There’s something undeniably enchanting about Santa Barbara, California. Nestled between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains, the sun-soaked city is a dreamy backdrop for saying your “I do’s,” and there are plenty of stunning Santa Barbara wedding venues to choose from. 

Additionally, unique Southern California city is known for its Spanish colonial heritage, and Santa Barbara offers a variety of phenomenal wedding venues that are perfect for couples dreaming of a wedding that’s anything but ordinary. 

Claudia and Adam are from Texas and celebrated their marriage with a destination wedding in Santa Barbara. They tied the knot surrounded by all their friends and family at the Carousel House, Santa Barbara’s newest public beachfront venue. The wedding planners at One Sweet Day Events transformed the venue into something magical and made Claudia and Adam’s day shine. (I loved working with them and highly recommend their wedding planning and coordination services.)

9 Fabulous Santa Barbara Wedding Venues You Need to See

Santa Barbara is one of my favorite locations to shoot weddings, given its history, architecture, and beachy location. I’ll highlight nine of the most stunning Santa Barbara wedding venues, and I bet you’ll find one that speaks to you. Honestly, the hardest part is choosing! They’re all so spectacular in their own ways, and their event teams are second to none. 

Santa Barbara Courthouse

First on our the list is the Santa Barbara Courthouse. With its iconic Spanish-Moorish architecture and lush sunken gardens, this historic landmark offers a romantic, old-world charm that’s hard to rival. The meticulously crafted details in every archway and tile, paired with the whispering palms and coloful florals, make it an intimate setting for your vows. 

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is not your average vanilla courthouse. It’s a beautiful building with plenty of photo areas for your elopement. Or you could even have a full wedding in the Sunken Gardens.

The Hotel Californian

Are you seeking a more cosmopolitan venue? The Hotel Californian is a chic, modern venue that blends classic Santa Barbara style with contemporary elegance. With its rooftop deck overlooking the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, it provides a beautiful setting for your ceremony and reception.

I really love the bold colors, geometric lines (give me allllll the leading lines!), and eclectic décor elements that give this hotel its signature look. You can check out a full wedding at Hotel Californian in my recent blog here. 

Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

Next, for those who desire a touch of luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, is a dream. This oceanfront resort features stunning vistas, lush gardens, and elaborate ballrooms. At Ritz-Carlton Bacara, you can exchange vows just steps from the ocean and celebrate your marriage beneath the palms.

Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore

Then, just a short drive away, tucked along Butterfly Beach, lies the Four Seasons Resort, the Biltmore Santa Barbara. Its Spanish Colonial architecture, fragrant gardens, and panoramic ocean views offer a dreamy setting for your special day. The Biltmore is renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional service to give you a fairy-tale wedding in a nostalgic vintage setting. 

Note: The Biltmore is undergoing renovations this spring and is set to reopen in Summer 2024, but you can still call or go online to book weddings.

Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm

In contrast, for nature lovers, the Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm is a breathtaking choice. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a canopy of lush greenery, with the sound of waves as your soundtrack. This rustic, secret garden-style venue has a charming, bohemian vibe, perfect for a whimsical wedding.

Klentner Ranch

Moving along, the Klentner Ranch is situated in the agave-studded foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The equestrian ranch offers a blend of rustic charm and elegance. With panoramic ocean views, rolling hills, and a beautiful Spanish-style mansion, the sprawling venue provides a tranquil and private setting that’s a scene from a storybook.

Sunstone Winery

Sunstone Winery is a luxury Provence-style venue located in Santa Ynez Valley. It offers a rustic yet sophisticated ambiance. With breathtaking Tuscan vineyard views, historic stone buildings, and aromatic lavender fields, this venue is a wine lover’s dream.

Ojai Valley Inn

The Ojai Valley Inn, a bit further afield but worth every mile, is a paradise unto itself. Nestled amidst the Topa Topa Mountains, this venue offers a serene, natural setting with Spanish-style architecture. Its sweeping mountain views, immaculate golf courses, and beautiful terraces present several options for your ceremony and reception.

San Ysidro Ranch

Finally, the San Ysidro Ranch, tucked into the Montecito foothills, is a picturesque choice for those seeking a quintessential California wedding. Its stunning cottage-style accommodations, fragrant gardens, and intimate dining settings make it a magical place to begin your happily ever after.

Discovering The Best of Santa Barbara

Each of these Santa Barbara wedding venues offers something unique, making them the perfect locale for your dream wedding. From historic charm to modern luxury, from beachfront serenity to vineyard elegance, each one is a testament to the beauty and diversity of Santa Barbara. All that’s left for you to do is choose the one that speaks to your heart and let Santa Barbara’s magic do the rest.

Need a Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer?

Hi there! I’m Hanna, the artist behind the lens, here to keep the wedding party on track, the guests off your train, and the hair out of your face. I love creative, editorial compositions and jump at the chance to use film for extra heart-tugging, nostalgic vibes you’ll cherish forever. If you’re drawn to art, adventure, and love, let’s get in touch!

Connect with Hanna

Santa Barbara Wedding Vendor Team

Photographer: @hannawalkowaik
Planner: @onesweetdayevents
Beauty: @pachecobeauty
Cake: @wholefoods
Floral: @eventsbymaxi
Catering: @gyromania | @disfrutatruck
Ceremony site: @carouselhouseweddings
Reception site: @carouselhouseweddings
Music/DJ: @sbparadisemusic
Dress Designer: @justinalexandersignature
Dress shop: @jbridalboutique
Suit Shop: @theblacktux
Groom’s People Attire: @theblacktux
Videographer: Agápe Films