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Get Married at Santa Barbara County Courthouse Self-Book Venue Guide
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect, from the Our Little Wedding team.
Santa Barbara · Self-Book Venue Guide
Can you get married at Santa Barbara County Courthouse?
Yes. A Santa Barbara County Courthouse micro wedding is one of the most rewarding self-book ceremonies in Santa Barbara, you handle the permit, and the setting does the rest. Capacity is up to 50 guests.
Ceremonies here feel like eloping in a Spanish palace. Very photogenic, very intimate.
In brief
Santa Barbara County Courthouse micro wedding: book it yourself with a permit, keep it to 50 guests or fewer, and bring everything in. We can coordinate the permit, the vendors, and your day if you’d like a hand.
The Details
What to know
Capacity
Up to 50
Guests for an intimate ceremony at Santa Barbara County Courthouse. We usually recommend 20–30 for the best experience in this kind of setting.
How to book
Permit required
Book the Sunken Garden or Mural Room directly at sbcourthouse.org/rentals. Sunken Garden rental fee: approximately $1,200. Additional garden fee: approximately $1,200. Availability fills fast in summer.
Good to know
Bring it in
Ceremonies here feel like eloping in a Spanish palace. Very photogenic, very intimate.
How to book
How to book Santa Barbara County Courthouse for your ceremony
The exact process, sourced from the permit office and verified by our team.
1
Step 1
Obtain a marriage license at the Santa Barbara County Clerk's office (no wait, walk-in). Costs ~$115.
2
Step 2
Book the Sunken Garden or Mural Room directly at sbcourthouse.org/rentals. Sunken Garden rental fee: approximately $1,200. Additional garden fee: approximately $1,200. Availability fills fast in summer.
3
Step 3
Arrive 20 min early, as the garden entrance is through the main arch on Anacapa St.
Why this venue
What makes Santa Barbara County Courthouse worth the drive
The Sunken Garden is stunning at golden hour (5–7 pm). Request it specifically, as other areas are fine but this is the one.
Parking on Anacapa St is metered. We recommend guests use the lot on Anapamu.
From the Team
Things the permit office won’t tell you
OLW tip
The Sunken Garden is stunning at golden hour (5–7 pm). Request it specifically, as other areas are fine but this is the one.
OLW tip
Parking on Anacapa St is metered. We recommend guests use the lot on Anapamu.
Where to go for dinner after
A couple of favorites near Santa Barbara County Courthouse for celebrating once the ceremony’s done.
Bouchon Santa Barbara
California wine country cuisine, private room available
6 min walk from the Courthouse
The Lark
Farm-to-table in a converted fish market, private events on request
10 min walk to the Funk Zone
Other self-book venues
More venue guides to explore
A starting point for your shortlist. Every one is a real place we've planned or scouted, permit info, costs, and insider tips inside each guide.
Garrapata State ParkPfeiffer Big Sur State ParkRoberts Regional Recreation Area
Questions
Santa Barbara County Courthouse wedding questions, answered
Do I need a permit to get married at Santa Barbara County Courthouse?
Yes. A Special Use Permit is required for any organized ceremony at Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
How many guests can I have at Santa Barbara County Courthouse?
Santa Barbara County Courthouse accommodates up to 50 guests for a ceremony. Our Little Wedding recommends keeping it at or under 50 for a comfortable, intimate micro wedding at this site.
How far in advance do I need to book Santa Barbara County Courthouse?
Permit processing at Santa Barbara County Courthouse typically takes several weeks. We recommend starting the process at least 6–8 weeks before your date, or earlier for peak summer weekends.
What can I bring to Santa Barbara County Courthouse, chairs, decor, flowers?
Ceremonies here feel like eloping in a Spanish palace. Very photogenic, very intimate. Check with the permit office for the current list of allowed and prohibited items for your specific date and location.
Can Our Little Wedding help with a Santa Barbara County Courthouse ceremony?
You found the spot. Now let's make it happen.
Want us to coordinate the permit, vendors, and your day?
Our packages start at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. You make the calls, venue, photographer, caterer. We coordinate everything else, from the paperwork to the walk-through.
Free consultation · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
