Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer FAQ
Answers to your questions
How much does a wedding photographer cost in Santa Barbara?
Wedding photography in Santa Barbara can vary depending on coverage, experience, and add-ons like second shooters.
When you book with me, you get me. I never send an associate in my place. With over 18 years of experience, I’ll be there to capture your day so you can relax and enjoy the party. Every full wedding package includes a second shooter at no extra cost to capture more moments.
I believe in being upfront. My pricing is listed publicly, so you never have to fill out a form just to see what things cost.
Here is a link to my full pricing.
How far in advance should I book a Santa Barbara wedding photographer?
For full-day weddings in Santa Barbara, it’s best to book your wedding photographer 9 to 18 months in advance. Popular wedding dates tend to fill quickly, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. I follow a first-to-book policy for couples inquiring about the same date to keep things fair.
For elopements and intimate courthouse weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, booking 3 to 6 months ahead is usually enough. However, weekdays fill up fast, especially during summer.
Keep in mind that Santa Barbara Courthouse ceremony appointments through the Hall of Records open exactly 90 days in advance. To increase your chances of getting your preferred date and time, be ready on multiple devices one hour before the 90-day window opens. Many couples are trying to book the same popular time slots, so the competition can be intense.
What’s included in a wedding photography package?
Packages include a set number of hours of photo coverage with myself, a second photographer for full weddings, post-production photo enhancements globally adjusting each photo to get them print ready, your photos in a high-resolution digital file in an online wedding gallery, photo rights to your photos, unlimited printing rights, and access to a professional print lab where you and your family and friends can order pro lab photo quality prints close to cost using an easy online shopping cart.
How many photos will we receive?
On average, couples receive 100 final images per hour of coverage. For a 9-hour wedding, you can expect around 900 final images.
Will you help give me posing direction?
Yes, absolutely. With a background in studio and fashion photography, I can give as much posing direction as you want. If you want help with flattering angles and guided poses, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re more into candid wedding photography, I’ll guide you with light direction to create natural, relaxed moments. Nothing stiff or forced. My style is all about connection and play. I set you up in beautiful light and a great background, then we play games. Whether it’s a little movement, a fun prompt, or a silly game. That’s how I bring out real smiles, genuine connection, and the kind of wedding photos that actually feel like you.
Santa Barbara Elopement Photographer FAQ
Answers to your questions about Micro Weddings & Elopements at the Santa Barbara Courthouse
Do I need a permit to get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
No permit is needed for small ceremonies under 15 people in the public areas around the exterior of the courthouse. The courthouse map refers to these ceremony spots as A-H.
For larger weddings or reserved spaces like the Mural Room or Sunken Gardens, you’ll need to book through the City of Santa Barbara.
Where are the best spots for wedding photos at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
The most popular photo spots include the Mural Room, the main archway, Sunken Gardens and Fiesta Stage, rotunda spiral staircase, and the clocktower. Each offers its own unique lighting and highlights different features of Santa Barbara’s Spanish architecture.
I could photograph with a couple for hours at the courthouse and not run out of beautiful backgrounds and ideas.
When is the best time of day for wedding photos at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?
Golden hour, which is about one hour before sunset, is often the best time for wedding photos at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The light is soft, warm, and flattering. Morning also works well, offering even, shaded light and fewer crowds around the courthouse grounds.
If you're getting married through the Hall of Records, the last available civil ceremony appointment is at 3 PM. The interior of the courthouse closes at 4:30 PM. In the winter months, the 2 PM or 3 PM appointment times often offer the best light. The sun is lower in the sky, and the shaded areas provide soft, natural light for photos.
Couples who bring their own officiant instead of using the Hall of Records can schedule their ceremony closer to golden hour for ideal outdoor lighting. The tradeoff is that the courthouse interior may be closed by then, which means you might miss out on interior photos. Some couples prioritize the outdoor golden light, while others choose earlier times to make sure they can take photos inside the courthouse as well.