Find Wedding Reception venues for rent in Santa Barbara, CA

Search and book thousands of unique Wedding Reception venues to rent for your event in Santa Barbara, CA.
  • 1M +
    Users on platform
  • 40
    Locations in Santa Barbara, CA
  • 4.8/5
    Rating on Reviews.io
  • $392 /hr /hr
    Average cost

Top Wedding Reception venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Frequently Asked Questions about Wedding Reception venues

Have a question about Wedding Reception in Santa Barbara, CA?
  • What's the typical cost for a Santa Barbara wedding reception venue?
    When looking for the perfect wedding reception spot in Santa Barbara, it’s a good idea to keep your budget in mind. While famous coastal hotels and sprawling estates can cost up to $2,500 per hour, historic adobe buildings and elegant courtyards can start from $50. Just remember that the final prices can vary based on how long you need the space and whether it’s peak season.
  • How much space should I plan for my Santa Barbara wedding reception venue?
    Give each person roughly 25 to 30 square feet for a formal sit-down meal or 30 to 35 square feet for a lively buffet. So, for a party with 100 guests, you’ll need about 2,500 to 3,000 square feet of space for comfortable mingling and dancing.
  • What venue types can I choose from in Santa Barbara?
    Santa Barbara has seaside resorts, Spanish-style missions, pastoral vineyards, and urban areas, which all make wonderful wedding celebration locations. You can also book an exquisite ballroom, a lush botanical garden, and a historic home, depending on the vibe you’re going for and what the couple likes.
  • Which neighborhoods should I consider for my wedding reception in Santa Barbara?
    Explore Santa Barbara's captivating wedding reception locales, ranging from the historic allure of downtown's Spanish Colonial architecture to the elegant hillside homes of the Riviera. Montecito also features private garden locations, whereas the Mesa presents striking ocean views ideal for any event.
  • How can my guests best reach the Santa Barbara wedding reception venue?
    Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is just within seven miles of the city center. If guests are flying in from out of town, the Los Angeles (LAX) and San Luis Obispo (SBP) are also great options to reach the city. Renting a car or grabbing a taxi from there is a breeze. Once they're in Santa Barbara, they can use a ride-share or you can organize a shuttle service to navigate the city with ease and get to the venue in style.
  • Do I need my own production or event insurance in Santa Barbara?
    Yes. All renters are required to carry Comprehensive Liability and Property Damage insurance with liability coverage of no less than $1,000,000.
  • What protection plans are available for bookings in Santa Barbara on Giggster?
    Giggster offers Damage Protection coverage that you can add to a booking at checkout. Learn more about Giggster's Damage Protection coverage.
  • What types of locations can I book in Santa Barbara?
    You can choose from 42 types! Just search for locations in Santa Barbara at giggster.com, then click 'Filters' to look for something specific.
  • How many Wedding Reception venues are available in Santa Barbara?
    Right now, there are 40 Wedding Reception venues available in Santa Barbara.
  • What payment methods does Giggster accept for Santa Barbara bookings?
    You can pay for your booking with a credit card, or with ACH or wire transfer for bookings over $4k.
  • What is the cancellation policy for Santa Barbara guests on Giggster?
    Refund options vary, based on when the booking is canceled. Learn more about Giggster's cancellation and refund policy.
  • What are the cleaning and safety policies for Santa Barbara locations on Giggster?
    Now more than ever, your health and safety is our number one priority. We've outlined specific health and safety requirements for both hosts and guests. Learn more about Giggster's COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures.
  • What locations available near Santa Barbara?
    You'll find up to 42 different types of locations in Santa Barbara. Just start a search at giggster.com and narrow things down with the 'Filter' option.
  • Is there an extra cost to add more attendees to my Santa Barbara booking?
    Yes. Pricing tiers are based on group size. For example, if you booked a space for a group of 1-5 for $30/hr, the price per person is $6/hr. Each additional person would increase the rate by $6/hr.
  • How much are average location rentals in Santa Barbara?
    Rental rates vary with the type and features of the location, but the average rate in Santa Barbara is $392 per hour.
  • Why should I choose Giggster over other platforms offering rentals in Santa Barbara?
    Giggster's got your back — and we know our stuff. Our Customer Support team is knowledgeable and accessible, we offer white glove Select service to help you find the perfect location, and we're experts on the unique needs of production teams.
  • What is the price range for Wedding Reception venues in Santa Barbara, CA?
    Booking prices vary with the property type, features, and rental length, but generally a 1-hour booking will be in the range of $50 to $2,500.
  • Which Wedding Reception venues are most popular in Santa Barbara, CA in 2024?
  • How do I book a Santa Barbara location on Giggster?
    When you find the right venue, you can connect with the host to get additional info and work out the details. Once everything is all set, you can book and pay for the location in a couple of clicks. Learn more about booking locations.

