It’s a pretty loaded topic, am I right?
I actually had to sit down and think about which direction to take with this post on How to get Married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. My intention is to give you real, valuable insight—based entirely on my personal experiences and unbiased opinion as someone who’s at the courthouse weekly. I’ve seen just about every way a couple can get married there, and I’ve got thoughts. Good ones, honest ones… and yes, I’m ready to spill the tea.
If you’re looking for the logistics—rules, legal requirements, costs, hours of operation, or paperwork—you’ll want to check Santa Barbara Courthouse’s official website here for the most up-to-date info. I’ll touch on a few of those things, but to be clear: I don’t work for or represent the courthouse in any way.
I’m just a local wedding photographer sharing some honest, hopefully helpful, food for thought. Like: If I were to getting married at the courthouse myself, this is how I’d do it.
Let’s dive in.
Marriage License and Civil Ceremony Performed by the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
This is by far the most straightforward and budget-friendly way to wed- aside from maybe a Vegas drive-thru. If you’re looking for something short, sweet, meaningful, beautiful, and affordable, this is it guys.
How to Book an Appointment with the County Clerk
Appointments are available to book online exactly 90 days in advance, and that’s often the trickiest part—securing a spot. This is the most popular way people get married at the courthouse, so whatever date you have in mind, be ready to book the moment it becomes available. Appointments are offered Monday through Friday during business hours, and you can book directly through the County Clerk Recorder’s Office here.
Marriage License and Ceremony Fees
- Marriage license: $100
- Civil ceremony reservation fee: $23
- Ceremony fee (Sunken Gardens or Mural Room): $116
- Total: $239
What to Expect on Your Wedding Day
The appointment usually takes an hour. You’ll start in the Hall of Records for roughly 20 minutes signing paperwork, then escorted outside to the Sunken Gardens for the civil ceremony. It’s incredibly short and sweet—around five minutes or less. If you’ve written personal vows, you can share them privately afterward.
You can go this route as a true elopement—just the two of you. In that case, you’ll either need to pay a small fee to have the courthouse provide a witness or ask your photographer to sign. Fun fact- I’ve personally signed over 30 marriage licenses.
Guest Limits & Witness Requirements
You can also invite up to 8 guests total (10 people including you two). That said, in my experience, I’ve had couples bring a few extra guests who simply stood off to the side without any issues. Since the Sunken Gardens is public property, casual onlookers or a few extra friends typically aren’t a problem—as long as you keep things low-key and respectful.
When I say that I have shot over 80 weddings at the courthouse, 60 of them are these. I love to meet my couples 15 minutes before their appointment time. From there we can walk into the Hall of Records together, I document them signing their lives away to one another then capture their civil ceremony outside to follow. Family photos next (if present) then bride+ groom portraits, both inside the courthouse and out. I do some street shots too, because it’s Santa Barbara and the perimeter is pretty too. My couples then may add on an additional hour for celebratory drinks or beach portraits to follow. Or maybe they wanted me for getting ready photos and first look prior. It really is whatever you want to make of it! And that’s what makes every elopement I shoot there so unique and fun. You’re the boss- make what you want out of it.
Private Ceremony
Remember how I mentioned earlier that I would fill you in on How I would get married at the courthouse? Well this is it people! A simple and sweet civil ceremony with my boo is cute, but my Brazilian mother loves a guest list.
To have a private ceremony at the courthouse, you will need to obtain your marriage license prior. This can be done anywhere in California, within 90 days before your wedding date. Going the private route gives you more freedom. You can choose your own officiant, and invite anywhere from 15 to 250 guests. I’ve witnessed courthouse ceremonies both big and small. These are also available to book 7 days a week (unlike a civil ceremony that is only available Monday-Friday).
Private ceremonies also let you personalize the space—bring in chairs, florals, an arch, and even music. I recommend live acoustic music, like a guitarist or violist, since the courthouse prohibits amplified sound. Your ceremony can also last as long as you’d like (within your reservation time), while a civil ceremony again is quick and minimalist. There are no chairs, everyone stands, and you’re declared married within 5 minutes.
Sunken Gardens
To reserve the Sunken Gardens, there are (currently) two time blocks available. It’s seven days a week: 11 AM–2 PM or 3–6 PM. I recommend 11AM-2PM- better lighting for pictures!
Private Ceremony Sites at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
The Santa Barbara Courthouse offers five private ceremony sites to choose from. They are the Sunken Gardens, Palm Terrace, Fiesta Stage, Bird of Paradise, and Rotunda Lawn.
So, which one is your favorite, Michelle? 1000% Fiesta Stage.
Here’s why: the backdrop is absolutely stunning. To those unfamiliar with the courthouse, they are going to say, “Whoa, where did you get married?!” when they see your wedding photos. It’s that epic. But what really seals the deal for me is the level of privacy. Unlike the more open areas, Fiesta Stage offers some separation from the main foot traffic. This helps keep bystanders from gathering directly behind your altar during the ceremony. I mean, come on, that’s huge.
