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-house
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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-house
Price: $ • $$
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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, BYO
Price: $ • $$
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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 list
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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-house
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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-house
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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: BYO
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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 list
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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: BYO
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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-house
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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, BYO
Price: $
Click Here for More Info

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-house
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

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, BYO
Price: $ • $$
Click Here for More Info

🍋‍🟩 Sip, Smile, and Celebrate with Bottomless Margaritas! 🍋‍🟩

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. 

Want to toast to your love story with a splash of tequila?  GET AN INSTANT QUOTE HERE!


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

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