Santa Barbara, with its sun-drenched beaches, charming Spanish architecture, and lush gardens, offers a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of a glamorous beachside affair or a quaint, rustic celebration, this Californian coastal city has a venue to match your vision. Here’s a look at four of Santa Barbara’s most enchanting wedding locations: Rosewood Miramar Beach, Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, San Ysidro Ranch, and the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

Rosewood Miramar Beach: Coastal Elegance at its Finest

If your dream wedding involves toes in the sand and an ocean breeze, the Rosewood Miramar Beach is a match made in paradise. Nestled on a pristine stretch of Montecito’s coastline, this luxurious resort combines coastal charm with opulent amenities. Imagine exchanging vows on the beach with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop or under a beautifully draped canopy in the lush garden.

The Rosewood Miramar offers a variety of stunning spaces for your celebration, from the sophisticated Miramar Ballroom to intimate outdoor settings. Their dedicated wedding team ensures every detail is perfected, from bespoke catering options to personalized decor. Plus, the resort’s elegant accommodations provide a perfect retreat for you and your guests to relax and enjoy after the festivities.

2. Inn at Mattei’s Tavern: Rustic Charm Meets Modern Luxury

For a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos is an idyllic choice. Originally a 19th-century stagecoach stop, this venue has been lovingly restored to offer a unique and intimate setting. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and historic buildings, it provides a picturesque and romantic atmosphere.

The Inn features various event spaces, including lush gardens and a charming courtyard, perfect for an outdoor ceremony or reception. The venue’s restored tavern and cottages offer a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance, making it an excellent choice for a wedding that feels both personal and luxurious. The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern’s exceptional service and culinary delights will ensure your celebration is memorable.

3. San Ysidro Ranch: A Historic and Intimate Haven

If you’re seeking an enchanting and historic venue, the San Ysidro Ranch is a top contender. This secluded gem sits on 550 acres of stunning grounds, including picturesque gardens, olive groves, and mountains. It’s a place where timeless elegance meets natural beauty.

The ranch’s diverse event spaces, such as the charming Garden Lawn or the intimate Sycamore Grove, offer versatile options for both ceremonies and receptions. The San Ysidro Ranch’s rich history and luxurious accommodations make it a magical location for couples wanting a blend of sophistication and tranquility. Plus, the ranch’s renowned dining and personalized service ensure a wedding experience that’s both elegant and heartfelt.

4. Santa Barbara Courthouse: Historic Grandeur in the Heart of Downtown

For a wedding with historical grandeur and architectural splendor, the Santa Barbara Courthouse is unparalleled. This iconic landmark, with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, provides a dramatic and beautiful setting for your ceremony. The courthouse’s stunning murals, intricate tilework, and lush gardens create an ambiance of old-world charm and elegance.

The venue offers several spaces for your wedding, including the lush Sunken Gardens and the ornate Courthouse Mural Room. Its central location in downtown Santa Barbara also makes it a convenient choice for guests. The courthouse’s rich history and striking beauty will add a touch of timeless sophistication to your special day.

5. Hotel Californian: Contemporary Luxury with Mediterranean Flair

For a wedding that blends modern sophistication with Mediterranean-inspired charm, the Hotel Californian is a standout choice. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, this chic hotel offers a stylish and contemporary setting that complements the city’s historical elegance.

The Hotel Californian features a range of versatile spaces, including the stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, perfect for an al fresco ceremony or reception. The hotel’s lush courtyard, adorned with vibrant tilework and elegant furnishings, provides an inviting and intimate environment for your special day.

Guests will appreciate the hotel’s luxurious accommodations, which blend modern amenities with a nod to the region’s Spanish heritage. The on-site dining options are exceptional, offering a range of gourmet experiences that can be tailored to your wedding needs. With its sophisticated design, personalized service, and prime location, the Hotel Californian ensures a memorable celebration that captures the essence of Santa Barbara’s charm.

Choosing Your Perfect Venue

Santa Barbara offers an array of breathtaking venues, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re drawn to the coastal elegance of Rosewood Miramar Beach, the rustic allure of Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, or the historic romance of San Ysidro Ranch, the Meag Breanne Events team will help you find a location that perfectly captures the essence of your love story. Each of these venues provides not just a backdrop, but an experience that will make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

All photos by Olivia Marshall Photography

As a planner, I thrive on the opportunity to infuse creativity into traditional wedding elements. In a world where guests often attend numerous weddings, there’s a genuine excitement in presenting them with something outside of the norm. I also love finding elements that can be used outside of just the wedding day.

Here are a few things I have been loving lately!

Scalloped Baskets — These could be used for the welcome table in place of your traditional card box

White Footed Bowl — Another great piece to house anything on your welcome table and can also be reused in your home post wedding!

Shell Champagne Bucket — How fun would a couple of these be at a coastal themed cocktail hour?!

Frames — I have been loving these squiggly frames which can be used for any of your wedding signage

Lamps — Mini lamps are such a great (and cute) way to create a nice ambiance during you reception

Non Traditional Guest Book — Whether it be a nice coffee table book, your favorite cookbook, or a picture book…guests can sign anything you want! It doesn’t have to be a book full of blank pages

Nice Toasting Glasses — You can pull these out for every anniversary as a nostalgic item from your wedding

Custom Matches — Anything custom is so fun to design and so fun to hand out to guests that they can keep (and use) after the wedding

I hope this list was helpful and I hope you have an amazing wedding filled with the most special details!

