Getting Hitched with History: Unveiling 10 Historic Santa Barbara County Wedding Venues
Photo by Nicole Kirshner
Santa Barbara County is steeped in rich history and architectural beauty, offering a multitude of historic venues that serve as captivating backdrops for couples seeking a wedding steeped in heritage and elegance. Here are ten enchanting historic venues in Santa Barbara, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's storied past for couples to create timeless memories.
Santa Barbara Courthouse
A true architectural gem, the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a testament to Spanish Colonial Revival design. Its ornate details, stunning arches, and vibrant murals make it a popular choice for couples seeking a historic wedding venue. The Mural Room and Sunken Gardens provide picturesque settings for ceremonies, boasting panoramic views of the city and mountains.
Photo by Beaux Arts Photographie
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
Steeped in Spanish colonial history, El Presidio de Santa Barbara offers a glimpse into the city's past. The chapel within the park, with its adobe walls and rustic charm, provides an intimate setting for exchanging vows. Couples can celebrate amidst the historic ambiance and lush gardens, creating a romantic and culturally rich atmosphere.
Photo by Nicole Kirshner
The Upham Hotel
Embracing Victorian-era charm, The Upham Hotel stands as one of Santa Barbara's oldest landmarks. Its lush gardens, quaint cottages, and historic ambiance offer couples a serene and intimate setting for their wedding. The meticulously preserved architecture and serene surroundings create a romantic atmosphere for exchanging vows.
Photos courtesy of uphamhotel.com
The Santa Barbara Club
The Santa Barbara Club offers a stunning wedding location in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, perfect for couples looking for a luxurious venue. Our timeless setting, renowned Wine Country cuisine, and exceptional service make us a top choice for weddings in the area. Serving Santa Barbara for over a century, the Historic Santa Barbara Club is a hidden gem and a peaceful sanctuary for couples in one of the most beautiful cities in America.
Photo by Lance Skundrich
Montecito Club
Nestled in the hills of Montecito overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Montecito Club is a private golf and social club that has reopened after a $119 million renovation in 2019. Montecito Club captures the club experience seamlessly with its panoramic ocean views, historic setting, world-class golf featuring the newest Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, excellent dining, luxurious facilities and the unparalleled service.
Photo by Renoda Campbell Photography
The Riviera Mansion
A historic house with surrounding gardens. Built in 1880, the Riveria Mansion’s stately charm and resplendence make it the premiere destination for weddings on the American Riviera. Located conveniently new downtown Santa Barbara, California, it’s exquisite and historic ambiance throughout and central location makes it a highly sought after event and wedding venue. Members and invited guests can enjoy the fine cuisine and private dining experiences, with easy and complimentary on-site parking and indoor as well as outdoor dining options among other Mansion amenities. The Riviera Mansion is the best kept secret for those seeking an extraordinary backdrop for their event!
Photo by Phillip Van Nostrand
1880 Union Hotel
The 1880 Union Hotel, a historic landmark former stagecoach turned hotel north of Santa Barbara, offers events for up to 300 guests and accommodations for up to 20 overnight guests. Wedding weekend package includes two nights, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, after-party, and morning-after brunch all at one location and with customized cuisine and cocktails.
Photo courtesy of 1880 Union Hotel
San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch is a 5-star luxury vacation destination tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley. The grounds are home to two beautiful gardens and the renowned Stonehouse Restaurant. The rustic atmosphere coupled with easy access to local beaches and wineries make San Ysidro Ranch the perfect romantic getaway.
Photo by Kristen Beinke Photography
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
This cultural landmark located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic district elicits the romance of early Spanish California. The Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s grounds are perfect for large receptions and ceremonies or special occasions. The interconnected courtyards are distinguished by native and exotic landscaping accented with splashing fountains. For more intimate events or added space, the property also offers the Penthouse (a 2nd-floor boardroom w/ensuite), and the Casa Covarrubias (one of the city’s oldest buildings, built in 1817).
Photo by Michael & Anna Costa
Belmond El Encanto
Head to the hills for a timeless Santa Barbara celebration. Steeped in charisma, Belmond El Encanto’s breezy hillside location and enduring iconicity make it one of the most desirable Santa Barbara event venues. Join us for lavish wedding parties or smaller, intimate occasions. Our lush Pacific-facing gardens, expansive terrace and expert event planners combine for the ultimate Californian celebration.
Photo by Anna Delores Photography
These historic Santa Barbara wedding venues serve as living testaments to the city's rich heritage, offering couples the opportunity to immerse themselves in the charm and elegance of a bygone era. Whether within the ornate walls of the Courthouse, amidst the lush gardens of a historic hotel, or surrounded by the architectural beauty of a Spanish colonial estate, these venues provide an enchanting backdrop for couples to embark on their journey into wedded bliss, surrounded by the timeless allure of Santa Barbara's history.