The time has finally come: You are ready to leave dating behind and plan your dream wedding. This moment is one of excitement, love, and joy.
You have many choices to make when planning your wedding, from the date to clothing to flowers to food and much more. But one of the first choices you make that will affect everything else is the location.
From large weddings to intimate ceremonies, here is why Santa Barbara — the American Riviera — is the place for your dream wedding.
Expert help
In 2022, Santa Barbara County hosted almost 4,500 weddings, according to the Wedding Report research company. Out of the over 3,000 counties throughout the United States, Santa Barbara is ranked at 102 when it comes to the number of weddings held there.
It’s why Noozhawk’s Wedding Guide has every step of the planning process covered for you. It gives information about local venues, planners, accommodations, and additional vendors for you and your guests to enjoy.
Gorgeous settings
There’s a reason Santa Barbara is such a popular wedding destination: It is home to many beautiful settings, including expansive coastlines, mountains with breathtaking views, and rolling hills reminiscent of the French Riviera — hence its American Riviera moniker.
“One of the most beautiful things about getting married here is the destination itself,” according to Santa Barbara County. “You see, in Santa Barbara, romance radiates from the sky to the sea and everywhere in between.”
Stress-free weather
You’ve likely heard the horror stories (and iconic song) and may have already started having nightmares about rain on your wedding day. Fortunately, you don’t need to stress about weather when you choose Santa Barbara.
“Surrounded by beautiful red-tile rooftops, embraced by the ocean breeze and warmed by 300+ days of sunshine each year, the Santa Barbara South Coast is always the perfect place for a wedding,” according to Santa Barbara County.
Still, make sure you consider the season when choosing a date.
“Summer is peak tourism season so the competition for venues tends to be higher at that time, yet the weather is pretty darn perfect for al fresco celebrations,” according to Santa Barbara County. “Fall is one of Santa Barbara’s warmest seasons and is a reliably dry time of year for outdoor weddings, too. Winter and Spring are when wet weather back-up plans should be taken into consideration, and many outdoor venues can be modified with pop-up tents should the need arise.”
Stunning venues
Your perfect wedding should be the perfect size. Santa Barbara has many beautiful venues capable of hosting all of your friends and family, a close circle, or even just you and your new spouse.
“Santa Barbara has always been a popular destination for elopements and ‘micro-weddings,’” according to Santa Barbara County. “Couples seeking the perfect place to tie the knot will find an array of attractive venues for intimate ceremonies. Whether it’s just the two of you, or you’re inviting a small number of guests to witness your nuptials, Santa Barbara offers countless picturesque backdrops, exquisite dining options for celebratory feasts, and many memorable places to spend your wedding night.”
Accommodating budgets
Every wedding in Santa Barbara is unique, with varying sizes, venues, decorations, and budgets. The average cost of a wedding in the county during 2022 was $40,250, according to the Wedding Report, but Santa Barbara has the services and venues to accommodate any budget.
Whatever your preferences, you can have the wedding of your dreams in Santa Barbara, the American Riviera.