Lea & Carlo

Rich green gardens, iconic and breathtaking Spanish-Moorish architecture, and the refreshing scent of oceanside air… There’s a reason why the Santa Barbara Courthouse attracts so many couples. It’s an elegant building, tiled exquisitely, attracting people near and far to share to get married here.

And that’s exactly what Lea & Carlo decided to do! Traveling all the way from Canada for their private, hush-hush elopement wedding day, they arrived in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA. Even though the couple had been together for almost a decade, only two people back home knew about the nuptials.

Saying “I Do” in Sunny Santa Barbara

When you celebrate a real-deal elopement (as in, just the two of you), sometimes your wedding vendors outnumber you. And that’s how we rolled into Lea & Carlo’s hotel room at The Steward in Goleta. As the wedding photographer, I arrived with camera in hand. My husband, Isiah, would officiate the ceremony. And the couple’s content creator, Allie Dearie, sported her trusty camera phone for some digital storytelling.

As Lea got her hair and makeup done by Chi Beauty Artistry, Carlo donned his suit jacket. Allie and I eagerly capture all the angles we could of the couple’s details—including flowers, rings, mementos, jewelry, and more. Each piece radiated elegance and flair, which exquisitely matched the vibe of the courthouse.

Once the couple was picture perfect, we stole them away for first-look photos under a tree. The grounds of The Steward are lovely thanks to lots of greenery, a pool, and a general ambiance of comfort and ease.

We arrived at the Santa Barbara Courthouse a little behind schedule. So, we decided to shake things up. We’d start by exploring the courthouse and all its stunning scenery—from the spiral staircase to the mural room, the tower to the naturally lit hallways—before the ceremony itself. And I’m glad we did. Just check out these pics!

By now, it was late afternoon or early evening. The sun shone its warm light over the courtyard, where Lea & Carlo decided to have their ceremony. Isiah began the festivities with a poetry reading before a heartfelt sermon about the couple, their history together, and their hopes for the future.

With teary eyes and shaky voices, our couple read their vows to one another. Even if you’re just talking to the person you love most in this world, this moment can get to you. And that’s because weddings are so vulnerable, personal, and emotional.

Up next is one of my favorite wedding traditions, the handfasting. Symbolizing the bond shared by the couple, this ritual incorporates a decorative cord and some sweet words about love and commitment.

With an “I now pronounce you” and a big kiss, Lea & Carlo’s ceremony came to a close. One of the things I love to see right after a wedding ceremony is the big smiles that appear. All that tension and anticipation fades away, and all you’re left with is just the excitement of being married. It’s a magical moment—and I’m so glad Lea & Carlo got the elopement they desired!

How to Get Married at Santa Barbara Courthouse

Tips for Your Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding

Lea & Carlo had a perfect wedding day because they prioritized their wishes above everything else. Of course, there are still the need-to-know and have-to-dos they completed along the way. So, here are a few things to know when planning your Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding day:

Pick up your marriage license. Eloping at the courthouse means you are right where you need to be for your legal stuff. But even then, there can be lines and long waits. Booking an appointment to pick up your license makes everything run more smoothly.
Practice Leave No Trace. Yes, even at a courthouse, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace. Pack it in and pack it out, taking all trash with you.
Consider the timing. For example, mornings and weekdays are less busy. Although there will always be crowds to some degree. Summer can sometimes be gloomy, especially in the morning.
Looking to elevate the experience? Santa Barbara has some classy activities. Book a boat tour, head to a winery, check out the botanical gardens, or book a fancy restaurant.
Bring your necessities. It’s always a good idea to bring essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, makeup for touch-ups, and all the rest.

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding photographer!