A Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement Story | Ina + Yoha
A Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement is a beautiful, affordable way to get married in one of California’s dreamiest cities (let’s be real). Known for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, gardens, and ocean views, the courthouse offers both civil ceremonies and weddings year-round. Couples love it for its charm, convenience, and endless photo ops — all in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.
How Ina & Yoha Met
Ina was born and raised in Los Angeles, while Yoha grew up in Sydney, Australia, moving to the States in late 2018. Like many couples during the pandemic, they met online through a dating app. After a few months of texting, they met in person when outdoor dining reopened — enjoying a six-hour first date at the Arts District Brewery in DTLA. By September 2020, they were officially together 🙂
Why They Chose a Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement
Santa Barbara has always been special to them. Their second date — and first road trip together — was a spontaneous getaway to this coastal city. When it came time to plan their wedding, a Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement felt like a great option.
They loved the variety of backdrops the courthouse offers:
- The lush Sunken Gardens for a classic outdoor feel
- The Mediterranean staircase for architectural charm
- The Clock Tower for breathtaking views (although we didn’t make it up there, just realizing as I write this blog post lol).
As Ina put it, “The Santa Barbara Courthouse is so beautiful, and every corner has a different vibe.”
Elopement Day Tips from the Couple
When I asked Ina and Yoha if they would have done anything differently, their advice:
- Arrive early for parking. Downtown Santa Barbara can get busy, so building in extra time helps start your day stress-free.
- Plan for light. Their slightly overcast day gave a soft, romantic look to their photos, but they suggest considering an earlier or later ceremony time just in case (I agree).
Why I Love Photographing Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopements
As a wedding photographer, I never get tired of capturing elopements at the courthouse. Everyday is different, every COUPLE is different and it’s kind of fun to me to be able to capture it in a fresh, new perspective each and every time. Whether you’re eloping with just the two of you or inviting a few, this venue offers so much variety in one location — forever a fan.
Planning Your Own Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement
If you’re considering eloping here, here are a few quick tips:
- Book your ceremony early. The Santa Barbara County Clerk’s office releases appointments in advance, and popular months fill quickly. Check out their availability here!
- Make a day of it. So much to do here! Enjoy lunch or dinner (Santa Barbara is known for it’s dining experiences), check out the Funk Zone or State St., head to the beach or visit a brewery/ wine bar nearby. Celebrate, treat yourself, YOU DESERVE IT.
Ina and Yoha’s day was proof that a Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement can be intimate, effortlessly beautiful, and stress-free.
Check out another Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding of mine here!
