ListedCA, United StatesHotel

El Encanto, Santa Barbara

Built in 1910 as a private mansion, El Encanto was restored and reimagined as a luxury hotel while preserving its Spanish Colonial architecture and hillside gardens overlooking the Pacific.

El Encanto, Santa Barbara is a hotel destination wedding venue in CA, United States, hosting 20 to 150 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), 20 minutes. Best months: June, July, August, September.

About El Encanto, Santa Barbara

Built in 1910 as a private mansion, El Encanto was restored and reimagined as a luxury hotel while preserving its Spanish Colonial architecture and hillside gardens overlooking the Pacific.

Perched on 6 acres in the foothills above Santa Barbara, this historic property offers couples a sophisticated venue with century-old character and modern hospitality.

The estate's terraced grounds, original stonework, and coastal vistas create an elegant backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.

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September 2026
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I had a 90-minute massage with Cristianna and it was truly incredible, exactly what I needed! She was so attentive and intuitive, really focusing on the areas where I was experiencing the most pain and tension.

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Capacity, rooms and facilities

Staying over

Room types
30 listed

Getting there

Nearest airport
SBA, 20 min by car

The spaces

Event spaces
Banquet room

Venue highlights

  • Originally constructed in 1910 and meticulously restored to preserve Spanish Colonial design elements
  • 6-acre private estate with panoramic views of the Santa Barbara coastline and Channel Islands
  • On-site accommodations with 92 rooms and suites available for guests
  • Multiple ceremony and reception spaces including garden pavilions and indoor ballrooms

The wedding season

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PeakGoodShoulderOff season

A sample wedding weekend

See the day-by-day outline+

Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your bookings and guests.

Friday · day 01
  • 3:00 PMGuest arrival and check-in at hotel; welcome reception in garden courtyard
  • 6:00 PMRehearsal and dinner for wedding party and family
Saturday · day 02
  • 2:00 PMGuest arrival and appetizer hour
  • 3:30 PMCeremony in garden pavilion
  • 4:30 PMCocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres
  • 5:30 PMReception dinner and dancing in ballroom
Sunday · day 03
  • 8:00 AMFarewell brunch (optional) before guest departures

Costs and booking details

Getting there
SBA · 20 minutes

Guests fly into Santa Barbara Airport.

Typical total
$25,000-60,000+Aisle estimate

Pricing varies based on season, day of week, guest count, and menu selections. Venue rental fees, food and beverage minimums, and room blocks are negotiated individually. Contact El Encanto directly for current rates and packages.

See the full figure+

$25,000 - $60,000+ for 75 guests (venue + catering + basic accommodations for 25 guest rooms, 2 nights)

Ceremony fee
$3,000-5,000Aisle estimate

A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.

See the full figure+

$3,000 - $5,000

Reception
$185-300+ / headAisle estimate

A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.

See the full figure+

$185 - $300+ (depending on menu and beverage selections)

Room rate
$400-800+ / nightAisle estimate

A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.

See the full figure+

$400 - $800+ (varies by room category)

Weather window
June – September

The 4 months the weather is kindest. Weather does not indicate whether a date is available.

Direct line
(805) 845-5800

Answered by the venue in local hours.

Questions about the venue

What is the guest capacity at El Encanto?+

The venue accommodates 20 to 150 guests depending on the specific spaces and layout selected for your celebration.

Are accommodations included with the venue rental?+

Guest rooms are available on-site at separate rates. Many couples book the hotel's 92 rooms to house wedding guests, offering convenience and continuity throughout the celebration.

What outdoor spaces are available?+

The property features terraced gardens, fountain courtyards, and manicured lawns across its 6-acre grounds, with multiple scenic locations for ceremonies and cocktail hours.

Does El Encanto provide catering and event planning?+

Yes. In-house catering and a dedicated events team manage all aspects of your wedding, from menu curation to timeline coordination.

What is the best time of year to marry at El Encanto?+

Santa Barbara enjoys mild weather year-round.

Before you keep looking

Could this be your venue?

Ask about your plans, pricing and availability. You do not need a fixed date yet.

Still deciding? Elena is Aisle’s AI wedding planner. Give her a month and a guest count and she will forecast the budget, work out how your guests would travel, and put a first plan on paper. No account needed.

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Sources and booking notes

Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.

Sources for individual venue facts