Tips for Your Santa Barbara Elopement

A bride and groom stand on a tiled staircase surrounded by greenery. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress with a veil; the groom wears a black suit for their santa barbara elopement

Victoria and Elijah’s Santa Barbara elopement was perfect. From the iconic courthouse to a vintage car moment that looked straight out of an old Hollywood movie, these two made their day feel so effortlessly special. 

A bride and groom stand on a tiled staircase surrounded by greenery. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress with a veil; the groom wears a black suit for their santa barbara elopement
A bride and groom stand on a tiled staircase surrounded by greenery. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress with a veil; the groom wears a black suit for their santa barbara elopement

A bride and groom stand on a tiled staircase surrounded by greenery. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress with a veil; the groom wears a black suit for their santa barbara elopement

A couple stands on a tiled staircase. The man wears a suit, and the woman is in a white dress holding a bouquet. The scene is lit by a wall sconce for their santa barbara elopement
A bride and groom share a kiss. The bride is wearing a white dress and veil, and the groom is in a black suit. They are standing indoors for their santa barbara elopement

A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors on a grassy area, with the man kissing the woman's cheek. A large building and trees are in the background
A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors on a grassy area, with the man kissing the woman's cheek. A large building and trees are in the background

Why Santa Barbara Is the best location for Elopements

If you’ve been dreaming of a place that’s got the vibes, Santa Barbara is where it’s at. The Santa Barbara Courthouse? It’s like stepping into a romantic Spanish dream with its intricate architecture and lush gardens. It’s the perfect spot for those just-the-two-of-you feels while still being absolutely stunning in every photo.

On the other hand downtown Santa Barbara has a mix of charm and elegance that makes it a photographer’s playground. Add in the Granada Theatre as a backdrop, and you’ve got a recipe for iconic moments. Whether you’re into vintage glam or keeping it chill, Santa Barbara delivers every time.

A couple dances on a grassy lawn in front of a large, historic white building with arched entryways and a clock tower for a santa barbara elopement
A couple dances on a grassy lawn in front of a large, historic white building with arched entryways and a clock tower for a santa barbara elopement

A couple dances on a grassy lawn in front of a large, historic white building with arched entryways and a clock tower for a santa barbara elopement

A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors on a grassy area, with the man kissing the woman's cheek. A large building and trees are in the background

Victoria & Elijah’s Elopement Story

You guys, these two are actual magic! Their day started at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse, where Victoria and Elijah shared their first smiles against the backdrop of its dreamy, historic architecture—seriously, this place is a whole mood with fairy-tale vibes. Then, cue the vintage car they rented. It added this classic, old-school glam that was so perfectly them. Picture it: the two of them laughing, holding hands, and looking like they just stepped out of a 1950s romance movie. We wrapped up the shoot at the Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara, and let me tell you, it was everything. Playful, sweet, romantic—it felt like hanging out with old friends who just happen to be ridiculously in love.

A woman in a strapless dress and headscarf stands beside a vintage car, wearing sunglasses. The scene is in black and white.
A couple in vintage attire stands by a classic car. The woman wears a white dress and sunglasses, and the man wears a white shirt and dark pants. They pose in front of a building with arched windows.
A man helps a woman adjust her scarf near a car in a blurry, black-and-white setting. Trees are visible in the background.
A couple in vintage attire stands by a classic car. The woman wears a white dress and sunglasses, and the man wears a white shirt and dark pants. They pose in front of a building with arched windows for their santa barbara elopement

Why Elopements Are a Whole Vibe

Let me tell you—elopements? They’re not just “mini weddings.” They’re your day, your way. Victoria and Elijah nailed it by focusing on what made them happy: exploring Santa Barbara, cruising in a vintage car, and soaking up every moment together.

That’s the magic of eloping—you get to skip the stress and focus on the stuff that feels right for YOU. Want to spend your day at your favorite places? Do it. Add in little details, like a cool car or a meaningful location? Yes, please! Your elopement can be anything you want, and that’s what makes it so dang special.

