In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara’s historic district lies a cultural landmark that acts as both an ode to the city’s rich past and a highly sought-after venue for special occasions and beautiful weddings. The Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s unique architecture, landscaping, and outdoor courtyards evoke the romance of early Spanish California and make for gorgeous photographs in any location you choose throughout the grounds.

The venue is the perfect spot for a picturesque ceremony and reception, and offers two unique courtyard spaces for your event. The Adobe Courtyard is the ideal area for an intimate ceremony surrounded by large, lush trees and including a wooden arbor for the perfect backdrop, while the Museum Courtyard features Spanish details and can host up to 450 people for a large ceremony or reception. However, the venue’s beauty doesn’t stop there. There are countless other hidden gems throughout the setting that make for stunning photo ops.

Check out both of the venue’s quintessential courtyard spaces as well as four other perfect locations for a few wedding day snapshots.

Adobe Courtyard

Photo 1: Nicole Caldwell Studio | Photo 2: Pat Moyer Wedding Photography and Films | Photo 3: Grace Kathryn Photography

Museum Courtyard

Photo 1: Ashley Taylor Photography | Photo 2: JKoe Photography

Front Entrance

Photo 1: Nancy Neil Photography | Photo 2: Anna Delores Photography

Under the Spanish Tiled Roof

Photo 1: Grace Kathryn Photography | Photo 2: Lerina Winter Photography

Iconic Fountain

Photo 1: Nancy Neil Photography | Photo 2: Grace Kathryn Photography

Classic Wood and Wrought Iron Doorways

Photo 1: Rewind Photography | Photo 2: Ashley Taylor Photography