Affordable Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Affordable Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

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6 Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Historic estates, mansions
Up to $7,626
Drift Santa Barbara 

5.0

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., 7 months ago
Quick responder
Unitarian Society Of Santa Barbara 

5.0

Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,500

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
It’s always a pleasure to officiate weddings at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. I love this venue because it is a gem architecturally and spiritually. As a historical landmark, it offers a timeless and elegant setting that feels both sacred and welcoming to all. Working with Joanie, the Wedding and Events Manager, is an absolute joy. She’s incredibly organized, kind, and ensures everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether it's a micro or a large formal wedding, this space accommodates it beautifully. One of the standout features is the 100-year-old organ, which can be included in the ceremony for a truly grand and memorable touch. The light and sound system are also top-notch, enhancing the overall experience for everyone in attendance. USSB is perfect for couples of all backgrounds and beliefs, and I always look forward to returning. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful and beautiful place to say “I do.”
Julia G., 4 months ago
Quick responder
The Narrative Loft 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

The Loft brings the eclectic feel of a NYC loft right into the heart of Santa Barbara. The clean layout of the studio allows our clients to effortlessly turn their dreams into reality around them. This versatility has made it possible for us to host everything from beautiful wedding receptions, creative corporate retreats as well as fun and festive birthday parties.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No free parking
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

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.

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 types of wedding venues are in Santa Barbara, CA?

What other Santa Barbara vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?