The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

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18 Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Outdoor
Santa Barbara Historical Museum 

5.0

Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 450 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $25,000

Please visit the sbhistorical website for more information. Founded in the 1930s, this cultural landmark invites, charms, and stuns guests in the historic El Pueblo Viejo district. Evoke the romance of early Spanish California by celebrating your wedding or special occasion on the grounds of this cultural landmark located in the heart of Santa Barbara's historic district. Enjoy the ambience of two private, interconnected courtyards distinguished by native and exotic landscaping and accented with splashing fountains.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Surrounded by nature
  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Additional event staff required
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
My husband and I were thrilled with our wedding venue at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The staff communicated clearly and concisely throughout the planning process, which helped make organizing a breeze. The space itself is naturally gorgeous, with beautiful architecture, and charming historic details. It was incredibly spacious, allowing us to easily accommodate all of our guests. The open layout provided a comfortable, laidback feel that encapsulated the Santa Barbara vibe. We received so many compliments from friends and family on the venue's beauty and charm. If you're looking for the quintessential Santa Barbara wedding backdrop, full of understated elegance and old California charm, the Historical Museum is a wonderful option to consider!
Kelsey O., a year ago
Drift Santa Barbara 

5.0

Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 120 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $500

Be the first to check out Drift, Santa Barbara’s newest boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown on State Street. Drift is a 45-room boutique hotel with options for travelers of every kind, from the two-person Bunk all the way to the expansive rooftop Drift Penthouse. In addition to rooms, Drift’s on-site coffee shop, Dawn, is inspired by SoCal’s vintage surf culture, and offers a full menu of coffee, breakfast, and lunch. Drift’s on-site bar, Dusk, draws on our rich Mexican heritage, and serves beer, handcrafted cocktails, and a raw bar. Drift’s State Street location sits on an expansive car-free promenade filled with restaurants, entertainment, and shops. It’s also a breezy, 10-minute stroll from the Santa Barbara pier and beautiful California beaches.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has onsite accommodations
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Dance floor not included
  • Does not allow pets
Drift Santa Barbara was the perfect venue for our wedding reception. From the moment we started working with their team, they were always there to help and truly wanted us to have the best day possible. The intimate space at Drift provided so much room for creativity - the team put in so much effort to ensure the space was beautifully set up and the service was exceptional. It's a truly gorgeous venue with the sweetest people, and we loved having our reception there. I also highly recommend staying at Drift for a full experience - the penthouse was absolutely gorgeous and the dreamiest room we could have asked for.
Jordan L., 2 months ago
Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery & Events 

5.0

Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Welcome to Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery, a forthcoming premier private event venue nestled in the heart of La Arcada Plaza, steps away from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse. We have positioned ourselves to locals and visitors alike who are seeking an exclusive setting for weddings at unbeatable prices. Our journey begins with a deep appreciation for Santa Barbara's rich wedding tradition, highlighted by over 1500 annual ceremonies at the Courthouse. Beyond weddings, we embrace the diversity of events, offering a versatile space capable of accommodating up to 350 guests. Our flexibility, onsite ownership and central location make us an ideal venue to host your event. With a spacious layout, aesthetic charm, and convenient access to public parking, SBCD promises unparalleled versatility and convenience for event hosts and attendees. Our commitment to culinary excellence is reflected in our diverse menu options, crafted to delight a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Accommodates more than 200 guests

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Lighting and sound are not included
We rented their outdoor patio for 100 people with catering. What a beautiful setting, and the food and service were outstanding! They were great at flowing with the menu options and the bar service. The wedding was right across the street at the courthouse, a 2 minute walk to the reception. Parking is adjacent and convenient for the wedding and reception. I highly recommend them for weddings or any gathering!
Darlene K., 2 months ago
Clubhouse 

5.0

Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 35 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $800

This 1000 sq/ft flex space is located in the heart of the funk zone and comes with 4 off street parking spots, making it the perfect team offsite, wedding suite, or production space. We offer a wide variety of rentals as well.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Caters to out-of-town guests
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Pets can join the celebration

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Dance floor not included
  • On-site parking not available
Great place for a little conference room. So convenient to be next to all of the great food and coffee in the funk zone.
Tomas, a month ago
Quick responder
The Factory 

5.0

Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 140 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $1,500

