The Average Cost of a Wedding in Santa Barbara

In recent years, Santa Barbara has become one of the most popular wedding destinations in the United States. Thanks to its many romantic spots, tons of activities for couples and newlyweds, beautiful weather, and, of course, the beaches, Santa Barbara has established itself as a worthy consideration for wedding planners and couples wanting a beautiful summer wedding. This begs the question though: What is the Average Cost of a Wedding in Santa Barbara?

Point blank, as an experienced Santa Barbara wedding photographer, I can tell you this is an incredible place to get married.

Weddings are a celebration of love and romance, but it’s as much about the couple as it is about logistics and budgeting. Keeping a close eye on your wedding cost is important as things can spiral out of control fairly quickly. According to Wedding Reporter, the average cost of a wedding in Santa Barbara for up to 100 guests may cost just under $30K. You can expect to spend something closer to $40K if you reach 200 guests. However, more realistically you’d be closer to double those numbers when adding in your preferred vendors. The averages in Wedding Reporter are based on ranges they’ve found which could include used and/or DIY weddings, as well as including donated services from family or friends.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the average cost of a wedding in Santa Barbara, available wedding and vendor options, as well as venues for different budget tiers.

Average Cost Breakdown by Vendor Type

If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you’d know that a lot of work and preparation is required to make the event as magical and perfect as possible. Several independent vendors are often hired to make sure the wedding ceremony goes off without a hitch. We’ll go through some Santa Barbara wedding vendor examples and the factors affecting cost.

Venue Costs

Santa Barbara wedding venues are some of the most scenic, most romantic spots you’ll find on the coast. The average cost of wedding venue rentals for an accommodation of 50 to 100 is about $22,610 – $27,634 according to Wedy. The price can triple when the number is increased to 200. Prices change throughout the year, and the main factors affecting this are the season or time of year, the location, and the amenities to be included. You may get more affordable pricing during the winter seasons. The location itself may drive prices up; is there a good backdrop? Is it close to the city? Is it located in a private estate?

Popular Wedding Destinations in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has no shortage of wedding venues. From small intimate locations for 50 guests or less to grand locations for hundreds, Santa Barbara has a great selection for your big day. Here are some of the top wedding venues in Santa Barbara:

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

• Address: 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara
• Phone: +1 805-564-4333

Rosewood Miramar Resort

• Address: 1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito
• Phone: 805-900-8388

Rincon Beach Club

• Address: 3811 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria
• Phone: +1 805-566-9933

Montecito Country Club

• Address: 920 Summit Road, Santa Barbara
• Phone: 805-969-3216

Florists

Flowers are a must-have for the reception venue, and it won’t be a Santa Barbara wedding without them. Both indoor and outdoor style weddings use flowers, and wedding vendors such as photographers use the flowers to figure out the mood for the ceremony. Depending on the location, 150 guests will cost you around $3100 – $4200, but you can expect to spend upwards of $5,000 if the guests reach 200. The complexity of the arrangement also affects pricing.

Popular Florists in Santa Barbara

Alpha Floral

• Website: https://alphafloralsb.com/
• Instagram: @alphafloral
• Address: 1810A Cliff Drive Santa Barbara

Kaleidoscope Flowers

• Website: https://www.kaleidoscopeflowers.com/
• Instagram: @kaleidoscopeflowers_sb
• Address: 1341 State Street, Santa Barbara

Alexis Ireland Florals

• Website: https://www.alexisirelandflorals.com/
• Instagram: @alexisirelandflorals

Lily’s Flowers

• Website: https://www.lilysflowersinsb.com/
• Instagram: @lilysflowers.sb
• Address: 209 S Milpas St a, Santa Barbara

Photographer

Photography is the most important area to invest in for your wedding. So much of your time and energy will be spent planning this event, and it will be worth every second. You’ll be surrounded by your closest family and friends, as you marry the love of your life. Your wedding day will feel like a whirlwind of love and laughter, and the only thing you’ll have to remember it by years from now will be the photographs. Wedding Photographers in Santa Barbara can cost between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the package or the number of hours they’d cover for your wedding, their experience, and the what is offered in the collection.

I’ve been photographing unique and beautiful weddings for over 15 years. I have the experience to capture the moments you’ve always dreamed of, and the ones you didn’t even know you wanted until you see them in your wedding gallery.

My most basic photography collection begins at $4000 for 4 hours of coverage. You can reach out to me here: https://elizabethvictoriaphotography.com/contact/

Most couples choose an 8-10 hour collection that has been curated especially for their wedding.

