If you're planning to host a wedding with a sizable guest list, here are the best options: