Santa Barbara Wedding Venues
SANTA BARBARA WEDDING VENUES – WHERE TO START?
Planning your wedding can be such a stressful time, but it is also fun and exciting and will help ensure that your wedding is one of the best days of your life. But where do you start? You know you want to have your wedding in Santa Barbara, probably because it’s a gorgeous city, with near-perfect weather all year long. It’s perfectly situated just a couple of hours from Los Angeles. There are multiple hotels, and bed & breakfasts to choose from. And the architecture throughout the city is uniquely Spanish, a look that isn’t as predominant in most other California cities.
]hen considering Santa Barbara wedding venues, you’ll find a diverse array of options. 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 or nearby 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:
rosewood miramar • Santa Barabar
1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito, CA 93108
Type of Venue: Beach
The Rosewood Miramar Beach is a coastal dream come true and one of the most luxurious Santa Barbara wedding venues. 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.
Unique Features:
- Private beach access for intimate ceremonies
- Luxurious ballrooms with ocean views for receptions
Price: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 400 guests Phone: (805) 900-8388
hilton santa barabar beachfront
633 East Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Type of Venue: Hotel
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront, a prime Santa Barbara wedding venue, blends coastal charm with modern elegance. This versatile Santa Barbara hotel wedding venue features an expansive lawn for ocean-view ceremonies and elegant ballrooms for receptions, offering ample natural light for stunning portraits.
Unique Features:
- Beachfront location with mountain views
- Spacious ballrooms with contemporary decor
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 600 guests Phone: (805) 564-4333
The Biltmore Four Seasons • Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
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: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 400 guests Phone: (805) 969-2261
Cabrillo Pavillion • Santa Barbara
1118 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Type of Venue: Beach
The Cabrillo Pavilion, a popular choice among Santa Barbara wedding reception venues, combines historic charm with beachfront allure. Large windows flood the space with light, while the adjacent beach offers a romantic setting for seaside portraits.
Unique Features:
- Direct beach access for ceremonies
- Recently renovated interior with a modern coastal vibe
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 564-5420
Bacara Resort • Santa Barbara
8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
Type of Venue: Hotel
Bacara Resort, a Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara hotel wedding venue, offers clifftop ocean vistas and Spanish-style courtyards. Its diverse settings provide endless possibilities for stunning wedding photography.
Unique Features:
- Three saltwater infinity pools with ocean views
- 78-acre property with varied landscapes for diverse photo opportunities
Price: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 1,000 guests Phone: (805) 968-0100
Hotel Californian
36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Type of Venue: Hotel
Hotel Californian stands out among Santa Barbara wedding venues with its blend of Spanish Colonial and Moorish-inspired design. Its intricate tilework and rooftop event space with panoramic views create unique visual experiences for wedding photos.
Unique Features:
- Rooftop event space with 360-degree views
- Eclectic interior design for striking photo backdrops
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 250 guests Phone: (805) 963-6000
Carousel House
223 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Type of Venue: Beach
The Carousel House, a whimsical beachfront venue, features charming architecture and large arched windows. This unique Santa Barbara wedding venue, along with nearby Chase Palm Park, offers diverse backdrops for wedding portraits.
Unique Features:
- Historic carousel building with unique architectural elements
- Direct beach access for ceremonies and portraits
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 180 guests Phone: (805) 897-1982
The Moxi
125 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Type of Venue: Unique
The Moxi, an interactive science museum, provides a distinctive option among wedding venues in Santa Barbara. Its vibrant exhibits and rooftop Sky Garden offer creative opportunities for unique wedding photos.
Unique Features:
- Interactive science exhibits for entertainment during cocktail hour
- Rooftop Sky Garden with mountain and ocean views
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 770-5000
El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel
800 El Encanto Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 570-2500
INLAND SANTA BARBARA VENUES
Here are some more amazing wedding venues that are in the Santa Barbara area but aren’t near the beach. These are tucked in the city, and surrounding areas and they also have great spaces to make your dream wedding come to life.
La Cumbre Country Club
4015 Via Laguna, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Type of Venue: Outdoor
La Cumbre Country Club, a premier Santa Barbara wedding venue, offers stunning Santa Ynez Mountain views. Its manicured grounds provide a lush backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, while the clubhouse frames mountain vistas through large windows.
