Garden Courthouse Wedding with a Stop for Cheeseburgers

September 18, 2024 Megan Hageman

Today is National Cheeseburger Day—a cheesy yet lovable holiday—and we’re paying tribute with this couple’s Santa Barbara elopement which happened to include a much-needed trip to In-N-Out. The couple stopped by the chain all dressed up in their wedding attire after tying the knot to enjoy a couple of burgers on the patio. Get ahold of your own bun-wrapped deliciousness today and read more about this wonderful and easy going wedding day below.

This featured wedding was both intimate and one-of-a-kind with a few wonderful, unconventional surprises. Patrice Handley of Santa Barbara Classic Weddings officiated the ceremony at the gardens of the Santa Barbara Courthouse and the couple was joined by a few close friends and family members.

Following the genuine heartfelt ceremony, the couple headed to In N’ Out for a bite to eat - a craving the groom had as he had just flown in from Ireland directly prior to the wedding. Next, in the countryside, Claudia Craig snapped a few shots of the bride and groom along with a special guest - the bride’s 25 year old horse, Oakley, who accompanied her throughout high school and even college, and now resides at her parent’s house in Thousand Oaks, California. The day ended in style with a few photos of the couple in a sharp, light blue Corvair convertible.

From Santa Barbara Classic Weddings:

A marriage ceremony that begins in the gardens of the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse and progresses on to horse country is just what this couple had in mind as they dreamed about their perfect wedding day. Brittany and Paul certainly deserved the best of experiences since his immigration from Ireland to the US was fraught with delays and difficulties. Just days before the wedding day, he arrived on our soil. There’s something about these Irish fellas. They have a wit and sensitivity that made this ceremony one of tears and laughter. Brittany’s best friend JJ read a wonderful poem, “Scaffolding,” by Seamus Heaney. The poet grew up on a farm in Northern Ireland and knew a thing or two about building. And maybe also a thing or two about the strength of true love and being there for each other, since months and months of being apart only brought this couple closer.

The photos of them in the exterior Courthouse gardens looked like they were actually in an ancient manor in the old country. And after that, off they went to the backcountry of Santa Barbara — two of the happiest newlyweds in the world rode off into the sunset…together…finally! — another phenomenal Santa Barbara wedding!

Patrice Handley of Santa Barbara Classic Weddings also shared some notes about the rising popularity of both elopements and weddings at the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse now that Covid restrictions are changing. The Courthouse provides a paradise between the mountains and sea and the abundance of lush foliage on the grounds including tropical trees and well-maintained plants makes for amazing wedding photos shot by some of the best photographers in California. The building’s unique wrought-iron covered windows, stone entrances, and ornate wooden doorways are also a huge draw for couples.

Elopements or weddings including a close group of friends and family in the venue’s exterior gardens are free for couples if no chairs are required. Couple’s also have the option to reserve the Courthouse’s ‘Sunken Gardens’ for a fee.

Santa Barbara Classic Weddings offers packages at the Courthouse as well various other venues around Santa Barbara for elopements and weddings, both small or large. Find out more on the Santa Barbara Classic Weddings website or call wedding officiant Patrice Handley directly at (805) 886-5930 to discuss wedding options and to plan your own personalized ceremony.

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