Person in a white dress and scarf sits in the backseat of a car, looking out the window at a santa barbara elopment.
Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment
Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment

Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment

Client Love

Victoria and Elijah’s sweet words after their elopement made my heart so full. They said:

Klaui immediately greeted us with so much enthusiasm and excitement when we first reached out to her to be our photographer. She brought that same enthusiasm even after driving 3-4 hours to Santa Barbara for our elopement photos. I have never felt so immediately comfortable in a photography setting and the whole evening went by so quickly with lots of laughs and good energy. Klaui also brought her assistant Cassie and we were so delighted to have two photographers working together for our shoot. Klaui studied the inspiration board perfectly that i provided her and was able to capture many of the shots i was looking for. Would definitely love to work with Klaui and Cassie again in 

Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment
Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment
A couple shares a kiss beside a convertible car, with a bouquet on the back seat. They're dressed in wedding attire, and the scene is set against a backdrop of buildings and trees for their santa barbara elopement

A couple in formal attire leans against a vintage blue convertible at night. at their santa barbara elopement

Tips for Your Santa Barbara Elopement

Choose the Right Location for Your Vibe

Santa Barbara is basically a playground for romantic, intimate moments. Here are some of the best spots:

  • Santa Barbara Courthouse: The ultimate icon. With its Spanish-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and picture-perfect details, this spot screams elegance and charm.
  • Downtown Santa Barbara: Think cute streets, colorful murals, and the classic Granada Theatre for an urban vibe with a touch of glamour.
  • Butterfly Beach or East Beach: Perfect for those golden hour beach moments. Ocean breeze? Yes, please!
  • Hidden Gems: Places like Lotusland or the Funk Zone offer quirky and unique vibes for couples looking for something different.

Pick spots that reflect your love story—it’s YOUR day, after all.

Personalize Your Day with Meaningful Details

Elopements give you the freedom to infuse your personality into every moment. Here’s how you can make your day uniquely yours:

  • Incorporate Sentimental Touches: Choose locations that hold special meaning for you as a couple.
  • Add Fun Elements: Victoria and Elijah rented a vintage car for their day, and let me tell you—it brought ALL the vibes. Consider details like custom attire, a classic car, or even your favorite food stops.
  • Plan Activities You Love: Whether it’s exploring downtown, picnicking on the beach, or hiking a trail, your elopement should feel like the ultimate date day.
A couple in formal attire leans against a vintage blue convertible at night. at their santa barbara elopement
Hands with rings touching a bouquet of flowers. Black and white image.

A couple in formal attire leans against a vintage blue convertible at night. at their santa barbara elopement
Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment

Timing is Everything

Santa Barbara is stunning year-round, but timing can make a big difference in your experience:

  • Golden Hour Glow: Schedule your ceremony or portraits for sunrise or sunset to capture that dreamy light.
  • Consider the Season: Spring and fall tend to have the most comfortable weather, with fewer crowds compared to summer.
  • Weekday Wins: Opt for a weekday elopement to avoid the weekend hustle and get more privacy at popular locations.

Plan Your Outfit with the Location in Mind

Your outfit should reflect your style while also being practical for your chosen locations:

  • For the Courthouse: Think chic and timeless. A sleek dress or tailored suit pairs beautifully with the architecture.
  • Beach Photos: Flowy fabrics and lighter tones work well against the sand and waves.
  • Downtown Adventures: Play with bold colors or vintage vibes to stand out among the urban backdrops.
Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment
Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment
Bride and groom sit in a vintage convertible, the bride holding a bouquet. The lighting is dim, casting a warm glow inside the car for their santa barbara elopment
A couple embraces in front of the Granada theater at night, with bright marquee lights above them.
A couple embraces in front of the Granada theater at night, with bright marquee lights above them.

And don’t forget comfy shoes if you’ll be walking or moving between locations!

Make Time for Each Other

This one’s BIG, you guys. Your elopement is about celebrating your love, so take moments to just be together. Forget the stress and let yourselves soak in the magic of your day.

For example, after taking photos at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Victoria and Elijah shared a private moment with their vintage car, just laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Those quiet, authentic moments are what make elopements so special.

Capture Every Moment

Elopements are small, but they’re packed with meaningful moments. Having a photographer who can document the details (like me) from your first look to that spontaneous dance downtown—ensures you’ll have memories to relive forever.

A couple kisses outdoors at dusk, illuminated by soft streetlights. The person on the left wears a strapless dress and headscarf, and the person on the right is in a button-up shirt.

A couple in vintage attire stands by a classic car. The woman wears a white dress and sunglasses, and the man wears a white shirt and dark pants. They pose in front of a building with arched windows for their santa barbara elopement
A couple in vintage attire stands by a classic car. The woman wears a white dress and sunglasses, and the man wears a white shirt and dark pants. They pose in front of a building with arched windows for their santa barbara elopement

A couple kisses outdoors at dusk, illuminated by soft streetlights. The person on the left wears a strapless dress and headscarf, and the person on the right is in a button-up shirt.

Ready to Plan Your Santa Barbara Elopement?

Victoria and Elijah showed us just how beautiful and personal elopements can be. If you’re ready to craft a day that’s all about YOU, let’s make it happen! Whether you’re dreaming of courthouse romance, beach vibes, or downtown magic, I’m here to capture it all.

Let’s connect, plan your dream day, and create memories you’ll cherish forever!

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