23+ Top Santa Barbara Wedding Venues
The Best Santa Barbara Wedding Venues
Santa Barbara is one of the most romantic places in the country to get married, and its why I love being a Santa Barbara wedding photographer. In 2023 over 3,392 couples were married at various wedding venues in Santa Barbara accord to the Wedding Report. With many wedding venues, Santa Barbara has something different to offer every couple. From beautiful beach weddings to upscale downtown wedding venues with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Narrowing down to one or two Santa Barbara wedding venues (ceremony + reception) can be overwhelming. I’ve done my absolute best to make it a little easier on you though, the following are my favorite places to get married in Santa Barbara as an experienced photographer. From stunning Santa Barbara hotel wedding venues to picturesque outdoor wedding venues in Santa Barbara, there’s something for every couple’s taste and style.
BEACHFRONT Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers some of the most beautiful beachfront wedding venues in California. Here are some top choices for couples seeking Santa Barbara wedding reception venues with ocean views:
Type of Venue: Beach
The Rosewood Miramar Beach is a coastal dream come true and one of the most luxurious venues in Santa Barbara. As a photographer, I’m always struck by the way the golden California sunlight plays on the pristine shoreline, creating a natural canvas for breathtaking wedding photos. This Santa Barbara hotel wedding venue offers elegant architecture, with its crisp white facades and manicured gardens, providing a variety of backdrops that transition seamlessly from day to night. I particularly love capturing couples strolling along the beach at sunset, with the Pacific Ocean providing a romantic, shimmering backdrop.
- Private beach access for intimate ceremonies
- Luxurious ballrooms with ocean views for receptions
Price: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 400 guests Phone: (805) 900-8388
Type of Venue: Hotel
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront, a prime Santa Barbara wedding venue, blends coastal charm with modern elegance. This versatile Santa Barbara hotel wedding venue features an expansive lawn for ocean-view ceremonies and elegant ballrooms for receptions, offering ample natural light for stunning portraits.
- Beachfront location with mountain views
- Spacious ballrooms with contemporary decor
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 600 guests Phone: (805) 564-4333
Type of Venue: Hotel
The Biltmore Four Seasons, an iconic Santa Barbara wedding venue, showcases Spanish Colonial architecture with red-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls. Its lush gardens provide a magical setting for intimate wedding photos, embodying Santa Barbara’s luxury and charm.
Unique Features:
- Iconic butterfly-shaped pool for unique reception settings
- Historic architecture with stunning ocean views
Price: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 400 guests Phone: (805) 969-2261
Type of Venue: Beach
The Cabrillo Pavilion, a popular choice among Santa Barbara wedding reception venues, combines historic charm with beachfront allure. Large windows flood the space with light, while the adjacent beach offers a romantic setting for seaside portraits.
Unique Features:
- Direct beach access for ceremonies
- Recently renovated interior with a modern coastal vibe
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 564-5420
Type of Venue: Hotel
El Encanto, perched in the hills, is a dream Santa Barbara hotel wedding venue for photographers. Its winding paths, lush gardens, and panoramic vistas create a sophisticated setting for weddings and portraits.
Unique Features:
- Seven acres of secluded gardens for outdoor ceremonies
- Infinity-edge pool with panoramic views for unique reception settings
Price: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 845-5800
More Santa Barbara venues near the beach
INLAND SANTA BARBARA VENUES
Here are some more amazing wedding venues in Santa Barbara but aren’t near the beach. These are tucked in the city, and surrounding areas and they also have great spaces to make your dream wedding come to life.
Type of Venue: Outdoor
La Cumbre Country Club, a premier Santa Barbara wedding venue, offers stunning Santa Ynez Mountain views. Its manicured grounds provide a lush backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, while the clubhouse frames mountain vistas through large windows.
Unique Features:
- Panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains
- Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for various wedding styles
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 300 guests Phone: (805) 687-2421
Type of Venue: Unique
The Santa Barbara Courthouse, an iconic choice among Santa Barbara wedding venues, boasts Spanish-Moorish architecture and lush gardens. Its sunken gardens and Mural Room offer unique backdrops for ceremonies and creative portraits.
Unique Features:
- Iconic clock tower with panoramic city views
- Ornate Mural Room for intimate ceremonies
Price: $ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 882-4735
Type of Venue: Indoor
The Rockwood Woman’s Club, with its craftsman-style architecture, is a charming Santa Barbara wedding reception venue. Period details and surrounding oak trees create a warm atmosphere and beautiful outdoor portrait opportunities.
Unique Features:
- Historic craftsman-style building with period details
- Large patio area surrounded by oak trees
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 682-4546
Type of Venue: Garden
Villa and Vine captures Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean charm, making it a popular choice for wedding venues in Santa Barbara. Its romantic courtyard and mix of indoor-outdoor spaces allow for creative compositions throughout the day.
Unique Features:
- Charming courtyard with a Spanish tile fountain
- Rustic wine cellar for intimate gatherings or photo sessions
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 965-6100
Type of Venue: Unique
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum blends rich history with romantic ambiance. This unique Santa Barbara wedding venue features adobe architecture and tranquil courtyards, offering timeless backdrops for wedding photos.
