Santa Barbara is filled with all the views from the glistening Pacific Ocean on one side to towering mountains on the other. So, what couple wouldn’t want a wedding location that shows off the American Riviera from every angle?

Rooftop venues are highly sought-after gems in the sunny city. But, there are also multiple options to choose from and various styles to fit any event or preference. If you’re on the hunt for a rooftop location in Santa Barbara, you’re going to want to check out the following five hot spots. Happy planning!

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is the ultimate destination for a California Coastal Chic wedding. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the sunny shores of the Pacific Ocean, our resort offers an extensive array of event venues for your special day. The venue offers multiple spaces for your ceremony and reception, but if you’re dreaming of a rooftop event the Rotunda is what you’re looking for.

Overlooking the coastline, the Rotunda balcony brings panoramic views of the mountains, harbor, and ocean to your cocktail hour or seated reception. The whole space looks over the venue’s Plaza Del Sol open-air patio which is also popular for weddings and receptions—in fact it's one of the most sought-after outdoor wedding venues on the California coast, with similar 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean coastline of the mountains, harbor, and ocean.

This resort as a whole is the perfect setting for your wedding, offering exquisite culinary options, state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, dedicated experienced consultants, and luxurious accommodations for you and your guests.

Kimpton Canary Hotel

The rooftop at the Kimpton Canary Hotel is the quintessential, relaxed Californian experience. With 360 degree views, this rooftop is the highest in town and boasts truly stunning views of both mountains and sea. Bask in the warming sun during the day and enjoy the sunset as you move into the evening celebrations, gathering around the impressive fireplace. This truly beautiful event space with picture perfect pool is the perfect spot to host your upcoming nuptials, welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, brunches and more.

The warm and friendly team at The Canary hotel are dedicated to turning your dream into a reality and commit to obsessing over every detail to ensure that everything goes smoothly start to finish. The wedding catering menus are designed to provide an additional highlight to your wedding day. Fully customizable options are available, created by the celebrated team at Finch & Fork. The menu highlights the best of California, sourcing ingredients from local farms, ranches and fisheries to deliver a deliciously refined yet relatable offerings paired with world-class local beer and wine plus curated craft cocktails from the elite bar team.

The 97 room hotel was recently renovated and channels the glamor of a California estate, embodying the refined yet relaxed atmosphere of our dreamy coastal town. Blending historical touchers like original terracotta floors, exposed beams and wrought iron details with contemporary light off-whites and creams, brass finishes and curtains that billow in the sea breeze.

Photo 1 by Zoe Isabel Photography, Photo 2 by Ether & Smith Photography

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is Santa Barbara’s newest museum available for private parties, business meetings, weddings, and more. Say “I do” under the picturesque Towbes Lookout Tower with panoramic views of the city and mountains. Toast your guests during cocktail hour amongst the museum's interactive exhibits. Enjoy a dinner for up to 200 on the rooftop or in the courtyard. Dance the night away under the stars on the stunning Levinson Family Sky Garden rooftop.

Since opening in February 2017, MOXI has quickly become a landmark destination on Lower State Street. Just two blocks from the beach, adjacent to the vibrant Funk Zone and premier lodging, the museum’s gorgeous exterior gives way to an open-concept floor plan with gracefully modern finishes. When you host an event at MOXI, you can get access to all three floors of the museum providing you the flexibility to party on the rooftop or play in the Innovation Workshop and everything in between. It’s up to you and your imagination.

MOXI can host engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions. Create unforgettable memories. Create your very own MOXI moment.

Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown

Perched conveniently on State Street, is the Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown. The Pacific Deck Rooftop offers an enchanting setting that elevates any wedding or event. With breathtaking 360 views of Santa Barbara, your celebration will be surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the shimmering coastline to majestic mountains. The ambiance is truly wonderful, especially at sunset when the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.

Designed to accommodate gatherings of up to 80 guests, our space provides an intimate yet spacious atmosphere, perfect for both ceremonies and receptions.

Additionally, our rooftop is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a seamless experience, including customizable music options and a dedicated area for catering. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic ceremony under the stars or a lively reception with panoramic views, our rooftop venue is the ideal choice for unforgettable memories. Experience the charm and elegance of Santa Barbara from a unique vantage point, making your special day truly one of a kind.

Photos courtesy of Marriott