Santa Ynez Wedding Venue: A Romantic Garden Estate in Santa Ynez

If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels like it belongs in the English countryside — roses in bloom, horses grazing in the distance, soft golden light wrapping around manicured gardens — a Kestrel Park wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Kestrel Park is one of the most sought-after private estates in California for elegant, garden-inspired celebrations. It’s refined but not stuffy. Grand but still warm. And it photographs beautifully in every season.

If you’re considering this venue for your wedding or elopement, here’s everything you need to know.

What Makes Kestrel Park So Special?

Kestrel Park is a private estate surrounded by vineyards, mountain views, and lush gardens. The property is known for its:

• Expansive rose gardens
• Manicured lawns and hedges
• White horse stables and paddocks
• Grand European-style architecture
• Long tree-lined driveways

It feels like a curated countryside estate rather than a commercial venue. That’s part of the appeal — it’s exclusive, private, and incredibly romantic.

Unlike venues that require heavy décor, Kestrel Park already has built-in beauty. You don’t need to transform it. You enhance it.

Ceremony & Reception Options

One of the reasons couples love hosting a Kestrel Park wedding is the versatility of the property.

Ceremony Locations
Most ceremonies take place in the rose garden or open lawn areas framed by hedges and trees. The backdrop feels organic yet polished. You can go minimal with florals because the garden does much of the design work for you.

Reception Space
Receptions are typically held under a tent on the lawn. Sailcloth or clear-top tents are popular here, allowing guests to dine under the Santa Ynez sunset and dance under the stars.

There is not a traditional indoor ballroom on-site, which makes Kestrel Park best suited for outdoor-focused weddings.

Guest Capacity

Kestrel Park can accommodate approximately 200–250 guests depending on layout and tenting. While it’s known for larger luxury weddings, it can also be adapted for smaller gatherings and micro-weddings with thoughtful planning.

For elopements, couples often use the rose garden or paddock areas for intimate ceremonies with just a handful of guests, though the property still carries a larger-estate investment.

Pricing & Investment

Kestrel Park is considered a luxury wedding venue in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Venue rental fees generally start around $15,000–$25,000+ depending on season, day of the week, and event scale.

It is not an all-inclusive venue. Couples are responsible for bringing in:

• Catering
• Rentals (tent, tables, chairs, lighting)
• Planner
• Florist
• Bar service
• Entertainment

Because it’s a private estate, overall wedding budgets at Kestrel Park often range from $100,000 and up depending on guest count and design.

This is not a budget venue — but for couples wanting an elevated estate experience, it delivers.

Is Kestrel Park All-Inclusive?

No. Kestrel Park is a venue-only rental. You will need a full-service planner to coordinate logistics, vendor access, timeline, and production.

The benefit of this? Total creative freedom.

The responsibility? A strong vendor team is essential.

Why It’s a Favorite Wedding Venue

Couples consistently choose Kestrel Park because:

• It feels private and exclusive
• It offers European garden charm in California
• The rose gardens create an unforgettable ceremony backdrop
• The estate photographs beautifully
• It accommodates large guest lists comfortably
• It balances elegance with natural beauty

There’s a softness to the property — especially in late afternoon light — that feels romantic and timeless rather than trendy.

Is Kestrel Park Right for Your Wedding or Elopement?

Kestrel Park is perfect for you if:

• You love garden and estate aesthetics
• You want an outdoor-focused celebration
• You value privacy and exclusivity
• You’re planning a larger guest list or elevated micro-wedding
• You’re comfortable investing in full production and tenting

It may not be ideal if:

• You need a built-in indoor ballroom
• You’re looking for an all-inclusive package
• You’re planning a smaller budget wedding
• You want an oceanfront setting

For elopements specifically, it can be stunning — but it is still an estate-level investment. Couples who choose it for smaller gatherings typically value the aesthetic and privacy enough to justify the cost.

The Experience of a Kestrel Park Wedding

What truly sets a Kestrel Park wedding apart is the atmosphere. Guests arrive down a tree-lined drive, step into rose gardens, see horses in nearby paddocks, and settle into an environment that feels curated and serene.

It’s elegant without being cold. Romantic without being overdesigned. Expansive but intimate.

And as the sun sets over the Santa Ynez hills, the property transforms. The light softens. The garden glows. The tent fills with warm candlelight.

It’s the kind of setting that feels timeless — the kind you’ll still love 30 years from now.

If you’re dreaming of a garden estate celebration in wine country and want a venue that offers both grandeur and softness, Kestrel Park is absolutely worth touring.