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.

Today, I’m so excited to share a spectacular estate up in the hills of Santa Barbara now available for weddings, Vista Linda. The estate is built in a mission style and features huge grassy lawns with stunning views of the ocean and mountains.

Perched atop a hill, the grounds are landscaped with rose bushes and mature trees.

My favorite feature is the reflecting pool that faces a double staircase with a fountain and mountains in the background. How gorgeous would it be for a bride to make her entrance from here?

To one side of the large lawn, is a pool and pool house with a built in fireplace. It would be the perfect area to setup a cigar and port lounge for your guests.

On the other side of the pool, is the main house and yet another outdoor fireplace. There are a total of four outdoor fireplace around the perimeter of the house that would make lovely after dinner conversation areas for your guests.

If you go up the double staircase and around the corner of the property is another large lawn. This would be the perfect place for cocktail hour (especially if the main lawn was setup as the ceremony area and needed to be changed over to the reception space).

To the end of this lawn is a pergola which has a BBQ and outdoor kitchen. This would be an ideal place for the guys to hang out pre-ceremony.

Because of the way this property is situated you can see the Santa Barbara harbor, and the sunset. So, even after the sunset, you will still have a lovely view of the city lights below.

Some notes:

• Maximum guest capacity is 400.
• There are two bathrooms inside the pool house. For more than 50 guests additional bathrooms would need to be brought in.
• There is vendor parking on site and a separate service entrance for load in.
• All rentals: tables, chairs, linens, china would need to be brought in.
• Rentals can be delivered Friday and struck on Sunday.
• A dance floor would need to be off the grass after the wedding ends.
• Additional lighting is required.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• A generator would need to be brought in.
• Amplified music is allowed until 10pm.
• Trash must be taken by the caterer.
• Named additional insurance certification  is required.
• Guests would need to be shuttled.
• A kitchen would need to be brought in for catering.
• You could tent in case of inclement weather, though you would need to use water barrels.

For more information on pricing and availability please contact Donna Hartman at Santa Barbara Exclusive Rentals.

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.

Off East Valley Road in Montecito, Deacon Hill features awesome views of the ocean and mountains. The location is a private home and hosts only 14 events a year and is not open during the rainy season. A ranch style California house, it could easily lend itself to a variety of decor looks.

Some notes:

• 125 is maximum guest count.
• The location is outdoor only, with events taking place around the black bottom pool.
• All rentals need to be brought in, including linens, tables, bathrooms etc.
• An outdoor fire place is available for use
• Amplified music can go until 10pm.
• You would need to be bring in catering
• Kitchen can be used for events.
• There are horses in the front yard!

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

About 15 miles north of Santa Barbara is a private ranch called Orella. It has been owned by the same family for the last 8 generations and it is truly a gorgeous, rustic location. Ceremonies take place at either Sky Island or the Lone Oak.

Sky Island has a breathtaking view of the Channel Islands and 360 degree views of the mountains.

Receptions are held down the hill at The Oaks which has views of the mountains and ocean and features a 300 year old Oak tree.

To the right of the tree is another ocean view.

Some notes:

• Since this is private property events can go to all hours.
• No candles or open flames allowed.
• High heels are not recommended.
• String lights and bathrooms are included in the rental price.
• All other rentals would need to be brought in.

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

A hidden gem up Mission Canyon Road is the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. A site that is not used a lot for weddings because there are numerous restrictions for events (it is a collection of rare plants) it is truly a one of kind venue. The main wedding location is the meadow which has an ocean view and in the spring time is a field of California poppies in beautiful gold and orange tones.

For pictures, there is red wood grove, a creek, and a ton of other options. For the couple that loves nature this is the venue for you.

Some notes:

• Events must end by 9pm.
• NO SMOKING is allowed anywhere on the property.
• All rentals would need to be brought in, including kitchen.
• Additional lighting is recommended.

The most popular location in Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Zoo. It is also very reasonable priced (though you should book early!). A site for ceremonies of up 250 or for reception of up 200, the Zoo has a variety of fun, wild locations to chose from. The Cabrillo lawn, for ceremonies, has a lovely view of the oceans and palm trees.

(more…)

Always dreamed of getting married on the beach, but can’t stand dragging your dress around in the sand? The Beach Grill at Padaro is the ideal solution. It is a lovely location that offers an amazing view of the ocean and the Channel Islands. Entirely outdoors, it has a charming rustic feel.

Some Notes:

• They book only one wedding a month.
• Catering must by handled by Padaro Catering Company.
• The site holds up to 200 guests and
• Aamplified music can go until 10pm.