Santa Barbara Courthouse Elopement

These lovebirds decided that COVID wasn’t going to stop them from marrying one another. So they did the most sensible thing a couple could do when in love and wanting to get married- they packed their bags and headed North for a Santa Barbara courthouse elopement. I met Katie and Sam on a warm Friday afternoon in the courthouse’s sunken garden where the ceremony would take place. Katie wore a timeless white satin dress accompanied by a fresh bouquet of all white flowers. Sam donned a linen suit in cornflower blue paired with brown leather accent pieces. After an exchange of rings and signing of the marriage license, the couple made it official with a (mask-free) kiss.

Following the ceremony, we explored the property and captured their just-married portraits. We always strive to time our portraits sessions to coincide with the last few hours of daylight. This is because those last few hours offer the best and most beautiful light of the entire day. Katie and Sam’s session certainly didn’t disappoint as they were draped in that quintessential California light. We took our time making sure to not miss any of the beautiful vignettes the property has to offer. These two not only have spectacular chemistry together but they’re also incredibly easy on the eyes. A true dream to photograph!

While we photographed we chatted about life and the challenges of buying a house during COVID. We swapped photos of our pups back at home and discussed their plans for the big wedding celebration. Even though this wasn’t their first choice of how they would have liked to have gotten married, it was beautiful. It was truly an honor to photograph this time in their lives.

santa barbara courthouse