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FAQs

Question

Where should we stay?

Answer

See the ‘Travel’ tab for our list of recommended hotels. The Upham Hotel is the only location where we have secured a room block for guests. While Santa Barbara offers a wide variety of hotels and rental properties, they tend to book quickly in the spring, so we recommend reserving your stay a few months in advance for the best availability.

Question

Do we need to rent a car?

Answer

Generally, no! Santa Barbara is a picturesque, walkable city where you can easily enjoy local restaurants, wineries, the beach, and more on foot. However, if you’re planning to explore more of the California coast or extend your travels, renting a car will make getting around much easier.

Question

Is there parking?

Answer

Yes! There is free parking at the church, as well as free overnight parking at our reception venue if you plan to drive. We encourage guests to leave their cars in the lot so you can fully relax and enjoy the celebration!

Question

What is Garden Formal Attire?

Answer

We’re celebrating the beautiful bloom of spring in Santa Barbara and invite you to embrace the season with us. We encourage guests to wear their favorite bright colors and joyful hues to help set the mood for our celebration. For women: Floor-length gowns, elegant midi dresses, or chic dressy separates are perfect. Think vibrant tones, romantic silhouettes, and light, flowing fabrics. Please note the reception will be partially on grass when selecting shoes. For men: A suit, collared shirt, and tie optional. Lighter seasonal tones are welcome, though classic dark suits are always appropriate. Evenings may cool after sunset, so a light wrap or jacket is recommended. We can’t wait to celebrate in your springtime best!

Question

What do we do between the Ceremony and Cocktail Hour?

Answer

Our ceremony will conclude at 3:00 PM, followed by family photos immediately outside of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with both our immediate and extended families. Cocktail Hour will begin at 5:00 PM at The Santa Barbara Club in the heart of downtown, just steps away from many wonderful bars, shops, and local spots. We invite you to take this time to explore the area, grab a refreshment, or freshen up before the celebration continues.