As a wedding blogger and planner based in Santa Barbara, I'm always on the lookout for unique venues that can offer couples an unforgettable experience. Recently, I was invited by Highway West Vacations for a two-night press trip to explore their collection of properties in Santa Barbara Wine Country.

What I discovered was a wedding wonderland for couples looking to tie the knot in this picturesque region. Join me on this two-part journey through the heart of wine country and discover why this area is a wedding planner's dream come true.

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

My adventure began at Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton, nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. I checked into my luxurious Wine Cottage, which is definitely not your average campground. The upscale amenities and attention to detail in these cottages immediately struck me as perfect for wedding parties or guests looking for a more elevated "glamping" experience and a family reunion-type setting conducive to longer stays.

As the sun began to set, we gathered at the Pavilion for a welcome cocktail reception. The Pavilion, a rustic-style barn venue is an elegant, uniquely designed banquet and conference facility that can hold up to 150 people and offers additional outdoor spaces for events. As we nibbled our snacks and dinner in this charming setting, I couldn't help but envision the countless ways couples could transform this space for their special day.

Day 2: Yoga, Property Tours

The next morning, we started our day with a gentle yoga session in The Pavilion. With mats and props provided, it was the perfect way to relax and center ourselves before a day of exploration. As a wedding planner, I immediately saw the potential for offering similar wellness activities to wedding parties – a wonderful way to de-stress before the big day!

Following our yoga session, we embarked on a comprehensive tour of the Flying Flags property. The variety of accommodation options, from charming Wine Cottages to luxury tents, impressed me. I could easily see how couples could host their entire wedding party here, ensuring everyone stays together for the celebration.

Farm-to-Table Delights

The highlight of our day was lunch at Vega Vineyard, where we were treated to a delicious wine pairing experience by the owner, Jimmy himself. The farm-to-table lunch was a feast for the senses, featuring local delicacies like charcuterie, deviled eggs, and a Caesar salad made with ostrich egg from a nearby farm. As we savored each bite, I couldn't help but think how perfect this venue would be for a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch.

After lunch, we explored the grounds of Vega Vineyard, taking in the various event and wedding sites. The Historic Old Adobe, built in 1856, caught my eye as a unique backdrop for wedding photos. We even had the chance to feed the farm animals – an activity that would surely delight guests of all ages.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Wine Country adventure, where we'll explore more unique venues from Highway West and we and soar above the valley on an exhilarating zipline tour!