Best Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara (With Accommodations): Vineyards, Oceanfront Resorts & Private Estates

Santa Barbara has a way of making a wedding feel like a destination without ever leaving California. Between the coastline, rolling vineyards, Spanish-style architecture, and that soft golden light, it’s one of the most sought-after wedding locations on the West Coast. For couples seeking the ideal setting, the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara provide a blend of beauty and accommodation options.

If you’re searching for the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara with accommodations, you’re likely looking for more than just a ceremony space. You want a full weekend experience — somewhere your guests can stay, gather, and truly enjoy the celebration. Below are some of the most well-known and respected venues in the area, including vineyard estates and luxury resorts, along with details about indoor and outdoor options, guest capacity, pricing ranges, and whether they are all-inclusive.

Choosing from the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara ensures your guests enjoy a wonderful experience.

Gainey Vineyard – Classic Santa Ynez Wine Country

Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez offers a true California vineyard wedding experience. Surrounded by sweeping rows of vines and mature oak trees, it provides a timeless and natural backdrop. This vineyard is among the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara, perfect for a charming celebration.

Indoor and Outdoor Options:
Outdoor vineyard lawn ceremonies, courtyard receptions, and a historic 1891 barn that can be used for indoor dining or dancing.

Guest Capacity:
Up to approximately 250 guests, depending on layout and tenting.

Pricing:
Ceremony-only rental begins around $3,800. Full wedding day venue rental typically ranges from $5,000 to $7,000. Additional costs include rentals, catering, bar service, staffing, and insurance.

All-Inclusive:
No. Gainey Vineyard is a venue-only rental. Couples bring in their own catering, planner, florist, rentals, and other vendors.

Accommodations:
There are no on-site guest rooms. Guests typically stay in nearby Solvang, Santa Ynez, or Santa Barbara.

Sunstone Winery – European-Inspired Elegance

Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez feels like a French countryside estate. The stone villa, ivy-covered walls, and vineyard views create a refined, romantic setting. Sunstone Winery is recognized as one of the finest wedding venues in Santa Barbara.

Indoor and Outdoor Options:
Courtyard ceremonies, vineyard lawn ceremonies, tented outdoor receptions, and limited indoor villa spaces for smaller gatherings.

Guest Capacity:
Generally 100 to 250 guests, depending on the space used.

Pricing:
Venue rental typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the season, day of the week, and guest count.

All-Inclusive:
No. Sunstone provides the venue and wine service, but catering and other vendors are brought in by the couple.

Accommodations:
Limited on-site villa accommodations may be available for private bookings, but most guests stay off-site.

The Sanctuary – Retreat-Style Wedding Experience

The Sanctuary, located near Lompoc, offers a peaceful, nature-focused setting ideal for a wedding weekend experience. The Sanctuary stands out among the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara for its serene ambiance.

Indoor and Outdoor Options:
Outdoor lawn ceremonies, indoor reception hall, and open areas suitable for tented events.

Guest Capacity:
Approximately 150 to 200 guests, depending on layout.

Pricing:
Venue rental typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000, depending on season and guest count.

All-Inclusive:
No. The Sanctuary is not all-inclusive. Couples bring in catering and vendors, although some packages may include lodging.

Accommodations:
Yes. On-site lodging is available, making it well-suited for a multi-day celebration.

Rosewood Miramar Beach – Ultra-Luxury Oceanfront Resort

Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito is one of the most luxurious wedding venues in Santa Barbara. Located directly on the ocean, it offers a five-star experience from start to finish. Rosewood Miramar Beach is one of the luxurious wedding venues in Santa Barbara with stunning ocean views.

Indoor and Outdoor Options:
Beachfront lawns, elegant ballrooms, terraces, and ocean-view spaces.

Guest Capacity:
Up to approximately 300 guests.

Pricing:
Venue fees vary, but total wedding investments commonly begin around $150,000 or more depending on guest count and design.

All-Inclusive:
Yes. Catering, bar service, staffing, and event coordination are handled in-house.

Accommodations:
Yes. The resort offers luxury rooms, suites, and bungalows for guests.

Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara – Classic Coastal Elegance

Located in Montecito, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara blends Spanish colonial architecture with ocean views and lush gardens. The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is a premier choice for wedding venues in Santa Barbara.

