Congratulations! You just got engaged and now you’re on the hunt for where host your wedding. And, perhaps Santa Barbara, the American Riviera has caught your eye? And, why wouldn’t it? With it’s charm and beauty, Santa Barbara really has so much to offer for every unique couple out there, no matter what you’re envisioning for your big day.

Now you may be wondering just where can I get married in Santa Barbara? Lucky for you, you have found the perfect place not only for inspiration from our blog for your big day, but you’ve also found an amazing resource for gorgeous venues listed right HERE.

Now, we know there are a gazillion locations to showcase your wedding day and tell your story. But today, we will share with you our top five things to consider when planning your destination wedding (if you’re not local), and tell you WHY we think Santa Barbara takes the cake on the perfect place to get married or elope.

1.  Beach and Oceanview Weddings 

If you are a free-spirit and laid-back kind of couple, Santa Barbara offers plenty of beach locations where you and your guests can have your feet in the sand and watch the waves crash during both your ceremony and reception.

Prefer to enjoy the Pacific Ocean from afar?  Perfect! There are estates and resorts that hang back on the Riviera and boast 180 degree views of the ocean.

If you’re looking for some Santa Barbara beach wedding inspiration check out more from this Hilton Beachfront Resort wedding in the sun, HERE.

2.  Wine Country Weddings

If your taste is more farm-to-fork and you relish knowing the difference between an oak and steel barrel fermentation process, Santa Ynez offers all that and more! Whether you prefer dining al fresco among the vines or in a wine barrel room family-style, the valley has a multitude of venues that uncork a vintner feel and style.

Explore more of what Roblar Winery—one of the Santa Ynez Valley’s most picturesque vineyards and venues—has to offer through this modern styled wedding by Boheme Events.

3.  Traditional, Luxurious Weddings

If you prefer to sprinkle some glam in with your “I do’s” and throughout your wedding day, Santa Barbara County offers some of the top luxury and iconic resorts and venues in the world. We are Old Hollywood after all, and there is a reason why celebrities retreat to the American Riviera and its endless quaint towns such as Montecito, Carpinteria, Solvang, and more.

Get a taste of the luxury that awaits in Santa Barbara with a peek at this roaring 20’s themed wedding hosted at the captivating Rosewood Miramar Hotel and planned by Ann Johnson Events.

4.  Upscale Rustic Weddings

If your style is more of a rural vibe, you can make your way into some of the nooks and crannies of Santa Barbara County. You don’t have to flee off to the countryside or hold your wedding in a barn (although we have many—even greenhouses!).  Santa Barbara County yields parks and private locations where you can celebrate your nuptials with merriment and simplicity.

Gain inspiration for your own elevated rustic wedding with this Foxen Canyon Ranch event with details from Bright Event Rentals and BBJ La Tavola.

5.  Unique or Religious Weddings

Want to play with colors and showcase your ethnicity as a couple?  You can immerse yourself in Santa Barbara’s fed tile roof and Spanish-style architecture pretty much wherever you turn in the city. If your ethnicity favors religion or a worldly classification, Santa Barbara possesses plenty of large venues—ideal for beautiful Indian or Persian weddings—and a multitude of congregations, churches, and non-denominational chapels to house your spirituality.

View more of this traditional and vibrant Indian wedding at the Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, HERE—all expertly planned by White Sage Weddings & Events.

These five reasons are only the very tip of the iceberg. We haven’t even mentioned Santa Barbara’s paradisical weather, world-class cuisine, and exemplary wedding professionals who will make sure your wedding day and planning is absolutely perfect! #SharingLoveInSB

To find out what your Santa Barbara Wedding Style is and receive personalized tips to start planning your perfect Santa Barbara wedding or elopement, take our Wedding Style Quiz!