what exactly is santa barbara elopement?
Santa Barbara Elopement is a boutique wedding planning, coordinating and design company specializing in elopements, intimate gatherings, vow renewals and marriage proposals.
why should we hire santa barbara elopement?
Eloping is celebrating your individuality and not modifying expectations. Give yourself the wedding you have always dreamed of but with just a handful of guests. Hiring a skillful wedding planner is a part of having it all and allowing yourself to enjoy the experience. A great planner will customize your experience based on vision, budget and what is most important to you! Planning a destination wedding can be stressful, we work to streamline the planning process. What we provide is an expertise that comes with 20 years in the wedding industry, paired with a concierge like knowledge of Santa Barbara and an impeccable design aesthetic.
what is the planning process like with santa barbara elopement?
We begin with a brief call to discuss your initial plans: guest count, date, budget parameters, personal style and type of location desired. Once you select a location, we can begin to design your day! We personalize everything from the ceremony to the photo styles, and of course vendor referrals (we do not drop a 20 page vendor list on your lap!). Everyone has a budget; some budgets are larger than others. Our job is to support and bring a vision to life, maximizing the budget that clients set out for us. We are always at the events we plan; we do not pass clients off to assistants.
when should we start planning?
As soon as you’re able! While we have produced a number of ceremonies with only 24 hour notice, we suggest allowing more time to plan. Our priority is to get your date on our books! Once your date is secured, all the pieces fall nicely into place.
how many guests can we have?
We consider groups of 10 or less an elopement. But that doesn’t mean we can’t produce a ceremony with a higher guest count. Ceremonies with over 10 guests will have an additional planning fee. Please don’t hesitate to ask about this!
does the day of week or time of year affect the price?
Most event venues and hotels will happily accommodate smaller groups on weekdays. So yes, the best pricing for planning, venues and vendors is Monday thru Thursday. Also, venues can be very crowded on the weekend. You’ll definitely get a more intimate experience all the way around if you opt for a weekday elopement.
can we select a location that is not on your list?
Yes, we work at venues throughout Santa Barbara County and are more than happy to work at the venue of your choice.
can we select a location that is not within santa barbara county?
Yes! We are happy to travel, as well as most of our vendors, however there will be additional costs associated with a ceremony outside of Santa Barbara County.
do you offer lodging recommendations?
We can certainly refer you to a few of our favorite local hotels and resorts. We also have access to a number of lodging options that can double as a venue for an intimate wedding. Other resources such as tripadvisor.com and vrbo.com can offer a more extensive list of lodging options.
do we have to go to a courthouse or county clerk’s office to get our marriage license?
Yes, you must apply together within (90) days of the wedding in person or online anywhere within the State of California, it does not have to be in Santa Barbara County. Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens or residents of the State of California or of Santa Barbara County. Current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, is required. To apply for a confidential marriage license you must be currently residing together as spouses. You will need to bring in proof of this in the form of your valid driver’s licenses showing the same address or a bill addressed to both of you at the same address. If either applicant has been divorced or has terminated a state registered domestic partnership within the last (90) days, a certified copy of the final dissolution of marriage or termination of domestic partnership is required by the county.
do we need a witness?
California requires at least one witness, we can serve that role if needed. A confidential marriage license does not require a witness.
can we incorporate religious or spiritual traditions in our ceremony?
Yes, you will be able to include religious or spiritual traditions in your ceremony. We will work to connect you with a local officiant or clergy who perform ceremonies that reflect your values and beliefs.
can we bring our own officiant and/or vendors?
We have a terrific team of officiants and wedding professionals with whom we work, however we are more than happy to work with your officiant and vendors if they are professional and, if required by the venue, licensed and insured.
can we include our dog in the ceremony?
Yes, as long as the venue allows pets.
can we have a champagne toast after the ceremony?
Yes, if alcohol is permitted at the location. Champagne (or any alcohol) must be provided by the client.
can you plan a dinner or reception following our elopement or vow renewal?
Yes! We do offer planning packages for dinners and/or receptions following your ceremony. If you are envisioning a big wedding feel but with a small guest list, the best thing to do is chat with us about your vision so we can customize a planning package that best fits your needs.
how much is your planning fee, vendor fees and location fees?
Planning, vendor and location fees vary based on selection, guest count, day of week and extent of your event. Contact us for further details!
how much is the retainer for your planning fee?
We require a 50% retainer to secure your date and initiate the planning process. The balance is due 4 weeks prior to your wedding date. By then everything will be planned and ready to go!
are you going to sneak in any extra fees when we’re not looking?
No! Our planning fee is set from the beginning. We understand that many couples make changes to things as we go along. We want to make sure that you have the freedom to do that. We are quite respectful of our clients’ budgets and make every effort to stay within any reasonable parameters that we’re given. We’ll always inform you of additional fees that are associated with any item or service that you may decide to add.
do we pay each of our vendors directly?
Yes, you will sign contracts with each of your vendors and pay them directly. This ensures you know what you’re signing for, paying for, and allows you to customize your services with them. Most of the vendors we work with require a 50% retainer to lock in your date. Balances are typically due 2-4 weeks prior to your wedding date.
what forms of payment do you and your vendors accept?
We accept Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, check and credit card payments (with a 3.5% fee). Most of our vendors accept the same forms of payment, some accept credit cards with no additional fees.
how do you handle cancellations and postponements?
All retainers are nonrefundable. If you need to postpone your wedding all fees paid can be transferred to a new date that is within six months of your original date. We work to be flexible in extreme cases with extenuating circumstances.