Planning a wedding in Santa Barbara? This coastal gem offers a tapestry of venue styles—from sunlit gardens and historic courtyards to beachfront resorts and vineyard estates. Below is a handpicked collection of standout venues, with tips, pros & cons, and venue vibes to help you find your perfect match.
What to Know Before You Tour
Weather & Light — Santa Barbara offers mostly mild, sunny weather year-round, but coastal fog (“June gloom”) can drift in. Always ask about back-up indoor spaces.
Vendor Ecosystem — Local vendors (florists, planners, rentals) are accustomed to these venues and often have existing relationships you can tap into.
Costs & Minimums — Venue rental fees in SB tend toward the higher end, especially for beachfront or estate venues. Expect to spend more for views, exclusivity, and ceremony-to-reception transitions.
Permit & Noise Rules — Oceanfront and historic sites often have tight curfews or sound restrictions. Be sure to ask early.
Guest Logistics — Many venues are in Montecito, downtown, or the wine country foothills—consider guest travel time, lodging, and parking.
venues we love
Villa & Vine
Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara on State Street, Villa & Vine evokes the romantic elegance of a Riviera villa with its ivy-draped archways, olive trees, central fountain, and sunlit garden courtyard.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse & Sunken Gardens
Perched in the heart of downtown, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a Spanish-Colonial Revival gem built in 1929. Its Sunken Gardens offer one of the city’s most romantic outdoor wedding settings — lush lawns framed by palm trees, clay tile accents, and the courthouse’s dramatic arches and tilework as a backdrop.
Simpson House Inn
Nestled just a block and a half from downtown’s vibrant heart, the Simpson House Inn is a 1874 Victorian estate wrapped in English-garden charm. Its lush, private gardens and hedged walkways feel like stepping into a secret garden, making it ideal for couples seeking an intimate, romantic wedding that feels both refined and relaxed.
San Ysidro Ranch
Tucked into the foothills of Montecito, San Ysidro Ranch offers a timeless blend of natural beauty and luxurious intimacy. Spanning 500 acres, this historic estate features lush rose gardens, and sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and ocean.
RENTALS WITH OTIS & PEARL
No matter which Santa Barbara wedding venue you choose, the right rentals will elevate your celebration. At Otis & Pearl Partywares, we specialize in curating tabletops that tell your love story—whether your style is bohemian, elegant, rustic, or eclectic.
From vineyard weddings in the Santa Barbara wine country to luxurious soirées at beachfront resorts, our collection of Santa Barbara wedding rentals helps couples create an atmosphere that feels warm, personal, and unforgettable.