The Best Barn & Farm Wedding Venues in Santa Maria, CA

The Best Barn & Farm Wedding Venues in Santa Maria, CA

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1 Wedding Venues in Santa Maria, CA

Farms, barns, ranches
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Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation 

5.0

Goleta, CA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

If you're looking for... ~ a rustic, farmhouse environment with quiet elegance ~ an open and inviting atmosphere ~ flexibility to stage both ceremony and reception in multiple spaces with ease of movement ~ an ADA-accessible venue with plentiful parking ~ a full kitchen and a bridal changing room ~ onsite tables and chairs for more than 100 dining guests... ... you'll love Live Oak for your wedding venue! At Live Oak, we put love at the center of all we do and welcome all committed couples to marry here. Built in 1916, Live Oak has beautifully maintained the original Farmhouse, Cottage, and Water Tower. Keeping with the early 20th-century farmhouse style, we've added two spacious buildings - Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary with 21st-century interiors, boasting shining hardwood floors for dancing. In addition, we have a beautiful Outdoor Sanctuary near the Water Tower with amphitheater seating, a 7-labyrinth, and a wooded picnic area - ideal for micro-weddings.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Versatile for various event styles
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Additional event staff required
Everyone at Live Oak made it easy for us to achieve the wedding setup we envisioned. From showing us photos of the space with others' decor, to sending us links with suggestions, coming to the venue to help us plan at times that worked for us, working with us to create a checklist and timeline, and showing up early/ staying late to clean up, we felt that the people at Live Oak really wanted to help us achieve the wedding that worked for us. On the day of the wedding, it was nice to have the Cottage as a room to prep and primp, and I was able to see the arriving guests while staying unseen. We also stored flowers in the kitchen fridge, which helped keep them fresh. Overall, we were consulted as to our wishes prior to the event, then during the actual wedding, things that needed to be done "behind the scenes" were taken care of, which left us able to focus on our guests and each other.
Alexandra W., 8 days ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Santa Maria, CA

About wedding venues in Santa Maria, CA

What Makes Santa Maria an Exceptional Wedding Destination?

Santa Maria's wedding venues capture the essence of Central California with their sprawling vineyard estates, Spanish-style haciendas, and historic properties from the 1920s. You'll find exceptional microclimates here creating picture-perfect backdrops throughout the year, with summer temperatures hovering around a comfortable 73°F. The best part? These venues typically cost 30-40% less than similar properties just down the road in Santa Barbara County while giving you the same renowned Central Coast wine country feel that couples love.

How Much Will Your Santa Maria Wedding Cost?

Wedding budgets in Santa Maria change dramatically depending on how many guests you invite and which venue you choose. A small wedding with 50 guests averages about $29,606 while medium-sized celebrations with 150 guests typically run around $67,957. Larger affairs escalate accordingly with 300-guest weddings reaching approximately $117,736.

Guest CountAverage Total Budget
50 guests (small wedding)$29,606
100 guests$49,377
150 guests$67,957
200 guests$84,550
250 guests$101,143
300 guests (large wedding)$117,736
Nationally venues typically cost between $6,500 and $12,000 representing about a quarter of total wedding expenses. In Santa Maria you'll find venues taking up just 18% of your budget at around $12,072 which gives you more flexibility with other aspects of your celebration.

What Types of Wedding Venues Can You Find in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria offers a rich variety of venue options to match your wedding vision. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery features stunning ceremony spaces that overlook lush Pinot Noir vineyards where you can exchange vows against a backdrop of rolling hills. The Historic Santa Maria Inn established in 1917 houses the Spanish-inspired Santa Maria Room that accommodates 80 guests and the more intimate Kent Room perfect for gatherings of 40. If you're dreaming of panoramic views Las Cumbres Ranch delivers with its hilltop location and multiple ceremony spaces that showcase the breathtaking Santa Maria landscape.

Which Santa Maria Venues Are Budget-Friendly?

Municipal venues like Waller Park offer beautiful ceremony sites for under $2,500 making them perfect for couples watching their budget. You can also score significant savings by considering an off-season wedding between November and March when vineyard venues often reduce their prices by approximately 30%. This makes luxury settings much more accessible and gives you the high-end experience without the premium price tag.

What Wedding Costs Should You Expect in Santa Maria?

Florists in the area average $8,853 representing about 13% of your total wedding cost while caterers typically run around $9,658 or 14% of your budget. For capturing your special day photographers cost approximately $5,392 (8%) and videographers average $4,877 (7%). Wedding planners who'll help coordinate everything typically charge around $5,473 which accounts for roughly 8% of your overall expenses.

When Should You Book Your Santa Maria Wedding Venue?

November marks the busiest inquiry month for Santa Maria venues with most couples securing their location approximately 14 months before their wedding day. The peak season runs from May through October with September being especially popular due to the magical harvest season ambiance at vineyard settings. If you have your heart set on a specific venue you'll want to reach out early as the best locations book up quickly especially for weekend dates.

Which Santa Maria Venues Offer Accessibility Features?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and preparation areas so all your guests can move comfortably around the property. The Historic Santa Maria Inn offers accessible banquet rooms and gardens suitable for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies with handicap accessibility throughout the venue. These thoughtful features ensure everyone in your celebration can fully participate in your special day without barriers.

