Emi & Antonio’s Santa Barbara County Courthouse Elopement
Sunken Gardens morning ceremony at an iconic Santa Barbara landmark.
Date: September 24, 2025
Location: Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara, CA
Ceremony Time: 10:00 AM
Guest Count: ~10 loved ones
Their Story & How We Met
Emi and Antonio live in the San Bernardino/Riverside area and found me on Instagram while searching for a Santa Barbara elopement photographer. Because I’m based just up the coast (about 30 minutes away), I don’t charge travel or lodging fees for Santa Barbara events—and after they connected with my style and fair pricing, we locked in their date.
A Calm Morning in the Sunken Gardens
The courthouse was glowing in the late‑morning light. Emi and Antonio chose to exchange vows with the Sunken Gardens and the courthouse’s white Spanish‑Colonial façade as their backdrop. With about ten family members gathered close, their ceremony felt intimate and unrushed—just the way elopements should be.
Portraits Around the Courthouse Grounds
After the “I do’s,” we explored a few favorite portrait spots:
The Covered Green Walkway: Lush, shaded greenery created a soft, romantic setting—perfect for editorial‑style portraits and close moments.
Under the Towering Archway: The grand entrance arch (by the staircase) framed the couple beautifully and added that iconic Santa Barbara courthouse look to their gallery.
The Spiral Staircase: Inside, Antonio gave Emi a playful spin at the base of the staircase. Then we moved up the steps for a creative series—using the arched cutouts to layer foreground and background, and shooting through the opposite arches for striking lines and depth.
The Main Hall: With white walls, classic lanterns, and rich red drapes, we leaned into an editorial vibe—clean compositions, elegant posture, and soft, flattering light.
The Courthouse Entrance: Before we wrapped, we stepped outside the main doors for a few timeless portraits with the building’s architectural textures.
We finished with a big group photo—everyone cheering and celebrating Emi and Antonio as newlyweds.
Favorite Moments
That joyful spin at the bottom of the spiral staircase (a perfect blend of candid and cinematic).
The layered, architectural portraits shot through the arches—bold shapes, soft expressions.
Family cheering in the Sunken Gardens after the ceremony—pure, genuine happiness.
Tips for a Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement
Morning ceremonies (like 10 AM) offer softer light in the gardens and fewer crowds around the arches and stairway.
Plan 15–20 minutes to explore the staircase, archways, and hall—these spots elevate your gallery with variety and architectural drama.
Keep your guest list intimate for easy movement between locations and a relaxing experience.
About the Photographer
I’m Andrew of Amori Weddings—a Santa Barbara & Ventura County wedding photographer. I deliver refined, editorial‑meets‑timeless imagery, with no travel fees for Santa Barbara. If you’re planning a Santa Barbara courthouse wedding or elopement, I’d love to help you craft a relaxed timeline and stunning gallery.
Ready to plan your Santa Barbara courthouse elopement?
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