Indoor and Outdoor Options:
Oceanfront lawns, garden courtyards, ballrooms, and the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.

Guest Capacity:
Approximately 200 to 300 guests, depending on the space selected.

Pricing:
Total wedding budgets often begin around $120,000 or more.

All-Inclusive:
Yes. In-house catering, bar service, and coordination are provided.

Accommodations:
Yes. Full-service luxury resort with guest rooms and suites on-site.

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel – Intimate Hillside Romance

El Encanto sits above Santa Barbara with sweeping ocean and city views. It offers a more intimate, romantic feel. El Encanto provides a romantic setting as one of the leading wedding venues in Santa Barbara.

Indoor and Outdoor Options:
Terrace ceremonies, garden spaces, and indoor ballroom receptions.

Guest Capacity:
Approximately 100 to 200 guests.

Pricing:
Total wedding budgets typically begin around $100,000 or more.

All-Inclusive:
Yes. Catering and event services are handled in-house.

Accommodations:
Yes. Private bungalows and suites are available for guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara – Mediterranean-Style Resort

Located in Goleta along the coastline, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers dramatic ocean views and expansive event spaces. For breathtaking views, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is among the top wedding venues in Santa Barbara.

Indoor and Outdoor Options:
Ocean bluff lawns, large ballrooms, and terrace spaces.

Guest Capacity:
300 or more guests.

Pricing:
Large-scale weddings often begin around $150,000 or more in total investment.

All-Inclusive:
Yes. Catering, bar, and staffing are provided in-house.

Accommodations:
Yes. Full-service resort with extensive guest accommodations.

Vineyard vs. Resort: What Should You Choose?

Vineyard venues like Gainey Vineyard and Sunstone Winery offer flexibility and design freedom, but they are not all-inclusive and require a strong vendor team. They tend to have lower venue rental fees, but full wedding budgets can still reach luxury levels once catering, rentals, and production are included. For unique experiences, the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara offer a variety of settings.

Resort venues such as Rosewood Miramar Beach, the Four Seasons, El Encanto, and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offer all-inclusive services and on-site accommodations, making them ideal for destination-style celebrations. While the overall investment is typically higher, many couples appreciate the seamless coordination and built-in guest experience.

What Should You Budget for a Santa Barbara Wedding?

Santa Barbara is considered a luxury wedding destination. For 100 to 150 guests, couples often spend:

• $60,000 to $90,000 at vineyard venues
• $100,000 to $200,000 or more at luxury oceanfront resorts

The final investment depends heavily on guest count, design vision, catering choices, and overall guest experience.

Final Thoughts

The best wedding venues in Santa Barbara offer more than just beautiful scenery. They provide a full experience — whether that’s a vineyard sunset in Santa Ynez or an oceanfront ceremony in Montecito. Finding the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara can create unforgettable memories.

If you’re dreaming of a wine country wedding, Gainey Vineyard and Sunstone Winery offer timeless charm. If you want luxury accommodations and a seamless, all-inclusive experience, Rosewood Miramar Beach, the Four Seasons, El Encanto, and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara are exceptional choices. For a retreat-style celebration with lodging, The Sanctuary offers something unique.

Each of these venues creates a different atmosphere, but all share the beauty and elegance that make Santa Barbara such an unforgettable place to get married.

Why Santa Barbara Is One of the Top Luxury Wedding Destinations in California

Santa Barbara isn’t just a beautiful place to get married — it’s a true luxury wedding destination. There’s a reason so many high-end celebrations happen here year after year.

You have the coastline of Montecito, the vineyards of Santa Ynez, Spanish colonial architecture downtown, and five-star resorts all within a short drive. The weather is mild, the scenery is layered and cinematic, and the overall feel is refined without being flashy. It’s understated elegance. It’s quality over trend. It’s experience-driven.

Luxury weddings in Santa Barbara often prioritize:

• A full wedding weekend experience
• Elevated food and wine
• Thoughtful guest hospitality
• Intentional design details
• Seamless coordination
• Privacy and exclusivity

With stunning locations, the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara are a reflection of elegance.