A curated urban garden space for weddings, corporate events, and workshops and more. The space has a commercial kitchen along with in-house service like food & beverage, audio & video, and other rentals.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Bridal suite on site
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Handles all cleanup logistics

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
Didn't know this place existed! Went there for a reception. Dinner was super beautiful - long tables, string lights, and perfect weather. Felt really easy and fun. Then we moved into the barn and it turned into a full-on party. Disco ball, fog, lights, DJ — everyone was dancing. Honestly one of the best dance floors I’ve seen at a wedding. Really hidden gem.
Mellisa, 23 days ago
Quick responder
Riviera Beach Club at East Beach 

5.0

Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $150

Santa Barbara's Beach Club! A pop-up beach club for weddings, family events, and celebrations. Pick from our large list of rentals and services to curate the perfect beach day for you and your guests.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has a glamorous vibe
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
Went to a welcome party here and it definitely felt like an event, not just a casual beach hang. The setup had this vintage Mediterranean feel — striped umbrellas, mismatched bistro chairs, weathered tables — like something out of a 70s travel postcard. It all came together in a way that felt thoughtful but still relaxed. The setting by the ocean added to the vibe, but it was really the aesthetic that made it feel special. Super cool spot for a kickoff gathering.
Daddy D., 23 days ago
Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,500

SBTHP offers four different rental venues for your special event. Between these venues, we can accommodate anywhere from 25-300 guests, offer both indoor and outdoor locations, and provide parking and limited rental equipment. Our venues are unique historic properties that radiate charm and will make your event distinctive and memorable.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Has a fun and festive vibe
  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No built-in audiovisual options
Quick responder
The Narrative Loft 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

The Loft brings the eclectic feel of a NYC loft right into the heart of Santa Barbara. The clean layout of the studio allows our clients to effortlessly turn their dreams into reality around them. This versatility has made it possible for us to host everything from beautiful wedding receptions, creative corporate retreats as well as fun and festive birthday parties.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No free parking
Quick responder
Lodo Studios 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $320

Imagine a wedding reception that's anything but ordinary. Lodo Studios, located in prime Santa Barbara, offers a unique and creatively charged venue for your special day. Our expansive 5,000 sqft space, blending indoor and outdoor areas, transforms into a personalized celebration, reflecting your unique style.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
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The Chapala Center 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 147 guests
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $300

Celebrate your love in the charming ambiance of The Chapala Center, nestled within a beautiful Spanish-style building. Imagine your wedding ceremony bathed in the soft, natural light streaming through large windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Historic touches

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No in-house catering options
De La Vina Inn 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor

De La Vina Inn will add a touch of luxury and charm to your wedding. Historic architecture abounds in this meticulously restored inn, providing a beautiful backdrop for your special day. The Penthouse Suite perched at the top of the inn can be your romantic getaway, as well as your ‘getting ready’ space prior to your ceremony. With a buy-out of the inn, there are 8 private suites that can sleep 2 adults, all with their own private bath, and many have a cozy fireplace and balcony with city and garden views. You will have access to all the comforts of home...full kitchen, spacious living and dining room, and sun room that flows out to the back patio that overlooks the beautifully landscaped garden. The back garden has a soothing fountain and string lights, creating a picturesque setting for rehearsal dinners and smaller ceremonies and receptions (up 50 attendees/guests). Having a completely exclusive location for you and your group to enjoy, is a rare find in Santa Barbara!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Dressing room available
  • Surrounded by nature

Venue considerations

  • Better for more intimiate events
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Requires outside catering services
Buena Onda 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 125 guests
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

At Buena Onda we are dedicated to quality and true to tradition, offering authentic Argentinian empanadas handmade and freshly baked from our oven to your table. As a family owned and operated business, we take pride in creating a flavorful taste that is both foreign and familiar. With respect to our ingredients, we use only grass-fed, free-range poultry, and locally sourced produce to ensure that our commitment to quality can be tasted in every bite. Inspired in South America and desired in Santa Barbara, Buena Onda is honored to represent its old country in its new community. (our mother says we’re the best restaurant in Santa Barbara)

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Lighting and sound are not included
Quick responder
Unitarian Society Of Santa Barbara 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

