36 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-882-0100
View their website
Average Base Cost: $58,000
Average base cost for a Hotel Californian wedding is calculated by figuring a 125–person guest list on a Saturday night in high season. Transportation to venue, entertainment, decorations, additional rentals, valet, DJ, and photography are not included. Average price includes gratuity and state sales tax. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand.
*Prices subject to change
How it Breaks Down:
Facility Rental Fee: The venue rental fee ranges from $5,000-$15,000 depending on the space, day of week and time of year. However a good average rental fee in high season is $12,000.
What’s Included: The space, tables, gold Chiavari chairs, white folding chairs, black or white linens and napkins, glassware, flatware, dinnerware and cocktail tables.
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Food/Beverage: All catering (food and beverage) must be provided by Hotel Californian. The average per person price for dinner + bar is $265 plus tax and service charge.
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More Stats:
Space Type: Inside/Outside.
There are several spaces available at Hotel Californian to host your event, including a ballroom, plaza, two distinctive rooftops, and private patios. You can read more about their spaces here.
Size: Up to 200 depending on chosen location.
Bridal Suite: No, however most brides use their room.
Parking: Parking is available at $39 plus tax for self-parking or valet.
Food Service Type: Your choice.
How Will Grandma Get There? Ideally Grandma can stay at the hotel. Discounted room rates are available for blocks with at least 10 rooms on at least one peak night (IE: Saturday). Discounted group rates fluctuate based on day of week and time of year, and range from mid-$300s to mid-$600.
Hotel Californian is a block away from the Amtrak station, and a 13-minute drive from the Santa Barbara Airport.
Party On! Due to a Santa Barbara noise ordinance, all amplified sound must be turned off outdoors by 10 p.m.
The Report:
Located in Santa Barbara’s revitalized Funk Zone, an enclave of wine tasting rooms, breweries, boutiques, and restaurants near lower State Street and the waterfront, the 121-room Hotel Californian is in the middle of it all. Featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and Moroccan-inspired interiors by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard (whose clients include Kylie Jenner and Cher, among others), Hotel Californian boasts a rooftop pool, panoramic Pacific views, and on-site restaurants.
Woman Getting Married Says:
I’ve been waiting for a venue like this to open in Santa Barbara, and Hotel Californian does not disappoint! While the pricing is definitely on the higher side, it’s in line with other nearby venues whose spaces aren’t quite as special (or updated). This hotel has thought of everything, and it shows.
From the interior design (every venue is GORGEOUS, as are the rooms) to the location and food, this is the perfect destination wedding venue for Los Angeles and East Coast brides alike.
Whether you’re looking to do a micro wedding or a full buyout of the hotel’s three separate buildings (which include the Californian, State, and Mason), Hotel Californian is a must-see option for couples interested in a Santa Barbara wedding.
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