Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a historic 1929 Spanish-Moorish structure recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Known for its intricate architecture and meticulously maintained grounds, the site serves as a public building where various community activities occur daily. Because it remains a functional public space, certain rules apply to maintain the integrity of the grounds, such as maintaining clear public access ways and avoiding the use of amplified sound or decorative items like confetti and flower petals.

You can host a wedding in the Exterior Gardens, which includes the Sunken Gardens, Palm Terrace, Fiesta Stage, Bird of Paradise, and Rotunda Lawn. These spaces accommodate up to 250 guests and are reserved in three-hour blocks, either from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. While the gardens offer a spacious outdoor setting, you will need to hand-carry all chairs and equipment to your site. For very small groups of 15 people or fewer, there are also several non-reservable locations along the Anacapa and Figueroa Street lawns available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The courthouse grounds offer a wealth of textures and architectural details for portraits. Couples often utilize the surrounding gardens and the distinct lines of the building to create a classic aesthetic. The light varies throughout the day, providing opportunities for both bright, airy shots in the open lawns and more structured compositions against the Spanish-Moorish facade. Common spots for photos include the manicured hedges, the various garden levels, and the nearby fountain.