Affordable Santa Barbara Weddings: 13 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).
Glen Annie Golf Club
Goleta, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Ocean and Fairway Views
Scenic Photo Ops
Full-Service
Fab Features: rustic-chic clubhouse with distinctive California Mediterranean architecture tucked in a serene suburb of Santa Barbara • exchange vows on the pretty garden lawn with an ocean view, followed by cocktails on the stone terrace illuminated by market lights and an outdoor fireplace • the picturesque grounds boast rolling greens, lush trees, a charming footbridge, romantic water features, and more!
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Unique
Lush Landscape
Guest Experience
Fab Features: 30 acres of lush gardens with ocean views, set between a bird sanctuary and the beach • receptions perched on the spacious Upper & Lower Hilltops with Pacific vistas • no need to rent elephants—they're already on-site, along with giraffes, lions, penguins, and more!
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Courtyard Celebrations
Stunning Sanctuary
Rustic Glamour
Fab Features: beautiful 1930s Spanish-Revival style church • the sanctuary impresses with vintage lantern-style light fixtures suspended from the vaulted ceiling’s open beams and a stunning stained-glass Rose Window • the neighboring park and garden make for great photo ops
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
The Rincon Creek Ranch
Carpinteria, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Hidden Oasis
Rustic Romance
Al Fresco Receptions
Fab Features: 120-acre ranch with a rich history, including a past as a stagecoach stop and a getaway for Presidents and Hollywood royalty • ceremonies in the peaceful creekside meadow, which is dappled with sunlight • the versatile Creekside Piazza boasts an event pad, desert landscaping, a fire pit, and bocce ball
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery & Events
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Walking Distance to the Courthouse
In-House Catering & Alcohol
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Fab Features: al fresco gatherings on the pretty Fig Patio, just steps from the iconic courthouse, public library, Museum of Art, and theaters • receptions in the airy La Arcada Ballroom, with its clean, neutral palette, or the cool, cozy Distiller's Lounge • intimate wedding packages for up to 50 guests include catering, bar, and much more!
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Arnoldi's Cafe
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
European Flair
Intimate Events
Courtyard Celebrations
Fab Features: a slice of vintage-inspired Italy in the hills of Santa Barbara • warm, intimate patio with glowing market lights and plenty of flexibility for your décor • delectable authentic Italian dishes served with style
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Elings Park
Santa Barbara, California
Venue Superpowers:
Woodsy Setting
Affordable
Outdoor Ambiance
Fab Features: 230-acre nonprofit park and urban oasis with seasonal color and incredible city, mountain, and ocean views • expansive oceanview meadow and hillside amphitheater surrounded by trees • oak-shaded terrace for dining
Catering: BYOPrice: $ • $$
La Amada
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Modern Elegance
Affordable
Diverse Cuisine Options
Fab Features: elegant, modern full-service venue in the heart of the American Riviera • cool design elements like wrought-iron chandeliers, large arched windows, gleaming hardwood floors, and a wall of stylish beadboard exude fresh, contemporary style • in-house catering from Santa Barbara Public Market includes delectable selections from diverse culinary artisans
Catering: In-house, Preferred listPrice: $ • $$
The Community Arts Workshop Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Non-Profit
BYO Catering & Alcohol
Rehearsal Dinner Packages
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: $ • $$
VILLA & VINE
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Villa Vibes
Elegant Al Fresco Affairs
Romantic
Fab Features: exchange vows in the olive tree courtyard with a splashing fountain and bistro lights • elegant affairs in the indoor dining room with fireplace • dance the night away thanks to their late-night curfew
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Barbieri & Kempe Wines - Los Olivos
Los Olivos, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Small Wedding Options
BYO Catering
Winery
Fab Features: welcoming boutique tasting room specializing in intimate events • sweet celebrations on the garden patio or in the inviting interior • the winery can connect you with local vendors to arrange all your celebration details
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $
Loquita
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Mediterranean Style
Cozy Courtyard
Hand-Crafted Cocktails
Fab Features: authentic Spanish-inspired eatery located in the Santa Barbara "Funk Zone" • outdoor garden courtyard with a fireplace hosts intimate events with flair and fun • Spanish-dominated wine list can be enhanced with a gin-and-tonic cart, and delectable wood-fired grilled seafood and meats are accompanied by locally sourced produce
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Santa Barbara Woman's Club - Rockwood
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Outdoor Reception Options
Rehearsal Dinner Packages
Fab Features: historic Spanish-Colonial architectural landmark tucked in a secluded canyon above Santa Barbara • ceremonies on the stone-walled Terrace beneath a spreading oak, and wooded grounds for rustic photo ops • dine + dance inside the handsome Ballroom, which boasts vintage chandeliers, a stage, and a gleaming oak floor
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
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The Rasta Rita Mobile Margarita Truck brings unlimited premium cocktails to your Central Coast celebration with serious style and affordable rates. This fully licensed beverage service offers handcrafted margaritas from their colorful vintage truck that doubles as an Instagram-worthy photo op (psst...beer tap services, too!). Whether you're planning a laid-back beach wedding or a festive garden party, their professional mixologists will keep the good vibes flowing with top-shelf spirits and custom flavors.
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Want to keep looking? We understand. Find even more affordable wedding venues throughout Southern California.
Filed under Budget Wedding Ideas, Wedding Venues / Locations, Southern California, Santa Barbara County
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