Nothing beats the convenience of getting married in the very same place where you and your guests are overnighting for the special occasion. Fortunately, wedding venues with accommodations in Santa Barbara are plentiful and abundant. From full-service hotels and resorts to charming inns and untraditional accommodations, there’s something to suit a wide range of guest lists, style preferences, and budgets.
If you’re looking for a seamless experience filled with knowledgeable staff and local expertise, follow this guide to Santa Barbara’s one-stop-shop wedding venues that offer guest rooms, event space, catering, and many more helpful services—all onsite. And when you’re ready to say “I do” to your venue, Visit SantaBarbara offers acomplimentary room block booking serviceto help you initiate the hotel venue sourcing process online.
Hotels & Resorts
Our full-service hotels and resorts have weddings down to an art, complete with dedicated staff who specialize in wedding and event coordination. You’ll find tucked away properties nestled in the foothills, expansive waterfront resorts, and boutique-style hotels in the heart of town.
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a quintessential Santa Barbara waterfront wedding venue set on the palm-lined Cabrillo Boulevard. One of the area’s largest properties on 37 acres with 337 guest rooms, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers nine distinct wedding venues on property including the Plaza del Sol and several ballrooms—the larger spaces can accommodate up to 800 guests seated. They also have very attractive options for more intimate celebrations in the 20-60 guest range, including ceremonies right on the sand across the street. Inclusive wedding packages include rehearsal dinners, wedding brunch options, and complimentary parking for your guests. Their catering team can customize menus to include traditional Southeast Asian celebrations and Kosher weddings, and the full-service salon and spa can handle all of your beauty and pampering needs. Learn More
Also situated on Santa Barbara’s iconic waterfront stretch of Cabrillo Boulevard,Mar Monte Hotelis a Mediterranean-style Hyatt property with 200 guest rooms. Their 14 wedding event spaces include ocean view ballrooms that can accommodate parties in the 300-guest range, as well as outdoor terraces and cozy living rooms for intimate meals. They can also arrange smaller weddings for up to 40 people on their ocean lawn and receptions in the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion Ballroom across the street on East Beach for up to 215 guests. Their experienced wedding planners will help you bring your dream wedding to life with ample catering capabilities right onsite. Learn More
It’s all about luxury at theRosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, who specialize in refined matrimonial events that take advantage of the property’s 16-acre oceanside setting and 160 guest rooms. Among the resort’s most popular venues is the neighboring Manor House, home to the elegant Chandelier Ballroom appointed with custom Baccarat chandeliers. The 8,000-square-foot Great Lawn is also well suited to storybook wedding ceremonies and can accommodate receptions for up to 400. Miramar’s esteemed culinary team specializes in organic, seasonal fare, and they even make exquisite custom wedding cakes. As part of their Wedding Offer, the resort offers perks for couples based on total spend, which include upgrades, spa discounts, and other value-adds. Learn More
Luxury is also in the air atThe Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbaralocated on a pristine stretch of coastline north of Santa Barbara proper. With 358 guest rooms and 78 acres overlooking the Pacific, it’s the largest resort in the region—complete with the top-rated Sandpiper Golf Course next door. The plethora of outdoor venues include a dramatic bluff that accommodates up to 300, lush gardens and lawns—all with panoramic Pacific views. Inside, the romantic Bacara Ballroom, which holds 1,250 people, has played host to countless star-studded events over the years and the sun-filled Rotunda Room, accommodating up to 200, brings the outdoors in. Couples who choose Bacara can take advantage of the Marriott’s “Vow to Getaway” triple points program to earn points towards a honeymoon, as well as the award-winning spa, food and wine program, and expert wedding managers. Learn More
