Amy and Evan came down from San Diego to elope at the beautiful Santa Barbara Courthouse, and it was a dream from start to finish. With only their closest family as witnesses and their pup tagging along, the day felt relaxed, meaningful, and full of joy. They kept things simple but incredibly elegant, which made everything feel so natural.

From the moment we met them, we knew we were going to love photographing this day. They were calm, excited, and just genuinely thrilled to be getting married. As we walked around the courthouse grounds, the entire vibe stayed lighthearted and fun, which always makes for the best kind of photos.

amy’s chic bridal style

Let’s talk about Amy’s look because it was so good. She wore a sleek silk dress that draped like a dream and paired it with a simple, cascading bouquet that brought everything together perfectly. Her whole aesthetic was effortless and elegant, and it suited the courthouse setting beautifully.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse gave us the perfect mix of historic charm and natural beauty. We took full advantage of the spiral staircase, the iconic clock tower, and of course, the lush sunken gardens. Whether we were shooting digital or film, every backdrop added something magical to their photos.

why we loved shooting this courthouse elopement

Amy and Evan gave us complete trust and were just ready to enjoy the day. That’s something we always appreciate, and it shows in every photo. Their laid-back energy made it easy to capture those candid, in-between moments that feel the most real.

Here’s what they had to say about working with us:

"Bethany and Kenzie are absolutely incredible!! They shot our civil ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and made it such a special day. They have an eye for detail and directed us in a way that was so natural and not overly posed which I love. Their style is modern, timeless and beautiful. Aside from being wonderful photographers, they were so sweet and had the best energy - we loved spending the day with them! Also love that they do a mix of digital and film photography. We're so happy with how our photos turned out and will cherish them forever! I cannot recommend them enough!!"

bethany joy photography | santa barbara wedding and couples photographers

If you're thinking about a laid-back, stylish elopement like Amy and Evan's, we’d love to help you capture it. The Santa Barbara Courthouse is such a stunning spot, and it’s one of our favorite places to shoot. Whether you’re traveling in from out of town or local to the area, we’ll help you document the day in a way that feels real and true to you.

Reach out to us to chat about your courthouse elopement. Let’s make it special!