Where Can You Find Outstanding Culinary Experiences in Santa Maria?

The White Barn in nearby Edna Valley stands out for its distinctive character and exceptional food options that will impress even your most culinary-minded guests. The Santa Maria Inn blends historic charm with highly regarded catering services giving you both atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Greengate Ranch & Vineyard offers fresh locally-sourced menus that attract food-conscious couples looking to give their guests an authentic taste of Central California's bounty.

How Can You Incorporate Local Culture Into Your Santa Maria Wedding?

You can bring authentic Santa Maria heritage to your celebration through traditional barbecue pits using California red oak for a distinctive smoky flavor your guests will remember. In your décor consider incorporating locally grown succulents ranunculus and Vandenberg wildflowers for a truly regional aesthetic. Local caterers excel at Santa Maria-style BBQ tri-tip and pinquito beans offering you and your guests authentic flavors that showcase the region's culinary traditions and give your wedding a genuine sense of place.

What Makes Santa Maria an Exceptional Wedding Destination?

Santa Maria's wedding venues capture the essence of Central California with their sprawling vineyard estates, Spanish-style haciendas, and historic properties from the 1920s. You'll find exceptional microclimates here creating picture-perfect backdrops throughout the year, with summer temperatures hovering around a comfortable 73°F. The best part? These venues typically cost 30-40% less than similar properties just down the road in Santa Barbara County while giving you the same renowned Central Coast wine country feel that couples love.

How Much Will Your Santa Maria Wedding Cost?

Wedding budgets in Santa Maria change dramatically depending on how many guests you invite and which venue you choose. A small wedding with 50 guests averages about $29,606 while medium-sized celebrations with 150 guests typically run around $67,957. Larger affairs escalate accordingly with 300-guest weddings reaching approximately $117,736.

Guest CountAverage Total Budget
50 guests (small wedding)$29,606
100 guests$49,377
150 guests$67,957
200 guests$84,550
250 guests$101,143
300 guests (large wedding)$117,736
Nationally venues typically cost between $6,500 and $12,000 representing about a quarter of total wedding expenses. In Santa Maria you'll find venues taking up just 18% of your budget at around $12,072 which gives you more flexibility with other aspects of your celebration.

What Types of Wedding Venues Can You Find in Santa Maria?

Santa Maria offers a rich variety of venue options to match your wedding vision. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery features stunning ceremony spaces that overlook lush Pinot Noir vineyards where you can exchange vows against a backdrop of rolling hills. The Historic Santa Maria Inn established in 1917 houses the Spanish-inspired Santa Maria Room that accommodates 80 guests and the more intimate Kent Room perfect for gatherings of 40. If you're dreaming of panoramic views Las Cumbres Ranch delivers with its hilltop location and multiple ceremony spaces that showcase the breathtaking Santa Maria landscape.

Which Santa Maria Venues Are Budget-Friendly?

Municipal venues like Waller Park offer beautiful ceremony sites for under $2,500 making them perfect for couples watching their budget. You can also score significant savings by considering an off-season wedding between November and March when vineyard venues often reduce their prices by approximately 30%. This makes luxury settings much more accessible and gives you the high-end experience without the premium price tag.

What Wedding Costs Should You Expect in Santa Maria?

Florists in the area average $8,853 representing about 13% of your total wedding cost while caterers typically run around $9,658 or 14% of your budget. For capturing your special day photographers cost approximately $5,392 (8%) and videographers average $4,877 (7%). Wedding planners who'll help coordinate everything typically charge around $5,473 which accounts for roughly 8% of your overall expenses.

When Should You Book Your Santa Maria Wedding Venue?

November marks the busiest inquiry month for Santa Maria venues with most couples securing their location approximately 14 months before their wedding day. The peak season runs from May through October with September being especially popular due to the magical harvest season ambiance at vineyard settings. If you have your heart set on a specific venue you'll want to reach out early as the best locations book up quickly especially for weekend dates.

Which Santa Maria Venues Offer Accessibility Features?

The Griffith House features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout its Spanish-style grounds including the private ceremony lawn and preparation areas so all your guests can move comfortably around the property. The Historic Santa Maria Inn offers accessible banquet rooms and gardens suitable for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies with handicap accessibility throughout the venue. These thoughtful features ensure everyone in your celebration can fully participate in your special day without barriers.

Where Can You Find Outstanding Culinary Experiences in Santa Maria?

The White Barn in nearby Edna Valley stands out for its distinctive character and exceptional food options that will impress even your most culinary-minded guests. The Santa Maria Inn blends historic charm with highly regarded catering services giving you both atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Greengate Ranch & Vineyard offers fresh locally-sourced menus that attract food-conscious couples looking to give their guests an authentic taste of Central California's bounty.

How Can You Incorporate Local Culture Into Your Santa Maria Wedding?

You can bring authentic Santa Maria heritage to your celebration through traditional barbecue pits using California red oak for a distinctive smoky flavor your guests will remember. In your décor consider incorporating locally grown succulents ranunculus and Vandenberg wildflowers for a truly regional aesthetic. Local caterers excel at Santa Maria-style BBQ tri-tip and pinquito beans offering you and your guests authentic flavors that showcase the region's culinary traditions and give your wedding a genuine sense of place.

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