Santa Barbara Courthouse
Officially registered as a national landmark, the Santa Barbara Courthouse makes a magnificent location for your wedding ceremony! Designed in 1929, the courthouse was modeled after a Spanish-Moorish castle, every inch of it an architectural marvel. Within it's walls you'll discover elaborately hand painted ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, intricate tile work, and giant murals, giving the feeling that one is not just walking past but walking within a magnificent piece of art.
The landscaping surrounding the courthouse (known as The Sunken Gardens) is equally impeccable! Expansive lawns with towering redwoods abound, giant Birds of Paradise and native flora delight the eye, and with the Courthouse itself towering behind it offers a backdrop for your ceremony unparalleled by any other!
For those undaunted by it's five story elevation, the Clock Tower is yet another charming Courthouse wedding location. Boasting 360 degree views of the city, Channel Islands, and mountains, the Clock Tower is a unique and breathtaking location for your ceremony. No chairs may be set up here, and due to it's capacity restrictions it is best suited for smaller weddings (35 and under) but the views are unprecedented and provide a marvelous background for your wedding photography and video.
Please note: As of August of 2009, the Courthouse has implemented a reservation system and fee schedule for all weddings on the courthouse grounds (except for the Clock Tower, for now...). While Montecito Weddings will happily file your permit for use of the Mural Room, any reservations within the Sunken Gardens will be the responsibility of the bride and groom. For information pertaining to this and other Courthouse wedding questions click here to visit the countyofsb.org website.
