Santa Barbara Elopements
A Guide to Creating an Elevated and Intimate Celebration
Santa Barbara is known for its coastal elegance, Spanish-style architecture, and laid-back ambiance—making it the perfect place for couples craving a stylish, elevated elopement experience. Whether you're drawn to the beach, the mountains, a quiet garden, or an iconic piece of architecture, Santa Barbara offers a diversity of scenery that feels both refined and relaxed. Its easy-to-access location with a tucked-away feel makes it a dream destination elopement spot for couples who value intimacy and intention. Read on to learn how to craft your own unique elopement experience in this beautiful slice of California.
How to Elope in Santa Barbara (Overview)
Choose Your Date & Location
For scenic spots like beaches or bluffs, opt for a warmer season.
Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer beautiful light and fewer crowds.
Summer is busiest and most expensive—consider a private venue to avoid crowds.
Winter is peaceful and budget-friendly, but cooler and more likely to rain.
Book Your Stay
Choose a space that aligns with your style and will photograph beautifully.
This is where you'll get ready, unwind, and celebrate—make it feel special!
Get Your Marriage License
This can be done in advance at any County Clerk’s office or by appointment at the Santa Barbara Courthouse on the day of your elopement.
You’ll need an officiant and one witness—or have a friend get ordained!
Hire Your Creative Team
Photographer, hair & makeup, florist, planner or stylist.
These vendors help bring your vision to life and make your day feel seamless.
Best Elopement Locations
Santa Barbara features a mix of natural beauty, design-forward spaces, and architectural gems. Here are some of my favorite places for intimate ceremonies and newlywed portraits.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Iconic, romantic, and ornate.
Santa Barbara Beaches: There are many to choose from, but Butterfly Beach is my favorite.
Ellwood Mesa: Peaceful, golden bluff trails for intimate ceremonies or portraits.
Manning Park: A simple, grassy park, tucked-away from the crowds. (Site reservation required)
Canary Hotel Rooftop: Elevated views and a modern feel.
Private Estates & Venues: choose from one of the many vineyards, gardens, or modern homes throughout the Santa Barbara area for a more private celebration. Weekdays are ideal as many venues reserve weekend dates for larger events.
Where to Stay for Your Elopement
Arguably just as important as your ceremony location is where you stay. This space will set the tone for your whole day, where you get ready, and how you end your night. I recommend investing in a spacious and stylish place that you feel excited about. This environment should feel peaceful and fit your vision for your elopement aesthetic.
The Drift Hotel
One of my top recommendations for eloping couples is the Drift Hotel due to its downtown location, just minutes away from the Santa Barbara Courthouse and a short drive from the beach. The Penthouse Suite is an especially ideal space for getting ready, with an effortless and minimal design, window lined walls providing an abundance of natural light, and a private balcony perfect for portraits and spending a relaxed morning before a day of wedding events. The Hotel also has a designated indoor/outdoor event space where a post elopement dinner can be held with friends and family.
Other Popular Hotels:
How to Make It Official (Legal Details)
Obtain your marriage license at the County Clerk’s Office within 90 days of your ceremony date. Typically you will apply online in advance and then pick up in person (both partners must be present with valid IDs).
For your ceremony, you’ll need an officiant and one witness.
After your ceremony, your signed license must be returned within 10 days.
If you plan to get married AT the Santa Barbara Courthouse, you have 3 different options:
With a 60 minute appointment, you can get your marriage license and have your ceremony on the same day (performed by a deputy marriage commissioner).
If you get your marriage license in advance, you can book a 30 minute appointment — so just the ceremony is performed on the day of appointment.
If you don’t want to do a civil ceremony with the Santa Barbara Courthouse marriage commissioner, you can get your license at any time (from any county clerk) and just have your ceremony on the Courthouse property. There are multiple sites around the Courthouse where you can have your ceremony for no fee, but you’ll need your own officiant + witness for this.
Crafting a Beautifully Elevated Elopement Experience
This is where your vision comes to life. Think beyond logistics—this is about how the day feels.
Create a meaningful timeline: Slow mornings, sunset vows, intentional time to capture your finished look, leave room for candid moments.
Infuse personal touches: Handwritten vows, heirloom jewelry, a custom cocktail recipe.
Incorporate elevated styling: Editorial bridal fashion, layered florals, and a refined tablescape for two (or more).
Celebrate intentionally:
Wrap up your day with a private chef dinner or curated picnic with ocean views
Book a vintage car to travel in style
Hire a live musician to play your first dance song
Plan a post wedding sunset sail, wine tasting, or spa day
Work with a thoughtful team: Your creative vendors (photographer, florist, planner) will help you transform your ideas into a seamless, beautiful experience that feels entirely your own.
Santa Barbara Elopement Photography
As a destination wedding and elopement photographer, I specialize in capturing moments that feel as natural and beautiful as the setting itself. I approach every elopement with a balance of storytelling and artistry—anticipating real moments, preserving the colors of the day, and highlighting all the intentional choices you made to craft something meaningful. If you're planning an elevated, laid-back elopement in Santa Barbara, I’d love to help you preserve it.
Reach out through the contact form below to start the conversation!
