haley and dylan’s santa barbara courthouse elopement
Getting ready at The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara, vows at City Hall, and a sunset boat ride at the harbor. Santa Barbara is one of those places that always feels a little bit like a movie, coastal air, soft light, and the kind of architecture that makes everything look effortlessly timeless. Haley and Dylan’s elopement day was the perfect blend of elevated and easy. They started their morning getting ready at The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara, headed to Santa Barbara City Hall / the Courthouse for their ceremony, and wrapped the night with a boat ride at the Santa Barbara Harbor just minutes away.
Getting ready at The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara
The day began quietly, with those slow, meaningful moments that make elopements so special. Haley’s details, the final touches, Dylan stepping into his suit, the kind of calm you only get when the day is intentionally simple. The Ritz provided the perfect backdrop: clean, classic, and romantic without trying too hard.
Saying “I do” at Santa Barbara City Hall / Courthouse
From there, we made our way to the courthouse, and if you’ve ever been, you already know why it’s one of the best elopement locations in California. The Spanish architecture, dreamy archways, lush grounds, and that golden Santa Barbara light all come together in a way that feels truly iconic. Haley and Dylan kept things intimate and heartfelt. Nothing rushed, nothing overly staged. Just them, their vows, and the kind of joy you can feel through photos. After portraits and a little time soaking it all in, we ended the evening at the harbor for a boat ride. It was the sweetest way to close the day, salty air, a calm horizon, and that “we really did it” feeling. Santa Barbara is extra magical when the sun starts to dip, and being on the water made it feel like the perfect exhale after the ceremony.
Why Santa Barbara is perfect for an elopement
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels romantic, elevated, and still laid-back, Santa Barbara is hard to beat. You get:
Iconic architecture at Santa Barbara Courthouse / City Hall
Luxury hotel options like The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara
A harbor nearby for sunset portraits or a boat ride
A full-day experience without needing to drive far
Planning your Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement
I help couples plan elopement timelines that feel natural and unhurried, from getting ready coverage, to ceremony logistics, to golden hour portraits, to a fun send-off moment (like Haley and Dylan’s boat ride). If you want your day to feel intentional, romantic, and true to you, I’m your girl. If you’re searching for Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement photographer, Santa Barbara City Hall elopement, or Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara elopement photos, I’d love to connect.
