Whether you’re looking for a seaside wedding, or something more fun and interactive, Santa Barbara has several options that can suit your needs. We’ve picked out the top seven wedding venues in Santa Barbara.
Top Seven Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara:
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Starting at: $1,200
Capacity: 250 Guests
What’s Included: A simple and intimate wedding ceremony. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse has the fewest amenities of all the venues listed in this article and comes with restrictions. While the price point is low, the reservation does not include reception services. Restrictions include (but are not limited to) playing only soft music; no rice, confetti, or open flames; no food or beverages; no officiants provided; and no wedding rehearsals are included. Most importantly: ceremonies booked at the Courthouse are only for three-hour windows, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. But what makes this venue special is its history and beautiful architecture. Wedding ceremonies booked at the Courthouse Garden include the use of five spaces: the Sunken Garden, Palm Terrace, Fiesta Stage, Bird of Paradise, and the Rotunda Lawn. Visit their website for more information on restrictions and booking options.
Moxi Museum
Starting at: $6,000
Capacity: Ranges
What’s Included: The packages at the Moxi Museum vary. We love the flexibility that they offer with their different wedding packages. With an amazing and fun interior space, the Moxi is a great place to have an interactive wedding day. You can choose to rent out their rooftop (starting at $6,000), or you can also rent out the museum for part of the day. The rooftop packages are perfect for a reception, with incredible views and a gorgeous setting. Museum rentals also include a rooftop rental, which helps your money go even further with a larger space for hosting your big day. The full museum rentals start at $11,000.
Tuscan Rose Ranch
Starting at: $5,500
Capacity: 250 Guests
What’s Included: Located in Santa Paula, California, Tuscan Rose Ranch is the perfect setting for an intimate, outdoor wedding. The venue offers three different event spaces, giving you options as you decide on what best suits your taste. Prices will vary depending on what day of the week you book, with the weekends being the most expensive. With scenic backdrops and a variety of amenities, Tuscan Rose Ranch is a great choice for couples on a budget. With a team of bartenders and servers, the staff at Tuscan Rose Ranch is set up to make your special day a truly memorable experience.
Montecito Club
Starting at: $13,000
Capacity: 200-300 Guests
What’s Included: A spectacular venue that is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, the Montecito Club is the perfect place to hold a wedding. You have the option to rent their entire venue or just the Event Lawn, and the price will vary for both options. As with most venues, renting the entire venue will cost you more on the weekend. The starting rate for a weekend rental is $20,000. Rates do not include food and beverage packages, but the venue offers one of the more stunning settings in the area. The Montecito Club has a golf course on site, which always makes for a great pre-wedding activity. Also included in your venue rental are things like cocktail tables, folding chairs, a wedding suite, and even private security.
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel
Starting at: $20,650
Capacity: 300 Guests
What’s Included: Located on the sandy beaches of Ventura, California, the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel is a spectacular place to hold a wedding. This venue is perfect for those looking to enjoy the sounds and sights of the ocean on their big day. With close proximity to downtown Ventura, the Crowne Plaza gives your guests plenty to do during their off-time. The venue features a spectacular ballroom that offers sweeping ocean views and is the perfect place for holding a reception. The hotel also boasts a beautiful patio that makes for a great cocktail hour.
Rincon Beach Club
Starting at: $24,350
Capacity: 250 Guests
What’s Included: Located in nearby Carpinteria, Rincon Beach Club is the perfect beach wedding destination. Rincon is known for its world-class surfing and supplies the ultimate beach vibe. The Rincon Beach Club is a gorgeous space with a spectacular garden, a giant fireplace, and several fountains. Couples can even book their ceremony on the beach, and the venue offers different catering and dessert options.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Starting at: $30,650
Capacity: 300 Guests
What’s Included: You’re never too old to have a day at the zoo. By choosing to have your special day at the Santa Barbara Zoo, you can provide a special experience for your guests with several unique offerings. With enough heads up, you can coordinate train rides for your guests. Also, guests can get the opportunity to feed the giraffes! The Santa Barbara Zoo can accommodate larger parties, as it sits on 30 acres of land. This scenic venue is a great option for those looking to create a unique experience for their wedding day and still not spend a fortune.
Where to Sleep
Wedding guests can find it to be tricky to land affordable accommodations that are close to the venue. While hotels are nice, there are ways to save money on your accommodations by staying in a hostel. Our Santa Barbara Beach Hostel is located near all the destinations listed above and offers clean, safe, and comfortable accommodations for travelers. Weddings take up so much time, which makes a hostel a great option for guests since they likely won’t be looking to spend much time in their room. Our shared dorms and private rooms can be a perfect way to experience a wedding near Santa Barbara and save a few bucks.
Want to see what it’s like to hold a wedding ceremony at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse? Watch this video!
Pro Tip: Consider scheduling your wedding date for a Monday. Often, venues will offer discounts on their packages for Monday weddings. Plus, who doesn’t love an extended weekend?
Also, if you’re not already a member of the ITH Traveler’s Club, make sure to sign up! It’s a great way to save money on all future bookings at ITH properties and it’s free to sign up.
