In short
- Weddings take place in the outdoor Sunken Gardens.
- Petals, rice, confetti, and birdseed are strictly prohibited.
- Advance reservations and facility fees apply for ceremonies.
In this article
Many couples choose the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for their wedding. The 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival complex offers a historic backdrop. You must follow specific rules to host a ceremony on these active government grounds.
Can I get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
Yes, weddings frequently take place in the courthouse's Sunken Gardens.
The Sunken Gardens feature lush lawns and palm trees. They sit exactly where the original 1872 courthouse once stood. Because this is an active government facility, ceremonies share the space with public events and visitors.
What are the Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding rules?
Couples must follow strict environmental rules during their ceremony.
Throwing petals, rice, confetti, or birdseed is considered littering. The county strictly prohibits these items on the grounds. You must leave the lawns exactly as you found them.
Do I need a reservation to get married here?
Yes, you must reserve your wedding space in advance.
Hosting a ceremony requires a formal reservation. Facility fees apply when booking the Sunken Gardens. Guest limits vary depending on the specific lawn area you reserve for your event.
Are there indoor wedding locations?
The primary event space is the outdoor Sunken Gardens.
Most couples book the exterior grounds. Inside the main building, all visitors must pass through airport-style security. The Mural Room and clock tower remain open to standard visitors during regular hours.
What should wedding guests know before arriving?
Guests should plan for security lines and limited parking.
Anyone entering the main building must clear a metal detector. City Lot 7 sits adjacent to the grounds and provides 75 minutes of free parking. Guests can also find 2-hour free street parking nearby.
Can we take wedding photos in the clock tower?
Yes, but you must share the space and follow equipment rules.
The 85-foot El Mirador clock tower provides 360-degree views of the city. You can take photos here, but selfie sticks and extendable tripods are banned. You must remain quiet in the working courthouse.
Questions travellers ask
Can anyone get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
Yes, the Sunken Gardens are available for public weddings, community events, and picnics. You must secure a reservation and pay the required facility fees to hold a formal ceremony.
Is there parking at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
Yes. City Lot 7 is adjacent and offers 75 minutes of free parking. You can also find 2-hour free street parking on the blocks surrounding the courthouse complex.
What architectural style is the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
The complex features a Spanish Colonial Revival design. William Mooser III designed the building, completing it in 1929 after the devastating 1925 earthquake.
