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.

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).

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.

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

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!

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 at least up to a 1000.

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

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.

About a month ago I toured a new estate, Rancho del Sol, which is available for weddings and overnight accommodations (sleeps 10 to 12 guests) in the Santa Ynez Valley. Its located on 220 acres in a private and gorgeous valley of rolling hills dotted with oak trees.

Above is the view that would be the backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

This is the area where ceremony/receptions would take place (cocktails would take place in the front of the house while the backyard is setup for the reception). This area could accommodate about 75 guests or less for dinner.

However, down the hill, next to the guest house, is a large field that could be used for events. In which case you could easily accommodate 200+.

If you opted for this option, I would recommend building a pathway to the reception site and building a sub-floor under the dining area. But as you can see the oak trees and rustic atmosphere is truly magical and very, very, private.

Some notes:

• For a small reception at the house, chairs/tables/china/linens etc. would need to be brought in.
• Bathrooms and power are available.
• Additional lighting would need to be brought in.
• Guests would need to be shuttled to the property.
• A generic kitchen is available for catering to use, but an additional kitchen may need to be brought in depending on your catering needs.
• For a reception at the field below, power/lights/bathrooms/flooring/rentals etc. would need to be brought in.
• There is no music curfew.

For more information please visit Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals.

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.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of touring a quaint new estate location in the Santa Ynez Valley called Goodgame Ranch. The home is the oldest dutch house in the area and was recently renovated. It is now open for weddings and over night accommodations (sleeps six).

The front yard features rose bushes, two trees and would be lovely for an intimate ceremony.

In the backyard there is a pool which would be a perfect area for cocktails.

There is a large grassy area that would work for dinner. There is also a barn on the property that makes a lovely rustic backdrop for photos. I think putting the dance floor down below and creating a lounge area would be fun for after dinner festivities.

Some notes:

• Maximum guest count is 100.
• All guests must be shuttled to the property.
• No more than 6 vendor cars can be parked on site.
• Amplified music is allowed but must be off at 10pm.
• For a guest count over 50, additional bathrooms would need to be brought in.
• Tenting and staking is allowed.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• There is power & water on site.
• Two night minimums are required, & the site fee ranges from $3,500 – $5,000 for the 2010 season.
• A kitchen is on site; additional kitchen rentals may be needed depending on guest count & menu.
• Tables/chairs/linens/glassware/china would all need to be brought it.
• You may bring in your own alcohol.

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

Casa das Palmas is a new estate located just outside the exclusive Hope Ranch area of Santa Barbara and is very close to Hendry’s beach. The property allows weddings and can sleep up to 10 people.

The estate features mature palm trees, pool, tennis court, fireplaces, and gourmet kitchen.

The estate can accommodate up to 200 guests for a wedding.

Ceremony can be held in the front yard which features even more palm trees and a gorgeous, Spanish style arcade.

Some notes:

• Shuttle service for guests is required.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• A catering kitchen needs to be brought in.
• All rentals including tables/chairs/china/linen would need to be brought in.
• Power is available.
• Additional lighting is recommend.
• The tennis court may be used as long as some type of flooring is put down.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• Music must be off by 10pm & they prefer DJs only.

For more information email ronit@worldshare.net or visit the website here for more information.

Last week I had the privilege of touring the newly renovated Villa de la Guerra. A historic estate, it feels like a miniature version of the Getty Villa and its proximity to the Mission can’t be beat.

Since its a historic property the owners would love to host rehearsal dinners and a handful of weddings a year.

The backyard features a beautiful pool and the surrounding lawn could accommodate up to 125 guests.The outdoor patio would make a lovely setting for a rehearsal dinner (one long table would be fun) or as the backdrop for a ceremony.

The indoor courtyard may be used for cocktail hour, though the rest of the house is off limits.

Guests could enter through the back gate, which would be a nice option if the ceremony was at the Mission (its literally across the street).

Some notes:

• Smoking is strictly prohibited on property.
• Bathrooms, catering kitchen and all rentals would need to be brought in.
• Additional lighting would need to be brought in.
• There is ample street parking, but valet is highly recommended.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• All trash needs to removed from the property at the end of the night.

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

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour a brand new private estate in Montecito. The property features a formal lawn with a fountain for cocktail hour, and a lush tree lined lawn for the ceremony and reception.

On the upper half of the picture is the area for cocktail hour and welcome drinks.

This is the ceremony/reception area from above. Instead of using the lawn, you can also use the adjacent walkway and setup one long feasting table for dinner.

And this is a close up of the ceremony/reception area. The trees are magnificent.

The property is incredibly, serene, lush, and in a private gated community in Montecito.

Some notes:

• Max guest count is 200.
• For guest counts over 50, additional bathrooms need to be rented.
• Guests would need to be shuttled in and can be dropped off right next to the formal lawn.
• All rentals, catering, kitchen, power & additional lighting need to be brought in.
• Music must be off at 10pm.
• The property only allows 3-4 weddings a year.
• At minimum, a day of wedding coordinator is required by the estate.
• Rental pricing starts at $10,000.
• A dressing area for the bride is available at the house (which is above the event area).
• The house is not available for overnight accommodations.

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

Here is another new estate in Montecito that allows weddings and private events. It features stunning views from the home and it is also available for overnight accommodations.

Reception can take place either by the pool or on the basketball court (which can be tented).

The ceremony can take place either by the pool or on the side yard next to the creek (the putting green can be moved).

Some notes:

• Max guest count is 250.
• Primary availability is June-September (other dates may be available).
• Guests would need to be shuttled to & from the property.
• Interior of the home may not be used by guests during the event.
• The bridal party may get ready at the home.
• Power is available on site.
• A kitchen & bathrooms would need to brought in.
• Additional lighting would need to be brought in.
• Music is off at 10pm.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• The pool can be covered if desired.

For contact information please click here, or email me for pricing and availability at: kelly@kellyoshiroevents.com.

Images from top: 1-3. Scott Gibson 4. By me

A brand new Santa Barbara wedding estate has just become available for 2009. Located near the Santa Barbara Mission, “Las Tapias” is a lovely garden location.

It can accommodate up to 125 guests and a two nights stay in the location’s apartment is included in the site fee.

Ceremonies take place in front of the lovely fountain. Once the ceremony is over, the lawn is flipped for the reception.

Cocktails can be held on the patio and there is an outdoor fire place.

Some notes:

• For catering a kitchen can be built in the garage.
• One bathroom is included in the rental; additional units would need to be brought in.
• Ample street parking is available.
• Candles are allowed in glass.
• Additional lighting will need to be brought in.
• A dance floor cannot be put on the grass (there is a lower patio that would work well as a dance floor).
• Music must be off by 10pm.
• The estate will hold only a handful of weddings per year.
• For guest counts of more than 100, the site fee is $6000.

Please contact Marilynn for more information at marilynnhelene@cox.net.

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.