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Jon & Kristina’s Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding on a Special Family Anniversary

  • Writer: mackenzie rana
    mackenzie rana
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

There’s something timeless about the Santa Barbara Courthouse — its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, lush gardens, and golden California light make it one of the most romantic places to say “I do.” For Jon and Kristina, this wasn’t just their wedding day — it was also the 37th wedding anniversary of Kristina’s parents, making the day even more meaningful. Yes, their parents posed for a few shots!

Jon and Kristina’s Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography

An Intimate Ceremony with Family (and Fur Family)

Surrounded by just a few of their closest loved ones, Jon and Kristina exchanged vows in a ceremony that was as heartfelt as it was relaxed. Even their sweet dog was close by, adding joy to the occasion.


The couple kept things beautifully traditional with their attire, honoring the elegance of the day and the significance of sharing it with family. Every detail felt intentional — from the timing of the ceremony to align with Kristina’s parents’ anniversary, to the choice of the Santa Barbara Courthouse as their backdrop.


Intimate Iconic Santa Barbara elopement ceremony by MacKenzie Rana Photography

Candid Moments at the Santa Barbara Courthouse

One of my favorite things about wedding photography at the Courthouse is how naturally candid moments unfold. Between the arches, tiled staircases, and sunlit gardens, Jon and Kristina shared quiet glances, laughter, and spontaneous hugs — the kind of moments that don’t need posing.


Their dog stole a few scenes, of course, curling up at their feet during portraits. It was a perfect reflection of who they are: grounded, joyful, and deeply connected to the people (and pets) they love most.

Candid family moments at Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Candid family moments at Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Marriage certificate with Bride and Groom at Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding by Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer
Bride smiling during Santa Barbara Courthouse ceremony by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Wedding photography with Spanish architecture in Santa Barbara by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Wedding photography with Spanish architecture in Santa Barbara by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Bride smiling during Santa Barbara Courthouse ceremony by MacKenzie Rana Photography in black and white.

Why the Santa Barbara Courthouse is Perfect for an Elopement


Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a Santa Barbara elopement, the Courthouse offers endless beauty in one location. You can have your ceremony under the Mural Room’s historic arches or outside in the gardens surrounded by palm trees. For Jon and Kristina, the Courthouse gave them the perfect setting for a ceremony that felt both grand and deeply personal.

Santa Barbara elopement with family by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Intimate wedding with family at Santa Barbara Courthouse by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Jon and Kristina exchanging vows at Santa Barbara Courthouse by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Santa Barbara elopement with candid flower girl moment by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Candid ring exchange at Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Jon and Kristina’s courthouse wedding ceremony in Santa Barbara by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Bride and groom wedding exit hugging family at Santa Barbara Courthouse by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Candid wedding portraits in Santa Barbara gardens by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Candid wedding family portraits in Santa Barbara gardens by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Candid wedding portraits in Santa Barbara gardens by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Traditional wedding attire at Santa Barbara Courthouse by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Bride and groom with dog at Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Dog at intimate Santa Barbara wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Bride and groom with courthouse clock tower backdrop by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Bride and groom walking through Santa Barbara Courthouse gardens by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Glowing bride during portraits at Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding
Rings with bouquet at Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding
Wedding photography with Spanish architecture in Santa Barbara by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Candid moments during Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Bride holding bouquet at Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Bride and groom under Santa Barbara Courthouse archways by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Jon and Kristina walking hand-in-hand in Santa Barbara by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Joyful Bride during elopement at Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding
Bridal bouquet during Santa Barbara Elopement by Wedding Photographer MacKenzie Rana
Jon's wedding portraits in Santa Barbara by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Traditional wedding photography at Santa Barbara Courthouse by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Wedding portraits dancing in courthouse staircase in Santa Barbara by MacKenzie Rana Photography
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Wedding Bands
Wedding photography at Santa Barbara Courthouse Mural Room by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Wedding photography at Santa Barbara Courthouse Clock Tower by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Wedding photography at Santa Barbara Courthouse Clock tower by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Wedding photography at Santa Barbara Courthouse View by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Wedding photography at Santa Barbara Courthouse by MacKenzie Rana Photography
Jon and Kristina’s Santa Barbara Courthouse wedding by MacKenzie Rana Photography

Looking for Your Own Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding Photographer?

If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding or elopement in Santa Barbara, I’d love to help you document every candid moment in a way that feels true to you. From the first look to the quiet in-between moments, I focus on creating images that let you relive the day exactly as it felt.


📷 Planning a Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding? Let’s chat about how to make your ceremony and portraits unforgettable.


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