Posted October 2005

Planning a Wedding in Santa Barbara’s Wine Country

Just minutes from the coast or warm, idyllic inland vineyards, Santa Barbara is a sunny and romantic setting for weddings. From Santa Ynez and the Wine Country, to beach-front resorts and urban-chic hotels, couples can find a perfect match for almost any personality, style or budget.

Set the perfect scene for this most romantic of events.

In the Vineyards

Firestone Vineyards: Select from one of four unique locations: The Firestone Vineyard with its breath-taking backdrop and lavender gardens; Crossroads Estate’s rustic pole barn; the Mediterranean-inspired Curtis Winery or the juxtaposition of antique and modern at the Firestone Walker Brewing Company. www.firestonewine.com.

Gainey Vineyard: A large, Spanish-style winery and lush vineyards make this feel like  a bit of the Riviera. Gainey offers several indoor and outdoor venues, including the winery tasting room, its large outdoor patio and a rustic homestead ranch, located nearby. www.gaineyvineyard.com/events/weddings.asp

Sunstone Vineyard: Old World stone walls, dramatic chandaliers and the use of the winery’s Cuvee Cave (and large stone fireplace inside) make this one of the most romantic spots in Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.  www.sunstonewinery.com

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

Fess Parker’s Double Tree Resort: Take your vows by the sea and under the palms at one of the region’s most stunning hotels. www.fpdtr.com/weddings.html

El Encanto Hotel: Perched above Santa Barbara, this small historical hotel has several private cottages or suites in the main villa. With flowering terraces and vine-covered arbors and small ponds, the grounds are breath-takingly romantic. Plus, the hotel has a pet-positive policy for guests, welcoming good-natured pooches. 1900 Lasuen Road
Santa Barbara, 800-393-5315. www.elencantohotel.com

San Ysidro Ranch: A favorite hideaway retreat of Hollywood’s A-list, this luxury resort Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier exchanged vows, and where the Kennedy’s honeymooned. The ranch has an on-site spa, private cottages and sweeping gardens. 900 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito,(800) 368-6788. www.sanysidroranch.com/

Four Season’s Biltmore Montecito: Perfect for large, or traditional weddings and receptions, this Santa Barbara luxury hotel offers a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. The hotel also has two dining rooms and a lounge available for guests. 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, (805) 565-8323. http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/weddings/index.html

Santa Ynez Inn: In the heart of Wine Country, the Santa Ynez Inn is a large, Victorian retreat offers couples the use of the parlor, library or outdoor gardens for up to a maximum of 125 guests. 3627 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805.668.5588.www.santaynezinn.com

Bacara Resort and Spa: Glamorous and contemporary, Bacara is a historic Spanish-style hotel with lavishly appointed suites, on 78 beachfront acres. The resort has a spa, golfing, and a critically-acclaimed dining room, Miro. 1801 Hollister Ranch Rd , Santa Barbara, CA (805) 968-0100  

Gardens

Stow House Gardens: The grounds and garden of this historical home in Goleta are available for weddings and other special events. www.goletahistory.org

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Say “I do” surrounded by blooms in this historic regional garden. Romantic waterfalls, lush gardenscapes and native plants make this a favorite of nature-lovers. http://www.sbbg.org

Offbeat

Double Dolphin Cruises: This 49-person charter boat offers weddings-at-sea, with the captain officiating.

The Alisal Guest Ranch: Cowpokes and gitty-up girls can hang out at this resort ranch and soak in the outdoor lifestyle without getting too far from creature comforts. The ranch offers two golf courses, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and a dining. www.alisal.com

 
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: From a stone outdoor amphitheater to renting the entire Ty Warner Sea Center, the Museum of Natural History offers several indoor and outdoor facilities in a museum-quality atmosphere.

Working out the details

While many venues can offer assistance with your planning, here are a few places to start. Keep in mind that many venues will require you to work with a professional planner, use in-house catering or purchase beverages as part of the package. Make sure you read the fine print and know the details before you start.

Wedding Planner: Santa Barbara Wine Country Events, sbwinecountryevents.com
Wedding cakes: Sugar Cakes, sugarcakes.com
Photography: Jose Villa Photography, www.josevillaphoto.com

Photography courtesy of the Santa Barbara CVB