Are you dreaming of sating “I Do” with the Pacific Ocean or lush vineyards as your backdrop for your special wedding day? The Santa Barbara is definitely for you! Whether you’re a local or a traveler looking for a beautiful place for your destination wedding, this coastal gem might be exactly what you’re looking for. Santa Barbara offers a myriad of options and experiences for your special day. From dreamy venues to outdoor adventures and everything in between, here is a complete guide to crafting the perfect Santa Barbara wedding!

Traveling in + Getting Around Town

Getting into Santa Barbara is a breeze. It has convenient access by plane, car or train. If you’re flying in, both LAX and Santa Barbara Airport are viable options, while the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers a scenic coastal route with a stop right in the heart of SB! Once you’re here, exploring downtown is best on foot. This allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city. Consider renting bikes for a fun and eco-friendly way to navigate the town’s charming streets!

Santa Barbara’s Weather

One of Santa Barbara’s most enticing feature is it’s blissful climate. With abundant sunshine and mild temperatures year-round, you can expect gorgeous weather for your wedding weekend. While summers are comfortably warm, the mild winters will ensure that even December weddings are filled with perfect conditions. Planning your wedding between April and October is ideal, steering clear of the coastal fog that occasionally blankets the area in May and June.

Wide Range of Venues

While the beauty of Santa Barbara’s beaches are undeniable, the city is filled with a variety of wedding venues beyond the shoreline. From picturesque vineyards and rustic ranches to elegant Spanish villas and private estates overlooking the Pacific, theres a venue for any wedding vision! For a curated list of the best wedding venues in Santa Barbara, check out our blog post HERE!

Fun Things to do

Santa Barbara is a great place to turn your wedding celebration into an unforgettable weekend getaway. Consider the following activities that SB has to offer:

Embark on a scenic horseback ride through the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Discover the region's renowned wineries with a wine tasting tour.
Soak up the sun on a relaxing beach day or take a leisurely stroll along Stearns Wharf.
Immerse yourself in nature with a hike in the nearby mountains or a visit to the Botanic Garden.
Dive into the rich history of Santa Barbara by exploring its museums and historic missions.
Treat yourself to a day of pampering at a luxurious spa.
Venture beyond Santa Barbara to explore the neighboring cities of Carpinteria, Montecito, Ojai, or Ventura.

Timeline Building

Crafting a well thought out timeline is essential for ensuring a seamless and stress-free wedding day or weekend! Remember to always incorporate a buffer time between each activity to allow for some flexibility and relaxation through out your special day. Consider the following sample timeline as a guide:

12:00pm — Photography coverage begins. Getting Ready, Details/Flat-lays etc.
1:00pm — Hair + Makeup Complete
1:30pm — Bride Gets into Dress
2:00pm — Bride + Groom First Look, Couple Photos
2:30pm — Wedding Party Group Photos
3:00pm — Family Group Photos
4:00pm — Ceremony
4:30pm — End of Ceremony, Cocktail Hour Begins
5:30pm — Reception. Bride + Groom Announcement, Dinner
6:30pm — Sunset Bride + Groom Photos (this can vary by time of year)
7:30pm — Festivities, Open Dance Floor.
9:00pm — Option for Bride + Groom Direct Flash Couple Photos
10:00pm — Photography coverage ends

Legal requirements

Before exchanging vows in Santa Barbara, be sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s marriage license requirements:

Both parties must be at least 18 years old, and parental consent is not required.
You do not need to be a California resident to obtain a marriage license.
The license, which requires at least one witness signature, is issued the same day you apply and is valid for 90 days.
Bring valid forms of ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID, when applying for the license.

Bethany Joy Photography | Santa Barbara wedding and couples photographers

With it’s stunning scenery, endless activities and welcoming atmosphere, SB offers the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding! Whether you’re exchanging vows on the beach, in a vineyard or atop a scenic hillside, your SB wedding will for sure be an unforgettable experience. If you are getting married in Santa Barbara and need someone to capture your wedding day, look no further! Head over to our contact page to hire us to capture your dreamy wedding day!