Reviews for Wedding Reception venues in Santa Barbara, CA

Jenny N.
4
Good room. Location is a little hard to find. Provide all the essential for meeting space such as TV, white board, etc. Coffee, tea, utensils were provided. Recommend for anyone that need a meeting space.
Merilee L.
5
I highly recommend this beach house for a rental for photo shoots, etc. I rented the house a couple of days ago for a photo shoot. The host was welcoming, and engaging. She gave us a tour of the house, and was available to answer any questions. For this shoot the host was on-site, but was working in a space outside the house. Drew was readily available to answer any questions before the photo shoot.
Whitney D.
5
Gabi was wonderful to work with. When we needed to reschedule due to the recent flooding throughout Southern California, she was incredibly understanding and flexible. We loved the space and our guests really enjoyed the evening. We highly recommend!
Arnita P.
5
Rahila was superb! I don’t think I’ve ever had a host more responsive, accommodating, and and overall joy to meet! Her home is immaculate! Very clean, spacious, and it has a luxurious touch! I will definitely be utilizing her home again and highly recommend her for your filming or entertainment needs!
Mary L.
5
Such an amazing and unique space to shoot. Loved the variety of looks we were able to achieve in one day. The open floor plan and the modern design were a perfect fit for our project. Highly recommend.
Brandon E.
5
This is my new favorite studio for product video campaigns. Everything was very convenient from ground level load in to a consolidated digital system to operate the studio. The patio area was perfect for our catering/craftee. We comfortably fit a crew of 12 people in their clean space. Very safe neighborhood of Eagle Rock. Can't wait to rent here again.
Michael P.
5
This place was amazing! So much room to work with natural light coming in from windows is awesome! Karen and Ben were amazing would recommend to anyone
Fu F.
5
Mimi is a great host! Very accommodating and the place is very nice and fit for our production.

Discover Spaces Anywhere, Anytime

Book top Wedding Reception venues in Santa Barbara, CA, all in one app.
IOS app preview

Need help finding the perfect Wedding Reception venue in Santa Barbara, CA?

Our Select team will help you find what you're looking for.
Tell us what your need

Find Wedding Reception venues in Santa Barbara, CA

When Spanish settlers established the Santa Barbara Mission way back in the 18th century, they surely could not have envisaged what the spectacular area would look like around 250 years later. The city offers breathtaking ocean views, easy access to wine country cultural attractions like the Wolf Museum, and a chilled coastal vibe, making it a special location indeed.

So, if you're planning your wedding day, where better to host your wedding ceremony and reception than in this gorgeous setting? And thanks to Giggster's selection of beautiful wedding venues in Santa Barbara—with options to suit a huge range of styles and budgets—finding the perfect location to celebrate your special day is a piece of cake.

Santa Barbara Wedding Reception Venues Curated by Giggster

Whether you want a romantic wedding venue, a rustic dining pavilion, a space with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara's best event spaces have got you covered. Here are just some of the beautiful Santa Barbara wedding venues to consider among Giggster's wide range of options.

  • A historic church with Spanish architecture in downtown Santa Barbara provides a welcoming sanctuary for your big day.

  • Colorful mosaic tiles and an intimate setting create a lovely atmosphere for your romantic event in a downtown wine bar near State Street.

  • High ceilings, exposed beams, and a convivial atmosphere—this rustic indoor event space is perfectly suited to laid-back weddings.

  • A sublime modern art gallery in the downtown area offers the perfect backdrop for real weddings and special event types of all shapes and sizes.

Transform Your Wedding Reception in Santa Barbara Starting at Just $50/hour

Exceptional Variety & Quality: From welcoming bars and sun-drenched outdoor patios to historic churches and versatile event spaces (with plenty of creature comforts), Giggster's selection of 40 gorgeous Santa Barbara wedding venues offers choices aplenty for your big day.

Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster's user-friendly interface means it's easy to book your perfect wedding venue for as little as $50/hour. Narrow your search based on your budget and key requirements to find your dream Santa Barbara wedding venue.

24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Need to change the date or vary your wedding plans a bit? Our flexible policy ensures that you can do so without having to pay any extra fees. Reserve your reception space knowing there are free cancellations for bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, as long as the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.

Platform Protections: Plan your Santa Barbara wedding with confidence, knowing that Giggster offers add-on insurance protection packages. We've got your back with damage protection, event liability insurance, and cancellation protection, so you can book special venues like Taproom - Indoor Event Space knowing you're fully covered.

Pros and Cons of Wedding Receptions in Santa Barbara

From downtown Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Zoo to the palm trees of nearby Mandalay Beach, Santa Barbara offers an abundance of options for anyone dreaming of a beach wedding. However, there are also a few reasons why the city may not be the ideal destination for your dream wedding, so consider the pros and cons first.

