Unity of Santa Barbara
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227 East Arrellaga Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Contact: Church Office, Joan
Phone: 805/966-2239
www.santabarbaraunity.org
Request a proposal for your event from Unity of Santa Barbara
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Special Offers
Small wedding ceremonies of less than 50 guests get reduced rental fee of just $250! Please call for details.Description
Picturesque Santa Barbara is at the top many brides’ list for destination events…yet a little research sometimes leaves Santa Barbara hopefuls with a bad case of sticker shock! Luckily, we’ve discovered the perfect antidote: Unity Church of Santa Barbara. Not only is Unity reasonably priced, but it also offers exciting event settings not usually found in such an affordable venue, like a garden gazebo, a historic home and a skylit sanctuary!Unity’s charm begins with its enviable location at the center of town, across the street from the beautiful Alice Keck Memorial Gardens. The garden theme continues in front of the L-shaped church complex, where a sprawling lawn is edged with manicured greenery, deep blue agapanthus and a variety of trees. One building houses the church office and library, with a broad breezeway facing the lawn. The connecting wing makes up the Sanctuary, a contemporary hall with a wall of glass doors showcasing the pleasant view.
At the Sanctuary’s entrance, a petite fern bower with a small statue of St. Francis provides a refreshing welcome. Across the threshold, theater seating for 190 faces a low carpeted stage, while natural wood beams and a bank of skylights down the center seem to lift spirits heavenward. Guests find the simple interior peaceful, airy and unpretentious; brides appreciate the Sanctuary’s uncomplicated canvas for their own decorative touches. As the couple solemnizes their marriage, they’re bathed in the soft light of Santa Barbara’s sun-kissed days. Intimate ceremonies may prefer the cozy setting of the neighboring Chapel of Light, where rustic brick walls frame a backlit stained glass mural of a dove soaring over a rainbow.
Afterwards, guests spill out to the adjacent Fountain Courtyard, a paved enclave elegantly landscaped with pepper trees, native grasses and fragrant star jasmine. A Zen-style wall fountain is a serene accompaniment to champagne toasts or kicking back on one of the teak benches.
Another event option is the historic Unity House and Garden, behind the main grounds. Built in the 1800s, this two-story landmark features white columns and a broad wraparound porch. Opposite, lofty pines and swaying palms provide dappled shade for a gently sloping lawn, embraced by lush green hedges and blooming lilies. Center stage stands a white lattice gazebo, entwined with tiny white roses and delicate vines, an exceptionally pretty spot to say “I Do.” Inside Unity House, a lavish kitchen is at your caterer’s disposal. The Main Room, with its own fireplace and antique accents, works well for dancing and mingling. In the backyard, a cement patio fringed with trees can hold larger receptions.
Unity is a non-denominational church, whose positive, inclusive philosophy emphasizes every person’s divine potential, and welcomes couples of all faiths. Members of the congregation tell us that Reverend Linda Spencer is a warm and inspirational minister; if you prefer, you’re free to bring your own officiant to perform the service. Unity’s goal is to encourage people to live more fully in the present, and there is no better time than your wedding to slow down and savor every joyous moment as it unfolds in this congenial setting.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 190 Max. Seated Outdoors: 100 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 0 Max. Seated Outdoors: 190 Max. Standing Indoors: 75 Max. Standing Outdoors: 75 |
Max. Seated: 190 |
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Fees & Deposits
A $200 deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due one month prior to the event. Ceremony fees range $700–1,100, reception rental fee is $500. For weddings of fewer than 50 guests, ceremony fee is just $250, and minister fee is also reduced. Call for details.
Availability
Year-round, daily until 8pm.
CateringBYOAlcoholBYOSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Services/AmenitiesCatering: BYO |
MusicIndoorsOutdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessAccess LimitedSite ViewsFountain/Water FeatureGarden Garden Patio/Courtyard Landscaped Grounds Mountains Park Site TypeChurch/Chapel/Temple
RestrictionsAlcohol: BYO BWC only |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
805/966-2239
www.santabarbaraunity.org
Email or request a proposal for your event from Unity of Santa Barbara
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