Where to Tie the Knot in Santa Barbara

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For:

Couples seeking an elegant, historic venue with grand interiors and lush outdoor charm in the heart of Santa Barbara's picturesque downtown.

What we Love about The Riviera Mansion:

The stately 1880 architecture, intimate interior rooms like the library and dining room, and the serene Park Lawn ceremony site overlooking Alice Keck Park.

• Celebrate your wedding in a landmark mansion featuring refined indoor spaces and a lush outdoor lawn—perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations.
• Indulge in classic beauty with ornate chandeliers, grand fireplaces, rich woodwork, and timeless Santa Barbara elegance in every room.
• Enjoy versatile settings including the charming library, art-filled dining room, and expansive Park Lawn, with seamless flow between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

Cost:

Pricing varies based on guest count, room selection, and services. Contact The Riviera Mansion for detailed packages and availability.

Best time to get married:

Spring through fall, when Santa Barbara’s weather is ideal for outdoor ceremonies on the Park Lawn and golden-hour photography in the gardens.

Local tips:

Host your ceremony on the Park Lawn with views of Alice Keck Park, followed by cocktails in the library and a grand reception dinner in the historic dining room.

Address:

The Riviera Mansion, 1332 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-884-8703

Location:

Santa Ynez, CA (Santa Barbara County)

Recommended For:

Couples dreaming of an extravagant countryside wedding with equestrian charm, sweeping vineyard views, and luxurious rustic elegance across a sprawling estate.

What we Love about Whispering Rose Ranch:

The rose-covered gates, breathtaking ceremony backdrops like Sycamore Lane and The Park, and the estate’s signature blend of grandeur, romance, and natural splendor—plus unique spaces like the bride’s stone cottage and groom’s saloon.

• Celebrate your wedding across 100 acres of pristine ranchland, with horses roaming the pastures and scenic options for ceremony and reception including a covered barn and lush parkland.
• Indulge in fairytale moments surrounded by sycamore trees, birch groves, and mountain views, and prepare for your day in the charming 200-year-old bride’s cottage and groom’s saloon.
• Enjoy unparalleled privacy and luxury at one of the world’s most elegant ranch venues, where each space feels both intimate and grand in the heart of Santa Ynez Wine Country.

Cost:

Pricing varies based on event size and location use. Contact Whispering Rose Ranch directly for bespoke wedding packages and estate rental details.

Best time to get married:

Spring through fall, when the valley is green, flowers are in bloom, and the golden hour over the mountains creates magical photo opportunities.

Local tips:

Host your ceremony at Sycamore Lane for dramatic equestrian flair, enjoy sunset portraits by the race track, and plan a rustic-chic reception under the stars or in the elegant covered barn.

Address:

Whispering Rose Ranch, 1316 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-878-5401

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For:

Couples seeking a seaside ceremony and reception space with historic charm, Spanish-style architecture, and private beachside ambiance.

What we Love about Cabrillo Pavilion:

The white stucco and terra cotta design, panoramic ocean views from the interior, Mediterranean chandeliers, art-filled walls, and the unmatched exclusivity of a venue right on East Beach.

• Celebrate steps from the sand at a 1926 Spanish landmark, featuring vaulted wood-beam ceilings, ocean-view windows, and beautiful indoor-outdoor flow with patios and a mezzanine.
• Indulge in elegant details like arched doorways, iron chandeliers, and rotating art exhibits that elevate the space’s ambiance with a touch of curated sophistication.
• Enjoy a completely private beachfront wedding experience in one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic and architecturally rich coastal venues.

Cost:

Rental pricing varies by date and duration. Contact Cabrillo Pavilion directly through the City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation for current rates and availability.

Best time to get married:

Spring through fall, when coastal breezes, golden-hour light, and mild beachside temperatures enhance both the views and guest comfort.

Local tips:

Host a sunset ceremony on the adjacent beach and transition to the mezzanine for cocktail hour, then dine beneath the beams for a truly romantic reception by the sea.

Address:

Cabrillo Pavilion, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-897-1983

Ideas For a Luxury Wedding:

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For:

Couples looking for a luxurious, all-in-one wedding destination with Mediterranean elegance, rooftop views, and full-service planning support.

What we Love about Kimpton Canary Hotel:

The romantic Mediterranean design, the rooftop pool with city and mountain views, and the seamless full-service experience—from ceremony to brunch—all in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.

• Celebrate in one of seven stunning venues, including elegant ballrooms, sunlit salons, and the rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of Santa Barbara and the sea.
• Indulge in customized gourmet catering by renowned Finch & Fork Chef Peter Cham and enjoy Grecian-inspired ambiance with tiled accents, iron chandeliers, and flowing fountains.
• Enjoy a seamless experience with onsite event managers, group room blocks, and the ability to host every aspect of your wedding weekend—from welcome parties to post-wedding brunch.

Cost:

Custom quotes available based on event size, date, and selected services. Contact Kimpton Canary Hotel’s events team for detailed wedding packages and availability.

Best time to get married:

Year-round, thanks to Santa Barbara’s mild climate and the hotel’s elegant indoor and rooftop event options.

Local tips:

Book the rooftop for sunset cocktails and dancing under string lights, then host your ceremony or dinner in one of the chic indoor salons for a polished finish.

