Wedding Venues in Los Olivos

How to Choose a Wedding Venue Location in Los Olivos, California

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s wine country, Los Olivos in California has a plenitude of wedding spots for couples planning a romantic, rustic, or vineyard-inspired wedding. As opposed to what neighboring areas like Solvang or Santa Ynez can offer, couples flock to Los Olivos to have a more intimate and secluded atmosphere. If you’re one of those couples, this guide is just for you, so keep on reading to learn what factors to consider when planning to get married in this part of California. 

Budget: If you compare wedding venues in Los Olivos with those in cities like Solvang or Santa Barbara, where more tourist traffic can drive up prices, Los Olivos has a much broader selection of wedding venues priced differently. If you’re looking for a place to have a fancy celebration, have a look at what high-end vineyards like Fess Parker Winery have to offer. If your budget is somewhat limited, how about private estates or local inns?

High/Low Seasons: Much like the rest of Santa Barbara County, the peak season for wedding ceremonies in Los Olivos is either spring or fall. If you asked us why these specific seasons, the answer would be pretty short: it’s because of the temperate climate and blooming vineyards. The off-season definitely offers lower venue rates, but you’d need to take into consideration weather aspects. Summers might be pretty hot, while winters might come with occasional rainfall.

Visit in Person: Compared to wedding venues in larger cities like Santa Barbara or Ventura, which may offer more virtual tours, wedding spots in Los Olivos are much more intimate, making an in-person visit vital to truly understand the vibe and atmosphere of the venue. For example, if you’re planning to exchange vows at a venue like Mattei’s Tavern or Zaca Mesa Winery, you must walk the grounds of those places to fully understand the magnificent layout of the places, the lighting, and the surrounding views.

Guest List: If you’re thinking of a more intimate gathering with your family members and closest friends, check out smaller estates and boutique venues. In fact, as Los Olivos is perfect for intimate weddings, it has a limited number of hotels and inns. So if you’re planning a grand event, you may need to coordinate additional lodging with wedding locations in nearby areas like Solvang or Buellton. As for bigger parties in Los Olivos, we may suggest researching wedding venues like Roblar Winery.

Aesthetics: The natural beauty of Los Olivos is unmatched. Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard wedding with lush rows of grapevines or a rustic ceremony under centuries-old oak trees, Los Olivos has you covered! Most wedding spots here offer a particularly unique blend of elegance and rural charm. This contrasts greatly with more urban locations like Santa Barbara or Pasadena, where wedding venues typically rely on man-made decorations. 

Local Vendors: In comparison to larger cities like Santa Barbara, where vendor services may be more diverse but less personalized, Los Olivos has a tight-knit community of vendors who are experts in providing bespoke services tailored to your specific needs. Besides, many venues in the area have established relationships with local caterers, florists, and photographers, which makes the entire coordinating and planning process way easier. Just approach your wedding venue and ask them about the contact details of some local vendors.

Weather Considerations: Spring and fall provide mild, sunny days so it goes without saying that that’s the time that’s more than ideal for outdoor ceremonies. If you’re considering a summer wedding, prepare for some heat and make sure your venue offers shaded areas or indoor options for your guests. Winter brings the occasional rain shower, which is quite rare though, but still, this is something to keep in mind when planning an outdoor event at that time of the year.

The Vibe: In general, Los Olivos carries a serene, laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle of cities like Los Angeles or San Diego. Whether you’re dreaming of a casual outdoor celebration or a more formal vineyard affair, one thing we know for sure – wedding venues in Los Olivos will offer a rustic yet refined setting that can be further tailored to your style and needs. If that’s something that sounds exciting, start researching for that perfect wedding spot for your celebration in Los Olivos.