There are many beautiful beaches in Santa Barbara you can have a small intimate ceremony on. If you have a large party, or need a specific space reserved then getting a city permit may be the thing to do!

However, if its just you and your fiance, an officiant and maybe a witness or 2, then that really opens up options. Don’t get stuck on the beaches along Cabrillo blvd either. Sure East Beach, Butterfly Beach and Ledbetter are great places to get married, but don’t discount Hendries, More Mesa, and some other off the beaten path spots. The Santa Barbara coast has beaches and bluffs with ocean views that span all the way from Carpinteria Ca to Goleta. Some beaches are set better for a Western view of the susnet, while others may have sand that dissappears at high tide!

If you’re planning a low key beach elopement, I’d be happy to chat with you about various beach locations and what they look like. I can give you details like how far you have to walk from car to location, what the view looks like at different times of day, the lighting, the crowds and so much more!

I am Barbara of Santa Barbara and I want you to have the full Santa Barbara experience for your wedding! I have a wealth of knowledge about the local area! When you hire me to photograph you, you get all my local tips and tricks.  Not just ceremony location, officiant, and florals, but I also give you tips on local attractions, restaurants, and more! Contact me anytime to discuss your wedding or elopement details.

Santa Barbara is a beautiful backdrop where you can elope! The photographs I’ve taken at elopements in this area are some of my favorite images! To elope in SB is a no brainer – we have the year-round mild weather, so you can elope any calendar date you like!  And the variety  of gorgeous backdrops to elope in is amazing – from the bluffs overlooking the pacific ocean to the green flower covered parks the options are many! The only problem is where to elope? As your photographer, I would love to have a vote on where you elope! I’m as invested as you are in making amazing images of this romantic and sentimental moment, so here are my suggestions for venues.

My top 3 locations to get married or elope in and around Santa Barbara are below. Since I’m a photographer, let me tell this story visually.  Click on the photos below to see more about each location.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is a beautiful place to elope!

Alice Keck Park always has some flowers in bloom that make for a romantic dreamy backdrop for photos!

The bluffs in Ellwood in Goleta make for a stunning sunset show to usher in your first married moments!

There is always something in bloom in Santa Barbara, but you have to know when and where. The gardens and parks all bloom different flowers different times of year! My worth comes in my creative talent, my excellent service and the finished art, but add to that the knowledge of the best spots to elope in and around town!  This is only my top 3 for today, but I’ll add more soon.  If you want to pick my brain about the perfect location for your proposed date, feel free to call or email me. I’ve lived in Santa Barbara a few decades and am in tune with the seasons and so many hot – and cool spots in town. And I discover more all the time! I would be honored to share your elopement and be the one to capture the moments so you can enjoy your elopement images happily ever after!

For practical information on eloping in Santa Barbara County see this page. 

Elope in the beautiful sunken gardens of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse! Enjoy the ethereal 360 views while you exchange vows in front of your whole village, or enjoy a more intimate setting with just you and your fiancé!

For a full wedding ceremony, setting up guests by the fiesta stage ensures a full view of the tower and arch, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous architecture.

If you choose to elope, there are several spaces you can choose outdoors, and on really cool spot in the courthouse itself! Its just a little nook on the second floor in the office where you get your license, but it has some cool curtains, cielings and other elements to enjoy that many who visit this courthouse never get to see!

Jason and Jenny got married at Alice Keck Park Santa Barbara in an intimate ceremony with family and friends! Congratulations Jason and Jenny!

Congratulations Rey and Bryan on your wedding day! You are an amazing couple full of joy and love and surrounded by those who love you dearly! It was a beautiful day to join two beautiful souls.

Rey and Bryan enjoyed their wedding surrounded by family and friends! One of the best ways to enjoy your wedding day photography is a photobooth! We offer photobooth services so you and your friends can enjoy your Santa Barbara wedding for days to come!

Link to Full Gallery Here