Rainy Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement
Elopement

It was a Rainy Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement Day!

Some wedding days go as planned. Others surprise you —with rain clouds, maybe a monsoon. Parry and Frankie’s rainy Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement was the latter, but nothing short of magical.

This blog post is a reminder that rain doesn’t ruin courthouse weddings — it often makes them that much more beautiful (and unforgettable)!

How Parry & Frankie Met

Parry and Michelle met on Hinge three weeks before the pandemic lockdown in Los Angeles. They squeezed in four dates before the world shut down, then spent the next month dating virtually — FaceTiming nightly and watching TV together. Unexpectedly they also found out they grew up in San Diego at the same time, only 10 minutes apart. Serendiputous you might say? I think so lol.

A Windy Proposal in Japan

Parry proposed on the beach in Kamakura, just outside Tokyo. It was wildly windy — the kind of day that has you laughing while trying not to get blown over. Despite the weather, the proposal was intimate and perfectly them. Foreshadowing something? 😉

Why They Chose the Santa Barbara Courthouse

They chose the Santa Barbara Courthouse because friends had raved about it, they love California’s Central Coast, and it allowed them to keep the day small and meaningful with only their immediate family present.

What a Rainy Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement Is Really Like

Santa Barbara surprised everyone with rain on their day — and this is something couples often worry about when planning their courthouse elopement.

The truth? The courthouse handles rain beautifully and you could’t be in a better place in a rainy situation!

Covered archways, textured stone, and soft reflected light creates the prettiest location. Rain also tends to quiet the space, thin the crowds, and slow the pace in the best way possible.

Vendors They Loved

If you’re looking for trusted local vendors, I’ve shared a full list of my Santa Barbara Courthouse Vendor recommendations here.

Would They Do Anything Differently?

When asked if they would change anything, Frankie shared, ““I truly don’t think there is anything we would do differently. We had such a lovely time, and the size of our wedding was perfect for us.”

Is the Santa Barbara Courthouse a good choice if it rains?

YES!

Rain doesn’t take away from a Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement — it makes it all that much more better! Hands down one of the most rain-friendly elopement locations in California.

For a step-by-step breakdown of appointments, paperwork, and timing, you can read my guide on How to get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

If you’re planning a Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement and want guidance from someone who knows the space and all the rain-day backup plans, I’d love to help — rain or shine! 🙂

For a full guide on how to get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

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