An Intimate Sunken Gardens Wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
The Sunken Gardens wedding experience at the Santa Barbara Courthouse is perfect for those planning something small but meaningful. With its pretty palm-lined lawn, mountain views, and historic backdrop, it offers such a relaxed and personal setting—especially on a weekday.
Robbie and Trina chose the Sunken Gardens because it combined everything they love about Santa Barbara with the ease of a courthouse wedding.
How They Met & Got Engaged
They met through a mutual friend at a graduation celebration—an event neither of them was sure they would attend. Long drives and other plans almost kept them home, but that night ended up changing everything.
Robbie later proposed in San Diego during a trip that held special meaning for them. It was the same place where they took their first trip together and where they first said “I love you,” making the proposal especially memorable.
Why They Chose a Sunken Gardens Wedding
Santa Barbara is a place they return to often for weekend trips, great food, and wine. Getting married at the courthouse allowed them to share a place they love with their closest family and friends while keeping the day simple and connected.
They also appreciated how close everything was—from the ceremony location to their plans for the rest of the weekend—which made the experience easy and enjoyable for their guests.
A Quiet Weekday Ceremony
Choosing a weekday Sunken Gardens ceremony gave them a calmer, more intimate atmosphere. The gardens were noticeably less crowded, and as the afternoon went on, the space continued to clear.
If they could change one thing, it would be scheduling the ceremony closer to the courthouse’s closing time, when the gardens felt almost completely private. Even so, the day unfolded beautifully and felt perfect for them.
Portraits Inside & Outside the Courthouse
One of the biggest advantages of a Sunken Gardens wedding is how easily it flows into portraits. We captured images:
- In the gardens
- Inside the courthouse’s iconic interior
- In quieter corners away from crowds
Having time for portraits in multiple locations allowed the day to feel unrushed and super relaxed!
Is the Sunken Gardens Right for Your Wedding?
The Sunken Gardens is ideal for couples who want:
- A scenic outdoor ceremony
- An intimate courthouse wedding experience
- Beautiful natural light and architecture
- A simple, elegant setting for a small guest count
It’s one of the most popular ceremony locations at the Santa Barbara Courthouse for a reason.
Planning Your Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding?
If you’re in the early stages of planning, my Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding guide walks through ceremony options, logistics, and helpful tips to make the process easy.
And if you’re dreaming of an intimate Sunken Gardens wedding, I’d love to document it in a natural, documentary way that lets you fully enjoy your day and be present. Pick me 🙂
Check out another Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding of mine here!