Because of this, Santa Barbara attracts couples who value artistry, fine dining, travel, and timeless aesthetics. Many weddings here include welcome dinners, curated wine tastings, beach brunches, and transportation for guests. It’s less about a single event and more about creating a beautifully hosted experience.

Budgets reflect that level of intention. While vineyard weddings may begin around $60,000–$90,000 for 100 guests, luxury resort weddings commonly exceed $100,000–$200,000+. The venue is only one piece — production, rentals, floral installations, lighting, entertainment, and guest experience are significant parts of the overall investment.

Top Luxury Wedding Planners in Santa Barbara

If you’re planning a luxury wedding in Santa Barbara, hiring the right planner is not optional — it’s essential. Vineyard estates and private properties are not all-inclusive, and even luxury resorts benefit from a strong outside planner advocating for your vision.

Some of the most respected luxury wedding planners in the Santa Barbara area include:

Kaleb Norman James – Known for highly refined, European-inspired design and seamless large-scale productions. I have had the great privilege of working with him and he is truly incredible at his wedding designs.

Bella Vista Designs – A long-standing Santa Barbara planning firm recognized for elevated coastal and vineyard weddings. For those considering a vineyard wedding, Gainey Vineyard is among the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara.

By Chenai Events – A boutique planning company specializing in highly personalized and culturally diverse celebrations.

Magnolia Event Design – Known for soft, romantic, thoughtfully styled weddings with strong attention to detail.

Event of the Season – A respected planning and design firm experienced with resort-level luxury events.

These planners are accustomed to working with venues like Rosewood Miramar Beach, Sunstone Winery, El Encanto, Gainey Vineyard, and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. They understand permitting, local vendor relationships, logistics, and how to produce events that feel cohesive and intentional.

In Santa Barbara’s luxury market, your planner becomes your anchor. They manage timelines, oversee design, coordinate vendors, and help protect your experience so you can stay present.

What Are the Next Steps to Planning a Wedding in Santa Barbara?

If you’ve decided Santa Barbara is where you want to get married, here’s how to move forward strategically. Exploring the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara can help you craft the perfect celebration.

1. Establish Your Budget Range
   Before touring venues, understand what you are comfortable investing overall. Santa Barbara is a luxury market, and clarity around budget will narrow venue and planner options quickly.
2. Hire Your Planner Early
   In this region, planners often secure venue tours for you and guide vendor selection. Many top planners book 12–18 months in advance.
3. Choose Your Venue
   Decide whether you’re drawn to a vineyard (Gainey Vineyard, Sunstone Winery), a retreat property (The Sanctuary), or a resort with accommodations (Rosewood Miramar Beach, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, El Encanto, Ritz-Carlton Bacara). Your venue choice will shape everything else.
4. Secure Key Vendors
   Once your venue is locked in, prioritize booking your photographer, caterer (if not in-house), florist, and entertainment. Santa Barbara’s top vendors book quickly, especially during peak spring and fall seasons.
5. Plan the Guest Experience
   Consider hotel blocks, transportation, welcome events, and farewell brunches. Many luxury Santa Barbara weddings feel like curated destination weekends.
6. Protect the Timeline
   Golden hour in Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful parts of the day. Build your ceremony and reception timeline around the light, especially if you’ve chosen a vineyard or oceanfront venue.

Why Couples Choose Santa Barbara for Luxury Weddings

Santa Barbara’s charm makes it one of the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara for your special day.

Couples choose Santa Barbara because it offers sophistication without feeling overdone. It’s refined but relaxed. Luxurious but grounded. It’s the kind of place where you can host a black-tie dinner under café lights in a vineyard or exchange vows on a bluff overlooking the Pacific.

And the best part? It photographs beautifully in every season.

If you’re considering a luxury wedding in Santa Barbara, the next step is assembling the right team. A strong planner, a venue that aligns with your aesthetic, and vendors who understand elevated service will shape the entire experience.

Choosing from the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara will ensure a memorable experience for all.

Santa Barbara is not just a backdrop. It’s a feeling. And when done thoughtfully, it becomes an unforgettable wedding destination for you and every guest who celebrates alongside you.

When selecting from the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara, consider your unique style and needs.

I would love to connect with you if you are planning a wedding in Santa Barbara.

Contact me for more information about the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara for your perfect day.