As a wedding photographer living and working in Santa Barbara since 1997 I’m very familiar with the most popular venues in the area. If you are searching for a wedding venue in Santa Barbara, Ca this page will give you an idea of general options. The most iconic thing about Santa Barbara is the scenery. It is simply gorgeous here! The beach and mountain views are stunning, but if you pick the wrong venue you might not get the best Santa Barbara has to offer! There are many wedding venues in Santa Barbara Ca including a number of outdoor parks and beaches that capture the essence and the magic that is Santa Barbara!
I had the honor of photographing Tracy and Joey’s wedding ceremony surrounded by family and love at the Santa Barbara courthouse. It was an imtimate affair, and of course the Santa Barbara Courthouse is the perfect drop for an elopement!
Check out this link if you would like more information on eloping or getting married at the Santa Barbara courthouse.
Outdoor
If you really want an eyefull, get out there on the beach or the bluffs overlooking the ocean! There are so many parks and beaches with a view in Santa Barbara, nad I’d be happy to talk to you about them, how the light is in each one, and which I’d choose. My favorites have to be Elwood Bluffs and Alice Keck Park!
Santa Barbara Courthouse
The most iconic Santa Barbara outdoor wedding venue is the Santa Barbara Courthouse, my all time favorite location to photograph couples. Nothing says ‘Santa Barbara’ more than this gorgeous building. You can have weddings out in the garden, or indoors in the mural room. Its also one of the most cost effective venues in terms of beauty per dollar! You can do just the ceremony, or recently they added reception service as well!
Waterfront And Ocean View Hotels
There are many indoor venues in Santa Barbara from churches to rental halls to restaurants and hotels. Some are extravagant and with sweeping views and breathtaking sights, while others might make you feel you are in a school auditorium. Above I listed some of the most inexpensive but still gorgeous wedding venue options, here I will cover a few of the most popular high end wedding venues along the waterfront.
The Hilton of Santa Barbara is one of the most iconic venues. Its situated right across from the ocean, and has a gorgeous routunda area that many choose to get married in. It is a very swanky hotel, full service venue, and priced as such. If you have the budget, this is one of the very best places in Santa Barbara to get married!
The Ritz Carlton (formerly the Bacara) is a deluxe resort for those for whom budget is a lesser concern. The hotel caters to high end clientele, and has a spa and several restaurants on site. It is located in Goleta, a bit away from downtown Santa Barbara proper, but if your interested in an all inclusive resort style experience set directly on the beach, you are looking for the Ritz Carlton!
The Belmond El Encanto is another supremely deluxe resort, though more boutique in nature than the Ritz carlton. They cater to the high end crowd, serve wonderful food and their staff is known for their excellent service. This resort is tucked up in the Santa Barbara Riviera so you get the majestic Riveria views of the ocean as well as city views, the harbor and more.
Hyatt Santa Barbara is across from the ocean, and a lovely high end resort. Its not quite as swanky as the above, but priced a bit better. They venue is great and the location is wonderful too! Their indoor reception room is on the 2nd floor with windows that look over to the beach!
Somwehere In Between..
In between the simplicity of your toes in the sand outdoors and the luxury of high end all inclusive resorts are a number of very popular wedding venues. I have been part of weddings at the Riviera Mansion, Ty Warner Sea Center, Natural History Museum, The Maritime Museum, The Santa Barbara Zoo, The Santa Barbara Mission (if you are Catholic), or the Rose Garden if you just want the views, and a long list of Churches including the everpopular Unitarian Society, Our lady of Sorrows has the stained glass catherdral vibes, and the Greek Orthodox has great views at a very competative price!
As a seasoned wedding pro I have photographed weddings at each of these locations, and know all about the best spots, timing, lighting, etc. If you would like to chit chat about planning your wedding, call me anytime! I would love to be your photographer and help guide you through your amazing Santa Barbara Wedding!
Hi I’m Barbara of Santa Barbara, and I’d love to chat with you about your wedding photography vision!
Whether you are just starting out planning, or have your plans nearly all set I’d love to hear all about you and what I can do to help you capture the love and connection of you and your fiancé on your wedding day.
Call or text anytime! 805 637 0752
email barbarabyrge@gmail.com
Eileen and Neil enjoyed an intimate beach ceremony surrounded by family and friends in Santa Barbara Ca.