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.

I love me a good barn, and the one at Rancho Dos Pueblos is a favorite. Orginally built in 1917, it features open sides (so you can see the surround ranch) and can seat 250 comfortably.

Ceremonies can take place just accross from the barn at this 300 year sequoia tree. I have a wedding taking place here next year and I cannot wait!

To see photos of a wedding at the barn check out these via Oncewed. You can contact the ranch here.

Some notes:

• All rentals- tables/chairs/linen need to be brought in
• Bathroom units need to be brought in
• A catering kitchen would need to be brought in
• There is some power to the barn, but a generator is required for most weddings
• Parking is available, though a shuttle is recommended.
• Music must be off at 10pm.

Rancho San Julian, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, is a new ranch avaliable for weddings and events. A historic ranch, it belonged to De La Guerra and his descendents still own the property and work the land.

The house is 150 years old and can sleep 2 overnight guests. To one side of the house is a large grape arbor that can be used for the ceremony, reception or cocktail hour (picnic tables can be moved if you like).

On the other side of the house, is a beautiful lawn with large trees. Again, ceremony, cocktail or reception can be held here (there are lots of options and room at the location).

There is also a great old barn on the property that can accommodate about 120 guests.If you’re looking for a ranch with an old California vibe this is definitely the location!

Some notes:

• Max guest count is 200.
• There are no restrooms on site and would need to be rented.
• Tables/chairs/linen/china need to be rented.
• Rentals can be delivered Friday and struck on Monday.
• A kitchen would need to be brought in.
• Power and lighting would need to be brought in.
• There is parking on site for vendors, but guests would need to be shuttled.

I recently toured the lovely Condor Ridge Ranch which is located on the Gaviota Coast and is available for weddings.

The ceremony area is a tiered amphitheater with mountain and ocean views.

Immediately adjacent to the ceremony area is a large pond filled with koi.

Some notes:

• Max guest count is 300.
• There are no restrooms on site.
• There is power/lighting.
• There is no kitchen on site.
• Guests must be shuttled to the site.
• All rentals tables/chairs/linen/china/glassware need to be rented.
• Rentals can be delivered on Friday and struck on Monday.
• You may tent in case of inclement weather.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• Amplified music allowed until 11pm.

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.

The house on the Rancho Dos Pueblos has a relaxed elegance and old world charm that is entirely one of a kind. The drive up to the house is something out of an old movie, there is a long circular drive, a large magnolia tree greets guests, and then you proceed down and around the palm tree lined drive. The home itself has lovely chandeliers and a relaxed (not fussy) elegance to it. Truly the jewel of this location is the stunning backyard lawn. Surrounded by a grove of Morton Bay Fig trees (the facility manager believes them to the be oldest in the states) the lawn is just like taking a step back in time.

The front lawn is another option for Santa Barbara weddings, and could be a great place for the ceremony or reception (that magnolia tree would be so gorgeous in photos!)

The house can be rented for the weekend and can sleep from 8 to 10 people. So you could have your rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch at the the house– truly the ideal location for a Santa Barbara destination wedding! The rooms are furnished in a relaxed and elegant style as featured in the rest of the house, and there’s a lovely room for the bride to get ready in.

The elegant dining room.

The master bedroom and getting ready area for the bride.

One of the guest bedrooms with a very nice view! You can contact the ranch here.

Some notes:

• A kitchen would need to be rented.
• Guests would need to be shuttled from the guest parking area.
• Power for the DJ & lighting will need to be brought in.
• Bathrooms must be brought in to accommodate for the older plumbing in the house.
• All rentals including tables/chairs will need to be brought in.
• Valet is recommended, but not required.
• Music can go until 12am.
• Site capacity is 300.

Located just off the 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, St Francis ranch is now available for weddings and private events. The ranch is over 800 acres and features stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley and Lake Cachuma.

This ranch is the home to zebras and long horn cattle. How cool would it be to do your bridal portraits with the zebras?

