Christine & Jeff’s Mural Room Wedding

Something so timeless about a wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse! Between the history, the Spanish-inspired architecture, and the Mural Room’s detail, it’s one of the most prettiest places to say “I do.” For Christine and Jeff, their Mural Room wedding wasn’t just about the grandeur of the space—it was about weaving sentimental moments of their relationship into their wedding day.

Their Story!

Christine and Jeff both grew up in the Temecula/Menifee area, attended Cal State Fullerton, yet never crossed paths until after college. Their first meeting in 2017 was at a bar in Newport Beach, where Christine, the designated driver, laughed the night away with friends while Jeff—who was a little too deep into the drinks—doesn’t remember much beyond wanting to keep talking to her.

It wasn’t long before their first real date took place in Santa Barbara, where they spent hours at the Natural History Museum. Jeff even skipped watching his beloved Chicago Bears play to be there—a choice that Christine now laughs about, but one that clearly showed how much he was already falling for her. On the drive back, Christine sang her way through traffic, and instead of being put off, Jeff found it special. They were inseparable since.

Fast forward to 2023, Jeff proposed on the Laguna Beach sand, right where he had first asked Christine to be his girlfriend. Soon after, they welcomed their son Everett, and it became clear that their wedding needed to carry the same sentimentality that defined their relationship.

Why the Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room

When deciding on a venue, Santa Barbara felt like the perfect fit—it was where they had their very first date, it was beautiful yet intimate, and it felt destination-worthy without being too far for family to attend.

Christine loved the idea of a courthouse wedding, but she also wanted something formal and grand. The Mural Room checked all the boxes! The space’s Spanish influence also resonated deep with her Filipino heritage, since the Philippines was colonized by Spain. As she put it, it felt like stepping into an old church back home.

Another thing Christine and Jeff is that the Mural Room hardly needs any décor. They kept it simple with LED candles, letting the murals and architecture speak for themselves.

Tips for Planning a Mural Room Wedding

If you’re considering a Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room wedding, here are some helpful takeaways from Christine and Jeff’s experience:

• Plan your timing carefully. The Mural Room is rented in two-hour blocks, and those two hours can fly by with setup, ceremony, and photos. Build in a timeline that gives you space to breathe.
• Parking can be tricky. Their family was lucky to find spots nearby, but advise your guests to arrive early. (I personally advise to park in Lot 7 on Anacapa- $3 parking!)
• Expect visitors. Since the courthouse is open to the public, you may have onlookers. Christine didn’t find it disruptive—in fact, she found it sweet—but flexibility is key.
• Keep it simple. The Mural Room doesn’t require heavy décor. Candles, flowers, or even nothing at all can look pretty against the room’s murals.
• Choose vendors close by. Christine and Jeff celebrated with dinner at State & Fig, a cute and cozy restaurant within walking distance, which made logistics much easier.

Personal Touches That Made Their Day Special

Christine honored her heritage by wearing a custom terno Filipiniana wedding dress designed by Franko Barrio, sent all the way from the Philippines. She paired it with vintage red Prada heels for a subtle pop of color!

She and Jeff also made sure their photography was at the top of their priority list. Christine shared that when she came across my work, she was drawn to the authenticity and warmth in the images. For her, “finding a photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about finding a storyteller.” Thanks girl! 😉

Her advice to other couples? “Don’t just settle for a photographer. Find someone who can capture the story and the feelings of your day—because those are the moments you’ll want to relive with your family for years to come.”

Check out another Mural Room wedding here!