The historical Santa Barbara Courthouse with its mural room, bell tower and sunken garden is popular with tourists, but it’s also a stunning venue for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions. Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, the Courthouse is known for its historic architecture combined with vintage elegance, making it an ideal venue for any unique occasion. Currently, the Courthouse hosts many community and private events, such as Old Spanish Days-Fiesta, wedding ceremonies, corporate dinners, school graduation, docent-led tours, concerts and festivals. Be it an intimate gathering or a vast ceremony and reception, a wedding at the Courthouse is an unforgettable celebration. Described by Architect Charles Willard Moore as one of the “grandest Spanish Colonial Revival structures ever built,” the historic Courthouse has attained multiple architectural design awards, including the 2016 AIA Design Honor Award praising the Mural Room, and the 2012 Tucker Design Award complimenting the entire Courthouse building.

Pricing: $1,100

Areas: Bird of Paradise Area - Cap: 50

Fiesta Stage - Cap: 80

Palm Terrace - Cap: 125

Rotunda Lawn - Cap: 25

Sunken Gardens - Cap: 200

Restrooms: On-site

Requirements: $200 non-refundable administrative fee and venue fee paid at time reservation is made

Time Allotments: Available for rental in 3-hour increments

• 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM;

• or 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Vendors: Only local area vendors with experience at the Courthouse are allowed

Parking: Not on-site, but available directly across the street from the Anacapa St. entrance is a four level parking garage (Cost: first 75 minutes free and $1.50 an hour after that).

Music: No amplified sound, but soft acoustic music is permitted

Decoration: All chairs and equipment are to be hand carried to wedding site and may be placed on site during reserved times only. No rice, confetti, flower petals, birdseed or open flames (including candles) are permitted.

Restrictions: Food and beverages (including alcohol) are allowed with a wedding reception only.  Smoking is not permitted on grounds. Taping off or coning any area of Courthouse Grounds is not permitted. Existing plants and lights must not be moved, not allowed to place signage.

Cancellation Policy: Must be cancelled 60 (sixty) days before the event date to receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable reservation fee. Cancellations received less than 60 (sixty) days will be subject to a 50% cancellation charge of the paid site fee.

Contact: Christina Franquet

Phone: (805) 568-2441

Email: weddingvenues@countyofsb.org

Photos: By Cherry Photography | Kiel Rucker | Kelsey Crews