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Weddings

About

Evoke the romance of early Spanish California by hosting an event on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. This cultural landmark is located in the heart of Santa Barbara's historic district. Enjoy the ambience of two private, interconnected courtyards distinguished by native and exotic landscaping and accented with splashing fountains.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$4,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$4,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$2,500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

1

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Museum

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Outside Vendors

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December

Reviews of Santa Barbara Historical Museum

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.9 out of 5 rating
4.9 out of 5 rating
22 reviews
98% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.7 out of 5 rating
K
Kasey O. Sent on 08/09/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Stunning venue

We picked out the Historical Museum in 2019 for our 2020 wedding and were so excited to be able to use this beautiful space for our dream wedding. Obviously we were unable to have our wedding in 2020, but we were finally able to celebrate in the space in 2022. It was absolutely stunning! Just the most beautiful place to have our wedding. Our guests were just as blown away as we were--the market lights were a huge hit!

Working with Heather was super easy--she was very responsive, and was willing to reschedule our date for us two separate times. We could not have picked a better location.
Amanda
Amanda B. Sent on 03/12/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful SB venue

Beautiful venue, our guests all couldn’t stop talking about how pretty it was. We loved the grounds and that we could have both our ceremony and reception in one convenient location. Parking is also very convenient. Couple issues—right now there is no permanent event coordinator. The girl that is running is seems spread pretty thin and I felt like there was very minimal communication and support leading up to my wedding day. Also, they sent an email saying they had to install these plastic balls in the main fountain but that the fountain would be running on the day of the event. In my opinion, the balls are ugly and take away from the charm of the venue. And on the day of our event the fountain was not running until I asked my wedding planner to tell the on site coordinator to turn it on (this was at 8pm our event started at 4pm). After the wedding, I received a bill that a vendor stayed late so when I asked my coordinator about it she said that the on site person was very strict on making sure our caterers cleaned meticulously to the point she felt they were cleaning up things unrelated to our event. I’m hoping the issues I encountered will be resolved when there is a more permanent event manager because I did love our venue. Also note that you have to bring in EVERYTHING when you book the museum—and for lighting you can only you BVD. They are great but add an immediate 2-3k to your cost for just lights.

*photos by Kaylee Chelsea Photography
J
John Sent on 09/27/2017
5 out of 5 rating
My wife and I had our wedding reception here in July. It is the perfect venue for any event and the people are incredibly helpful and accommodating. There are sections to the courtyard that we used which made the event feel even bigger than it was. The sun went down and lights went on. Everything looked awesome. Would recommend to everyone.

Professional Network & Endorsements

13 Endorsements
KB Events KB Events Wedding Planners

Tie historical Santa Barbara into your big day by hosting your wedding at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. It is a beautifully location conveniently located downtown and you are able to paint the canvas with your personalized wedding vision.

Santa Barbara Bride Wedding Hair and Makeup Santa Barbara Bride Wedding Hair and Makeup Wedding Hair & Makeup

Such a great venue for a romantic wedding, beautiful outdoor landscaping, with that old Santa Barbara architecture and feel. Love this place!

The Vegetarian Gourmet The Vegetarian Gourmet Wedding Caterers

I have had the pleasure, on several occasions, to cater events at this magical venue. The staff were helpful and easy to work with, the venue embodies that special Santa Barbara spirit, and I highly recommend this spot for your special occasion. Margaret Riesen Owner -- The Vegetarian Gourmet catering www.vegetariangourmetcatering.com

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