We loved working with R+P for their intimate wedding at Park Winters in Northern California. They decided to only have their closest friends and family and wanted more of a micro style dinner party wedding which we loved! One of our favorite things about weddings is that they come in all different shapes and sizes! From a signature wedding scent, to beautiful florals, and fun parasols, this wedding was one of our favorites from the year!

Planning and Design: Meag Breanne Events

Photographer: Meghan Baskin

Florals: Fig and Vine

Paper Goods: Paper By The Bay

Music: Lucky Devils Band

Venue: Park Winters

Not only do I love this modern and funky cake but I love the story behind it. I firmly believe that you cannot have a well executed wedding day without teamwork (vendors, venue, the couple, etc.) and this is a great example of just that…

In this particular instance, the bride conceptualized her dream cake and seamlessly communicated her vision to the talented cake designer who brought it to life. We were determined to find a funky linen to go with the design of the cake and wedding which is where I came in (one of my favorite linens of the year). Then, we needed a couple of talented florists who could see Alison’s vision through and meticulously place each tiny flower/detail. Last, but not least, we wouldn’t have these documented photos if it weren’t for the talented photographer who captured it so perfectly!

A wedding cake is a great way to add a layer of creativity and fun to your wedding design. We are no longer seeing massive tiered wedding cakes, but instead, small but bold cakes that you and your significant other can enjoy a sweet moment around!

Planning and Design: Meag Breanne Events

Floral Design: Good News Flowers

Photography: Amanda Pool Photo

Cake: Salted Rye

Venue: The Sea Ranch Lodge

Sidney and Conor were one of my absolute favorite couples from last year! They were very easy going and showed so much gratitude and care for all of their vendors during the planning process and on their wedding day.

Sidney was set on her vision from the start and new she wanted a vintage garden party wedding. From the Italian inspired venue located in Northern California, to the beautiful patterned linen, to the fun minimal bridesmaids bouquets, no detail went unnoticed! One of my favorite things that Sidney did was give her bridesmaids a color palette and then let them choose their own dresses and they all nailed it!

A huge thank you to Katia from Muse Floral Co. for creating the most beautiful floral arrangements and to Catherine Marie Taylor for capturing every part of the wedding so perfectly.

We are all very excited to have Sidney and Conor’s Northern California wedding featured on Style Me Pretty!

Thrilled to share the news that A+B’s beautiful wedding has been showcased on Anti-Bride!

Collaborating with this sweet couple was truly a delight. The genuine and heartfelt way they seamlessly intertwined their love story into their wedding was nothing short of extraordinary. I feel so grateful to have contributed to their most special day and I will remember it forever!

I highly recommend taking a moment to explore the full article here. However, I couldn’t resist sharing a snippet of the thoughtful words A+B graciously included:

“I already knew Meag was amazing because I’d had the pleasure of working alongside her on other events. She truly goes above and beyond for her clients. She’s extremely organized, forever one step ahead, and her wheels are always turning with ideas and important questions. Beyond the logistics, she’s detail-oriented and has a keen eye for design, helping us nail down details big and small from linens to where to place photos and decor. On top of all of that, she’s a calming joy to be around and an advocate, always ensuring everything’s in the best interest of her clients.”

Vendors:

Planner: Meag Breanne Events

Florist: Good News Flowers (the bride herself!)

Photographer: Amanda Pool

Cake: Salted Rye

Venue: Sea Ranch Lodge

San Francisco City Hall is one of the most popular wedding venues in the city, and for good reason. With its grand architecture, stunning natural light, and iconic views, it offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting married at San Francisco City Hall.

1. Historic and Iconic Venue

San Francisco City Hall is a historic building that has been standing for over a century. With its grand entrance and impressive dome, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Getting married here will add an extra layer of significance and symbolism to your wedding day.

2. Budget-Friendly

Weddings can be expensive, but getting married at San Francisco City Hall can help you save money without sacrificing elegance. The venue rental fee is relatively affordable which then allows you to put more of your budget towards things like florals, your attire, paper goods, the after party, etc.

3. Gorgeous Natural Light

San Francisco City Hall is known for its stunning natural light. The building’s massive windows let in an abundance of natural light, creating a soft, romantic glow that is perfect for wedding photography. Plus, the light makes the venue feel even more spacious and grand.

4. Convenient Location

San Francisco City Hall is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is also close to many hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient location for out-of-town guests. Plus, the city offers endless opportunities for entertainment and sightseeing.

5. So Many Possibilities To make Your Day Unique!

If you are open to thinking outside of the box and having a bit more of a non-traditional wedding day/weekend, the opportunities are endless when it comes to City Hall. Maybe you decide to go to your favorite bar post ceremony in your wedding attire for some fun photos or maybe you decide to throw one big cocktail hour/dinner/after party at a restaurant where you had your first date.

I love all types of weddings and venues but I believe it is important to think about what you value as a couple and what you both want on your wedding day vs. going the traditional route just because everyone else is! No matter what you choose for your day I can guarantee you that it will be absolutely perfect!

All photos by Olivia Marshall Photography

Getting married in 2023? I am a firm believer in embracing your bridal era with some fun attire and accessories! You can also use this list as a gift guide for anyone you know getting married and whether you’re getting married or not, I think everyone could use a white Stanley mug :). Click here to access all of my picks!