There is a lower and upper areas that can be used for the reception site (above is the road that leads into the ranch). The upper one is one top of a hill and has stunning views. Guests would need to be shuttled to this location and everything would need to be brought in for infrastructure (power/water/lighting/rentals/bathrooms/etc). There is a high knoll that could be used for ceremonies and has a view of Lake Cachuma. Given its odd size, I would recommend a standing only ceremony up here. Just down the knoll is the area for cocktail/reception. There is also a historic home from the 1880s with a cactus garden adjacent to the reception area.

The lower location features a large lake and tons of privacy. If you’re looking for a historic California feel, this ranch has that in spades.

Some notes:

• On-site ranch parking for guests is available upon arrival.
• Shuttles to the various sites on the property are required.
• Kitchen, rentals, power, lighting & bathrooms would all need to be brought in.
• A slight grade in the upper reception may necessitate building a flat platform for dining.
• Heels for the ladies are not recommended (it is a ranch after all).

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

Last week I had the opportunity to tour a brand new estate in the Santa Ynez Valley called Zaca Creek Ranch. The estate features a large lawn with stunning views of the valley and is surrounded by large oak trees. There is a small platform built on one side of the lawn that’s perfect for hosting ceremonies. The max guest count… is well a lot. The lawn itself could easily hold 500 people.

This location would be the perfect base for a destination wedding. The family could stay at the house and easily arrange tours of wine country. The feel is very similar to Crossroads, but much more private since the property is a whopping 1600 acres. And, cowboy rides, camping, or hay rides can take place on the property.

The property also features a large house that sleeps 10.

On one side of the house is a large barn that can be used for cocktails or as an area for dinner.

There is also a large fire pit which would be perfect for toasting some marshmallows for smores.

Some notes:

• Pricing is based on guest count & the season.
• Additional lighting & power would need to be brought in.
• Guests must be shuttled to the property
• Vendor parking is available on site.
• There is a large BBQ on site that can be used.
• All chairs/tables/linens/china would need to be brought in.
• There are hale bales avaliable for renter’s use (could be fun for the ceremony).
• There is no restriciton on amplified music.
• Candles are allowed in glass ,but can not be placed on the ground.

For more information please visit Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals.

Images via Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals.

I have recently visited two new locations avaliable for weddings and private events. The first is Sycamore Estate, a vacation rental that allows wedding for up to 150 guests. The home has a very rustic, shabby chic kind of feel to it. Receptions take place in the backyard.

The home has three bedrooms and is avaliable for overnight accomodations (with kids it can sleep up to 11). Some notes: guests would need to be shuttled in, a kitchen would need to be setup in the garage, all tables/chairs/lighting would need to be brought in.

Vasquez Ranch is located in Gaviota and is very rustic, beautiful and private. The ceremony area is an oak grove (above) and the reception site is huge grassy lawn nestled in between two hills. The location can hold up to 300 guests and is $7450 to rent. This location is 100% raw, power, bathrooms, the catering kitchen, and all rentals will need to be brought in. Valet and a shuttle are also required since the ceremony and reception sites are at two different locations.

Called the “Jewel of the Gaviota Coast,” Arroyo Hondo is a beautiful nature preserve, with limited events held each year. There are several locations to choose from for the reception and ceremony site, from the rustic barn area to the sweeping meadow which is a short car ride away.

The verdant meadow is on a slight incline and has a breath taking view of the mountains.

Overall, the location is absolutely stunning and shows the visitor what Santa Barbara must have looked like 100 years ago. For the adventurous, out-doorsy couple who loves nature this location would be a great choice.

Some notes:

• Holds less than 8 weddings a year.
• Music can go until 12am.
• Candles can be used if they are in glass containers & are not placed on the ground.
• Everything would need to be brought in, including a kitchen, lights, tables, chairs, linens, etc.
• Shuttles would need to brought in for transport throughout the location.
• Renting bathrooms is recommended; a few porta potties are available.
• A generator is recommended as electricity is limited.
• Bridal dressing area is available in a historic cabin built in the late 19th century.

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