Santa Barbara, with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and lush gardens, exudes an old-world charm that envelops couples in romance and history. The historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, featuring the opulent Mural Room and the dramatic Sunken Garden, offers an enchanting backdrop for ceremonies. Meanwhile, venues like Klentner Ranch and The Riviera Mansion provide a blend of rustic elegance and stately sophistication, set against the backdrop of rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean.

Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!

Still looking for the perfect photographer, caterer, or florist? Check out our partner site to browse thousands of the best vendors.

Best Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara

Belmond El Encanto

Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara, CA, is a luxurious wedding venue that blends historic charm with modern amenities. This Spanish-Colonial style hotel, restored to its original elegance, offers stunning views of the American Riviera and sprawling gardens. With various event spaces, including the tranquil Arbor by the lily pond and the elegant Riviera Ballroom, it can accommodate up to 200 guests. The venue provides a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for intimate or grand weddings. Its on-site spa, zero-edge pool, and personalized wedding planning services make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a sophisticated and relaxing wedding experience.

Canary Hotel

The Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA, is a stunning wedding venue that blends Mediterranean style with contemporary California flair. Located in the heart of downtown, it offers seven versatile event spaces, including the breathtaking rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the ocean, islands, and mountains. The venue provides elegant settings, complete with white linens, tables, and chairs, and features full kitchen facilities, in-house catering, and a dedicated wedding coordinator. Its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and exceptional service make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic and sophisticated wedding experience.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is a quintessential wedding destination, boasting stunning Spanish Colonial architecture, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Butterfly Beach. The resort offers seven distinctive indoor and outdoor venues, each providing a unique setting for ceremonies and receptions. From the elegant El Mar room with its ocean views to the picturesque Mariposa Garden and the intimate Escala Garden, the resort’s venues are designed to create an idyllic backdrop for any wedding. The sublime climate, exquisite architecture, and exceptional service make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a perfect and unforgettable wedding experience.

Hilton Santa Barbara

The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is an idyllic destination for a wedding, offering a blend of California Coastal Chic and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the resort features various venues, including the Plaza del Sol with 180-degree ocean views, the Grand Ballroom, and the intimate Rose Garden. With exquisite culinary options, state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, and luxurious accommodations, this resort provides an ideal setting for a romantic and elegant wedding. Its flexible venues and dedicated event consultants ensure a seamless and enchanting experience for the couple and their guests.

Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara, CA, is a picturesque wedding venue set against the stunning California Coast and the Santa Ynez mountains. Designed by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, this hotel offers 121 elegant guestrooms and multiple event spaces, including three rooftop areas with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains. The venue features the Alhambra ballroom, the Court of Califia event lawn, and the serene Serena rooftop deck, providing a variety of settings for ceremonies, receptions, and other wedding celebrations. With its farm-to-table catering, craft cocktails, and world-class spa, Hotel Californian is an ideal choice for a luxurious and unforgettable wedding experience. Its location in the vibrant Funk Zone adds to its appeal, offering easy access to local wineries, restaurants, and outdoor activities.

La Cumbre Country Club

La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara, CA, is a premier wedding venue nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. This historic club, rich in tradition, offers a serene and picturesque setting with its rolling terrain, majestic mountain vistas, and a natural lake. The club’s elegant décor, attentive personal service, and exquisite dining options create an ideal backdrop for a wedding. With its top-rated amenities, including a beautiful golf course and lush grounds, La Cumbre provides a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for couples seeking a luxurious and idyllic wedding experience.

Montecito Country Club

Montecito Country Club in Santa Barbara, CA, offers a breathtakingly beautiful setting for weddings, nestled on a hillside with panoramic views of the Santa Barbara coastline and the picturesque Channel Islands. The venue boasts stunning ocean views from its 20,000-square foot Great Lawn, ideal for ceremonies and cocktail hours. The Great Room features twelve Baccarat crystal chandeliers and the ballroom has original wood beam ceilings, providing a luxurious and historic ambiance. With exquisite architecture, lush gardens, and impeccable service, Montecito Country Club ensures a flawless and enchanting wedding experience, making it an exceptional choice for couples seeking elegance and natural beauty.

