The three best wedding venues in Santa Barbara
From the Eyes of Santa Barbara Superfan
When I first came to Santa Barbara, I was immediately hooked. Almost overnight, my life was completely entangled with this coastal town. When I picked up my camera, it became my muse.
One of my favorite parts about what I do as a wedding photographer and videographer is capturing moments against this inspiring backdrop that I call home. In my experience, I’ve had the pleasure of documenting love stories in numerous stunning venues in Southern California, but I am always drawn back to the ones that felt like poetry to me and had me rushing home to relive the images all over again. I would love to share some of my picks for the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara – each holding special memories for me of long nights and happy tears.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
The Santa Barbara Riviera holds a part of my heart for safekeeping, probably beat into the pavement somehow after hundreds of walks around the neighborhood to capture sunset snapshots or to watch the stars late into the night. Nestled in this dreamy neighborhood, you will find the El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel.
This location embraces nature with ceremonies at the lily pond and juxtaposes it with the opulent halls, ballrooms, and patios of this luxurious hotel. The view overlooks the twinkling lights of the city all the way down to the boats in the harbor and the islands in the sky.
It is clear that the service and attention to detail at the El Encanto is a priority. There are options to accommodate small celebrations or larger ceremonies with a reception space for up to 185 guests. There are dining, lounge, and bar offerings on site and infinite opportunities to explore the estate and find corners with neighborhood charm.
Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm
As a photographer and videographer, the Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm is a stage of light and opportunities. Ceremonies here overlook the coastal view and take advantage of the California sun. The bluffs are the perfect backdrop for sunset portraits and an opportunity to step away from the happy chaos to take in the grandeur as a couple. The glass greenhouse is a unique backdrop for a reception and plays with shape, light, and structure.
The evenings here feel like a dream, set alongside the soundtrack of crashing waves, laughter, crickets, clinking glasses, and maybe even a chicken or two.
Dos Pueblos only books a select number of weddings per year. I recommend reaching out directly to the venue for more information.
Santa Barbara Courthouse
There are some Santa Barbara wedding venues where no matter where you point your camera, the composition builds itself. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is almost as iconic as the city itself. Santa Barbara was enticing to me because of its laid-back energy and sincerity, but complimented with class and an appreciation for the finer things. I think this location captures that.
This historic 1929 Spanish-Moorish structure is a popular location for both full-scale wedding days and intimate elopements.
The Garden is made up of 5 spaces; the Sunken Garden, Palm Terrace, Fiesta Stage, Bird of Paradise, and Rotunda Lawn. These spaces are all reserved as one, and the maximum capacity is 250.
The Santa Barbara Courthouse is also a popular spot for couples to elope by themselves or with a select group of family and friends. The Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder's Office has Deputy Marriage Commissioners available to perform civil wedding ceremonies during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday (and Fridays in Santa Barbara), excluding holidays. Guest limit is eight people including children and photographers (10 people total including the couple).
In Conclusion
As a wedding videographer and photographer, I’m not just capturing settings, but also the spirit of the people. Although I look back at these images and see the stunning locations, what stays with me are the laughs, the embraces, and the people that made me feel like family on one of the most cherished days of their lives.
I’m looking forward to exploring more venues and making more memories with my amazing clients this year.