Many dream weddings have been staged at the historicEl Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, a staple of the Riviera neighborhood perched in the hills above the Mission Santa Barbara. Their 92 suites and bungalows will make you and your guests feel right at home in one of Santa Barbara’s most serene neighborhoods boasting city and ocean views at every turn. Lush gardens, a wisteria-draped arbor, and the famed lily pond are just a few of the coveted outdoor areas of the property used for wedding ceremonies that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The ballroom for larger celebrations also features a heated outdoor terrace. For smaller indoor ceremonies and intimate festivities, a number of cozy rooms and terraces accommodate parties in the 14-50 range. Between the luxurious spa and the refined cuisine, Belmond can cover all of your bases in the most elegant of fashion. Learn More
At the gateway to the buzzy Funk Zone just steps from the waterfront, Hotel Californianbrings on the glamour. One of Santa Barbara’s newest properties that instantly made many “best of” lists, Hotel Californian is a design-forward hotel offering a number of compelling outdoor venues, including three rooftop areas with panoramic ocean and mountain views and the Court of Calafia courtyard (up to 300 people). Their light-filled indoor spaces have capacity for receptions and seated dinners for up to 285 guests, while the 121 guest rooms are spread across three buildings straddling State Street, allowing for single-building buyouts. Hotel Californian brings their elevated farm-to-table culinary and cocktail sensibility to your personalized menus, from rehearsal dinners and receptions to day-after brunches. And the onsite, Moroccan-themed Spa Majorelle can cover all your pampering and glam squad needs. Learn More
Right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Kimpton Canary Hotel offers one of the best rooftop venues in town—it can accommodate up to 280 guests for a night of revelry with 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and sea. The seven flexible event spaces also include a grand ballroom (up to 225 guests) and smaller terraces. Their tailored wedding services include the design-centric Wedding Décor Package that brings in the talents of HMR Design to take the stress out of sourcing while providing a range of cohesive looks and the convenience of inclusive pricing. Adding to the Canary’s “whole package” attractiveness, catering menus are customized by their destination restaurant, Finch & Fork, and 97 stylish guest rooms can keep the whole party under one roof. Learn More
A hip boutique hotel with a laid-back beachy persona,The Leta Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hiltonhas perfected a particular balance of effortless, easy-going elegance. Between the 158 surf chic guest rooms and cool vibes of the public spaces, The Leta Hotel sets a playful, stylish tone for your festivities. The outdoor lawn space and alfresco Good Bar and Patio locations can each accommodate up to 150 guests for ceremonies and receptions. The Rincon Ballroom is their biggest space for wedding parties of up to 300, and smaller ballroom configurations can also be arranged. There’s also an attractive fire pit for post-reception s’mores and night caps. Garden-to-glass craft cocktails and creative cuisine prepared by onsite Leta restaurant ensure palates will be very pleased throughout your big day. Learn More
San Ysidro Ranchis a legendary wedding destination, dating back to when Vivien Leigh and Sir Lawrence Olivier wed in its gardens under the moonlight. Surrounded by the heady aroma of roses, The Gardens location can fit up to 120 guests with mountain views, while the oceanview Upper Estate Lawn lined by sycamores accommodates 150 guests—the latter requires a full buyout of all 38 guest rooms. Memorable meals can be shared in the 1825 Old Adobe and wine cellar (max of six and 30 guests, respectively). The storybook Carriage House and accompanying stone patio set the stage for smaller weddings and receptions for up to 60 guests. And on your wedding night, you can sleep in the same cottage where JFK and Jackie O honeymooned—how’s that for iconic?! Learn More
Bed & Breakfast and Neighborhood Inns
An assortment of smaller neighborhood inns and bed and breakfasts are lovely choices for smaller weddings and elopements. While they don’t offer the full range of amenities the larger full-service properties specialize in, they have style, character, and charm in spades. And they also have extensive experience in creating perfect wedding celebrations.
