Santa Barbara City College is one of SBWS’s treasured wedding members and is hands down one of the most versatile and picturesque venues in the city. The college offers four different ceremony or reception locations, each better than the last and each with their own unique views of either the spanning Pacific ocean or the Santa Ynez Mountains. These spots include the Winslow-Maxwell Overlook, Great Meadow, Bagish Overlook, and the Calden Overlook.

To learn a little bit more about Santa Barbara City College and to gather a few pieces of general wedding advice, SBWS spoke with the venue’s Special Events Coordinator Annie Guthrie.

What is your favorite location to work? What is the style that makes this location special for couples?

Our most popular location on campus is the Winslow-Maxwell Overlook. However, the Great Meadows is my favorite location. Its landscape is so breathtaking, to me it's a work of art.

What is your #1 top piece of advice you give to couples before they hire you?

My #1 advice for couples is to find their intention for their wedding. What do they want? Focusing and finding your intention helps to highlight the couple. Making their wedding day special and unique.

What is trending with your couples?

A common theme especially in Santa Barbara is an outdoor ceremony. Santa Barbara County offers gorgeous views with lovely weather year round.

What are 2 things you wish couples would do for every wedding?

1) Hire a wedding coordinator
2) Create a Pinterest board

To date, what wedding have you done that has made the top of favorite list, and why?

I personally get really excited when working with couples that are involved with their wedding planning process. It's so magical to communicate prior and after the wedding to hear how much they enjoyed their day.

Photo 1: Melissa Musgrove Photography | Photo 2: Parker Strehlow | Photo 3: Isabella Griffith | Photo 4 & 5: Santa Barbara City College | Photo 6: Nikki Ryan