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Updated Mar 17, 202515 Popular Santa Barbara Wedding Venues You'll Absolutely Love
This California coastal paradise is the perfect setting for your big day.
by Kristine Fellizar
Updated Dec 06, 2023
California's Central Coast is home to one of the most beautiful and eclectic cities, Santa Barbara. Just an hour and a half hour's drive up from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara wedding venues are perfect for anyone looking for perfect Mediterranean-style weather, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and a warm, welcoming community. Plan your wedding day for some time between April and November, and say "I do" in the middle of a rose garden containing over 1,500 rose plants in Santa Barbara's infamous Rose Garden. If a romantic ranch wedding is what you're going for, Klentner Ranch in Carpinteria has a beautiful estate with ocean views, avocado orchards, olive trees and a well-kept pool and garden. Whether you're planning for a large outdoor ceremony or an elopement, San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito may be the site of the storybook wedding of your dreams.
Between finding the right venue for your special day and putting together your guest list, wedding planning can be tough. Fortunately, The Knot has everything you might need from wedding locations to photographers, reception venues and more. While California is home to some of the most stunning wedding venues, Santa Barbara county is really one of a kind. With that said, here are the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara.
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection in Los Olivos, California
Located 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern offers truly spectacular natural beauty in the Santa Ynez Valley and is ideal for intimate weddings. The farmhouse-style venue features a stunning stone fireplace, farm-to-table dishes from the in-house catering team and space for up to 90 guests. There's also the Heartley Lawn, a scenic spot for ceremonies. Your crew will love staying in one of the well-appointed guest rooms or cottages for a truly memorable wedding weekend.
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1880 Union Hotel in Los Alamos, California
The historic 1880 Union Hotel in Los Alamos is located just a little north of Santa Barbara. It was built as a stagecoach stop in the late nineteenth century by Wells Fargo agent, J.D. Snyder. This venue is particularly unique because it's considered to be a relic of the Old West. Now, it's a luxurious hotel that can host weddings for up to 300 guests. 1880 Union Hotel has private event spaces for you to choose from, grand chandeliers and an in-house wedding coordinator to make things as easy as it can be. Plus, many celebrities have been to this landmark including legends like Paul McCartney and Jon Bon Jovi.
Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground in Buellton, California
Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground located in the Santa Barbara wine country has unique offerings to make your big day unlike any other. This high-end campground features rustic cabins, ranch-style cottages and luxury tents for you and your guests to use before and after the event. They even offer a wedding package that includes lodging, a wedding ceremony on the meadow, cocktail hour at the bocce ball court and a wedding reception at the Pavilion barn. Plus, this is a great location with easy access to the Santa Ynez valley and the quaint Danish village, Solvang.
Montecito Club in Santa Barbara, California
If you're looking to have a small, intimate wedding, Montecito Club may be the ideal Santa Barbara wedding venue for you. Montecito Club is the definition of elegance and prestige. The venue itself features panoramic ocean views and a 20,000-square foot Great Lawn for wedding ceremonies. The Great Room, which can be used for the wedding reception, contains 12 Baccarat crystal chandeliers and the event space's original wood beam ceilings and floors. Plus, this private country club recently underwent a three-year renovation, so you know the amenities are top notch.
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California
The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara is a historic, non-denominational church located in downtown Santa Barbara. The venue prides itself on its inclusive philosophy, and welcomes couples of any faith or sexual orientation. The wedding ceremony can be done in the Sanctuary, which features a stained-glass rose window and 1,500-pipe organ. Guests can then enjoy a nice cocktail hour in the Jefferson Courtyard or Parish Courtyard, which is spacious and can fit up to 200 guests. Overall, it truly is a warm and inviting space for you to celebrate your love with friends and family.
The Narrative Loft in Santa Barbara, California
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, The Narrative Loft is a charming and trendy venue that will give you major New York City vibes. It's very modern, has an "urban industrial aesthetic," and the event space can be transformed into anything you want it to be. The venue features high ceilings, a clean studio layout and a lot of windows, for a nice spacious feel. It's a charming indoor special events space that can be used to exchange vows, hold the reception, or have your rehearsal dinner.
