Free Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement Planning Checklist
1. Legal & Ceremony Essentials
✅ Book an appointment for your marriage license at the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
✅ Bring valid IDs & payment for the marriage license fee
✅ Choose between a courthouse officiant or bringing your own
✅ Schedule your ceremony date & time in advance
✅ Obtain at least one witness (photographers can often sign!)
✅ Confirm any required paperwork is completed
2. Choosing Your Vendors
✅ Book a photographer to capture your special day
✅ Hire a florist for a bouquet & boutonnière (optional but recommended)
✅ Arrange for hair & makeup (if desired)
✅ Consider booking a videographer for extra memories
✅ Plan post-ceremony celebration details (dinner, cake, champagne, etc.)
3. Where to Stay
✅ Pick a hotel or Airbnb that fits your style & budget
✅ Book early if eloping during peak wedding season
✅ Consider proximity to the courthouse & photo locations
4. Outfits & Accessories
✅ Choose your wedding attire (dress, suit, or something unique!)
✅ Select comfortable yet stylish shoes (cobblestone alert!)
✅ Bring rings, vow books, & any sentimental accessories
✅ Plan for the weather (a light shawl for evening breezes)
5. Ceremony & Post-Elopement Photos
✅ Pick a scenic spot for a post-ceremony photoshoot (Douglas Preserve, Butterfly Beach, etc.)
✅ Plan for golden hour lighting for dreamy portraits
✅ Consider fun props: champagne, a ‘Just Married’ sign, etc.
✅ Create a relaxed timeline to enjoy the moment stress-free
6. Small Reception or Celebration
✅ Make a reservation at a romantic or intimate restaurant
✅ Arrange for a cake or desserts (local bakeries can provide small wedding cakes!)
✅ Plan a post-elopement activity—picnic, sunset cruise, wine tasting, etc.
7. Final Details & Day-of Reminders
✅ Pack all essential documents (license, vows, rings, etc.)
✅ Arrive early to avoid any stress
✅ Have a backup plan in case of rain (Santa Barbara usually has great weather!)
✅ Relax, soak in the moment, & celebrate your love! 🎉Free Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement Planning Checklist
1. Legal & Ceremony Essentials
✅ Book an appointment for your marriage license at the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office✅ Bring valid IDs & payment for the marriage license fee✅ Choose between a courthouse officiant or bringing your own✅ Schedule your ceremony date & time in advance✅ Obtain at least one witness (photographers can often sign!)✅ Confirm any required paperwork is completed
2. Choosing Your Vendors
✅ Book a photographer to capture your special day✅ Hire a florist for a bouquet & boutonnière (optional but recommended)✅ Arrange for hair & makeup (if desired)✅ Consider booking a videographer for extra memories✅ Plan post-ceremony celebration details (dinner, cake, champagne, etc.)
3. Where to Stay
✅ Pick a hotel or Airbnb that fits your style & budget✅ Book early if eloping during peak wedding season✅ Consider proximity to the courthouse & photo locations
4. Outfits & Accessories
✅ Choose your wedding attire (dress, suit, or something unique!)✅ Select comfortable yet stylish shoes (cobblestone alert!)✅ Bring rings, vow books, & any sentimental accessories✅ Plan for the weather (a light shawl for evening breezes)
5. Ceremony & Post-Elopement Photos
✅ Pick a scenic spot for a post-ceremony photoshoot (Douglas Preserve, Butterfly Beach, etc.)✅ Plan for golden hour lighting for dreamy portraits✅ Consider fun props: champagne, a ‘Just Married’ sign, etc.✅ Create a relaxed timeline to enjoy the moment stress-free
6. Small Reception or Celebration
✅ Make a reservation at a romantic or intimate restaurant✅ Arrange for a cake or desserts (local bakeries can provide small wedding cakes!)✅ Plan a post-elopement activity—picnic, sunset cruise, wine tasting, etc.
7. Final Details & Day-of Reminders
✅ Pack all essential documents (license, vows, rings, etc.)✅ Arrive early to avoid any stress✅ Have a backup plan in case of rain (Santa Barbara usually has great weather!)✅ Relax, soak in the moment, & celebrate your love! 🎉
💌 Need a photographer to capture your courthouse elopement? Let’s connect! DM me for availability & packages. 📸✨
