An Intimate Santa Barbara County Courthouse Ceremony

Last Minute Elopement Santa Barbara County Courthouse Ceremony

To almost think they didn't hire a photographer. I got the message the day before that Zahra and Arne were coming to Santa Maria for a last-minute elopement at the Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria. This was the ideal situation with their families in New Zealand and Norway, and they would make additional plans later. I gathered my gear and planned a secondary location to explore after the ceremony. 

We all arrived at the same time and entered the security of the Santa Maria Courthouse in Santa Barbara County. I stepped back, giving them both space and respecting the moment's intimacy while they completed the paperwork with the Santa Barbara County Recorder. When asked for a witness, they asked if I would sign their marriage certificate, and I was honored to play an additional role in their day. 

Bridal Attire for Courthouse Ceremony

Zahra's style was sophisticated and modern for a Santa Barbara County Courthouse Ceremony. She wore a form-fitting dress with sleeves that fell at the shoulders and layered it with a long lace layer. Arne wore a navy blue suit and navy sail slides. 

Courthouse Ceremony in Santa Barbara County

I could tell both were so in love and nervous as we entered the ceremony portion. Arne's phone rang at one point, and we all laughed and embraced the realness of it all. Zahra shed several tears, and the two sealed their ceremony with a kiss. 

Couples Portraits 

As the County Recorder finalized the paperwork and obtained official copies of their marriage certificates, we stepped outside to take a few pictures of them with the courthouse building behind them. After we finished at the Santa Maria County Recorders Office, I took them to a local park with tall eucalyptus trees lining a long bath. The two danced while playing music, and I could tell the nerves started to settle from the ceremony earlier. We took some additional portraits before sending them off to spend the day as newlyweds.

Huge congratulations to Arne and Zahra on your wedding day. To learn more about Santa Maria Courthouse Ceremonies visit, https://www.countyofsb.org/619/Santa-Maria-Ceremonies.