Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement and Sunstone Winery Wedding Weekend: A Guide
The Ultimate Wedding Weekend Guide in Northern California
Getting Married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse: A Complete Venue Guide
Planning a courthouse wedding in Santa Barbara? The Santa Barbara County Courthouse isn't your typical government building - it's a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece that has hosted thousands of memorable ceremonies since 1929. Let's explore everything you need to know about getting married at this architectural landmark.
Ceremony Spaces at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
The courthouse offers several distinct ceremony locations, each with its own character. The Mural Room, with its dramatic 25-foot ceilings and hand-painted historical scenes, accommodates up to 40 guests. The room's restored 1920s chandeliers and detailed artistry make it a popular choice for indoor ceremonies.
The Sunken Gardens, spanning an entire city block, provides a magnificent outdoor option. This space can host up to 200 guests and features mature palm trees, expansive lawns, and the courthouse's iconic façade as your backdrop.
Learn more about Santa Barbara's historic architecture
The La Arcada steps, situated at the building's entrance, offer another picturesque outdoor ceremony location for intimate gatherings of up to 15 people. The steps' ornate railings and archways create natural framing for photographs.
Reception Venues Near the Courthouse
While the courthouse itself doesn't host receptions, several nearby venues complement courthouse ceremonies perfectly:
El Paseo Restaurant (2-minute walk)
Wine Cask (5-minute walk)
Santa Barbara Historical Museum (10-minute walk)
Planning Your Courthouse Wedding
Securing your marriage license and ceremony time requires advance planning. The courthouse accepts reservations up to 90 days before your desired date.
Photography Considerations
The courthouse's architecture provides countless photography opportunities. The winding staircases, arched corridors, and intricate tile work create compelling visual elements. The late afternoon light in the Sunken Gardens produces particularly striking images as it filters through the palm trees.
Practical Tips
Parking: A public lot is available on Anacapa Street
Access: All ceremony spaces are wheelchair accessible
Weather: Consider an indoor backup plan if booking the gardens
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should we book our courthouse ceremony? A: For weekend ceremonies, especially during peak season (May-October), book 90 days in advance when reservations open. Weekday ceremonies typically require 30-60 days advance booking.
Q: What happens if it rains on our wedding day? A: The courthouse offers the Mural Room as a backup location for garden ceremonies in case of inclement weather, subject to availability. This should be discussed when making your reservation.
Q: Can we bring our own officiant? A: Yes, you can bring a licensed officiant or use a courthouse-provided deputy commissioner. Outside officiants must provide their credentials to the county clerk before the ceremony.
Reference: Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder's Office
Booking A Wine Tasting To Celebrate With Family The Day After The Wedding
Sunstone Winery offers a practical venue for family wedding weekends in Santa Barbara wine country. The property features a main villa with limestone architecture and outdoor spaces that accommodate up to 200 guests. The location combines functionality with scenic vineyard views, making it suitable for families seeking a destination wedding setting that doubles as a mini-vacation spot.
The venue provides multiple spaces for both ceremony and reception. Couples can choose between the indoor wine cave or outdoor courtyard areas for different parts of their celebration. The catering program works with local partners who create customized menus ranging from formal seated dinners to casual buffet-style service. All food service operates from a commercial kitchen facility, with wine storage available in the climate-controlled cave.
A venue coordinator helps manage logistics, from coordinating vendor deliveries to organizing the wedding timeline. The villa includes six on-site guest rooms, which families typically reserve for the wedding party or immediate family members. This setup allows for a full weekend of events, including rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch. Important details: Free parking is available for all guests, local shuttle service can be arranged, and the venue works with hotels in Santa Ynez and Solvang for additional guest accommodations. Most couples book 12-18 months in advance, and the venue requires a 50% deposit to secure the date.