The Best Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

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17 Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Beaches, waterfront settings
Historic estates, mansions
Santa Barbara Historical Museum 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 450 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $25,000

Please visit the sbhistorical website for more information. Founded in the 1930s, this cultural landmark invites, charms, and stuns guests in the historic El Pueblo Viejo district. Evoke the romance of early Spanish California by celebrating your wedding or special occasion on the grounds of this cultural landmark located in the heart of Santa Barbara's historic district. Enjoy the ambience of two private, interconnected courtyards distinguished by native and exotic landscaping and accented with splashing fountains.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Surrounded by nature
  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Additional event staff required
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
“My husband and I were thrilled with our wedding venue at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The staff communicated clearly and concisely throughout the planning process, which helped make organizing a breeze. The space itself is naturally gorgeous, with beautiful architecture, and charming historic details. It was incredibly spacious, allowing us to easily accommodate all of our guests. The open layout provided a comfortable, laidback feel that encapsulated the Santa Barbara vibe. We received so many compliments from friends and family on the venue's beauty and charm. If you're looking for the quintessential Santa Barbara wedding backdrop, full of understated elegance and old California charm, the Historical Museum is a wonderful option to consider!”
Kelsey O., 2 years ago
Drift Santa Barbara 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 120 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $500

Be the first to check out Drift, Santa Barbara’s newest boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown on State Street. Drift is a 45-room boutique hotel with options for travelers of every kind, from the two-person Bunk all the way to the expansive rooftop Drift Penthouse. In addition to rooms, Drift’s on-site coffee shop, Dawn, is inspired by SoCal’s vintage surf culture, and offers a full menu of coffee, breakfast, and lunch. Drift’s on-site bar, Dusk, draws on our rich Mexican heritage, and serves beer, handcrafted cocktails, and a raw bar. Drift’s State Street location sits on an expansive car-free promenade filled with restaurants, entertainment, and shops. It’s also a breezy, 10-minute stroll from the Santa Barbara pier and beautiful California beaches.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has onsite accommodations
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Dance floor not included
  • Does not allow pets
“Drift Santa Barbara was the perfect venue for our wedding reception. From the moment we started working with their team, they were always there to help and truly wanted us to have the best day possible. The intimate space at Drift provided so much room for creativity - the team put in so much effort to ensure the space was beautifully set up and the service was exceptional. It's a truly gorgeous venue with the sweetest people, and we loved having our reception there. I also highly recommend staying at Drift for a full experience - the penthouse was absolutely gorgeous and the dreamiest room we could have asked for.”
Jordan L., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Unitarian Society Of Santa Barbara 
Rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,999

The Unitarian Society campus includes the Sanctuary, a Reception hall, a Terrace and two Gardened Courtyards, allowing for wedding Ceremonies inside or out. Designed and built in 1930 in the city’s signature Spanish-Revival style, the rustic glamor is enhanced by antique architectural elements. Couples of any faith or sexual orientation are invited to pledge their love in this glorious space, a welcome solution for interfaith marriages and same-sex unions.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Does not allow pets
Awarded Best of Zola
“The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara was an exceptional choice for our wedding venue. From the very beginning, their communication was fast, informative and always encouraging and positive. We appreciated their great value, clear pricing without any hidden fees, and their overall honesty throughout the process. They provided us with a beautiful sample photo book, kept us informed every step of the way, and set realistic expectations that were all exceeded on our wedding day. The easy access for all vendors, ability to host 135 guests both indoors and outdoors, beautiful architecture and venue customization made for an unforgettable celebration. We are so grateful to theUSSB team for helping make our special day truly perfect.”
Kirra E., 7 months ago
Riviera Beach Club at East Beach 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $150

Santa Barbara's Beach Club! A pop-up beach club for weddings, family events, and celebrations. Pick from our large list of rentals and services to curate the perfect beach day for you and your guests.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has a glamorous vibe
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
“Went to a welcome party here and it felt kinda like hanging out at a beach spot somewhere along the Italian coast. Worn-in tables, striped umbrellas, everything had that slightly faded, vintage charm. Really inviting. Just a good spot to eat, drink, and catch the sunset with everyone before the big day.”
Skylar, a year ago
Quick responder
Wanderment Farms 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 130 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $150,000

