Six Beach Ceremony Location Ideas
Leadbetter Beach
Looking to have a Santa Barbara beach wedding with the musical sounds of the ocean surrounding you while you say your vows to the one you love?
It’s easy to see why the California beach wedding aesthetic is one of the most sought-after styles for couples. There’s something timelessly romantic about exchanging vows with the sea breeze in your hair, waves rolling in the background, and soft sand beneath your feet. If you’re dreaming of flowy wedding gowns, airy draping, glowing sunsets, and toes in the sand, Santa Barbara delivers it all.
And what better time to celebrate than right now? Tomorrow is National Beach Day, the perfect excuse for us to spotlight some of the most breathtaking beachfront locations in Santa Barbara. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony at golden hour or a lively celebration with friends and family by the shore, these six beaches set the stage for unforgettable moments.
From golden hour portraits to moonlit receptions, Santa Barbara’s beaches give couples the chance to tie the knot in a way that feels relaxed, natural, and effortlessly beautiful. With National Beach Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to let your imagination wander and picture your perfect beachside “I do.”
Leadbetter Beach Park is a city beach and park located between Santa Barbara Harbor and Shoreline Park and across from Santa Barbara City College (which is perched above the harbor and has great ocean views). Leadbetter Beach is a convenient and scenic spot for your beach wedding, large or small.
Photo courtesy of: Leah Valentine
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is a secret Santa Barbara treasure for gorgeous wedding photos, and it comes by its graceful and alluring name honestly. The local favorite spot is also in a prime location right across the street from The Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito.
Photo courtesy of: Kelsey Crews Photo
Calle Puerto Vallarta
This site is right on the beach, flanked by palm trees and the colorful Chromatic Gate on one side and the blue Pacific Ocean on the other. Located at the intersection of Cabrillo Blvd. and Calle Puerto Vallarta, it is the perfect "on-the-sand" location for corporate events, luaus or wedding ceremonies.
Photo courtesy of: ByCherry Photography
East Beach Cabrillo West
This idyllic beach area is east of Milpas Street and borders the Cabrillo West parking lot. The open beach area allows ample room for a variety of events. Out of consideration to the events at the Cabrillo Pavilion on the weekends, private and corporate events are limited to Mondays through Fridays though wedding ceremonies are the exception to this.
Photo courtesy of City of Santa Barbara
East Beach Calle Cesar Chavez
This fabulous site is right on the beach, flanked by palm trees on one side and the blue Pacific Ocean on the other. Located at the intersection of Cabrillo Blvd. and Calle Cesar Chavez, it is the perfect "on-the-sand" location for corporate events, luaus or wedding ceremonies.
Photo courtesy of Village Site
Leadbetter Beach Area West
Located west of Shoreline Cafe, this site is the perfect setting for a wonderful beach wedding with Leadbetter Point in the background providing a dramatic backdrop against the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Photo courtesy of City of Santa Barbara
If toes in the sand isn’t your thing, but you still want those amazing beach and water views for your nuptials take a look at Five Santa Barbara Venues with an Ocean View. And, if you’re still just browsing, check out our free and comprehensive Santa Barbara Wedding Venues and Locations Guide below.