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As of 6/19/21:
Exciting news! The SB County Clerk is now issuing marriage licenses again by requesting an online appointment! Of course, you can still also obtain a marriage license from your home county here in California you can get married at the courthouse and enjoy a mini-honeymoon in beautiful Santa Barbara!
And, of course, I would love to photograph your day! Check out my photography elopement packages!
Marriage License
The first step in the process is to obtain a marriage license. To get married in California, you need a California marriage license. Fortunately, the Santa Barbara county clerk is once again issuing marriage licenses separate from the ceremony and allowing in-person services. Head to their website to start the online application process. Your application will remain active in the system for 7 business days so you can complete the online application the night before you arrive to the county clerk office and you’ll be all set to get your marriage license when you arrive at the Santa Barbara Courthouse!
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Officiant
Why a private officiant? You have 2 options: you can either have the county clerk officiate a non-customized 7-minute ceremony or you can opt for a customized ceremony that can include your own personal vows. To do this you need an awesome officiant to perform and finalize your marriage! Your officiant will formalize your union, sign your marriage license and submit it to the county clerk for processing.
My recommendation is the magnificent Patrice Handley of Santa Barbara Classic Weddings! I’ve worked many weddings with her and her thoughtful words and smile have brought so much joy to so many couples over the years!
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And let’s not forget about the other vendors that will make your special day AMAZING. Let me know if there are other vendors you may need!
Hair + Makeup: Emily of Santa Barbara Hair + Makeup
Floral Design: Jen of Twisted Twig
Ceremony Location
The grounds of the Santa Barbara Courthouse are stunning! For the ceremony, I prefer Area G which is also known as the “Marriage Tree” because it has two trees growing from one tree trunk. There are other options to the grounds and I recommend different areas depending on the time of day you would like to get married.
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Portraits
Though the interior of the courthouse is closed to the public the green and plush grounds are available for us to explore! Learn about my elopement photography packages-I’d LOVE to photograph your special wedding day!
