Location
Santa Barbara
For your convenience, we have a Wedding Map to give you a basic idea of lodgings, dining, and places to visit in Santa Barbara.
The lovely city of Santa Barbara is a sunny coastal city also called the "American Riviera." It is about two to three hours away from Los Angeles. We love it because it is a big town with a small town feel. With the ocean in front of us and the mountains behind us, it is a haven for people who love the outdoors. All-year-round, there are places to hike, surf, dive, and bike. It is also a very tight-knit community. Reputation is important here, not because people are snobby, but because people who love the town want to keep it friendly for everyone. If they love a restaurant or a place, they will continue to return for forty years. Cold, impersonal, business does not work here, however. People want to make friends and find out your values and goals in life. We find that the richest people in Montecito go surfing early in the morning just like the 16-year-old kids, and then they stop in for dinner at a fine dining restaurant still wearing their t-shirts and board shorts, and that's acceptable in this town. It is definitely a dog-friendly community. There are many beautiful parks that either used to part of old estates or were donated by local families to the community.
Those who like the life of the city can head toward downtown Santa Barbara, also our old town, which features Spanish-style architecture and mosaic tiles, and a wonderful variety of shops and restaurants. Since we are nestled between the agricultural communities of Ventura County and Wine Country further north, we have a great selection of fresh produce, seafood, and California wines. Santa Barbara is lacking, however, in Asian food, as there is not a large Asian community here. Most common are sushi restaurants, a few good Thai places, two decent Chinese restaurants, and a small handful of Indian places. Closer to the ocean are the many bars and clubs, though they're not really our kind of hang-out.
Along State Street is also much of the culture of the city. Santa Barbara's small theatres, such as the Lobero theatre or the Arlington, which features lectures from economists, political analysts, scientists, writers, journalists, and many others. Musicians from symphonic orchestras, jazz trios, to folk singers perform here, and many big bands have gotten their start here. Plenty of dancing is available; many restaurants have nights for salsa, Argentine tango, swing, and ballroom. Dance companies who have come through town also include the Lyons Opera Ballet and the Georgia State Ballet. Many of these great programmes are available thanks to the UCSB Arts and Lectures Ticket Office's commitment to providing the community with a variety of mentally stimulating events.
Ceremony & Reception Site
We will most likely have our wedding at Godric Grove, at the top of Elings Park, a park run by a private, non-profit organisation with two main event sites. Godric Grove overlooks the city, with some ocean views and the mountains as a backdrop. The Wells Fargo Stone Amphitheatre offers a quiet, recessed ceremony site, the picnic tables provide a convenient and beautiful dining location, and a large, expansive lawn provides the perfect location for dancing. The address is:
1298 Las Positas RoadSanta Barbara, CA 93105