The Riviera Mansion in Santa Barbara, California
The Riviera Mansion, also known as The University Club of Santa Barbara, is a historic private estate that was built in 1880. It's considered to be one of the premiere destinations for a wedding on the American Riviera. This venue features Spanish Colonial architecture, brick patios and walkways, hardwood floors and fireplaces, chandeliers and beautiful lush gardens. The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the estate can be good for either an indoor or outdoor wedding.
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The Genevieve in Santa Ynez, California
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country is the Four Diamond rated The Genevieve. It's a place for those looking for "unspoiled luxury" and indulgent tastes. It's a beautiful inn that's modern and luxurious with a historical touch. Exchange vows on the gardens for a lovely outdoor ceremony, and then celebrate at the newly renovated, Coach House, which features a spacious room and separate lounge area. This is a particularly great spot for anyone looking to have a more low-key wedding or elopement. It's charming, cozy and the staff is on hand to help with anything you may need for make your big day run smoothly.
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront in Santa Barbara, California
You and your partner will feel like you're in paradise at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, one of our favorite Santa Barbara wedding venues. Not only does this offer amazing views of the Pacific Coast, it also features unique Iberian-inspired decor, and over 60,000 square feet of event spaces to choose from. The Plaza del Sol, for instance, is an outdoor space that's great for a ceremony. The resort also has a Grand Ballroom that can be used for your wedding reception. The location itself, right along the beach makes this a dream wedding venue.
Whispering Rose Ranch in Solvang, California
Whispering Rose Ranch is known to be one of the best places to get married in Santa Barbara county. They weren't kidding when they called themselves a "majestic ranch estate." It's a private estate, so it has a very exclusive feel to it. With its rose-covered gates, chandeliers strung from sycamore trees, views of the Santa Ynez Valley and the 200 year-old Bride's Stone Cottage, Whispering Rose Ranch is the ultimate dream wedding location. As a bonus for all you animal lovers out there, horses are always galloping around. This venue is a definite must.
Santa Barbara Zoo in Santa Barbara, California
Situated on 30 acres of land, the Santa Barbara Zoo goes far beyond the ability to hang out with giraffes on your wedding day (though you can do that too!). You'll also find beautiful garden spaces, ocean views and in-house catering. For an outdoor ceremony, the Hilltop and Palm Garden are gorgeous venues with 360-degree mountain and harbor views. This outdoor space can host events for up to 1,200 guests. The Discovery Pavilion is an indoor option that can host up to 225 guests, though smaller spaces are available for more intimate events.
Rancho Vino Nuevo in Solvang, California
One of the big perks of getting married in Central California is the number of stunning ranch venues in the area. Rancho Vino Nuevo in Solvang is one of the best out there, with 63 acres in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Say "I do" under a centuries-old Valley Oak Tree, in the Open-Air Arbor, or in front of the Historic Barn, and then enjoy dinner and dancing in the brand-new Wood and Glass Barn, which offers breathtaking countryside and mountain views. This venue can host up to 250 guests.
Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara, California
The Kimpton Canary Hotel is a great spot to tie the knot if you're looking for a cozy, intimate space. This Tuscan-style hotel has an outdoor terrace that gives you amazing views of downtown Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. There's even a mission-style fireplace that can be utilized if you choose to use the space for a reception or rehearsal dinner. Ballrooms, salons and the rooftop pool and lounge are also available to book and use for your big day. Aside from the location and views, one of the biggest draws is the service. The staff is known for being very helpful and accommodating.
Elings Park in Santa Barbara, California
Elings Park is a wedding and special events venue made for anyone looking to have the wedding of their dreams on a budget. The site features two outdoor venues which both have gorgeous views of the city, mountain range, sunset and stars. If you set a date in spring or summer, you'll be treated to the sight of matilija poppies, which only bloom at that time. Goodrich Grove, the park's estate-like venue, features a stone amphitheater surrounded by oak trees. The Singleton Pavilion is the park's other wedding venue, which features a large grassy area and gazebo.
Rincon Beach Club in Carpinteria, California
This full-service, all-inclusive California wedding venue is a popular spot to get married in Santa Barbara county. If you've always dreamed of having the ultimate California beach wedding, Rincon Beach Club may be for you. In fact, they specialize in both beach weddings, as well as garden ceremonies. Since it is all-inclusive, a personal event coordinator will help you plan everything from food to decor. The resort even offers full event production, which you can take advantage of. With a great location and a helpful staff, it's easy to see why Rincon Beach Club is a hot wedding venue in Santa Barbara.
