Santa Barbara Weddings Insider FAQ’s

Photo Credit: MPSingh Photography

Nestled in the heart of captivating Southern California, Santa Barbara allures couples seeking the epitome of romance for their special day. With its captivating Spanish-style architecture, this coastal haven offers a truly unique setting that exudes elegance and charm.

Santa Barbara's charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the old-world romance of its architecture with the natural beauty of its ocean views and mountain backdrops, creating a picture-perfect wedding location for your love story.

In this idyllic corner of the world, you'll discover extraordinary venues, from luxury resorts with all the amenities your heart desires to intimate hideaways tucked amid rolling hills or toes-in-the-sand experiences on the beaches or oceanfront locations. Picture you and your love exchanging vows in the Southern California sun, with the gentle breeze whispering through palm trees, and the scent of the ocean in the air.

Or, if winery weddings are your ideal venues for celebrating your love, the region's renowned wine culture, allows you to savor every moment while surrounded by the vine-covered hills that characterize Santa Barbara's wine country.

As you embark on your romantic journey, our Santa Barbara Wedding Insiders have hand-selected a team of local experts who stand out and are ready to bring your dreams to life, from world-class caterers crafting delectable culinary experiences to talented florists adorning your reception location with blooms as beautiful as your love.

Ready to begin your love story in this enchanting locale? Explore our comprehensive guide, providing answers to the most sought-after questions about planning your dream wedding in Santa Barbara.

First things first

We know that planning a wedding can be incredibly overwhelming at the beginning—but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with our free wedding-style quiz. In less than five minutes, you will get your personalized style inspiration to plan your perfect Santa Barbara Wedding!

Where can I get married in Santa Barbara?

When it comes to choosing the perfect Santa Barbara wedding venue for you, the possibilities are as diverse as your love story. The answer depends not only on your wedding style, but also on the size of your wedding party, your budget, and the aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve. You may choose the romantic charm of historic adobes and courtyards, the natural beauty of beaches, vineyards, parks, and gardens, or the luxurious comfort of resorts and ballrooms.

The Santa Barbara location and venue brochure has an extensive selection of stunning, professionally vetted options for your ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner. Whether you’re looking for a vineyard, beach, or venue with accommodations for your wedding, Santa Barbara has the perfect setting to make your special day unforgettable.

What documents do I need to get married in Santa Barbara County?

Planning a wedding is about creating a celebration that encapsulates your unique love story. While there is much joy to be found in the process, there are also some important logistics to keep in mind. To learn about the documentation you’ll need to acquire for any Santa Barbara wedding, read our comprehensive guide to the documents you need to get married in Santa Barbara County.

How can Santa Barbara Wedding Style help me plan my wedding?

Santa Barbara Wedding Style is here to provide engaged couples with a wealth of knowledge when starting the often daunting project of planning a wedding.

Explore our extensive blog content to find wedding planning tips, location spotlights, real weddings, and inspiration to jumpstart your creativity. Then check out our podcast to find interviews with great advice from industry experts! Last but not least, join our free private Facebook group for wedding planning tips and guidance! We host a wedding planning workshop on Facebook Live on the second Wednesday of each month—you won’t want to miss them!

Where should I go for wedding planning tools and resources?

Santa Barbara Wedding Style has created a series of free wedding planning tools and resources to help you get started planning your wedding on the right foot. Read our Wedding Planning Tools and Guide to learn about these fabulous resources and navigate your way through them all!

Plus, check out our article on Flower Trends & Budgeting highlighting each of our wedding florist vendors and this Showcase of Our Wedding Caterers. Don’t forget to also browse other wedding tips, products, and services from other vendors we are affiliated with, HERE.

How do you get married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse?

Arguably one of the most beautiful public buildings in the country, with its Spanish-Colonial style red tile roof, gorgeous clock tower, and lush Sunken Gardens, it’s no wonder this is such a popular Santa Barbara wedding venue. To learn exactly how you go about hosting your wedding at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, read our comprehensive step-by-step guide.

Can I get married on the beach in Santa Barbara?

Yes, you certainly can get married on the beach in Santa Barbara. The California beach wedding aesthetic is one of the most sought-after. If you love flowy wedding gowns, airy draping, and sand-kissed toes, look no further!

Here we share toes-in-the-sand beachfront location ideas that we know you will adore!

But, there are a few things you’ll need to know before heading to the waterfront with your rings and officiant in tow. Learn more about getting married on the beach in this comprehensive blog post.

Additionally, if the nitty-gritty of the beach just isn’t your thing, Santa Barbara also offers countless spaces with jaw-dropping panoramas of the water. Check out Five Venues with an Ocean View.

Can I get married in a vineyard in Santa Barbara?

Absolutely! Santa Barbara boasts stunning vineyards perfect for a picturesque wedding. From rolling hills to scenic vistas, vineyard weddings offer a romantic ambiance. With the area's Mediterranean climate and renowned wine, exchanging vows amidst the vines promises an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

For couples seeking a backdrop of rolling vineyards and exquisite settings for their special day, then one of these Santa Barbara vineyards or wineries should be at the top of their list.

If you’re looking for additional inspiration for the stunning vineyard weddings we’ve featured on the blog find them here.

What are some Spanish-style venues to get married at or host a wedding?

Celebrate your wedding in true Santa Barbara style! Spanish-style venues will add traditional local flair to any ceremony or reception. Here are some of the best venues that exude this wonderful aesthetic for those wanding for Spanish-style perfection.

What are historic venues to get hitched at?

Santa Barbara, steeped in rich history and architectural beauty, offers Historic Santa Barbara Venues with captivating backdrops for couples seeking a wedding steeped in heritage and elegance. Enchanting historic venues in Santa Barbara offer a unique glimpse into the city's storied past for couples to create timeless memories.