Unique Features:
- Adobe courtyards with fountains and native plants
- Gallery spaces featuring local history for cocktail hour
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 966-1601
Type of Venue: Outdoor
Glen Annie Golf Club provides a picturesque setting among Santa Barbara outdoor wedding venues. Its rolling hills and mountain vistas offer dramatic wide-angle shots, while the clubhouse seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor spaces.
Unique Features:
- Panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean
- Lakeside ceremony site for romantic water reflections
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 968-6400
Type of Venue: Garden
San Ysidro Ranch, a luxurious option for Santa Barbara wedding venues, features lush gardens, rustic cottages, and sweeping ocean and mountain views. Its diverse landscapes, including ancient olive groves, create magical settings for wedding photos.
Unique Features:
- 500-acre property with diverse natural settings
- Historic cottages for getting-ready photos and intimate receptions
Price: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 969-6050
Type of Venue: Indoor
The Greek Orthodox Church offers a unique and ornate setting for traditional ceremonies. This distinctive Santa Barbara wedding venue’s intricate interior and domed exterior provide impressive backdrops for wedding portraits and group photos.
Unique Features:
- Ornate Byzantine-style interior with intricate iconography
- Distinctive domed exterior for striking architectural shots
Price: $ Capacity: Up to 300 guests Phone: (805) 569-1399
Type of Venue: Unique
El Paseo, a historic complex, offers a charming slice of old Santa Barbara for weddings. Its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and mix of intimate spaces and open plazas provide diverse settings for wedding photography.
Unique Features:
- Historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture
- Multiple courtyards and plazas for diverse event spaces
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 962-6050
Type of Venue: Unique
Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm presents a unique option among Santa Barbara wedding venues. Its greenhouses and coastal bluffs create magical, otherworldly atmospheres for wedding photos.
Unique Features:
- Greenhouse filled with exotic orchids for a tropical feel
- Coastal bluff location with ocean views
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 962-6050
TyType of Venue: Unique
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers an unconventional backdrop for weddings. This unique venue provides varied settings from dinosaur exhibits to butterfly gardens, inspiring dramatic and memorable wedding images.
Unique Features:
- Planetarium for starry-night themed receptions
- Outdoor creek-side area for nature-inspired ceremonies
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 682-4711
Type of Venue: Unique
The Presidio de Santa Barbara, a historic venue choice for weddings in Santa Barbara, blends the city’s past with charming settings. Its adobe architecture and tranquil courtyard create a timeless backdrop for wedding portraits, offering a striking contrast between rustic walls and elegant attire.
Unique Features:
- Historic adobe buildings and courtyard
- On-site chapel for traditional ceremonies
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 150 guests Phone: (805) 965-0093
More Inland Santa Barbara Wedding Venues
What are some affordable wedding venues in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara offers several budget-friendly venues, including the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club – Rockwood, Glen Annie Golf Club, and the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. These venues provide picturesque settings without a hefty price tag.
Here Comes The Guide
Which wedding venues in Santa Barbara offer all-inclusive packages?
All-inclusive venues like the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and Rincon Beach Club provide comprehensive services, including catering, event coordination, and accommodations, simplifying the planning process.
Here Comes The Guide
Are there unique wedding venues in Santa Barbara?
Yes, venues such as the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse offer distinctive backdrops for weddings, adding a unique charm to your special day
Santa Barbara, CA
What are some popular wedding venues in Santa Barbara?
Popular venues include the Bacara Resort, known for its luxury and ocean views, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, celebrated for its historic architecture and beautiful gardens.
Are there private estate wedding venues in Santa Barbara?
Yes, Santa Barbara boasts several private estate venues, offering exclusivity and elegance for weddings. These estates provide a personalized setting for your celebration.
Here Comes The Guide
Can I have a beach wedding in Santa Barbara?
Absolutely, venues like the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offer beach wedding options, allowing you to exchange vows with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Do Santa Barbara wedding venues offer catering services?
Many venues provide in-house catering or have preferred caterers. It’s advisable to inquire about catering options when selecting your venue to accommodate dietary preferences and budget considerations.
What should I consider when choosing a wedding venue in Santa Barbara?
Consider factors such as budget, guest capacity, location, available services (like catering and coordination), and the venue’s ambiance to ensure it aligns with your wedding vision.
Santa Barbara’s diverse venues cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring a memorable setting for your wedding day.
SANTA BARBARA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
As a local wedding photographer I’ve photographed many weddings in Santa Barbara. I love the area and all the locations there are for wedding day or engagement session photos. Reach out and let me know which venue you decided on or which wedding venue you’re leaning towards.
Some of these wedding venues have restrictions on guest count. Some will require you to use their own catering company, or they’ll require you to provide everything. But most of these venues are really beautiful and unique in their own ways, and no matter which you choose, I know your wedding day will be perfect.
If you’re looking for a property farther south, check out these Ventura County Wedding Venues.
