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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

More Inspiration:

Finding a rehearsal dinner location can be hard especially when you don’t live in town. To help destination brides avoid tourist traps I will be featuring local restaurants that have good food and service.

To start this series I have to feature one of my favorite restaurants and actually where I held my rehearsal dinner, Arnoldi’s. It’s off the beaten path on Cota & Olive streets and is known for being a locals hang out. For events Arnoldi’s can accommodate 20 to 100 guests easily. The menu for rehearsal dinners ranges from $28 to $35 per person and included appetizers, salad, and two choices for the entree. Wine starts at $27 per bottle.
Parties can be held in the back room which features a large mural of Lake Como or outside on the patio which features two large bocce courts. The ambience is warm, friendly, and very relaxed. If you go, you must try their lasagna its sooo good.

More Inspiration:

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.

More Inspiration:

For the ceremony I knew I wanted to focus on organic elements. I used white marble rocks to line the aisle, with pillar candles tucked in and then I rented simple white square pillars from my florist. Set a top the columns, my lovely florist found the perfect large white bowls to tuck mood moss and large succulents in. My inspiration came from a wedding I saw in Martha Stewart where small bowls of moss were used for tabletop decor.

I also used ribbon to mark off the front row as reserved seating and placed packets of tissue on each seat (I know my family, they’re criers all right!). I also used ribbon to block off the aisle way from guests so my rocks would stay straight. Finally, I draped some simple sheer green fabric over the tree branch to create a modified a-line huppa. The green fabric was held down with 2′ x 4′s and then covered with more rocks which echoed the aisle decor. I originally was going to hang a capiz shell chandelier from the tree, but it was so windy I decided to nix it. In the end, I think it looked better without it. Enjoy!

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