Ritz-Carlton Bacara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, CA, offers a breathtakingly romantic setting for weddings. With 78 oceanfront acres, the resort provides stunning venues, including the Bacara Ballroom featuring 23-foot ceilings and gilt-framed mirrors, and outdoor spaces like The Bluff and Lower Bluff, which boast dramatic ocean views. Couples can exchange vows on the white-sand beach or celebrate with an elegant reception, all while enjoying the resort’s luxurious amenities, exquisite cuisine, and expert wedding planning services. The combination of California’s coastal charm and the resort’s opulence makes it an ideal choice for a picturesque and indulgent wedding celebration.

Riviera Mansion

The Riviera Mansion in Santa Barbara, CA, is a historic and elegant wedding venue built in 1880, boasting Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and stunning gardens. This venue can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers both lavish outdoor landscapes and exquisite interior spaces, complete with balconies, chandeliers, fireplaces, and wooden floorings. With full-service event planning, customized catering, and attentive staff, the Riviera Mansion provides an unparalleled ambiance for weddings. Its central location, complimentary parking, and exceptional hospitality make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a sophisticated and enchanting wedding experience.

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Rosewood Miramar Beach in Santa Barbara, CA, offers a breathtakingly romantic setting for weddings, boasting an unrivaled seaside location. The resort features stunning venues, including the 8,000-square-foot Great Lawn with infinite ocean views and the picturesque Miramar Beach, providing a perfect beachfront stage for ceremonies and receptions. The luxury Chandelier Ballroom, with its high ceilings and twinkling chandeliers, is another exquisite option. With a capacity to host up to 300 guests, this venue is ideal for grand matrimonial events, offering impeccable service, custom catering, and full-service audio-visual support, ensuring a flawless and elegant wedding experience.

San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, CA, is a serene and luxurious wedding venue nestled in the Montecito foothills. This historic ranch, with over a century of rich history, offers 550 acres of breathtaking landscapes, including lush gardens, ancient olive trees, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The venue provides various intimate settings, such as the Wine Cellar, Stonehouse, and Upper Estate Lawn, each with its unique charm and natural beauty. Known for its exclusive and secluded atmosphere, San Ysidro Ranch is ideal for couples seeking a romantic and private wedding celebration, making it a perfect choice for those looking for an elegant and tranquil wedding experience.

Santa Barbara Courthouse

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is a stunning venue for weddings, renowned for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and historic charm. Completed in 1929, the courthouse features intricate murals, ornate woodwork, and wrought-iron accents, creating an elegant and romantic atmosphere. The Sunken Gardens, with their manicured lawns and stately palm trees, offer a picturesque outdoor setting, while the Mural Room provides an opulent indoor space. This venue is ideal for both intimate and larger weddings, offering breathtaking backdrops for photography and a unique blend of old-world charm and natural beauty that makes it a beloved choice for couples.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is a captivating wedding venue nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. This historic site, founded in 1932, boasts rich Spanish Revival architecture, cobblestone floors, lush gardens, and historic fountains, creating a romantic and elegant backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. The venue offers multiple spaces, including the Museum Courtyard, Covarrubias Adobe, and the Penthouse, providing flexibility for both intimate and large celebrations. The soft illumination during sunset and the starlit evenings make it an ideal setting for a enchanting and picturesque wedding, ensuring a truly special and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.

Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” is a historic and picturesque venue ideal for weddings. This beautiful Catholic church offers a unique and intimate setting, with its long and narrow aisle creating a cozy atmosphere even for smaller weddings. The mission’s historic charm and stunning architecture make it a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. While there are specific requirements, such as one of the couple needing to be Catholic and undergoing traditional Catholic preparations, the mission’s ambiance and the traditional church bells rung after the ceremony add a romantic and classic touch to the wedding day. Despite some stringent rules and costs, the venue’s beauty and historic significance make it a compelling choice for couples seeking a traditional and elegant wedding.

Santa Barbara Women’s Club

The Santa Barbara Woman’s Club, located in the beautiful Mission Canyon District, is an architectural gem designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Set on nearly 3 acres, the venue features private landscaped gardens, a beautiful outdoor patio with a fireplace, an elegant stage, and a spacious oak dance floor. The interior includes a commercial kitchen for caterers, and the venue provides on-site parking for 120 cars. With its historic charm, bridal dressing room, and restrooms on site, it is an ideal choice for weddings, offering a picturesque and elegant setting for both ceremonies and receptions.