Getting Married in Santa Barbara after 40? What to know: from a Wedding Photographer Who Truly Gets It
I’ve walked through decades of weddings-and through life- and I understand how differently this chapter feels.
Whether it’s your first marriage later in life, a second wedding, or a quiet elopement in Santa Barbara, this chapter isn’t about the latest fashion trends or spectacle. It’s about gathering the people who matter most, celebrating your love, and creating memories that your close family and friends will remember for a long time.
I’ve learned after photographing all types of weddings through the years; big ones, small ones, fancy ones, DIY ones, inside, outside… and I’ve found that weddings for the older couples (after 40) have a unique rhythm. Their celebrations feel a little more thoughtful, more connected, and deeply meaningful. We’ve come to a point in our lives where we understand better what matters most. And that is friends and family.
With age comes perspective. I’m often surprised when a bride reaches out years after her wedding to tell me which photo became her favorite. As a photographer, my eye usually goes to the perfectly lit shots- the moments I captured with precision, the fleeting smiles, glances, or even the mischievous finger in the wedding cake that no one noticed.
But what surprises me most is what she loves. It’s not always the technically perfect photo. Instead, it’s the one where she’s fully present, laughing with a loved one, holding a hand she’ll never forget, or sharing a quiet, candid moment with someone who means the world to her. These are the moments that resonate- the images that endure because they capture connection, not “perfection”.
My background, my sensitivity, and an eye for detail allow me to notice what others might miss. Being an empath and a keen observer helps me see the little gestures, the subtle glances, the moments of pure connection that make a wedding uniquely yours. These are the images that bring a smile to your face years later because they capture the heart of the day, not just the staged moments.
I’d love to photograph these moments for you.
Contact me
I’ll personally review your details and respond within 24 hrs.
Why Santa Barbara is Perfect for Later-In-Life Celebrations
Santa Barbara has some beautiful and elegant venues that are perfect for weddings- especially intimate celebrations and elopements.
Here are some of my favorites:
• Santa Barbara County Courthouse weddings
This Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece (completed in 1929) is one of the most beloved and photographed wedding locations in the city. Couples can choose from the lush Sunken Gardens, the elegant Mural Room, depicting Santa Barbara’s early history, smaller garden areas as well as beautiful stone archways and the Clock Tower, surrounded by timeless architecture that feels uniquely Santa Barbara. observation deck on all four sides, for ceremonies and elopements. The Clock tower boasts an observation deck with a 360 degree view of the beautiful Santa Ynez mountains to the North, the red tiled roofs of downtown, to Stearn’s wharf, the harbor and the ocean to the South.
Rancho La Patera & Stow House
This historical little house makes a really charming backdrop for a wedding ceremony or elopement. Plenty of grassy areas, surrounded by oak trees, shaded by evergreens and palms. Right next to the Goleta Train depot and near to Lake Los Carneros, so lot’s of birdlife, and wildflowers nearby.
Dating back to 1782, this historic fort offers a unique backdrop for small ceremonies steeped in California history. The chapel features whitewashed adobe walls, colorful painted murals and furnished as it would have been in the late 18th century. Behind the chapel is the Presidio Orchard, which offers a beautiful outdoor option for either the reception or a wedding ceremony or elopement itself. It seats around 180, so it’s not really a spot for an elopement or 10 person celebration, but it’s lovely, and I thought I’d include it in my list.
Arnoldi’s cafe- I love this little restaurant. It’s been around forever. It has a cosy outside courtyard, with string lights and bocce ball courts. There is a vine-covered trellis, too- that makes up a smaller space adjacent to the courtyard that seats around 40 guests. There is indoor seating if the Santa Barbara weather happens not to cooperate, but otherwise, I’d definitley opt for the outdoor spots. It’s really a perfect venue for small, intimate events, and the food is excellent, too.
Glen Annie Golf Club-
Beaches like Butterfly Beach or Arroyo Burro Beach-
Elings Park-
Canary Hotel Rooftop-
Cabrillo Pavillion-
Carousel House-
Chase Palm Park- get name of that place- where Lori was married
Place Sami got married- Cabrillo ….Palm
Rincon Beach Club
Beaches like Butterfly Beach or Arroyo Burro Beach-
Elings Park-
Canary Hotel Rooftop-
Cabrillo Pavillion-
Carousel House-
Chase Palm Park- get name of that place- where Lori was married
Place Sami got married- Cabrillo ….Palm