Santa Barbara Wedding Weekend at the Hotel Californian

Jul 14

Written By Shelley Albanese

As a California wedding planner, there are few destinations as effortlessly elegant and quintessentially coastal as Santa Barbara—and Shane and Tara’s wedding weekend at the Hotel Californian was the perfect blend of timeless style, joy-filled celebration, and California charm.

From their playful kickoff at In-N-Out to a sun-soaked rooftop ceremony and candlelit reception in the historic Alhambra Ballroom, every detail of their weekend told a story of love, laughter, and impeccable taste.

Wedding Weekend Kickoff: Trolley to In-N-Out

Shane and Tara wanted their guests to immediately feel the fun and relaxed spirit of their wedding weekend. So, what better way to start the celebration than with a classic Santa Barbara trolley ride through town and dinner at In-N-Out? The group arrived in true California style—windows down and music up.

Rooftop Ceremony on the Serena Terrace

On wedding day, guests were welcomed to the Serena rooftop of the Hotel Californian—a stunning terrace framed by Spanish architecture and panoramic views of the Santa Barbara skyline.

We transformed the space into a garden-inspired oasis with white blooms, lush greenery, and accents to complement the architecture. A floral installation draped across the wooden pergola above the fireplace created a romantic focal point for the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to a Vin d’Honneur on the rooftop—a French tradition that replaces a typical cocktail hour with heartfelt toasts and moments of shared celebration. With sweeping views of Santa Barbara as their backdrop, guests mingled, sipped on champagne, a spicy margarita or French 75 and listened as loved ones offered touching words in honor of Shane and Tara. It was a meaningful and elegant transition from ceremony to reception, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Elegant Reception in the Alhambra Ballroom

After the Vin d’Honneur hour, guests made their way to the Alhambra Ballroom for dinner and dancing. This space, known for its rich moorish design and candlelit ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration.

To elevate the space, we designed a long, elegant tablescape with a mix of candles and creamy white blooms, creating height and texture down the center of the table. It was both intimate and grand, a perfect balance of contemporary and romantic.

Late-Night After Party at Sandbar

Of course, the celebration didn’t stop there. Shane and Tara kept the energy high with a late-night after party at Sandbar, one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic nightlife spots - a perfect end to a truly California celebration.

Working with Shane and Tara was a dream. From the start, they were clear about wanting a wedding that felt intentional and unforgettable but never overdone. As their wedding planner, my goal was to design a seamless, joy-filled experience that reflected their personalities and the laid-back luxury of the Santa Barbara coast.

Some of our favorite personalized touches included:

Trolley to In-N-Out as a nod to their SoCal roots
Neutral floral palette to highlight the architecture of the Serena rooftop
Candlelit reception design that emphasized intimacy and sophistication
After party plans that allowed guests to truly let loose

Each moment was carefully considered to give guests a complete experience—from welcome to farewell.

Planning a Wedding at the Hotel Californian

As a California wedding planner, I highly recommend the Hotel Californian for couples seeking a sophisticated, design-forward venue in Santa Barbara. With its mix of coastal charm and architectural elegance, it's ideal for couples who want a destination wedding feel without leaving the state.

The Serena rooftop offers breathtaking ceremony views, while the Alhambra Ballroom brings a sense of grandeur and intimacy for evening celebrations. Plus, the hotel's prime location means your guests can explore all that downtown Santa Barbara has to offer.

Shane and Tara’s wedding was a perfect reminder that the best celebrations don’t just look beautiful—they feel effortless, intentional, and joy-filled. It was an honor to bring their vision to life and create a weekend that their guests will talk about for years to come.

If you're planning a wedding in Santa Barbara or dreaming of a California coastal celebration, I’d love to help you bring it to life with timeless elegance and heart.