If you’re looking to incorporate the coastal flavors of Santa Barbara into your wedding or event, then you need Get Shucked Santa Barbara. The oyster bar and catering company has options to fulfill whatever needs you may have or salty experience you want.

First off, you can choose between Premium Large or Small Gathering offerings when you work with Get Shucked. These both include 3 hours of raw bar services with East Coast oysters—though amounts will vary per package. Plus, add-ons of West Coast oysters, large cocktail shrimp, and world-famous uni are also available. Or, Get Shucked also offers a Self-Serve Drop-Off option and even classes so you can learn to shuck like a pro while still getting to enjoy the oysters and other snacks in the comfort of your own home.

Get Shucked Santa Barbara really does have a taste and service for every couple and occasion. And, to find out a little bit more about how the company functions and its top advice for people interested in adding oysters to their upcoming event, we caught up with Get Shucked co-founder Mason. Enjoy diving a little bit deeper into this company that’s making a splash in Santa Barbara.

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

A - Channel Cat because, it just makes sense, seafood lovers love the ocean, and we are a preferred vendor on their yacht. Hotels such as Bacara, El Encanto, Miramar, and the Hilton will allow us to provide our services on their property since we are a specialty caterer. We often work at private estates and homes, and finally, wineries and tasting rooms are an ideal fit for flavor profiles and pairings. Zaca Mesa Winery, Sunstone Winery, Sansara, Paradise Springs, and Frequency.

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

A - My number one piece of advice is to really think through your cocktail hour experience. Too often, couples underestimate how long guests will linger and socialize during cocktail hour. I always recommend extending it to ideally 1.5 hours, to give people plenty of time to mix and mingle before being seated.

We specialize in creating immersive, progressive food experiences during the cocktail reception. Guests can graze through multiple appetizer stations as they enjoy drinks, like a decadent oyster bar, ceviche shooters, and mini lobster rolls passed butler-style. This gives your cocktail hour a whole new level of energy and indulgence.

By investing in a truly exceptional cocktail reception, you're giving your guests an opportunity to relax, unwind from travel, and come together before the more structured dinner service. It sets the tone for a celebration filled with delicious food, meaningful connections, and ease - which is what every couple hopes for their wedding day!

Q - What is trending with your couples?

A - One of the most popular questions we get from couples lately is about our roaming oyster shucking service. This is an add-on experience that really whets guests' appetites during cocktail hour.

We have trained shuckers roam the reception space with our freshest oysters. The shuckers mingle with guests, opening the oysters to order right in front of them and serving them with lemon, cocktail and various other sauces.

The deliciousness comes to your guests - they don't have to wait in lines or hover around a stationary bar. The shuckers are also charismatic hosts who get the conversations and celebrations flowing.

This roaming, interactive oyster experience is a huge hit and a great value-add. The casual luxury and abundance of fresh oysters really sets the tone for a celebration focused on amazing food and connection.

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

A - The two things I really wish every couple would do are:

Take full advantage of our variety of fresh seafood offerings. Oysters are fantastic, but we have access to so much more - ahi poke, salmon poke, crab stuffed deviled eggs, shrimp cocktails, lobster rolls, uni, and more. Seafood adds a level of luxury and indulgence that is perfect for weddings.

Incorporate a seafood experience beyond the wedding day. Having Get Shucked as an option for engagement parties, welcome receptions, rehearsal dinners, or even post-wedding events is a great opportunity. We develop a custom experience with consistent quality across multiple celebrations.

I love it when couples think outside the box and allow us to showcase our diverse seafood catering abilities for all of their wedding-related events. It provides a thread of coastal elegance and delightful cuisine their guests will remember long after the big day.

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

A - We provided our services to a local celebrated wedding planner on the Channel Cat for her welcome reception. This two-hour celebration allowed her guests and family to mingle, enjoy each other's company and have a delicious and unique seafood culinary experience.