Location Spotlight: Drift Hotel Santa Barbara

Drift Hotel Santa Barbara wedding venue

For couples seeking a stylish elopement or intimate wedding, Drift Santa Barbara blends modern design with coastal California charm in the heart of downtown. At its center is Drift Ocaso, a 2,200-square-foot indoor-outdoor space with a minimalist aesthetic that lets each couple make it their own. Just steps from the Santa Barbara Courthouse, it’s an ideal spot for civic ceremonies and relaxed celebrations.

Right next door, Drift Hotel offers 45 rooms along with Dawn coffee shop and Dusk cocktail bar, providing a seamless, all-in-one setting for your celebration and guest stays. From midweek elopements to full hotel buyouts, customizable packages and trusted vendors ensure every “I do” feels effortless.

Location: Santa Barbara

Pricing: $ (<$3,000 / day)

Price Range: January - March:
Midweek (Mon-Thu): $1,000++ venue fee | $1,000++ F&B minimum
Weekend (Fri-Sun): $1,500++ venue fee | $2,000++ F&B minimum

April - September:
Midweek (Mon-Thu): $1,500++ venue fee | $2,000++ F&B minimum
Weekend (Fri / Sun): $2,000++ venue fee | $3,000++ F&B Minimum
Weekend (Sat): $3,000++ venue fee | $4,000++ F&B minimum

October - December:
Midweek (Mon-Thu): $1,000++ venue fee | $1,000++ F&B minimum
Weekend (Fri-Sun): $1,500++ venue fee | $2,000++ F&B minimum
Weekend (Sat): $2,000++ venue fee | $3,000++ F&B minimum

This is a:

  • Reception Location

  • Overnight Accommodation

  • Ceremony Location

Type of Venue:

  • Bachelor / Bachelorette Party

  • Ceremony

  • Elopement

  • Hotel

  • Indoor

  • Outdoor

  • Late Night

  • Private Event Space

  • Reception

  • Rehearsal Dinner

Requirements:

  • Certified Wedding Planner

  • Deposit Amount/ Percentage

  • Reservation with Credit Card

  • Event Insurance

  • Contract

  • Catering

  • Same day load in and load out

What is provided:

  • Chairs

  • Tables

Amplified Music Allowed: Yes

Bridal Dressing Room available on site: Yes

Restrooms available on site: Yes

Parking available: Yes

Alcohol Policy: All alcohol service must be provided through the venue due to licensing. Our professional bar team can accommodate a variety of service options.

Time Allotments: Your rental includes 6 hours of event time, plus 2 additional hours pre- and post-event for set-up and tear-down. Additional time may be arranged upon request and is subject to venue availability and staffing considerations. We recommend discussing your ideal timeline with our team early in the planning process to ensure smooth coordination.

Decorations: We love seeing each event come to life through your personal style and creativity! Our space provides a beautiful foundation for any theme or ambiance you envision — whether romantic and candlelit, rustic and natural, or modern and minimal.

Feel free to bring your own decorations to make the space your own.

Candles: Allowed, but must be enclosed in glass or other protective vessels.

Confetti: Only confetti pieces 1 inch by 1 inch or larger are permitted. Smaller particles (like glitter or paper sprinkles) are not allowed.

Wall Attachments: Please refrain from using nails, staples, tape, or any other adhesives or materials that may damage walls, furniture, or finishes.

Floral accents and textured linens pair beautifully with the venue’s natural design. Ask our team for trusted local vendor recommendations for florals, rentals, or lighting enhancements if you’d like additional support.

Cancellation Policy:

Deposit Requirements:
A 50% deposit is required at the time of signing your event contract. This secures your date and is applied toward your total event balance. The remaining balance is due closer to your event date (as outlined in your agreement).

Cancellation Terms:
In the event of cancellation, the client is responsible for the following percentage of the total contracted amount, based on how far in advance the cancellation occurs:

181+ days prior to event: 50% of total contract due

121–180 days prior: 75% of total contract due

91–120 days prior: 85% of total contract due

90 days or less: 100% of total contract due

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to ensure proper documentation.

Please Note: Because your date is held exclusively for you, these fees represent a cancellation penalty rather than a refundable amount. If you wish to reschedule, we’ll make every effort to accommodate a new date based on availability.

Contact Information:

Photos by Carrie Rogers Photography, Erin Feinblatt, and Julia Davis Co.

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