Dogs join wedding parties on Valentine’s Day at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Courthouse was the backdrop for 21 wedding ceremonies on Valentine's Day, and in some cases, there were special guests.

A number of dogs were brought out to join in the special occasions.

The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society and DAWG, the Dog Adoption and Welfare Group, teamed up to provide adoptable dogs for anyone needing a ring bearer or an addition to their wedding party.

"Today is Valentine's Day. It is a whole day about love and what's better to love than something that loves you unconditionally?" said Humane Society Manager Julie Cousino.

Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder Melinda Greene was showing off the dogs inside and outside of the building. "We're offering these dogs to be in the wedding parties and be photographed with all the wedding pictures that are going to happen today," she said.

"It gives the opportunity for people who may not come to our shelter to be able to see these guys, and Shauna here might be able to find a forever home which is amazing," said Cousino. 

Kylie Colvin said DAWG sees this as a solid outing for the organization and the animals and a place to possibly find a home for a young or adult dog.

"It's a beautiful day out, we are on this nice grass, the dogs are having fun. Anything we can do to give these dogs exposure is great," she said. 

Some were dressed for the part. "Right now some of our dogs are wearing "adopt me" vests. We want everyone to know they are up for adoption and I see one of the puppies is wearing a tuxedo which is very fitting for a ring bearer," said Colvin.

One couple couldn't resist at least talking about adoption as one of their first big decisions.

The dogs were also interacting with passersby and county workers on a break as part of a Friday afternoon stress reliever and also providing an array of love on this special day.