There is no other venue in Santa Barbara where you can look out at the islands, the mountains and the ocean from the same table, while eating food hand picked that morning. We open the estate for only a few events each year. If yours should be one of them, let's talk.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Provides catering services
  • Rustic charm with elegance

Venue considerations

  • Does not provide event staff
  • Does not allow pets
  • On-site parking not available
“Wanderment Farms is truly the most magical place in the world to have a wedding. The moment the gates swing open as you arrive by trolley, you step into another world. One with sweeping views of the Pacific, rows of grapevines, and a welcome party of llamas and sheep. Perched above the clouds, you'll swear the sunset glows pinker here than anywhere else. From the ceremony site to the barn to the reception patio, the venue feels vast yet intimate, with a new surprise around every corner. This place was clearly built with intention and love! Couldn’t recommend it enough for your wedding.”
Gracie W., 14 days ago
De La Vina Inn 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor

De La Vina Inn will add a touch of luxury and charm to your wedding. Historic architecture abounds in this meticulously restored inn, providing a beautiful backdrop for your special day. The Penthouse Suite perched at the top of the inn can be your romantic getaway, as well as your ‘getting ready’ space prior to your ceremony. With a buy-out of the inn, there are 8 private suites that can sleep 2 adults, all with their own private bath, and many have a cozy fireplace and balcony with city and garden views. You will have access to all the comforts of home...full kitchen, spacious living and dining room, and sun room that flows out to the back patio that overlooks the beautifully landscaped garden. The back garden has a soothing fountain and string lights, creating a picturesque setting for rehearsal dinners and smaller ceremonies and receptions (up 50 attendees/guests). Having a completely exclusive location for you and your group to enjoy, is a rare find in Santa Barbara!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Dressing room available
  • Surrounded by nature

Venue considerations

  • Better for more intimiate events
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Requires outside catering services
Quick responder
Hotel Californian 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Hotel Californian ( located at 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101) is a premier coastal luxury resort set in Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, just a block from the ocean. Blending 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Moroccan-inspired interior design by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, it offers over 23,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space spread across three distinct buildings (Californian, State, and Mason).

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Provides catering services

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Does not allow pets
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
Oku Restaurant 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Welcome to OKU, Santa Barbara’s premier destination for modern Japanese cuisine with a California soul. Located along the iconic waterfront, OKU offers a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding journey, from intimate engagement parties to elegant rehearsal dinners. Our menu celebrates locally sourced ingredients and refined techniques, ensuring your guests enjoy a culinary experience as memorable as the ocean views. Whether you’re planning a sunset cocktail hour or a sophisticated reception, our team is dedicated to providing an atmosphere of polished hospitality and coastal charm for your big day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Does not allow pets
  • Dance floor not included
Quick responder
The Condor Express Boat Cruise 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 127 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,280

Let's make your special weekend one to remember! Cruise the Santa Barbara coast, while surrounded by smiling friends and family. The backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, framed with the Santa Barbara coastline offers a magical experience for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, prewedding mixer, or send off party to name a few of the events that surround your wedding. Offer your out-of-town guests a surprise sunset cruise to enhance the Santa Barbara experience.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Has a fun and festive vibe
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Does not allow pets
Quick responder
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 800 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $10,000

With 60,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor venues for up to 600 guests, this iconic retreat blends romantic charm with Riviera-inspired elegance. Enjoy sweeping ocean views, al fresco celebrations, or ballroom glamour. Our expert team and seasoned culinary staff ensure every detail shines. Relax in deluxe suites, pamper yourself at our spa, and explore nearby vineyards, golf, and attractions. With historic charm and a legacy shaped by Fess Parker, this beachfront gem is California wedding perfection.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a sophisticated vibe
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
Santa Barbara Sailing Center 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 49 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Set sail for a spectacular celebration with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, where the Pacific Ocean becomes your venue. Specializing in intimate weddings, elopements, and high-energy rehearsal dinners, this waterfront escape offers a unique way to experience the American Riviera. From the iconic 50-foot Double Dolphin catamaran to private luxury yachts, couples can exchange vows against a backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains and golden coastline. Whether it’s a whale-watching welcome party or a sunset champagne toast, your event is elevated by the magic of the sea.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Provides event staff
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Small venue, not ideal for a large guest lists
  • No free parking
Quick responder
Mar Monte Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 220 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Welcome to Mar Monte, where the mountains meet the sea! Mar Monte is a Hyatt property within the Unbound Collection of distinct and unique Hyatt hotels. Our historic venue was built in 1931 and was recently renovated in 2021. Our stunning oceanside venue is a perfect romantic getaway for destination weddings. Book your all-inclusive wedding package from several options to host a truly sumptuous wedding! Find your happily ever after with us at Mar Monte Hotel.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Private area for the wedding party

