Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera for good reason — sunlit adobe walls, terracotta rooftops, bougainvillea-lined courtyards, and ocean breezes create an effortless blend of Spanish architecture and California luxury. For couples planning a destination wedding with Spanish-style elegance, Santa Barbara offers world-class venues ranging from historic missions to upscale oceanfront resorts. Below is your curated guide to the 10 best Spanish style wedding venues in Santa Barbara written from the perspective of a Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer– each ideal for a refined, timeless, and photography-forward celebration.

1. San Ysidro Ranch — Montecito | Spanish Style Wedding Venues

This iconic luxury estate offers vine-draped cottages, intimate garden pathways, and a serene European-meets-Spanish ambiance. The Ranch is known for its privacy, impeccable service, and lush landscaping that photographs beautifully year-round.
Best for: secluded luxury weddings, intimate gatherings, romantic destination weekends
Website and Image: https://www.sanysidroranch.com/

2. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore — Montecito

A legendary Spanish Colonial Revival resort with grand lawns, ocean views, dramatic archways, and old-world charm. Guests enjoy world-class amenities, making this a perfect venue for multi-day events.
Best for: oceanside ceremonies, large guest counts, glamorous celebrations
Website and Image: https://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/

3. Rosewood Miramar Beach — Montecito | Spanish Style Wedding Venues

With Mediterranean architecture, lush coastal gardens, and a luxury beachfront setting, the Miramar offers an elevated experience with impeccable guest hospitality.
Best for: luxury destination weekends, oceanfront vows, sophisticated receptions
Website and Image: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beach-montecito

4. Old Mission Santa Barbara

A breathtaking historic Mission with white stucco, Spanish tile, and sweeping rose gardens. Perfect for couples wanting a traditional ceremony steeped in history and architecture.
Best for: religious ceremonies, heritage-inspired weddings
Website and image: https://www.santabarbaramission.org/

5. Riviera Mansion — Downtown Santa Barbara

Formerly the University Club, this Spanish Revival mansion blends Old World elegance with downtown convenience. Its arched windows, tiled courtyards, and grand interiors create a timeless aesthetic.
Best for: elegant indoor/outdoor weddings, cocktail-forward receptions
Website and image: https://www.uclubsb.org/weddings-and-events/

6. Casa del Herrero — Montecito | Spanish Style Wedding Venues

A treasured Santa Barbara estate known for its authentic 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and impeccably manicured gardens. Its intimate size makes it ideal for small, design-forward weddings.
Best for: fine-art weddings, intimate celebrations
Website and image: https://www.casadelherrero.com/

7. Casa Las Palmas — Chase Palm Park

Located steps from the beach, Casa Las Palmas combines Spanish-style character with an airy, relaxed coastal feel. The vaulted ceilings and private courtyard make it a flexible, charming option.
Best for: mid-size weddings, relaxed luxury, coastal destination celebrations
Website and image: https://sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov/venues/casa-las-palmas

8. El Paseo Restaurant — Historic District | Spanish Style Wedding Venues

One of Santa Barbara’s most historic restaurants, El Paseo is full of tiled archways, intimate courtyards, and Old Spanish charm. Ideal for rehearsal dinners or smaller, food-centric celebrations.
Best for: rehearsal dinners, intimate receptions, culinary-forward weddings
Website and image: https://www.elpaseosb.com/

9. Kimpton Canary Hotel — Downtown Santa Barbara

This stylish boutique hotel mixes Spanish–Mediterranean architecture with modern luxury. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best ceremony views in Santa Barbara, especially at sunset.
Best for: chic downtown weddings, rooftop ceremonies, guest-convenient celebrations
Website: https://www.canarysantabarbara.com/

10. La Arboleda — Santa Ynez

Just over the Santa Barbara mountains, La Arboleda is a Spanish–Mediterranean-inspired venue surrounded by oak trees, olive groves, and vineyard landscapes. It blends wine country romance with Spanish countryside elegance.
Best for: destination weekends, wine country weddings, elevated countryside celebrations
Website: https://www.laarboledaevents.com/

FAQ | 10 Spanish Style Wedding Venues

Frequently asked questions regarding the 10 Spanish Style Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara.

What’s the best time of year for a Santa Barbara wedding?
Spring and early fall offer the most consistent weather, though the area is beautiful year-round.

How far in advance should we book?
12–18 months is ideal for high-demand venues.

Do these venues allow outside vendors?
Most do, including planners, photographers, florists, and rental companies. Some require approved vendor lists.

Where should guests stay?
Montecito and Downtown Santa Barbara offer everything from luxury resorts (Four Seasons, Rosewood) to boutique hotels (Kimpton Canary).

Is a planner recommended?
Yes— especially for destination weddings. Local planners are invaluable for navigating permits, layouts, transportation, and vendor connections.

Luxury Touches to Elevate Your Santa Barbara Wedding Weekend

• Welcome gift boxes with Santa Ynez wine, eucalyptus bundles, Santa Barbara olive oil, and custom itineraries
• Sunset yacht cruise for rehearsal or welcome night
• Spanish guitar or flamenco performers to complement the architecture
• Private wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley
• Vintage convertible or classic Mercedes for your grand exit
• Lavender or citrus-forward signature cocktails inspired by the region

Interested in other California Luxury Wedding venues? View the blog post here!