Chasing the perfect sunset or finding the most delicious bottle of wine in Santa Barbara makes for a memorable trip. It's also a romantic city where people flock to get engaged or married every year. If a stroll down the aisle is in your cards, head over to Santa Barbara. The city's got all the wedding features you want to make your day special, like charming venues and landmarks like the majestic Santa Ynez mountains or picturesque Knapps Castle as a backdrop to your big day.
Giggster has a range of affordable and memorable wedding venues in Santa Barbara, whether you're looking for a barefoot beach wedding or high-end nuptials in a 1920s live music venue.
Ocean cottages, organic flower gardens, and colorful churches are just some of the best Santa Barbara wedding venues you can find on the Giggster app.
If you like the idea of a social, laid-back wedding, one of the best Santa Barbara wedding venues is an outdoor beer garden. Bask under the fairy lights, crowd around the fire pit, and have your first dance as a couple under the California stars.
For a rustic wedding, choose a ranch-style farm equipped with a spacious farmhouse and pretty gardens indoors. Or, if you want a wedding backdrop that includes rolling hills and ocean views, book an outdoor California ranch home with a patio for relaxing and a fruit garden that's perfect for taking memorable wedding photos.
If you want a wedding ceremony that celebrates popular Santa Barbara food, like lobster rolls and oysters, book your special occasion in a casual cafe-concert venue location. Food and fun times!
For private wedding venues in Santa Barbara, choose a bohemian house situated on a quarter-acre of land with lush gardens and many trendy indoor spaces for cooking and entertaining.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From rustic dining pavilion event spaces to glamorous homes celebrating the natural beauty, Giggster's 37 inspirational spaces let you choose the perfect wedding spot in Santa Barbara.
Hassle-Free Booking: When you want details or pricing info about the venues in Santa Barbara, Giggster informs you of everything you need to know. Our special venues start at just $50/hour.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Things happen, and you might need to postpone your special event. No problem—Giggster's flexible and offers free cancellations up to 24 hours before your rental time.
Platform Protections: You never know what can go wrong, but to prevent drama on your wedding day, Giggster offers optional protection packages for damages. You can also choose event liability insurance so you can book your Granada Training Room without any stress.
Santa Barbara has breathtaking ocean views, towering palm trees, and dreamy vineyards, but is it the best spot for your wedding reception and celebration?
Advantages
Santa Barbara experiences mild Mediterranean weather. This means you can bask in the sunshine during summer and book romantic outdoor venues without worrying that the weather's going to throw you a curveball.
Santa Barbara's wedding venues are diverse. From backyard weddings to hitting the Santa Barbara courthouse before tying the knot at a chapel downtown, there are many wedding ceremony venues and options!
It's a wine-lover's dream. Santa Barbara is home to some of the best wines, which is why it was awarded the County Wine Region of the Year in 2021. This is perfect for adding an award-winning touch to your wedding reception menu.
Disadvantages
It's not the best option for an urban oasis wedding. Santa Barbara wedding venues offer many romantic and spectacular features, but the city isn't known for being a bustling city. Instead, it has a laid-back nightlife that might not appeal to every couple.
It's expensive. Since it's a popular wedding destination, the city's expensive, with Santa Barbara County also being hard on your wallet. This can drive up your wedding costs.
Winters can be wet and muddy. If you're dreaming of a Santa Barbara winter wonderland wedding, it's worth keeping in mind that the winter season can be very wet and rainy, which can make it challenging to plan an outdoor wedding.
If you're looking for real Santa Barbara weddings, you'll find one by booking a stellar venue in a gorgeous landscape. Giggster offers 37 wedding venue listings to match your wedding theme and vibe.
Historic 1800s Home – Cozy Weddings. If you want a family-focused wedding, book a beautiful house with wooden floors, private suites, and a sprawling garden that you can decorate with fairy lights.
Spanish-Style Church – Traditional Affairs. If you want to tie the knot and exchange vows in a church, a sanctuary with Old Spanish construction located downtown is a charming spot, with stained windows and a pipe organ. After getting married, enjoy a ceremony outside with all your guests.
Live Music Venue – 1920s Glam. If you're looking for a Santa Barbara wedding venue where you can dance 'til dawn with your favorite people, book a unique one with art deco flair and a bar with red vinyl booths. There's also a stage area and outdoor spot for enjoying delicious wedding food.
Modern Art Gallery – Unique Surroundings. With a spacious event space and marble floors, a beautiful art gallery is an urban spot that will make your wedding memorable. It's perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings and the minimal space can be decorated to your heart's content.
Ocean-View California Ranch Home – Panoramic Views. If you're looking for a private wedding venue that provides stunning ocean and mountain views, book a California-style ranch that has a fruit garden and wood-burning fireplace, and that's close to nearby attractions such as the Santa Barbara Zoo and beach.
Planning a wedding is exciting, but make sure you cover your bases by following some important tips so the process is stress-free.
Book Early for Fewer Crowds – Everyone wants to snag a beautiful Santa Barbara wedding, so to beat the crowds, it's good to start planning your wedding and booking your venue early, like months beforehand so you get the venue you've got your heart set on.
Choose a Wedding Venue That Matches Your Theme – If your wedding theme is laid-back, consider a coastal wedding. Or, if it's luxurious, choose a trendy and historical home or mansion. This will ensure all your wedding elements are in sync instead of clashing with each other. Giggster has 37 stunning Santa Barbara wedding venues.
Book Your Hair and Makeup Early – To ensure you and your VIP guests look and feel your best, make sure you book hair and makeup appointments ahead of time. It's also smart to choose a wedding venue that has an on-site hair and makeup area, which is perfect for touch-ups throughout the celebration.
Give Your Traveling Guests a Good Experience – If some of your guests are traveling from nearby cities like San Francisco or further afield, make them feel welcome by hosting a dinner or helping to organize transportation services to your location.
Many wedding couples spend upwards of $35,000 on their wedding, so it can be expensive. You can try to bring down your costs and stay within your budget with these tips.
Have an off-season wedding.
Summertime is busier and can be more expensive due to demand, so consider hosting a Santa Barbara wedding in the fall or winter. This will also help you to drive down vendor-related expenses.
Choose in-season flower decorations.
Filling your Santa Barbara wedding location with lots of beautiful blooms can be expensive, so choose locally-produced and in-season flowers as they're much more cost-effective while avoiding import costs.
Schedule family-style food.
You can save money on catering costs by not having a formal sit-down dinner with your guests. Instead, choose a buffet or family-style setup that's easier to plan, especially for large guest lists.
The Giggster app offers you a long list of amazing Santa Barbara wedding venues, from chic homes with ocean views to relaxing beer gardens or live-music event spaces, so you'll find an inspiring wedding location that fits in with your budget.
