Santa Barbara is a popular destination for weddings and elopements alike. Whether you prefer the iconic architecture of the courthouse, or the picturesque beaches, or the local gardens and parks, Santa Barbara offers a wealth breathtaking beauty as a backdrop to your love. Best thing is,  the temperate costal climate means you can plan your wedding or elopement any month of the year! The weather is temperate, and every month offers different trees and flowers in bloom. My personal choice of month would be September. It is still warm, but not too hot, no June gloom and the days are still long enough to have a flexible timeline with cocktail hours and such.  That being said, here are some points to consider before you even set your wedding or elopement date in Santa Barbara California.

Summer is the most popular and in Santa Barbara  it sure is gorgeous! That coastal climate means the temperature never gets too hot or cold. The long days mean you can have a late night timeline, and include lots of activities. If you are banking on sunny skies, Santa Barbara is a great choice with our few days of precipitation per year. That said, that heat is kept at bay by what we locals refer to as ‘June gloom’ which has lasted the entire month of June, but does burn off by 12-1 most days.   Summer is host to a few iconic events that ensure local hotels are booked, crowds are maxed, and venue prices might be high. These events include UCSB graduation (around 1st week of June), Old Spanish Days (aka Fiesta in August), and the Summer Solstice parade. Looking ahead and avoiding those weekends may be a good idea for a large event, where if you are eloping you may want to enjoy the festivities!

Fall is Santa Barbara is the ideal combo of good weather and good length of days. It is extremely popular, and I love September weddings. One thing to note is that Santa Barbara is somewhat low on that Fall color/ seasons changing that many love in a fall wedding. Of course, we can get gorgeous trees but you have to hire a local photographer who knows where to take you to find that Fall color palate.

Spring turns Santa Barbara into a magical garden. Although your chance of rain goes up in Spring and Winter, so does your chance of gorgeous green grass and foliage around your venue. Santa Barbara foliage can get scrubby brown in a chapparal style into a dry late summer, which has its own appeal for sure! But if you want that green green backdrop then a spring wedding is for you!

Whatever month you choose, be sure to contact me, Barbara,  to be your photographer! As a Santa Barbara local, I know all the local beaches parks and venues and can help guide you to the right vendors and spaces and places for your ideal day.

OK, I’m just going to say it: hire local vendors for your Santa Barbara wedding! I am Barbara De Santa Barbara, wedding photographer in Santa Barbara. I can help work with lighting and locations to make your wedding day images stunning!

I have years experience working weddings primarily in Santa Barbara! I know the venues, the caterers, the florists, I’ve seen ’em all! I can answer your candid questions, things you really need to know like where to brunch the next day, which beaches have the right waves, how to go on a wine tour the right way. These kinds of insiders tips help jump start your planning for your Santa Barbara wedding!

Feel free to contact me today with vendor referalls and to discuss your wedding photography desires!

Here are some photos of elopements at the Santa Barbara Courthouse by Barbara of Fine Heart Photography. She is talented and also knows the courthouse intimately, where the light is best at what time of day and in what season!  I can’t wait to tour you around and photograph you and your fiance on your wedding day! Contact Me today to check my calendar and book me!

John and Channing eloped at the Santa Barbara Courthouse June 18 2019. It was my honor to capture these two in their playful love and unique bond. They were so naturally sweet and in love, and that really comes through in the photos. Here is a short preview video of some of my favorite images! I will deliver these and a few dozen more, and I hope the images along with this slideshow will properly tell the story of this blessed occasion and their special connection on this amazing day.

Here’s a link to more info on getting married in SB at the courthouse! If you’re ready to hire the best photographer contact me today! Elopement packages are $475 and come with 2 hours photography, an online gallery and a slideshow set to music.