The Unitarian Society campus includes the Sanctuary, a Reception hall, a Terrace and two Gardened Courtyards, allowing for wedding Ceremonies inside or out. Designed and built in 1930 in the city’s signature Spanish-Revival style, the rustic glamor is enhanced by antique architectural elements. Couples of any faith or sexual orientation are invited to pledge their love in this glorious space, a welcome solution for interfaith marriages and same-sex unions.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Does not allow pets
Quick responder
Convivo Restaurant & Bar 
Santa Barbara, CA
  • Up to 90 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Throwing a party? Planning a wedding? Hosting a business meeting? From our main dining room, to our outdoor patios with views of the ocean, to our 90-seat "Montecito" private dining room, Convivo provides the perfect setting for your next event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Dance floor not included
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready

About wedding venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Choosing Santa Barbara for your wedding gives you Spanish-inspired architecture with red-tile roofs, breathtaking Santa Ynez mountain backdrops and stunning Pacific Ocean panoramas. This "American Riviera" offers a Mediterranean climate that's perfect for outdoor ceremonies while coastal breezes naturally cool your afternoon celebration.

What Makes Santa Barbara Wedding Venues Unique?

Santa Barbara's venues seamlessly blend Spanish colonial charm featuring authentic adobe walls and hand-painted tiles with coastal elegance. You'll find the Santa Barbara Courthouse showcasing intricate Moorish detail and a clock tower with 360-degree views while Rincon Beach Club offers beachfront access with both indoor and outdoor seating a dedicated patio and bar service without those pesky curfew restrictions.

The region gives you distinctive venue options including beach settings with direct sand access for barefoot ceremonies vineyard estates offering private wine tastings for your wedding party mission-inspired properties featuring bell towers and arcaded walkways garden venues with native botanical collections and rose gardens and ranch properties complete with horse facilities and mountain backdrops.

How Much Do Santa Barbara Wedding Venues Cost?

Wedding venues in Santa Barbara typically range from $10,700 to $13,000 with average costs around $11,834; noticeably higher than the national benchmark of $6,500-$12,000. This represents about 18% of your total wedding budget.

For a wedding with 50 guests you're looking at a total budget of approximately $29,026. As your guest list grows so does your investment:

  • 100 guests: $48,413
  • 150 guests: $66,631
  • 200 guests: $82,902
  • 250 guests: $99,173
  • 300 guests: $115,444

Which Santa Barbara Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort features a 20,000 square-foot open-air patio overlooking the Pacific with full accessibility accommodations that ensure all your guests can enjoy the celebration.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara makes sure all areas are accessible creating an inclusive experience while treating you and your guests to breathtaking coastline views and luxury amenities throughout your special day.

Are There Santa Barbara Venues That Support Remote Participation?

The Rosewood Miramar Beach offers excellent facilities for remote participation with its luxurious setting and technology infrastructure that can support interactive elements beyond just basic streaming for guests who can't attend in person.

Santa Barbara Zoo provides a unique 30-acre setting that can be customized for interactive remote experiences offering an unconventional yet engaging environment where distant guests can feel part of your celebration.

Which Santa Barbara Venues Offer Outstanding Food?

Belmond El Encanto perched on a hill overlooking Santa Barbara features award-winning California cuisine using local ingredients and seasonal produce that will impress even your most food-savvy guests.

The Four Seasons Resort Biltmore specializes in fresh seafood and California cuisine at its Belvedere restaurant known for impeccable service and dishes prepared by renowned chefs who can customize your wedding menu.

San Ysidro Ranch offers farm-to-table dining focused on fresh local ingredients in an intimate setting in the foothills where you can create a personalized culinary experience for your reception.

How Can I Optimize My Santa Barbara Wedding Budget?

Balance your venue investment with other key vendors:

Wedding ServiceAverage Cost% of Total Budget (150 guests)
Hair & Makeup$6661%
Band & DJs$1,8863%
Catering$9,46714%
Bar Services$7,57411%
Photography$5,2868%
Florists$8,67813%
Cakes & Desserts$9071%
Videography$4,7817%
Wedding Planning$5,3658%

September is the most popular inquiry month for Santa Barbara weddings so consider alternative months for potential savings and greater venue availability without sacrificing the beautiful weather this region is known for.

What types of wedding venues are in Santa Barbara, CA?

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