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • On-site parking not available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Quick responder
The Ellwood at Goleta Beach 
Goleta, CA
  • Up to 375 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

The Ellwood at Goleta Beach is Santa Barbara County's premier oceanfront dining and event destination. Located just steps from the sand, this venue offers breathtaking views of the Central Coast and ingredient-driven cuisine. With versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, including spacious patios and a private dining room, The Ellwood provides a relaxed yet refined setting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and special celebrations.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready

About wedding venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Choosing Santa Barbara for your wedding gives you Spanish-inspired architecture with red-tile roofs, breathtaking Santa Ynez mountain backdrops and stunning Pacific Ocean panoramas. This "American Riviera" offers a Mediterranean climate that's perfect for outdoor ceremonies while coastal breezes naturally cool your afternoon celebration.

What Makes Santa Barbara Wedding Venues Unique?

Santa Barbara's venues seamlessly blend Spanish colonial charm featuring authentic adobe walls and hand-painted tiles with coastal elegance. You'll find the Santa Barbara Courthouse showcasing intricate Moorish detail and a clock tower with 360-degree views while Rincon Beach Club offers beachfront access with both indoor and outdoor seating a dedicated patio and bar service without those pesky curfew restrictions. The region gives you distinctive venue options including beach settings with direct sand access for barefoot ceremonies vineyard estates offering private wine tastings for your wedding party mission-inspired properties featuring bell towers and arcaded walkways garden venues with native botanical collections and rose gardens and ranch properties complete with horse facilities and mountain backdrops.

How Much Do Santa Barbara Wedding Venues Cost?

Wedding venues in Santa Barbara typically range from $10,700 to $13,000 with average costs around $11,834; noticeably higher than the national benchmark of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget. For a wedding with 50 guests you're looking at a total budget of approximately $29,026. As your guest list grows so does your investment: - 100 guests: $48,413 - 150 guests: $66,631 - 200 guests: $82,902 - 250 guests: $99,173 - 300 guests: $115,444

Which Santa Barbara Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort features a 20,000 square-foot open-air patio overlooking the Pacific with full accessibility accommodations that ensure all your guests can enjoy the celebration. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara makes sure all areas are accessible creating an inclusive experience while treating you and your guests to breathtaking coastline views and luxury amenities throughout your special day.

Are There Santa Barbara Venues That Support Remote Participation?

The Rosewood Miramar Beach offers excellent facilities for remote participation with its luxurious setting and technology infrastructure that can support interactive elements beyond just basic streaming for guests who can't attend in person. Santa Barbara Zoo provides a unique 30-acre setting that can be customized for interactive remote experiences offering an unconventional yet engaging environment where distant guests can feel part of your celebration.

Which Santa Barbara Venues Offer Outstanding Food?

Belmond El Encanto perched on a hill overlooking Santa Barbara features award-winning California cuisine using local ingredients and seasonal produce that will impress even your most food-savvy guests. The Four Seasons Resort Biltmore specializes in fresh seafood and California cuisine at its Belvedere restaurant known for impeccable service and dishes prepared by renowned chefs who can customize your wedding menu. San Ysidro Ranch offers farm-to-table dining focused on fresh local ingredients in an intimate setting in the foothills where you can create a personalized culinary experience for your reception.

How Can I Optimize My Santa Barbara Wedding Budget?

Balance your venue investment with other key vendors:

Wedding ServiceAverage Cost% of Total Budget (150 guests)
Hair & Makeup$6661%
Band & DJs$1,8863%
Catering$9,46714%
Bar Services$7,57411%
Photography$5,2868%
Florists$8,67813%
Cakes & Desserts$9071%
Videography$4,7817%
Wedding Planning$5,3658%

September is the most popular inquiry month for Santa Barbara weddings so consider alternative months for potential savings and greater venue availability without sacrificing the beautiful weather this region is known for.

What other Santa Barbara vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?