Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement in Santa Barbara, CA | Kimberly + David

Some days feel like they were designed for an elopement. Kimberly and David’s Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement was exactly that.

We photographed their elopement today at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse in Santa Barbara, California, and the weather could not have been better for February. It was partly cloudy, about 75 degrees, and comfortable in a way that makes everything feel easy. No harsh heat, no wind stress, just soft light, fresh air, and that calm, excited feeling that comes with doing something meaningful and intimate.

A Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement with real-world challenges, handled quietly

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is one of the most popular elopement locations in California, and for good reason. The architecture is timeless, the grounds are beautiful, and every corner feels elevated. Today, the Sunken Garden had a large event being set up, which meant tents, tables, ladders, and a lot of background clutter in areas that normally photograph clean and open.

This is where experience matters.

Even with the event setup, I was able to angle my shots in a way that minimized distractions and kept the focus where it belongs, on Kimberly and David. Then, I finished the images with careful retouching to remove any remaining background objects so their photos still feel classic, intentional, and true to the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

The result is a set of portraits that look like we had the location completely to ourselves.

90 minutes, fully guided, with portraits that feel effortless

Kimberly and David booked my 90-minute elopement package, which is perfect for couples who want a relaxed pace, multiple backdrops, and portraits that feel natural without being rushed. It gives enough time to create variety, from romantic close-ups to wider venue-featured images, while still keeping the experience simple and stress-free.

Because the day goes by so fast, I also include something couples love: fast turnaround.

50 same-day sneak peeks, delivered just hours later

As part of their package, Kimberly and David received 50 same-day sneak peek photos. I emailed their sneak peeks just hours after we parted ways so they could relive it immediately, share with family, and soak in the feeling of being newly married while it still felt fresh.

Kimberly’s reply said it all:

“Omg!! We love them so much!!! 🥹🙌 Thank you so much Andrew! It was so fun!!”

That is exactly how I want couples to feel, taken care of, excited, and confident that their photos are going to be amazing.

Planning a Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement?

If you’re planning a Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement and want photos that feel clean, romantic, and timeless, even when the courthouse is busy, I would love to help. I’ll guide you through the best spots, keep things calm and easy, and make sure your images feel elevated and distraction-free.