Advantages

  • There's a huge range of Santa Barbara wedding venues to choose from, so there are spaces to help you create any sort of ambiance you want.

  • In an area rich in natural beauty like Santa Barbara, there are endless photo opportunities.

  • You're spoiled for choice when searching for experienced and high-quality Santa Barbara wedding vendors in this part of California.

Disadvantages

  • The best wedding venues in Santa Barbara are in very high demand, and the most popular among them book out well in advance.

  • The cost of tying the knot in Santa Barbara can be quite high—you'll need to manage your budget carefully.

  • The city gets quite crowded in peak tourist season. Traffic congestion and competition for spaces are issues you'll need to consider when choosing an event venue.

The Best Venue for Your Wedding Reception in Santa Barbara

Big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco might steal much of the limelight in this part of the world, but there's still a lot to love about Santa Barbara. From the rolling hills and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the breathtaking ocean views and lush gardens, there's a diverse and beautiful range of Santa Barbara wedding venues to choose from. And with Giggster's special selection of 40 excellent locations, it's easy to find your perfect wedding venue.

Churches – Special Sanctuaries. If you're searching for a Santa Barbara wedding venue with a traditional feel, why not tie the knot in a historic church? With high ceilings and interesting architectural features, it's the ideal setting for a romantic wedding ceremony.

Event Spaces – Versatile Santa Barbara Wedding Venues. If you're searching for wedding venues that offer plenty of substance to go with their style, it's hard to go past a dedicated events space. These wedding venues, many of which are easily accessible from the downtown area, offer all the essential amenities and can easily be tailored to suit your theme.

Bars and Breweries – Warm and Welcoming Vibes. Wedding reception venues in Santa Barbara don't get any more inviting than a friendly bar or brewery taproom. They offer plenty of space to work with, plenty of brews on tap (or access to more exotic beverages), and a pleasant party location where you can celebrate with friends and family.

Outdoor Courtyards – SoCal Sophistication and Style. If you're searching for more of a natural setting that embraces the great outdoors, a private courtyard or patio is the perfect setting. This type of venue offers seclusion, makes the most of the region's climate, and if you're lucky, will offer sweeping views of the surrounding terrain.

Live Music Venues – Loud and Proud. With a band pumping out your favorite tunes on stage and encouraging all your guests to hit the dance floor, a live music venue offers a memorable wedding reception venue. Perfect if you want your reception to be the sort of event where everyone can let their hair down.

Planning Your Wedding Reception in Santa Barbara

How can you plan a successful and stress-free wedding in Santa Barbara? These simple tips and steps will help you stick to schedule.

Visualize Your Perfect Wedding – What does your ideal wedding look like? What sort of experience do you want to share with guests at your reception? Which Santa Barbara wedding venues do you love? Once you have a clear idea what you want, you can start moving through the list of key tasks.

Create a Budget – Make a realistic budget so you know exactly how much money you have to work with.

Choose a Wedding Venue – With 40 wonderful Santa Barbara wedding venues on Giggster, there's no shortage of options. Consider what you need in an event space—be it personalized service, an ocean view, olive trees, a resort setting, or anything else—and choose the Santa Barbara wedding venue that meets your needs.

Book a Photographer and Florist – Great wedding photos are a must, so find an experienced photographer you feel comfortable working with. Flowers are another critical component, so search for the best Santa Barbara florists as well.

Book Catering and Entertainment – Delicious food, drinks packages, and custom menus can all help your reception stand out from the crowd. Don't forget to book a band or DJ as well to help create a party atmosphere.

Organize the Finer Details Finally, take care of all the little things that help make an event extra-special, like hiring any extra furniture or equipment you need and adding creative decorative touches to your Santa Barbara wedding venue.

How to Save Money on Your Wedding Reception in Santa Barbara

From the wedding ceremony to the reception and all the costs they entail, planning a wedding can be an expensive exercise. Keep these tips in mind to avoid blowing your budget on an American Riviera wedding.

Create a detailed budget and follow it.

There's a very long list of expenses you'll need to budget for, so create a detailed list of all of them and how much they'll cost. This will help you reach a realistic budget for your big day.

Shop around before you make your decision.

Don't just settle for the first reception space you find. Compare a wide range of Santa Barbara wedding venues to find the most affordable options.

Keep one eye on the future.

Sure, your wedding day is one of the most important occasions in your life, but it's not the be all and end all. You and your partner have the rest of your lives to look forward to, and starting out weighed down by a big wedding debt isn't going to help. Don't get yourself into financial trouble for what is, ultimately, just one day.

Santa Barbra Wedding Reception Venues with Giggster

If you're searching for a Santa Barbara wedding venue that will knock your guests' socks off, Giggster has got you covered. Start searching for your ideal setting today.