Best Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara: Gainey Vineyard, Sunstone Winery & The Sanctuary

Santa Barbara has this way of making a wedding feel like a destination without ever leaving California. Ocean views, vineyard-lined valleys, Spanish architecture, golden light — it’s romantic without trying too hard.

If you’re searching for the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara, I want to walk you through three very different (but equally beautiful) options:

• A classic vineyard estate

• A European-inspired winery

• A peaceful, nature-centered retreat

We’ll talk about whether they’re indoor or outdoor, guest capacity, pricing ranges, and whether they’re all-inclusive or not — because those details matter when you’re building your budget.

Gainey Vineyard (Santa Ynez Valley)

If you’re envisioning a true wine country wedding, Gainey Vineyard is one of the most iconic vineyard settings in the Santa Ynez Valley (about 45 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara).

Indoor & Outdoor Options:

• Outdoor vineyard lawn ceremonies

• Courtyard receptions

• Historic 1891 barn for indoor reception or dancing

• Barrel room for intimate gatherings

Guest Capacity:
Typically accommodates up to 250 guests, depending on layout and tenting.

Pricing:

• Ceremony-only rental starts around $3,800

• Full wedding day rental typically ranges from $5,000–$7,000
  (Additional costs include rentals, catering, staffing, insurance, and bar service.)

All-Inclusive?
No — Gainey Vineyard is not all-inclusive. It is a venue rental space, which means you’ll bring in your own catering, planner, rentals, florist, etc. This gives you flexibility but also requires a strong vendor team.

Why couples love it:
Wide vineyard views, oak trees, golden sunset portraits, and flexibility in design. It’s timeless and very “California vineyard wedding.”

Sunstone Winery (European Villa Feel)

Sunstone feels like you’ve stepped into the South of France. The stone villa, ivy-covered walls, lavender, and vineyard backdrop create one of the most romantic settings in the region.

Indoor & Outdoor Options:

• Courtyard ceremonies

• Vineyard lawn ceremonies

• Indoor villa spaces for dinner or intimate gatherings

• Outdoor tented receptions

Guest Capacity:
Typically accommodates 100–250 guests, depending on the event layout.

Pricing:
Rental pricing generally ranges from $8,000–$15,000+, depending on season, guest count, and specific areas of the property used.

All-Inclusive?
No — Sunstone is not all-inclusive, but they do have preferred vendor lists and on-site wine service. Couples bring in catering, rentals, and planners.

Why couples love it:
Old-world architecture, refined aesthetic, built-in elegance. If you love neutral florals, editorial-style photos, and a luxury feel without being flashy, this venue is a dream.

The Sanctuary (Nature-Focused & Coastal)

The Sanctuary offers something different — it’s peaceful, private, and deeply connected to nature. Located near Lompoc (about an hour from Santa Barbara), it’s ideal for couples wanting a retreat-style wedding weekend.

Indoor & Outdoor Options:

• Outdoor lawn ceremonies

• Indoor reception hall

• Tent-friendly outdoor spaces

• On-site lodging for a wedding weekend experience

Guest Capacity:
Typically accommodates 150–200 guests, depending on layout.

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

All-Inclusive?
No — The Sanctuary is also not all-inclusive, but it often includes overnight accommodations in package options. Catering and rentals are typically brought in.

Why couples love it:
It feels private and immersive. Great for multi-day celebrations, welcome dinners, or couples who want guests to stay on-site.

Indoor vs Outdoor: What’s Right for You?

If you’re deciding between indoor and outdoor wedding venues in Santa Barbara, here’s what to consider:

• Outdoor vineyard venues (Gainey & Sunstone) give you that golden California sunset glow and natural scenery.

• Indoor options (barns, villas, reception halls) provide weather backup and a more structured atmosphere.

• Santa Barbara weather is generally mild, but tenting is often recommended for comfort and flexibility.

Are Santa Barbara Wedding Venues All-Inclusive?

Most vineyard and estate venues in Santa Barbara are not all-inclusive. That means:

• You rent the space.

• You hire your own catering, rentals, florist, planner, etc.

• You have creative control — but you’ll need coordination.

If you want a fully all-inclusive wedding package, hotels or resorts in downtown Santa Barbara may offer bundled catering and staffing — but vineyard estates typically operate as venue-only rentals.

What Budget Should You Expect?

For weddings at these venues, couples typically spend:

• Venue rental: $5,000–$15,000+

• Total wedding budget (100–150 guests): Often ranges from $60,000–$120,000+ depending on design and vendor level.

Santa Barbara is considered a luxury wedding market, so it’s helpful to plan accordingly.

Which Santa Barbara Wedding Venue Is Best for You?

Choose Gainey Vineyard if you want:
Classic California vineyard views and design flexibility.

Choose Sunstone Winery if you want:
European romance and architectural elegance.

Choose The Sanctuary if you want:
A retreat-style, private, nature-focused celebration.

Santa Barbara truly offers some of the best wedding venues in California — whether you want vines, villas, or coastal serenity.

If you’re planning a wedding at one of these Santa Barbara venues and want imagery that feels timeless, emotional, and beautifully lit, I would love to connect and hear about your vision. Wine country and coastal weddings will always have my heart.