How much does a Santa Barbara courthouse wedding photographer cost?

Hourly coverage starts at $850 and includes approximately 150 high resolution edited images and a shareable online gallery. Half day coverage up to four hours is $2,950 and includes approximately 600 edited photos.

How far in advance should we book a Santa Barbara courthouse wedding?

Currently booking 2026 ceremonies and ceremonies in the first half of 2027.

How many photos do we receive and how soon?

Approximately 150 images per hour of coverage, delivered within three weeks of your ceremony date. Expedited processing is available.

Can we add engagement or proposal photos?

Yes. If we do your wedding together, the engagement or proposal session is half price.

It's a Day Devoted to Love

And we're here to magnify your

majesty

mirth

moments

We'll have fun at the Santa Barbara Courthouse celebrating the trust and strength of your bond and the people and pets who amplify it.

I DO

unscripted

Elopement Photos in Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens

Funny Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photos with Dogs

My PEEPS

Are we a fit?

Casual and happy wedding photos in Santa Barbara with Dogs or Without

If you march to the beat of your own drummer, are perhaps a little brash, or have seen behind the curtain of the first wedding industry marketing machine and the bridal magazines you are likely one my peeps! If you are willing to share your life and express your love in your own quiet to loud way regardless of gender, class, societal and other orientations, we will definitely get along. Kamala Harris got married here in 2014, and there have been many other high profile people making use of the confidential wedding option here. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse and its many historical and colorful ceremony and photo locations is one of the most photographed places in all of California for a reason and we will use it as our canvas for expressing your best. My office and studio is literally three blocks down Anacapa St. and I have been photographing here since 2009. My name is Doug Ellis and you can get a deeper sense of me here.

loving it

Affordable wedding photography in Santa Barbara for Couples

I offer flexible hourly Santa Barbara courthouse wedding photography and videography coverage because my assistants and Associates go all in and full out. No half assery, no mini sesh fluffery, all thriller and no filler. If that sparks some excitement or inspiration as far as what you would like to remember for a lifetime, let's collaborate.

Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photography
‍

Thinking of eloping in Santa Barbara and wondering about the courthouse?I have been photographing weddings and elopements there since 2009. My office and studio is three blocks away, and I know all the spots in every light, and have never once grown weary of beholding this courageous act of love. If you are planning a Santa Barbara courthouse elopement, micro wedding, same-sex LGBTQIA+ ceremony,or intimate second wedding, reach out via the contact form, check out the Frequently Asked Questions about courthouse weddings or call me at 805-669-8776.

Doug photographed my wedding and he is amazing! He made our small wedding party feel totally at ease and captured some great moments. He was professional, easy to work with, and his prices were reasonable. I recommend Doug if you'll be getting married in the Santa Barbara area!

Hamdi & Leyla

“We are beyond thankful for how our special day was captured and we will cherish our photographs forever.”

Stacy & Thomas

Meet Doug Ellis

A documentary wedding & portrait photographer based in Santa Barbara.

A Bit About Me

That's me there with my boy Baxter. I have eighteen years of experience as a Santa Barbara elopement, proposal, and wedding photographer and my office is three blocks away from the courthouse. You've made a solid and timelessly elegant decision to marry or elope at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The mediterranean climate and the Spanish grandeur of the structure and grounds ensures your venue choice is no compromise and gives us room to swing out creatively as well. I see every wedding photo shoot as a chance to celebrate what's unique about your lifelong love and connection and find ways to amplify and magnify that with what friends and family (both two and four legged) bring to the occasion. The group energy, the history and power of this beautiful space, your vows, and my own desire to keep fresh eyes and surprise and amuse myself after all these years, create a perfect alchemical storm for beauty.

insta:

@sbcourthouseweddings

email:

doug@dougellis.com

2026 & 2027 SANTA Barbara courthouse wedding Prıcıng

Two collections. High res images. No sales sorcery or album forcery.

Which payment methods do you accept?

Pretty much everything except cryptocurrency. Or money orders. Or travelers checks. Do they still even make those?

How far in advance do you book?

I am currently booking for 2026 ceremonies and ceremonies in the first half of 2027.

How many images do we get and how soon?

Generally 150 high resolution images per coverage hour delivered within three weeks of your ceremony date. You can also order expedited processing and other add-ons to make your collection tailored to you.