Weddings at the Courthouse
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a beautiful and happy place to have your wedding. In order to help you make your plans we offer these answers to frequently asked questions and a list of officiants.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How do I get a marriage license? Call 805-568-2250 for a complete information recording.
Is there a justice of the peace? No. You must furnish your own officiant, anyone licensed to perform marriages in California. A list of officiants is included on this web site.
Can I get a marriage license on the day of the wedding? Yes, but only on weekdays at the Hall of Records, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The Hall of Records is closed on weekends and holidays.
Is a marriage license good from other places? Yes. You can get one in any county in California and it is good for 90 days.
Can I have a friend or relative officiant? Yes. A person may be appointed "Commissioner for a Day" by the County Clerk. You must arrange for this two weeks in advance. Call Eva Chavez at (805)568-2254 and request appointment as a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages. There is a charge for this service.
Where is the Courthouse? The official address is 1100 Anacapa Street. The building and gardens cover a full block between Anacapa St., Santa Barbara St., Anapamu St. and Figueroa St.
Where do I park? Directly across the street from the Anacapa St. entrance is a four level parking garage 75 minutes free and a dollar and a half ($1.50) an hour after that.
GROUNDS & GARDEN
Can I reserve the Sunken Gardens? Yes, there are five areas within the Courthouse Gardens that are reservable in 4-hour increments. View Details
May I have chairs and decorations? Yes. All chairs and equipment are to be hand carried to the wedding site and may be placed on site no more than one (1) hour prior to ceremony.
May I have music? No amplified sound, but soft acoustic music is permitted.
Additional Rules:
No rice, confetti, flower petals, bird seed or open flames are permitted
Taping off or coning any area of Courthouse Grounds is not permitted
Please stay out of planting beds
CLOCK TOWER
In general, the rules are the same as those for Grounds & Garden except for —no more that 25 people, no chairs and no flower petals. There is no electric outlet in the tower.
MURAL ROOM
What is required to use the Mural Room? You must reserve the room through Linda Van der Wyk of Facilities Services (805 568 3070) and pay a fee of $240 for two hours. Included is set up time and take down time and picture taking. Inform your florist and photographer that they may not be in the room beyond the terms of the permit.
May I have a reception? No. No receptions allowed.
May I have music? Yes recorded or live, but it is your responsibility to locate, in advance, needed electric outlets, furnish extension cords, armless chairs for musicians, etc.
How many people may I have? The room seats about 75 comfortably. The Fire Dept. regulation prohibits more than 125. Once over 75 the side doors must be open.
May I have decorations? Yes. No tacks, no scotch tape, no lighted candles, no rice and no flower petals are allowed. ALL must be removed, including cartons, tissue, discarded programs, etc. by the end of permit period.
May I close the room to the public? No. The doors must be left open so visitors can see the room. In general they do not enter and do not disturb your ceremony or picture taking.
The room must be taken as is. There is no air conditioning and most often no heat.
The fabric of the draperies is over 100 years old— so do not touch the drapes.
Please do not open the windows because the white window curtains can be torn. If you want more air and light open the big doors across the room.
PEOPLE WHO PERFORM MARRIAGES
ALL CHARGE FOR THEIR SERVICES
If you plan to be married on a week day don’t call a judge. They are busy in court.
It is your responsibility to reconfirm with your officiant a few days before your ceremony.
Unless otherwise noted, all phone numbers are in area code 805.
Link to current list of officiants
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
The information in this web site is provided as a service on an "as is" basis and an "as available" basis. The County of Santa Barbara makes no representation, does not endorse, or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the information, content, materials, or products included on this site. Individuals advertised/listed on this site are not employees of or any way associated with the County of Santa Barbara.
You expressly agree that your use of this site is at your sole risk. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site and its associated sites.
To the full extent permissible by applicable law the County of Santa Barbara disclaims all warranties, express or implied. The County of Santa Barbara will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this site, including, but not limited to, direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.