De La Vina Innis an utterly charming historic home in downtown Santa Barbara available for full buyouts. You will have the whole house to yourselves for the duration of your booking, the Penthouse Suite can serve as the bridal suite, and the manicured gardens appointed with string lights is where your guests will gather. If you have a guest list of 30 or under, you can host your ceremony and reception in the gardens. If you opt to say “I do” at an offsite venue and use the gardens just for your reception, up to 40 guests can be accommodated. Tables, tableware, use of the full kitchen, furniture, and more amenities are included in their array of well-organized wedding packages. Learn More
Palihouse Santa Barbara is a chic new 24-room boutique hotel tucked away in the tranquil Presidio District. The 1920s complex was built to house the Santa Barbara School of the Arts and it oozes Santa Barbara-style ambiance. This delightful property is ideal for a buyout for smaller weddings; two-night minimums are required for buyouts. Their six private event spaces include a pool deck, Mediterranean courtyard, bar, club room, front patio, and living room. Given the smaller size of the property, seated dining events max out at 50. Catering is provided by the onsite restaurant and family style menus can be created for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Learn More
SeasideSanta Barbara Innis a family-owned boutique property with 70 guest rooms, including the spacious 1,100-square-foot Anacapa Suite that is popular with brides for getting ready day-of and, of course, for couples kicking off their honeymoon. In terms of ceremony and reception venues, the ground level ocean view Montecito Room and adjacent terrace can accommodate wedding receptions for up to 90 guests; it can also be configured for smaller affairs. The expansive ocean view front lawn is also available for rent through the Inn, who will help you secure the necessary City permit. The property’s impressive Convivo Restaurant caters rehearsal dinners and receptions with their signature Mediterranean-inflected seasonal fare. And the professional event planning staff on property take pride in their flexible approach to customizing events to meet their clients’ needs. Learn More
Hidden away in a quiet residential neighborhood within walking distance to downtown State Street’s restaurants and cultural attractions,Simpson House Inn is a storybook setting for intimate nuptials. The bed and breakfast estate sits on two acres and is surrounded by tall hedges, creating a sense of serenity and privacy. The inn features an 1874 Victorian home and English gardens with lovely indoor and outdoor event space for ceremonies and receptions. For rehearsal and reception dinners, they can convert the lobby into a dining room set for up to 20 at one table or 48 at rounds. You can bring in the caterer of your choice or work with their preferred vendor. Weekend weddings do have full buyout requirements, which include the 15 guest rooms spread out among the main Manor House, a Carriage House, and cottages. The Inn can accommodate up to 100 people when the ceremony and reception are held in the gardens. Learn More
Another historic Victorian charmer,The Upham Hotelrecently celebrated its 150th anniversary and is one of Southern California’s longest continually operating hotels. Offering 50 well-appointed, character-rich rooms and cottages for your wedding party, the Upham can accommodate wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 40 guests. Ceremonies typically take place on the lawn surrounded by sycamores and the private Garden Room adds indoor space for seated dinners. Local favorite Louie’s California Bistro restaurant onsite can cater the celebration or rehearsal dinners, or you can work with one of the hotel’s recommended caterers. Learn More
Rustic, Fun & Untraditional
Some couples like to think outside the box for their weddings and Santa Barbara offers some unexpected and truly cool wedding venues with lodging. Specifically, a glampsite, guest ranch, and a hip hostel.
El Capitan Canyon helped set the mold for glamping as we know it today when they first debuted their concept on the Santa Barbara coast back in 2001. Set on 350-acres near El Capitan State Beach and along a wooded creek, the camp-like lodging property features 140 cedar cabins, 10 yurts, and 12 safari tents that cater to luxury campers. Your guests can enjoy the soothing natural atmosphere, campfires, and starry night skies without sacrificing creature comforts like willow beds, down duvets, electricity, and more. The fully furnished cabins have bathrooms and kitchenettes, while guests staying in the yurts and tents have access to pristine communal facilities nearby. A gourmet market, deli and café and pampering spa services round out the amenities. El Capitan Canyon works with couples to create magical weddings for parties large and small. With abundant open fields to work with, there isn’t really a limit on guest count—their most common ceremony set-ups can seat up to 350. Section buyouts are required for weddings because your reception space will be near the accommodations in that specific section. Learn More
Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables can make your country western wedding dreams come true. The 1,100-acre, family-owned dude ranch in Refugio Canyon is an ideal rustic chic canvas for weddings up to 150 people. While they only have 18 rooms and cabins, the sleeping accommodations vary in layouts and sizes and can comfortably sleep up to 68 guests in total, making it ideal for a buyout. Wedding parties can take advantage of the abundant wide-open spaces for ceremonies and receptions, as well as entertaining activities including horseback riding, spa services, and wine tasting. Circle Bar B has experience orchestrating picture-perfect weddings that run the gamut from sophisticated soirees to down-to-earth hoedowns. Learn More
One of Santa Barbara’s less expected wedding venues with accommodations is Moxy Santa Barbara. Think of it as an elevated Mediterranean-style hostel complete with a communal kitchen, Ping-Pong tables, and corn hole—in a prime Funk Zone location. The property has three event spaces and can accommodate a wedding for 100 on their pool deck as well as on their parking lot—a perfect ceremony-reception combo. Their 31 guest rooms are spread among three floors. In addition to upscale bunk rooms, Moxy Santa Barbara has traditional rooms that are quite compact in size at 135-175 square feet. This is the ideal venue for a lively, fun, close-knit group takeover. Learn More
Photo Credit: Anna Delores Photography, courtesy of Twenty Four Seven Hotels