National Champagne Day: A Sparkling Way to End the Year

Photo by Alyssa Ruby Photography

CHEERS! December 31 feels especially fitting for a wedding reflection. Not only does it mark the final day of the year, but it also happens to be National Champagne Day—an occasion practically made for celebrating love. Here in Santa Barbara, where romance is woven into the coastline, the vineyards, and the light itself, there’s always something worth raising a glass to.

As we look back on the past year, there’s so much to celebrate. We witnessed countless joyful moments as couples tied the knot throughout Santa Barbara—intimate gatherings, grand celebrations, and everything in between. Each wedding carried its own story, its own energy, and its own kind of magic. And as one year gives way to the next, that excitement only grows. With so many engagements and celebrations on the horizon, we’re already eagerly anticipating the weddings to come in 2026.

Photo by Kelsey Crews Photography

The History of Champagne at Weddings

Champagne has long been synonymous with weddings, symbolizing joy, abundance, and new beginnings. Historically reserved for life’s most meaningful milestones, champagne became a natural choice for wedding toasts—a way to mark not just a union, but the promise of a shared future. From classic flutes to celebratory pours, it remains one of the most enduring traditions in wedding celebrations.

Photo by Rewind Photography

Champagne Towers: A Celebration Moment to Remember

Champagne towers bring an extra layer of spectacle and sentiment to modern weddings. With roots in vintage celebrations, these cascading displays have made a stylish return—offering a moment that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether shared with guests or enjoyed privately by the couple, a champagne tower is a joyful reminder that weddings are meant to be celebrated boldly.

As the year comes to a close, we’re raising a glass to the love stories we’ve already witnessed and the ones still waiting to unfold. Cheers to another year of unforgettable Santa Barbara weddings—and to everything that’s yet to come. 🥂

Photo by Scott Clark Photography