Address:

Kimpton Canary Hotel, 31 West Carrillo, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-884-0300

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For:

Couples seeking a whimsical, vintage-inspired wedding venue with outdoor charm, antique character, and ocean-adjacent scenery.

What we Love about Chase Palm Park – Carousel:

The enchanting 1916 antique carousel, the lush creeks and fountains, and the delightful pavilion with archways—perfect for romantic, playful weddings near the beach.

• Celebrate under the arched pavilion housing a historic Allen Herschell carousel, surrounded by charming landscapes that include creeks, lagoons, and ocean breezes from East Beach.
• Indulge in vintage fairytale vibes with carousel photo ops, serene ceremony spaces along the creeks, and reception settings filled with whimsy and natural beauty.
• Enjoy 10 acres of space to plan a relaxed, family-friendly celebration with unique backdrops like a shipwreck playground, water features, and Santa Barbara’s coastline just steps away.

Cost:

Rental pricing varies based on usage, timing, and event needs. Contact Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation for current rates and availability.

Best time to get married:

Spring through early fall, when outdoor spaces are lush and the coastal setting shines for photos and open-air festivities.

Local tips:

Host your ceremony beside a creek, then move to the carousel pavilion for a charming reception—don’t forget a carousel ride for a one-of-a-kind wedding portrait!

Address:

Chase Palm Park – Carousel, 323 E Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-897-1982

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For:

Couples looking for an elegant, grand ballroom wedding or a serene outdoor celebration in one of Santa Barbara’s premier park or garden venues.

What we Love about Cabrillo Ballroom & Destination Santa Barbara:

The stunning cantilevered floors and fireplaces of the Cabrillo Ballroom, plus the variety of picturesque outdoor venues—from ocean views to lush gardens like Alice Keck Memorial Garden.

• Celebrate your wedding in one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic venues—indoors in the classic Cabrillo Ballroom or outdoors in vibrant parks, gardens, or beachfront locations.
• Indulge in historic charm and natural elegance, whether you're dancing in a grand ballroom with mezzanine views or exchanging vows beside lily ponds and flowering trees.
• Enjoy personalized options through the City’s Parks & Recreation team, who help coordinate your wedding at any of their 20+ outdoor and 9 indoor venues citywide.

Cost:

Rental pricing varies by venue, date, and event duration. Contact Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation for current rates and tailored packages.

Best time to get married:

Spring through fall, when Santa Barbara’s coastal and garden settings are in full bloom and the mild climate supports indoor and outdoor celebrations.

Local tips:

Host a formal ballroom reception in the Cabrillo Ballroom after a ceremony in the nearby Alice Keck Memorial Gardens for the perfect blend of indoor elegance and outdoor beauty.

Address:

Cabrillo Ballroom, 100 E Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-897-2519

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For:

Couples seeking an ethereal, nature-rich wedding setting with sweeping views, serene gardens, and a mix of rustic elegance and scenic grandeur.

What we Love about Godric Grove at Elings Park:

The panoramic ocean and city views from the hilltop, the shaded reception deck beneath majestic oak trees, and the blooming matilija poppies that add a dreamy garden flourish to spring and summer weddings.

• Celebrate your wedding in a private estate-style setting with a stone amphitheater for ceremonies and a grand lawn framed by lush liquidamber trees and native flora.
• Indulge in the tranquility of a mountaintop venue designed for natural elegance, complete with a spacious reception deck, garden pathways, and a comfortable catering zone.
• Enjoy flexible logistics with ample parking, options for valet or self-parking, and space for a bridal canopy or vendor staging area—all within Santa Barbara’s beloved Elings Park.

Cost:

Pricing depends on event timing, services, and guest count. Contact Elings Park for current rental rates and availability for Godric Grove.

Best time to get married:

Spring through early fall, when the matilija poppies bloom and sunset views from the hilltop create a magical atmosphere for ceremonies and receptions.

Local tips:

Use the amphitheater for your ceremony, then move to the oak-shaded deck for dinner and dancing. Time your event for sunset to capture unforgettable panoramic photos.

Address:

Godric Grove at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-569-5611

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended For:

Couples planning an intimate, romantic, or rustic-elegant wedding in the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic Presidio neighborhood.

What we Love about Jamie Slone Wines:

The Spanish colonial setting in El Paseo, the charming tasting room ambiance, and the cozy Reserve Room—perfect for micro-weddings, elopements, and private toasts with close friends and family.

• Celebrate your special day surrounded by Santa Barbara’s rich cultural charm in a boutique wine tasting room that embodies rustic elegance and downtown vibrancy.
• Indulge in award-winning wines, personalized hospitality, and the ambiance of Spanish architecture just steps from luxury shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
• Enjoy a flexible layout with space for up to 50 guests or opt for the Reserve Room for an ultra-intimate event of 10 guests—ideal for wine-loving couples and elopements.

Cost:

Pricing varies depending on the space reserved, group size, and wine selections. Contact Jamie Slone Wines for tasting room or Reserve Room event details.

Best time to get married:

Year-round, as the cozy indoor venue and downtown Santa Barbara’s mild climate make this a welcoming space in every season.

Local tips:

Pair your wedding or reception with a private wine tasting, then stroll El Paseo for romantic post-ceremony photos amid some of the city’s most iconic Spanish architecture.

Address:

Jamie Slone Wines, 25 E. De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Phone: 805-560-6555