Videography add-on collections begin at $2500.

Officiants

When taking into account the average cost of a wedding in Santa Barbara, some couples sometimes forget to include the officiant or minister in the ceremony. Whether you’ll have a courthouse wedding or a rustic getaway, you’ll need an officiant to make things official.

Officiants can bring a wedding to life by giving a speech or a good foreword. The officiant you choose must be a good fit for your style. Some couples want an officiant with a religious background to give a short sermon, while others may want a more straightforward ceremony. In Santa Barbara, officiants may charge around $300-$500 for the service.

Trusted Officiants in Santa Barbara

Dean Merrill Weddings

Ceremonies by Nanette

Officiant Julia Garcia

Dress Shops

Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding dress. Most people get heirloom dresses passed down through generations, but if you’re looking for a new dress, there are great wedding dress options in Santa Barbara. Wedding dresses can be as expensive or as affordable as you want them to be, but you should expect a minimum starting budget of $1,500 – $2,500 in Santa Barbara.

La Soie Bridal

Website: lsoiebridal.com

La Soie Bridal offers a curated selection of elegant bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories, with a focus on personalized service and unique styles.

Panache Bridal & Formal

Website: panachebridalusa.com

Panache Bridal & Formal provides a wide range of designer wedding dresses, evening gowns, and accessories, offering a luxurious shopping experience with expert consultants.

Daniella’s Bridal

Website: daniellasbridal.com

Daniella’s Bridal features a beautiful collection of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and formal wear, emphasizing quality and exceptional customer service.

Additional Costs

Here are a few other additional costs that you may want to take into account when planning for a wedding in Santa Barbara.

Catering Services

• $75-$200+ per person

Music & Entertainment

• DJ: $3000-$5000
• 5-7 Piece Band: $10000+ 

Wedding Planners

• Day-of Planning: $2000-$5000
• Month-of or Partial Planning: $4000-10000
• Full Service Planning: $6000-$20000

What is the best way to travel to and get around Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is just 2-3 hours from LA and about 5 hours from San Francisco. For flights, you have a few options: LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport, or Santa Barbara Regional Airport. While the Santa Barbara airport is generally pricier, it offers a much more relaxed arrival and departure experience. If you want to skip the LA chaos and avoid 2-3 hours of traffic, it may be worth the extra cost.

Once you’re there, renting a car is a good idea. It gives you the freedom to explore and take longer day trips. However, if you prefer not to drive, Ubers, Taxis, and Lyfts are readily available, making it easy to get around using an app.

How do we plan a wedding in Santa Barbara that is both memorable and stress-free?

For larger weddings, hiring a wedding planner is a fantastic first step and can be essential. For smaller elopements or intimate weddings, a local photographer who can offer some guidance and basic recommendations might be all you need.

Consider your guests and the amount of time you want to spend in the area. Plan for a stay long enough to allow everyone to relax and unwind. Wedding days are exciting but can be hectic, so giving yourself and your guests a day or two on either side of the event to enjoy Santa Barbara is a smart move.

Keeping your guests’ accommodations in one hotel or in close proximity is also a good idea. This minimizes the need for driving around to meet up and makes coordinating shuttles and ride shares on the day of the wedding much easier.

How much photography coverage is needed when planning a Santa Barbara wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding with a wedding party, ceremony, and reception, you’ll need a full day of coverage.

Weddings are bustling with activities and moments to capture. If you don’t book your photographer for a long enough duration, you’ll end up stressed, and many important moments might be missed. Ideally, your wedding coverage should last as long as your wedding day, minus the late-night partying (since dance shots tend to become repetitive).

Each segment of the day—getting ready, first looks and portraits, detail and venue shots, ceremony, and reception—requires 1-2 hours. A full day ensures your photographer has ample time to document everything thoroughly and creatively.

Ready to discuss your wedding photography needs? Reach out to us today, and let’s make sure every moment of your special day is beautifully captured!

FAQs

How much should I budget for a wedding in Santa Barbara?

Your wedding budget should always be within the reasonable amount you are willing to spend. The average cost of a wedding in Santa Barbara will be $50K – $75K.

What are the best months to get married in Santa Barbara?

If you plan on having an outdoor wedding or having lots of outdoor activities during your weekend trip, it’s best to plan for the summer or fall seasons, around May to October.

What should I look for in a wedding photographer?

A good wedding photographer should have a professional portfolio backing them. When looking for a wedding photographer, it’s best to discuss your visions and expectations to make sure you and the photographer are a good match.

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