Affordable Santa Barbara Weddings: 11 Cool Venues That Are Easy On Your Budget
Bounded by white sandy beaches and forested mountains, Santa Barbara has a temperate climate, tons of historic charm, and a vibrant culinary and arts scene. All this makes it among the most desirable (read: pricey) places to live—and to wed. But if your wedding budget is less than celebrity-size, don't despair! Here are 6 places where you can celebrate without breaking the bank (especially if you're willing to be a little flexible on the day of the week and the season).
Barbieri & Kempe Wines
Santa Barbara, CA
Fab Features: gorgeous winery tasting room and patio, tucked on a historic plaza right off of bustling State Street • savor expertly handcrafted vintages during an intimate dinner in the private dining room or on the patio • the friendly staff can connect you with local vendors to arrange all your celebration details
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $
Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens
Santa Barbara, CA
Fab Features: 30 acres of lush gardens with ocean views, set between a bird sanctuary and the beach • intimate weddings in the Discovery Pavilion, with its floor to ceiling windows, built-in audio, and doors that open to an outdoor patio for cocktails • no need to rent elephants—they're already on-site, along with giraffes, lions, penguins, and more!
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
The Community Arts Workshop Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Fab Features: this cool art complex just off State Street is a DIY dream and industrial-chic blank canvas • celebrations flow from the bistro-lit Courtyard into the spacious, skylight-studded Assembly Room • your rental fee goes to support this worthy non-profit whose motto is "Workspace for the Inspired"
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
Plenty on Bell
Los Alamos, CA
Fab Features: charming garden patio for intimate ceremonies, with a splashing fountain and a fire pit • world class menus from acclaimed chef Jesper Johansson paired with local wines • full-service planning matches you with local vendors for an all-inclusive experience
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Carousel House at Chase Palm Park
Santa Barbara, CA
Fab Features: scenic 10-acre beachfront oasis • variety of event spaces from the unique Carousel House to the Great Meadow • cool photo ops include a lush pond, green meadows, burbling fountains, a floral gateway, and of course…the beach!!
Catering: BYOPrice: $
Elings Park
Santa Barbara, California
Fab Features: urban oasis with seasonal color • expansive oceanview meadow and hillside amphitheater surrounded by trees • oak-shaded terrace for dining
Price: $ • $$
Cabrillo Pavilion at East Beach
Santa Barbara, CA
Fab Features: charming Spanish-style venue right on the beach • two oceanfront terraces steps from the sand • light-filled reception room with a wall of windows framing ocean views
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
The Historic Carrillo Ballroom
Santa Barbara, California
Fab Features: outdoor garden courtyards • unique cantilevered dance floor • balcony for the bouquet toss
Price: $ • $$
Santa Barbara Woman's Club - Rockwood
Santa Barbara, CA
Fab Features: historic Spanish-Colonial architectural landmark tucked in a secluded canyon above Santa Barbara • ceremonies on the stone-walled Terrace beneath a spreading oak, and wooded grounds for rustic photo ops • dine + dance inside the handsome Ballroom, which boasts vintage chandeliers, a stage, and a gleaming oak floor
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
VILLA & VINE
Santa Barbara, California
Fab Features: downtown State Street venue • olive trees, fountain, and rustic-chic details • elegant indoor dining room with fireplace • party until midnight
Price: $ • $$
The 1880 Union
Los Alamos, California
Fab Features: historic Victorian in Santa Barbara Wine Country • rose garden, vintage dining room, and entertainment mezzanine • romantic bridal suite with fireplace
Price: $ • $$
Want to keep looking? We understand. Find even more affordable wedding venues throughout Southern California.
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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor