A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of touring a brand new estate, Las Montanas, which is avaliable for weddings and vacation rentals.

The property features stuning ocean, mountain and island views and sleeps 6 to 8 guests for overnight stays.

The property has a tiered backyard, so a smaller more intinmate celebration would work best here (under 80). However, there is a large flat lawn just down the driveway that could be used for receptions and ceremonies for up to 150.

This is the lowest tier, the view is amazing!

Some notes:

• all rentals need to be brought in- tables/chairs/etc
• catering kitchen needs to be brought in
• guests need to be shuttled to the property
• additional lighting and power is needed
• there is a getting ready area for the bride and groom
• bathrooms need to be brought in
• music must be off at 10pm

For more information visit Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals.

Last week I had the chance to visit a brand new vacation rental and wedding estate called Bates Ranch House.

A historic home from the 20′s, the property sits on top of a knoll and has an amazing ocean and mountain views.

At the front of the house, is a large grassy lawn with stunning ocean views. It would make the perfect spot for a wedding ceremony and reception.

At the back of the house is a large lawn with mountain views and would be the perfect spot for cocktail hour.

The back lawn also has a lovely outdoor fireplace which would be the perfect relaxing spot after the party.

Some notes:

• all rentals need to be brought in- tables/chairs/etc
• catering kitchen needs to be brought in
• guests need to be shuttled to the property
• there is power at the site, you may need more depending on what you’re doing
• additional lighting is needed
• there is a getting ready area for the bride and groom
• bathrooms need to be brought in
• music must be off at 10pm

For more information visit Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals.

Villa Sevillano is a gorgeous private estate avaliable for weddings and vacation rentals. Located in Carpinteria, the property sleeps 14 and can host up to 300 guests for a wedding.

To one side of the property is a pool area with formal garden beyond, this one make a lovely spot for ceremony and cocktail hour.

The most impressive part of this property, is the polo field that makes up the majority of the grounds of the house.

A large reception here is no problem!

In the house, there is a large basement area with pool table and built in bar. This would make a great casual after party spot. There’s also a gourmet kitchen, home theater (and I do mean theater) and music speakers setup in every room.

Some notes:

• there are two garages on either side of the property that catering kitchen could be created in.
• tenting is allowed, but it must use water barrels, not stakes
• candles are allowed in glass
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• additional lighting is a must
• You must bring in  a generator
• Valet parking is required
• A dumpster must be rented for all event garbage.
• No large trucks are allowed on the field, golf carts maybe used to ferry guests.
• A wedding planner is required.

For more information on pricing and availability contact Leia at Santa Barbara Luxury Rentals.

I had the pleasure of touring this glamorous new estate, Villa Esperanza, a few weeks ago. High in the hills of Montecito, it features sweeping views of the ocean, islands and Santa Barbara harbor. Receptions and ceremonies can take place on the helicopter pad which is adjacent to the house.

Its also avaliable for overnight accommodations and sleeps up to 8 guests. Can you imagine waking up here on your wedding day?

The whole back of the house slides open and runs into the gorgeous infinity pool. To one side of the house is palapa which would be a great area for after dinner cigars and scotch. For more information visit Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals!

Some notes:

• The max guest count is 100.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• Ceremonies can take place on the lawn and then guests could move to the back patio while that area is reset for reception.
• Additional lighting is required for the helicopter pad area.
• All guests would need to be shuttled.
• All rentals, tables, chairs, linen, china/glassware/flatware would need to be rented.
• At minimum a “day of” coordinator needs to be present on wedding day.
• Rentals can be delivered the Friday before and picked up that Sunday.
• There is a separate service entrance and parking for vendors.
• There is a kitchen on site and can be used for weddings, though there is a garage as well that would work for a kitchen if needed.

If you’re interested in the property, contact me to setup a location scout at kelly@kellyoshirodesign.com.

Dos Pueblos Ranch is a beautiful 3000 acre ranch that can host Santa Barbara weddings on its own private beach. For the ceremony, there are two options: one is on the beach itself, and the other is high on the bluffs overlooking the beach.

The jagged cliff side makes a stunning backdrop, and the white beach is the ideal location for a couple looking to get married with their toes in the sand. The bluff location is equally as beautiful, but requires a bit of a walk to get to (a staircase followed by a short uphill walk). For the elderly, renting a golf cart would be ideal.

For receptions there are again two options, each adjacent to one of the ceremony locations. By the beach is a parking lot that could be used for the reception as is or tented (I would recommend a clear tent), and carpeted for a more finished appearance. Alternatively, the bluff reception location has a large grassy field that would be ideal for a daytime event. Once night falls, the bluffs and hillside can be quite dangerous for guests (especially for those who have enjoyed too much wine).

You can contact the ranch here.

Some notes:

• All items need to be brought in, including bathroom/tables/chairs/kitchen/lighting/power.
• Small & large events are welcome.
• Music can go until 10pm.
• Candles in glass are allowed as long as they are set on tables.
• There is guest parking on site.
• Valet is not required but suggested due to length of walk to beach.
• No dressing area for bride available.
• Please call for the site fee.

Last week, I had the pleasure of touring a brand new estate for weddings and events in Santa Barbara. The Abbey Estate, a large classical style mansion, features sweeping views of the ocean, islands, and mountains.

The property features immaculate landscaping that surrounds several large grassy areas where receptions or ceremonies can be held.

The ceremony area features spectacular views of the ocean and mountains.

Synthetic turf is used in place of grass, guaranteeing a green lawn all year long.

Some notes:

• Amplified music must be off at 10:00pm.
• The maximum guest count is 200.
• All guests need to be shuttled to the property.
• There is a getting-ready suite for the bride.
• A catering kitchen, all rentals (tables/chairs/linen/china)  need to be brought in.
• Additional lighting is also required.
• There is power, but you may need to bring in a generator depending on your needs.
• Bathroom trailers need to be rented.
• Trash must be removed by the caterer.
• Rentals can be delivered the day before the event, but must be removed the Sunday after.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting a new beach house, Ocean Oasis, that is now available for weddings and vacation rentals. It can accommodate up to 60 guests and the house sleeps 8.

Located up on the Mesa, the view  is spectacular!

Some notes:

• Guests would need to be shuttled in as there is limited parking.
• Rentals could be delivered the day before if the house has been rented that day as a vacation rental.
• Catering would need to bring in a kitchen.
• Guests can use the bathrooms in the home.
• Amplified music is allowed & must be off at 10pm.
• Candles are allowed.
• You may book up to a year out.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

Across the street from the main Four Seasons (more information on that site later) is the Coral Casino Club. Originally opened in 1937 it has been under renovation the last two years. After September 1st, 2008 the La Pacifica Ballroom will be available for weddings and events.

The venue is the most modern space I’ve seen in Santa Barbara and the views of the ocean are gorgeous.

Ceremonies can be held on the patio, as well as cocktails. You could even tent out here, and create a cabana if you want (just make sure the tent isn’t higher than the second floor).

Some notes:

• The inside ballroom features large columns & a distinct coral wallpaper.
• Drapery and lighting can be used to transform the decor and theme of the space.
• Four Seasons cater all food and beverage, including the cake.
• Catering menu is charged per person.
• Bar fees are charged on consumption (ie no bar packages).
• There is a food and beverage minimum, which depends on the season.
• A 20% service charge (standard for hotels) & taxes will be applied.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

[Top photo from the Coral Casino Club website]

On Stearn’s Wharf is a little known venue, the Ty Warner Sea Center. Located at the end of the wharf it has a spectacular 360 degree view of the city, ocean, and islands. The location rental includes the Sea Center building, which can hold about 60 for a plated dinner and a huge private outdoor deck that can hold 300 or so. The outdoor deck is by far the most spectacular feature of this location, the view and the decor possibilities are endless.

The best part is that the rental fee is extremely reasonable, one of the lowest I’ve seen to date.

Some notes:

• All rentals including a kitchen will need to be brought in.
• Equipment delivery can be done the day before, but setup can’t occur until the day of the event and equipment must be picked up at the end of the event.
• A/V system is available.
• Dressing area for the bride is available.
• Music can go until 11pm.
• For events under 80 guests, parking is $8 per car.
• For events over 80 guests, a shuttle will need to be brought in.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

Located off the 154 in the hills above Santa Barbara, the Greek Orthodox Center has a stunning view of the ocean and surrounding hills. The church is a crisp white with the reception hall located across the courtyard.

The reception area features a room with beams (these can be draped with fabric if you like) and the adjoining outdoor patio features a gas fireplace. The reception area is pretty raw, but for the creative couple it could easily be transformed with some lighting and draping.

Some notes:

• Dressing areas for the bride & groom are available.
• A full kitchen is available that the caterer can use.
• Set-up can be done on Friday.
• Rental fees are reasonable.
• Room can accommodate up to 200 guests.
• All types of alcohol can be served.
• Music must be off by 10pm.

For more information for pricing and availability please email me at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.