Editorial Santa Barbara Wedding | Kimpton Canary Hotel & Santa Barbara Courthouse

A Romantic Santa Barbara Wedding Weekend with a stylish couple. Lily and Max’s June wedding was everything people dream about when they picture a Santa Barbara celebration—coastal air, effortless style, iconic architecture, and a day that felt relaxed, warm, and deeply personal.

They hosted their wedding at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, one of the most stylish boutique properties in downtown Santa Barbara. The setting gave their day a blend of modern charm and Mediterranean-inspired warmth, perfect for a celebration centered around family, friends, and intentional moments.

But the highlight—the one that truly anchored their story—was their portrait session at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. If you’ve never seen this place in person, it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in California. Between the Spanish arches, hand-painted tiles, perfectly manicured gardens, and sunlit walkways, it gives you the best of Santa Barbara in one location.

It also gave us endless opportunities for editorial, cinematic portraits that still felt natural and candid—which fits Lily and Max completely.

Lily wore a gown from Anthropologie, and it couldn’t have been a better match for the entire vibe of the weekend. Clean lines, modern texture, and a silhouette that moved beautifully in the California breeze. She paired her look with simple accessories and soft, romantic hair—nothing overdone, nothing forced. She looked timeless. Max kept things classic with a tailored tux that balanced her minimal, fashion-forward energy perfectly.

This spot is iconic for a reason. It brings a sense of old-world romance without feeling heavy or overly formal. It photographs beautifully in any light, but in June, the sun hits the arches and gardens just right.

For Lily and Max, the courthouse was the perfect contrast to the Kimpton’s rooftop and downtown textures. The portraits we created there feel like a mix of editorial stills and relaxed, honest moments—exactly the blend I look for in every wedding story.

From their slow morning getting ready at the Kimpton, to their heartfelt ceremony, to their champagne-filled rooftop moments afterward, the entire day felt genuine and grounded. They weren’t trying to impress anyone—they simply wanted a beautiful experience with their people in one of their favorite cities. And Santa Barbara delivered.

If you’re planning from afar, here’s why couples choose this city again and again:

• Endless natural beauty—beach, mountains, gardens

• Iconic venues like the Santa Barbara Courthouse, San Ysidro Ranch, and Ritz-Carlton Bacara

• A relaxed, elevated California atmosphere

• Incredible light (photographers love Santa Barbara for a reason)

Lily and Max’s wedding is a perfect example of how a Santa Barbara celebration can feel elevated without being overly formal, stylish without being stiff, and meaningful without being complicated.

If you’re dreaming of an artful, modern celebration with a mix of editorial portraits and candid moments, I’d love to document your weekend.

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