If you’re considering an elopement in Santa Barbara, I’m here to help! This beautiful coastal town is one of the most romantic and scenic places to get married. Whether you’re contemplating a simple civil ceremony, saying your vows on the beach, or hosting an intimate celebration in wine country, there are plenty of incredible Santa Barbara elopement venues and services to help you pull it all off seamlessly.
Santa Barbara elopement venues
1. Santa Barbara Courthouse: The Courthouse is one of the most popular and picturesque elopement spots. It’s affordable, centrally located, and you can get married inside the Mural Room or outside in the Sunken Gardens. If you’re inviting fewer than 15 guests and secure your own officiant, there is no reservation necessary and you can take photos throughout all the grounds and interior spaces before and after the ceremony!
2. Butterfly Beach or Hendry’s Beach: These public beaches are local favorites. They offer gorgeous views and incredible sunsets. Be sure to apply for a permit!
3. Santa Barbara hotels and resorts: Local flagship hotels like El Encanto, Rosewood Miramar Beach, San Ysidro Ranch, Hotel Californian, and Ritz-Carlton Bacara offer options for elopements with gorgeous backdrops and luxury-level service. Even if you’re doing a civil ceremony at the courthouse, these hotels are great options for photos on property afterwards (though some of them require paid permits to allow professional photography).
Santa Barbara elopement services + vendors
There are a few suggestions I like to make when you’re planning an elopement, like securing your own officiant, getting a bridal bouquet, and getting hair and makeup done.
Here are my favorite vendor services in each category. They are tried-and-true recommendations; these aren’t paid referrals. I’ve listed these professionals for the quality of their work and their ability to enhance your elopement experience.
Planners
Amy Rose Events
Santa Barbara Elopement
KB Events
Florists
Ella & Louie
Fleur de Rye
Haute Blossoms Floral
Officiants
Patrice Handley
Nanette McIntyre
Barbara Rose Sherman
Hair + Makeup
Page Beauty
Blushing Beauty
TEAM Hair + Makeup
Samara Beauty
Hair salons
Drybar Montecito
Carlyle Salon
Videographers
B Studios
Dune Wedding Films
Agápe Films
Content creation
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Pro tip: Post-ceremony reception restaurants
Even if you’re doing a simple courthouse or beach elopement, it’s so lovely to celebrate (whether just the two of you or the small group you’ve invited to join you) with brunch, lunch or dinner afterwards. Check out our list of favorite post-ceremony reception restaurants and make yourselves a reservation!
Whether you’re imagining a barefoot beach ceremony or a modern courthouse celebration, there’s really no shortage of Santa Barbara elopement venues. Get in touch using the form below if I can help you narrow down your choices or plan your elopement timeline!