Unique Features:
- Panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains
- Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for various wedding styles
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 300 guests Phone: (805) 687-1711
Santa Barbara Courthouse
1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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) 568-2250
Rockwood Woman’s Club
670 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 682-1852
Villa and Vine
401 E. Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Type of Venue: Garden
Villa and Vine captures Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean charm, making it a popular choice for wedding venues in Santa Barbara. Its romantic courtyard and mix of indoor-outdoor spaces allow for creative compositions throughout the day.
Unique Features:
- Charming courtyard with a Spanish tile fountain
- Rustic wine cellar for intimate gatherings or photo sessions
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 965-6100
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
136 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 966-1601
Glenn annie golf club
405 Glen Annie Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
Type of Venue: Outdoor
Glen Annie Golf Club provides a picturesque setting among Santa Barbara outdoor wedding venues. Its rolling hills and mountain vistas offer dramatic wide-angle shots, while the clubhouse seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor spaces.
Unique Features:
- Panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean
- Lakeside ceremony site for romantic water reflections
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 968-6400
san ysidro ranch
900 San Ysidro Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
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: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 969-6050
greek orthodox church • santa barbara
1222 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Type of Venue: Indoor
The Greek Orthodox Church offers a unique and ornate setting for traditional ceremonies. This distinctive Santa Barbara wedding venue’s intricate interior and domed exterior provide impressive backdrops for wedding portraits and group photos.
Unique Features:
- Ornate Byzantine-style interior with intricate iconography
- Distinctive domed exterior for striking architectural shots
Price: $ Capacity: Up to 300 guests Phone: (805) 569-1399
el paseo santa barbara
823 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Type of Venue: Unique
El Paseo, a historic complex, offers a charming slice of old Santa Barbara for weddings. Its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and mix of intimate spaces and open plazas provide diverse settings for wedding photography.
Unique Features:
- Historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture
- Multiple courtyards and plazas for diverse event spaces
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 884-9282
Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm
1400 San Antonio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
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: $$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 964-4302
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Type of Venue: Unique
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers an unconventional backdrop for weddings. This unique venue provides varied settings from dinosaur exhibits to butterfly gardens, inspiring dramatic and memorable wedding images.
Unique Features:
- Planetarium for starry-night themed receptions
- Outdoor creek-side area for nature-inspired ceremonies
Price: $$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 682-4711
Villa Verano
2320 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Type of Venue: Private Estate
Villa Verano, a stunning private estate, is a luxurious choice for Santa Barbara wedding venues. Its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and landscaped gardens offer sophisticated backdrops for ceremonies and portraits with mountain views.
Unique Features:
- Panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains
- Multiple outdoor garden areas for ceremonies and receptions
Price: $$$$ Capacity: Up to 200 guests Phone: (805) 689-3078
Santa Barbara Zoo
00 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Type of Venue: Unique
The Santa Barbara Zoo, a unique option among Santa Barbara wedding venues, offers a whimsical setting for animal-loving couples. Its diverse landscapes, from tropical gardens to hilltop areas with ocean views, provide endless creative opportunities for wedding photography, with exotic animals adding surprise elements to photos.
Unique Features:
- Various animal exhibits for unique photo opportunities
- Hilltop ceremony site with panoramic ocean views
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 300 guests Phone: (805) 962-5339
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
123 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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: $$ Capacity: Up to 150 guests Phone: (805) 965-0093
Canary Santa Barbara Hotel
31 W Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Type of Venue: Hotel
The Canary Santa Barbara Hotel, a luxurious Santa Barbara hotel wedding venue, boasts a prime downtown location. Its rooftop pool area provides panoramic views for dramatic sunset portraits, while Spanish-inspired decor offers elegant indoor backdrops. Its central location also allows for creative urban wedding photo sessions.
Unique Features:
- Rooftop pool and lounge area with 360-degree views
- Central location for easy access to downtown photo opportunities
Price: $$$ Capacity: Up to 150 guests Phone: (805) 884-0300
SANTA BARBARA WEDDING VENUES
I’ve photographed many weddings in Santa Barbara. I love the area and all the many locations there are for wedding day or engagement session photos. Just take a look around my site to see some samples, then reach out and let me know which venue you decided on or which Santa Barbara 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.
