Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding

Tina and Kendrick got married in one of the most fun and beautiful elopements I have ever captured. Their Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding was filled with joy, and their closest family members were there to cheer them on. 

At the start of the day, I actually did not meet Tina & Kendrick at the Santa Barbara Courthouse for their wedding. Instead, we planned for pre-wedding ceremony portraits on Leadbetter Beach. The idea was to capture a dose of sunshine along the coast before their vows. However, the weather had other plans in store for us. Instead of sunlight, the vibe was moody and cloudy with a slight overcast dotting the skies.

But the overcast we experienced during their wedding photos at Leadbetter Beach proved to be rather serendipitous. Instead of focusing on certain locations along the beach that would be ‘best for sunlight’, we were instead free to roam the shoreline, completely unbound. The soft lighting gave us the flexibility to be in the moment. We enjoyed the coast and listened to the soft sound of the waves lapping against the shore. All while capturing wedding photos of Tina and Kendrick, filled with the warmth of their personalities.

Leadbetter Beach wedding photos

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding

Once our wedding photos at Leadbetter Beach were complete, it was time to head over to the Santa Barbara Courthouse for the wedding of Tina and Kendrick. The courthouse itself is a National Historic Landmark. The architecture dates back to 1926 and features Spanish-Revival style both indoors and outdoors, making it a beautiful location to say I do.

When we arrived, Tina and Kendrick headed inside to complete all the necessary paperwork. They chose to host their wedding ceremony on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Courthouse, in the gardens. This beautiful space features well-manicured lawns and lush, tropical greenery. Their friends and family attended the ceremony, where Tina and Kendrick promised to love one another for all of their days. When they were pronounced as married, the cheers and celebration in their honor were undeniable, with hugs and group photos to follow. 

Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding

Santa Barbara Courthouse Weddings​

If you’re looking for more information on weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, I’ve included a few details below that will guide you through the process of saying I do.

  • No more than 15 guests may attend your outdoor wedding. This includes children and your wedding photographer.
  • No more than 10 guests may attend your indoor wedding, with the same restrictions as listed above.
  • During your paperwork appointment, your guests will be asked to wait outside.
  • Flower petals, rice, confetti, and birdseed are strictly prohibited.
  • Hiring a professional photographer is encouraged. However, be sure to hire a photographer who is familiar with the considerations of hosting a wedding at the courthouse.
  • There are restrooms and facilities available on-site; they are located in the Courthouse and the County Admin building.
Wedding ceremony at Santa Barbara courthouse

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photographer​

As a Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding photographer, my approach captures every detail of your experience. From the signing of your marriage license to your vows, and the fun, celebratory times that precede and follow. Every intentional moment of your wedding will be captured, honoring the story you’ve written together. You can find more details on working with me, including the variety of packages I offer by following this link.

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vendor recommendations (central coast)

this list is curated for couples seeking out high quality slo county & central coast vendors that feel grounded, kind, and highly professional, with an elevated, relaxed experience. please still confirm availability, pricing, and overall fit with each vendor first. for your convenience, i've included links to each vendor's website and/or google search results so you can quickly shop around. if you’d like, i can also help you narrow this to a short “top 3” based on your venue, guest count, and vibe.


planners + coordinators


venues (slo + paso + nearby)


catering


hair + makeup


florists


videography


dj + lighting


rentals + decor


dessert + cake


photo booths


officiants


bands + musicians

  • come alive entertainment (dan curcio of moonshiner collective — singer/songwriter out of san luis obispo)
  • brass mash band (funky mash-ups & covers out of san luis obispo)
  • dante marsh (san luis obispo based singer/songwriter with a heart of gold and the voice of an angel!)

magicians + eclectic entertainment


live painters + live guest artists


other niche vendors

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So honored to capture the whimsical, love-filled wedding of Megan and Ally at Camp Ocean Pines! 💕 The perfect blend of joy, adventure, and romance surrounded by nature's beauty. #LGBTQWedding #WeddingPhotography #AdventureWedding #LoveIsLove.

Check out the full story on my blog (link in bio). 

Much love!
Captured a beautiful and fun-filled elopement of Tina & Kendrick at Santa Barbara Courthouse. Despite overcast at Leadbetter Beach, we were untamed and free to roam, creating magical moments with each click!📷 #SantaBarbaraWedding #ElopementLove #BeachWeddingPhotography

If you or anyone you know is looking for a wedding photographer specializing in soulful, cinematic wedding photos that don't things *too* seriously, I'd love to connect. 😊

Shoot me a DM or inquire directly through my website (link in bio).

Much love! 🥰