5 Things We Love About Santa Barbara Weddings
A place so beautiful that it’s been dubbed “the American Riviera", Santa Barbara is one of the country’s most desirable cities. But being photogenic is not its only claim to fame! Here’s our list of the Top 5 things that make this coastal paradise such a popular destination—especially for weddings.
1. THE BEACH (Duh!)
1. THE BEACH (Duh!)
When tying the knot along “California’s Riviera,” the beach beckons at these gems:
Rincon Beach Club
Carpinteria | Santa Barbara, CA
City: Carpinteria, CA
Style: Laid-back seaside luxe with garden
Price: $$
2. THE WEATHER
2. THE WEATHER
With an average of 283 sunny days a year, Santa Barbara’s mild climate is perfect for outdoor weddings. From Spring to Fall, evenings are warmed by balmy breezes (as well as your venue’s fire pits and heat lamps!). Daytimes rarely get too hot thanks to the refreshing ocean air, so embrace your al fresco spirit and say “I do” to a Santa Barbara ceremony and reception at one of these open-air beauties!
Convivo Restaurant
Santa Barbara, CA
City: Santa Barbara, CA
Style: Ocean-view, farm-to-table dining
Price: $ • $$
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
City: Santa Barbara, CA
Style: Historic sanctuary with garden courtyards
Price: $ • $$
3. THE WINE COUNTRY
3. THE WINE COUNTRY
Proving that there’s more (much more!) to Santa Barbara than beaches, this micro-region Northeast of the metro center lures wine-lovers and, well, lovers alike! Whether you’re sipping local varietals and sampling cutting-edge cuisine sourced from local farms, or basking in the wide-open meadows and skies, Santa Barbara Wine Country is something to be celebrated. Check out these scenic spots:
Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens
Santa Barbara, CA
City: Santa Barbara, CA
Style: Tropical garden safari
Price: $$
4. THE HISTORY
4. THE HISTORY
With rich cultural diversity dating back to the native Chumash, Santa Barbara’s architectural legacy reflects the influence of Spanish-Colonial missionaries, the area’s enterprising ranchers, and even turn-of-the-century high society. Incorporate a bit of the past into your special day at one of these vintage venues:
The 1880 Union
Los Alamos, California
City: Los Alamos, CA
Style: Unique Victorian elegance meets Old West fun
Price: $ • $$
The Historic Carrillo Ballroom
Santa Barbara, California
City: Santa Barbara, CA
Style: Dance-hall chic
Price: $ • $$
5. THE STYLE
5. THE STYLE
It’s a combo of laid-back California Mission aesthetic and scintillating coastal elan. Santa Barbara weddings tend to embrace the natural setting from rustic details to lush views of flourishing gardens, oak-cloaked mountains and, of course, the blue Pacific panorama. Bustling shopping mecca State Street keeps you on trend, and the region’s international influences add flavor to food, cocktails, and décor. These venues epitomize Santa Barbara Style:
Montecito Club
Santa Barbara, CA
City: Montecito, CA
Style: Exotic opulence with an ocean view
Price: $$ • $$$
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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor