California has been my home my entire life and I never tire of exploring all the gorgeous and unique coastal towns. One of my absolute favorites is Santa Barbara. It is central to Montecito and not far from Ojai, so it is a great spot to explore and give a lot for your guest to experience while in the area.

This post has some of my favorite wedding venues in the area that I have had the joy of documenting the sweetest couples at.

Being a Santa Barbara wedding photographer is a dream come true. Over the past 15+ years I have explored numerous hotels, restaraunts, and been invited to the most amazing parties. I have a variety of options on this list. I’ve chosen the most elevated and versatile for different guests counts and vibes.

Some are more resort/ hotel style and some are hidden gems tucked into the mountains, however they are all luxurious and you will be treated incredibly well, a vacation within a wedding is the goal.

Also, these are looked at from a photography perspective, which can be helpful if you are wondering: will this photograph well? Where will the ceremony light be facing? Do they have a spa for guests? etc. If I were planning a wedding now, these would be top of my list to explore. Each is unique which I adore because it gives each couple option for what adds to their personalities. And that friends is the goal. I hope this helps give new insights and fresh eyes to a location you haven’t considered before.

And the beauty of each is they can all be transformed by the incredible talent of planning/designers you choose.

San Ysidro Ranch

This is the Old Adobe building where the more intimate weddings can be held. It is incredibly charming and a truly memorable experience for guests. This a stunning spot for sunset photos, if don’t have time to step away and go to lavender garden. It can be busy with cars and guests as it is the central spot next to the lobby for check in.

https://www.sanysidroranch.com

To know this hidden gem is to love all that it has to offer. Secluded, private, and absolutely stunning. You can see how incredible it is, just by this curated gallery. When you enter the property you will be greeted by the iconic lavender drive. It is the perfect place for sunset photos and such a show stopped for guest experience as well. Each room is secluded and feels unique with different wall paper, decor, and a personal touch to make you feel like you aren’t a hotel, but a secluded location among the Santa Barbara hills.

A highlight of the property is the stunning Ceremony lawn with the picturesque mountains and add in the epic rose garden behind and this is completely jaw dropping. There are two existing double arches, that many people expand upon with luxurious blooms to make the color palette their own and design to fit their style. The couples and guests I have talked to love this about this ceremony space.

From a photography perspective this truly has an obscene amount of photo spots. I love the lavender drive at sunset, the rose garden, the lily pond, and of course the front of the lobby with its iconic bougainvillea. Ask when it will be blooming to get the best photo options as well. I also adore the meandering paths through the villas. It gives privacy and shade during sunny times of day, especially in the summer months. I would love if a couple took a dip in the hot tub together, that would be a beautiful moment to document. Also, guests can’t stop talking about the scenery. It is something I witnessed first hand. It truly is one of a kind.

They have a few event spaces for dinner and dancing. One if for an intimate event with a smaller guest count and one is for more in the 100+ guest range. I believe you can host reception if wanted a tent for example on the lawn however it requires a hotel buy out or something similar. Here is the link to the map of the property. You can see how lush and quaint it feels. Amenities and Property map

Pro tip: plan celebration for the best light of the day, so you can enjoy cocktail in rose garden and Lily pond. Some rooms have their own hot tub, adorable wall paper throughout, and absolutely delicious food. At sunset, sneak away for lavender field photos.

The grounds of this venue are lush and organic. It feels like it was always meant to be there. The Lily pond wraps around this space with rose garden to the left and an arbor for guests to meander through with a drink in hand and laughter on their lips. Truly magical! The photo options are endless.

From a photography perspective this is front facing light throughout the year. I recomend choosing a closer time to a softer light for ceremony vs say noon where the sun in harshest, as it will be shining directly on you. Benefit of this, guests have the sun to their backs, so they are more comfortable. Parasols are a great additional in practicality and design. I love a parasol moment for photos. Isn’t this stunning! The lily pond cocktail hour is a beautiful short walk to the right of this location.

Your guests will adore the charm of this venue. You will leave relaxed and inspired.

The Ritz Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara, ca

One of my favorite images I have ever taken. The joy is palpable and I adored this wedding weekend for Kelsey and Justin. The Bacara is the most stunning backdrop if you want a luxury resort experience that feels secluded with coastal views.

The chuppah looked incredible. The design by Tyler Speier events. The coastal views of the ocean add a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. Here it is nice if you have an arch that is large so it does stand out against the sprawling ocean. Plan your ceremony about 3 hours before sunset. This site offers a great opportunity for a drive up car. Kelsey had a vintage Porsche drive her dad and her up for entrance. It was such a special moment they talked about all night.

One of the premier hotels in the area is the The Ritz Carlton Santa Barbara, ca. If you want everything covered, this is a perfect location. You can literally have every event and they will feel different because it is so large, you can create a beautiful cadence to the weekend for a heightened guest experience. Welcome event by the coast, Wedding, and pool or beach day. It is such a beautiful experience with plush rooms, decadent food, and spa services. Located on the Santa Barbara coastal cliffs, it shows epic views of the ocean. The rooms near the coast truly feel like another world.

Things to consider about this venue: many ballroom options, logistics from getting to different photo locations. I always plan ahead for a golf cart in timeline and lighting considerations when guiding my couples to getting the best wedding photos.

I know this is also a wonderful option for guests to stay if you’re having your wedding at another venue in Santa Barbara, Goleta, or Montecito.

Here is a link to a wedding we photographed at the Bacara.

Kelsey and Justin’s Santa Barbara wedding

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sbarz-the-ritz-carlton-bacara-santa-barbara/overview

Hotel Californian

Hotel Californian is located in the heart of water front Santa Barbara. It is just steps to all the shops and ocean. They have numerous locations for ceremony and incredible roof top terrace for reception as well as a ballroom bathed in black and white tile. Its unique design makes it fun and chic for couples who love architecture and the ocean.

https://www.hotelcalifornian.com

From a photography perspective this is a great venue because you have access to three locations on this property. All within walking distance across city street which makes for fantastic candids. I adore the black and white design it makes for striking accents. The lobby is amazing for portraits and a great spot for grooms people to have a drink or get some bar photos.

The rooms are designed with dark greens and curved furniture. Absolutely elevated and the cutest window cubies for framing in your photos.

The roof top deck is incredible for views of ocean at sunset with your guests dancing the night away or enjoying an incredible meal. Absolutely a must visit.

You can see more of my work for Eva and Bobby’s wedding that was featured on Brides.com. Here

Olive Grove Estate

Adore the stone staircase. This can be used as a backdrop for ceremony, then transformed with candles for evening festivities.

It is very grand and guests commented all day how beautiful the property was.

Clarisse and Stephen adore Santa Barbara. It is their getaway from the hustle of their lives in LA. Absolutely perfect in my opinion. Olive Grove Estate was Klentner ranch and is now under new ownership. It is a stunning property, just south of Santa Barbara proper. It is close to Summerland and Montecito. So you can take a day trip to all the cute shops and cafes. Both have great food and adorable shopping. Here is a wedding I photographed at this private estate. C & S at Olive Grove Estate

I especially liked cocktail hour around the pool. Guests could lounge and drink cocktails while exploring the grounds. The olive trees are perfect for photos allowing the sun to glow while offering soft light for portraits. Being a wedding photographer in Santa Barbara I’ve experienced many venues and this is a special one. Guests have to stay offsite and parking is limited.

https://www.olivegroveestate.com

Santa Barbara Court House

A courthouse wedding is always chic and intimate in the best way. I have photographed numerous styles of weddings here and also had couples with venues nearby choose to have portraits here for its lush gardens and unique design.

https://www.countyofsb.org/607/Santa-Barbara-Ceremonies

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel

Set among the Santa Barbara hills with the most epic views and lush luxury amenities for you and your wedding guests. It feels quaint, but boasts one of the best hotels in the world.

https://elencanto.com

Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm

For those who want a little more rustic, yet absolutely charming. Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm is one of a kind. Typically, getting ready at Barcara (referred above) which is very close gives you a great option. Then, go to this space for coastal view ceremony and unique greenhouse ambiance. It is one of my favorite hidden gems. Here is a wedding I shot there that was featured in Brides. https://nataliebray.com/wedding-dos-pueblos-orchid-farm-wedding

https://www.dospueblosorchidfarm.com

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

While I have yet to photograph a wedding at this historic downtown Spanish style space. I have loved walking through the gardens and I have photographed engagements here.

https://www.sbhistorical.org/venue-rental/

If you’d like to see more or chat about your wedding. I’d be honored. You can fill out contact form here .