Marriage Licenses & Weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Reach Record Level
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Love is in the air around the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, not just for Valentine's Day, but throughout the year.
The Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder's Office says the request for marriage licenses continues to grow.
 In 2025, the office issued 5,000 licenses and weddings are also up over 2024.
Some of them are a simple ceremony with vows restated in a designated area. Some are larger in a reserved area with chairs and a special use of the Sunken Gardens.
Wedding ceremonies performed by Clerk-Recorder staff take place either directly outside the Hall of Records, overlooking the Sunken Gardens; or at an indoor balcony overlooking the Hall of Records lobby (Express wedding services are performed at the public counter).
The courthouse is a public space and more than one wedding may be taking place at the same time.
The Hall of Records has specific rules:
- Guest count is limited to fifteen (15) people including children and photographers, due to County Parks regulations. The indoor space is limited to ten (10) guests.
- Please arrive promptly at your scheduled time. Late arrivals may result in cancellation.
- Throwing petals, rice, confetti, or birdseed is considered littering and is strictly prohibited.
- Photography is welcomed, but please be considerate of other ceremonies taking place.
- Public restrooms are available in the Courthouse and the County Administration building.
- Guests will be asked to wait outside while the couple completes their paperwork inside the office.
(More details, video and photos will be added here later today.)
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