The Bystander Factor: Why Privacy Matters
It’s important to remember that the courthouse is a major tourist attraction, and it’s not uncommon for people to stop, watch, and even snap photos during a wedding. While you can’t fully prevent this, choosing a more tucked-away spot means they’re less likely to show up in the background while you’re exchanging vows. Or first kiss lol.
This added privacy also applies to Rotunda Lawn and Bird of Paradise, but to me, Fiesta Stage is the prettiest of the three.
Palm Terrace vs. Sunken Gardens: Iconic Backdrop, Less Control
Now, if you’re going for the most epic backdrop, then Palm Terrace takes the cake—you get the iconic clock tower behind you, and it’s truly breathtaking. That said, it’s also the most exposed. These days, with heavy foot traffic, construction noise, and the possibility of random bystanders walking through your space, it’s a bit too unpredictable for me. It used to be my favorite, but lately, it feels like more of a gamble. Sunken Gardens is same backdrop, but on lower level, while Palm Terrace is on higher level. These same opinions of mine apply to Sunken Gardens as well.
Side Note: I have seen weddings that were on the Palm Terrace but facing the rotunda. This adds a bit of privacy but still level of exposure to bystanders is present. Just do the Fiesta Stage- we can take portraits in front of the clocktower after 🙂
How much does it cost to reserve the Sunken Gardens?
$1200. Yep, that’s it. $1200 for the most epic ceremony spot and then you can be on your merry way to a long list of restaurants and venues in Santa Barbara that can host your reception after. Get ready in a bougie hotel, rent the trolley to escort your guests to and from locations- and now you have a full-blown Santa Barbara experience for your wedding day. You’re welcome.
Mural Room- Santa Barbara Courthouse
Originally built as the Board of Supervisors’ Assembly Room, the Mural Room is a dramatic, 4,100-square-foot indoor space covered floor-to-ceiling in rich, hand-painted murals that depict key moments in Santa Barbara’s history. It gives off serious 1928 courthouse energy— very moody, ornate, and theatrical. It’s definitely a vibe, and a completely different experience than tying the knot outdoors in the Sunken Gardens.
Mural Room Reservation
The Mural Room takes reservations 7 days a week, accommodates up to 100 guests, and costs $700 for a 2-hour block.
Would I get married in the Mural Room?
Honestly—no. My heart still belongs to the Fiesta Stage in the Sunken Gardens outside.
Don’t get me wrong—the Mural Room is stunning, and I understand why couples love it. But I’ve shot ceremonies in there on days when the light just wasn’t it—so dark and moody that it just lost the magic. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and the light hits just right through the high windows, but it’s a gamble I personally wouldn’t want to take.
Also, here’s something most people don’t realize ( as well as past Mural Room couples I have had): even if you reserve the Mural Room, it’s still open to the public. That means tourists can (and often do) wander in during your ceremony. The doors must stay open, and while most visitors are respectful, I’ve seen wedding parties have to politely ask full groups of tourists to please take a step to the side so their ceremony could begin.
My Favorite Way to use the Mural Room: Portraits!
That said—the Mural Room is still one of my favorite spots for portraits. There are little pockets of light I love to chase throughout the day in there and I still get giddy every time when we’re making our way to it. To personally do the ceremony at Fiesta Stage, then head to the Clock Tower and Mural Room for portraits—plus about 10 other favorite spots of mine around the courthouse, that’s how I would personally do it.
Last Couple Options!
Because the Santa Barbara Courthouse is public property, there’s one more option—especially helpful if you’re having trouble locking in a reservation or appointment. As long as you’ve obtained your marriage license (within 90 days of your ceremony date), you can bring your own officiant and perform your ceremony on the courthouse grounds without a reservation, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you can’t snag the Sunken Gardens at your desired time, don’t stress—plenty of other spots around the courthouse make beautiful ceremony backdrops. Just remember: you can bring up to 15 people total, but you can’t set up chairs, arches, or decor. If you want a larger guest count or more setup flexibility, you’ll need to book a reservation.
And lastly, the courthouse also offers walk-in services for obtaining your marriage license and performing a civil ceremony. These are available Monday through Friday during business hours, but not between 12:00 PM–2:00 PMor after 3:30 PM. As with most things in life, your best bet is to show up right when they open at 10:00 AM to be in and out swiftly. If hiring a photographer, I highly recommend making an appointment beforehand. Do not take this route 🙂
Still on the fence?
Whether the Santa Barbara Courthouse is the right choice for your wedding, I truly believe it’s one of the most underrated options out there. It offers flexibility and class—all while being surprisingly budget-friendly.
Also, I love that it’s set in one of Southern California’s most beloved destinations. You’ll have hotels, restaurants, beaches, bars, shopping, and reception venues all within reach. So much freedom to really make it your own, and SO many photo ops!
Let’s do this thing! Check out one of my Santa Barbara Courthouse elopements here!
