photo by
Kiel Rucker
Weddings
The Dreamiest Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara County
Spanish architecture, breathtaking ocean views, peaceful vineyards—it’s hard not to fall in love with Santa Barbara County. With a little bit of everything within its borders, Santa Barbara is home to some of the country’s...
Spanish architecture, breathtaking ocean views, peaceful vineyards—it’s hard not to fall in love with Santa Barbara County. With a little bit of everything within its borders, Santa Barbara is home to some of the country’s most idyllic wedding venues. Whether you’re dreaming up an elegant French countryside affair or a fun, retro Wild West celebration, these 20 wedding venues will have you saying “I do” in no time.
Reporter: Erica Nichols | Venue: Canary Hotel
Pull off the rustic-chic wedding of your dreams at Klentner Ranch. The gated polo ranch offers 40 acres of equestrian and avocado orchards with peaceful views of the surrounding fields for a quintessentially Californian wedding.
Tucked in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, Sunstone Vineyards feels every bit like a romantic retreat into the French countryside. Hold your ceremony overlooking the vineyard in their Tuscan-inspired courtyard. And for the reception? Head indoors for an intimate gathering surrounded by beautiful architectural details like French limestone, wood beams and roof tiles from a 19th-century lavender factory once owned by Queen Victoria.
It’ll be love at first sight at Whispering Rose Ranch once you spot those spectacular Spanish gates. Past the gates, you’ll fall even more in love with the tree-lined drive, breathtaking views and 120-year old stone cottage that make this ranch one of the most stunning in the country. Pro Tip: After the big day, start the honeymoon vibes early by exploring the nearby Danish town of Solvang.
This Santa Rita Hills wine country wedding venue feels like an escape to the countryside without leaving Santa Barbara County. The estate is filled with lush gardens, expansive lawns, wandering paths, and acres of walnut and olive trees. Have your ceremony on the manicured lawns and reception in the rustic dining pavilion trellised with blooming vines for the dreamiest day ever.
At this exclusive property in Montecito, scenic backdrops steal the spotlight. Whether it’s an oceanfront setting or a lush tropical garden you’re after, the Four Seasons Resort is your ideal wedding venue. For those other last-minute details, the resort has you covered with an extensive spa menu, as well as on-site hair and makeup services. Pro Tip: If you go for the ocean view, you can host your big affair at the famed private art deco club, Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.
This is the all-in-one venue you’ve been waiting for. Not only does Ojai Valley Inn & Spa have idyllic wedding locations all throughout their peaceful property, they can also host all pre- and post-wedding needs with relaxing treatments at Spa Ojai, fitness classes, golf green and even art lessons at the Artist Cottage.
Imagine a close-knit gathering of your closest friends and family, surrounded by stunning magnolias and fragrant orange blossoms tucked away in the countryside. You get all of that and more when you choose San Ysidro Ranch as your idyllic outdoor wedding venue.
If the panoramic views of the scenic mountains and oceans weren’t enough, Canary Hotel offers an impressive list of wedding amenities to seal the deal. Make your choice from two ceremony options: a refreshing rooftop perch with a dreamy backdrop or the hotel ballroom for an inviting, grand affair. Your catering? Farm-fresh cuisine right there on site. Then, keep your guests close with a room block for a stress-free celebration!
We’re swooning over this Italian-inspire venue, situated in Santa Ynez wine country. With two on-sight bungalows, bride and groom dressing suites, gas fire pits, a bocce court and horseshoes to play, it’s safe to say Sogno del Fiore has it all. You’ll know what we mean by the time you’re giving a toast under a canopy of twinkling lights.
RELATED ARTICLES
You might be interested in…
If dining under a canopy of wisteria at sunset sounds like your ideal wedding reception, you need to know about Roblar Winery – a 40-acre vineyard located in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Lined with oak trees, the property has a 5,000 sqft tasting room, vineyards (of course), gardens and several gathering locations throughout.
Capture the effortless essence of Santa Barbara at your wedding at this cultural landmark. The museum offers two private, connected courtyards surrounded by peaceful fountains and Spanish California architecture as a romantic setting for your traditional wedding outdoors.
Desert lovers, Blue Sky Center was made just for you. The expansive landscape, clear night skies and view of the Los Padres Mountains in the distance were all carefully considered from this nonprofit looking to revitalize the New Cuyama community. You can take your pick from unique locations including the flagship building, an aviation runway, the Khalili Cantina, warehouses and even over 300 acres of farmland!
Add a touch of retro, old West charm to your ceremony at this historic tavern, which was once a stagecoach stop! Visited by distinguished guests including Clark Gable and John D. Rockefeller, Mattei’s Tavern is an elegant blend of history, natural beauty and refined luxury. Host your big day outdoors, by the iconic white water tower and craftsman architecture, and plan a blissful reception in the Garden Room for an exclusive touch. Need to Know: The Tavern has seven guest cottages on-site, so plan accordingly!
Belmond El Encanto has an iconic reputation for good reason. With a touch of glamour, this newly-restored luxury hotel features beautiful gardens and sweeping views of the Pacific for you to say “I do.” Plan your dream day around their restored trellised-lined Arbor and Lily Pond for a romantic, glamorous wedding.
Planning a big wedding but want it to feel intimate? Roblar Farm is your answer. The former Arabian horse ranch can accommodate 600 guests in their black barn or 150 for an outdoor reception under a canopy of lights. Inside tip: the farm has an onsite organic farm, perfect for al fresco, farm-to-table dinners.
At Circle Bar B, you and your S.O. can say “I Do” surrounded by stunning native oak and walnut trees, while tucked in the secluded foothills of Refugio Canyon. Complete with creeks, mountains and a main lodge and bar (which 18 overnight accommodation rooms), your big day will feel perfectly tranquil.
Yes, you can host your wedding at the Santa Barbara Zoo. If you and your future Mr. or Mrs. are animal lovers, you’ll want to take advantage of the zoo’s six event spaces—which can accommodate up to 2500 guests. Take your big day up a notch by coordinating an opportunity for the two of you to meet some of the animals!
If it’s a touch Wild West you’re after, Zaca Creek Ranch may be your jam. With an expansive 1600-acre-property, you can give you and your guests a truly unique experience with horseback riding, hiking excursions, outdoor dinners and much more. Whatever you dream up, Zaca Creek can deliver with cowboy charm.
Photo by Tyler Speier and James & Jess Photography
Exclusive and outrageously beautiful, this private ranch-style property offers an all-in-one wedding venue with panoramic mountain views, a 25-foot pool, enchanting terraces and much more. The best part: though you feel entirely in a world of your own, you’re just minutes from some of Santa Barbara’s most well-known sights.
RELATED ARTICLES
You might be interested in…
Historic, spacious and intimate, The Narrative Loft is a slice of NYC-charm in Santa Barbara. Here you can dream up whatever type of wedding you wish: moody and romantic, charming and eclectic, elegant and minimalistic—the possibilities are endless at this luxury blank slate.
Scroll for more
