Ritz-Carlton Bacara: A Santa Barbara Oceanfront Oasis

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara is a stunning oceanfront resort that blends effortless California elegance with refined luxury. Nestled along the Gaviota Coast, this sprawling property offers breathtaking views of the Pacific, Mediterranean-style architecture, and beautifully manicured grounds. From terracotta-tiled courtyards and lush gardens to dramatic cliffside sunsets, the setting is nothing short of cinematic. This venue is ideal for couples envisioning a wedding that feels both timeless and elevated.

Photo by Gregory Ross

With multiple ceremony and reception locations, including ocean view lawns, grand ballrooms, and intimate terraces, Bacara offers unmatched versatility for events of all sizes. Guests can indulge in five-star amenities, including a world-class spa, fine dining, and direct beach access, turning your wedding into a full weekend experience. For couples seeking a sophisticated, coastal celebration with a resort-level experience, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara delivers grandeur, comfort, and unforgettable romance.

Venue Spaces at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara holds 29 event spaces to accommodate wide varieties of guest counts, flow and aesthetics. Here are some of my favorite areas the venue has. 

The Bluff

Photo by Alicia Mink

The Bluff at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is an awe-inspiring ceremony, cocktail hour or reception location perched high above the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of the coastline and crashing waves below. With space for up to 200 guests, this expansive lawn feels both intimate and grand, making it an unforgettable setting for couples dreaming of a coastal celebration. Framed by gentle sea breezes and golden California light, The Bluff provides a naturally stunning backdrop that speaks for itself, perfect for those seeking elegance, romance, and a true sense of place.

Ocean Lawn

Photo by Jess Fairchild & James Witty, Planning by Tyler Speier

The Ocean Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is the epitome of coastal luxury, offering a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, refined elegance, and sweeping views of the Pacific. With space to accommodate up to 500 guests, this expansive lawn is ideal for grand celebrations from sunset ceremonies to elegant receptions and relaxed farewell brunches. Surrounded by swaying palms and the sound of ocean waves, the Ocean Lawn creates a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere that captures the essence of a Santa Barbara destination wedding.

Rotunda & Terrace 

Photo by Via Imagery, Planning by Luck Eleven Events

Perched above the resort lobby, the Rotunda and Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offer a truly enchanting setting for a romantic Santa Barbara celebration. This elevated venue boasts panoramic views of the ocean, gardens, and surrounding terraces, creating a breathtaking backdrop from every angle. Couples can host up to 200 guests for a magical open-air dinner under the stars, followed by an unforgettable evening of dancing beneath the Rotunda’s soaring ceilings and dramatic architecture. Seamlessly blending indoor elegance with outdoor charm, this space is perfect for those seeking a celebration that feels both intimate and awe-inspiring.

Bacara Ballroom 

Photo by Valorie Darling, Planning by Alexandra Kolendrianos

The Bacara Ballroom is the crown jewel of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s event spaces, offering a grand and sophisticated setting for lavish wedding celebrations. With soaring 23-foot ceilings, ornate gilt-framed mirrors, and six elegant balconies, the ballroom exudes timeless glamour and old-world charm. Accommodating up to 500 guests, it’s ideal for large-scale receptions, galas, or multicultural weddings. Just outside, a stunning ocean-view terrace and romantic foyer provide the perfect spaces for cocktail hour, guest arrivals, or quiet moments throughout the evening. It’s a venue designed to impress, where every detail feels luxurious and every moment feels unforgettable.

Everything You Need to Know About the Ritz-Carlton Bacara as a Wedding Venue

Parking Situation

Valet service is available at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, offering guests a seamless and elevated arrival experience.

Catering

Catering at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is exclusively in-house, delivering exceptional service and restaurant-quality cuisine that reflects the resort’s commitment to luxury and elevated guest experiences.

Bartending

Bartending services at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara are provided in-house, offering expertly crafted cocktails and a curated bar experience that complements the resort’s elevated standards.

Getting ready area

The guest rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara are spacious, serene, and beautifully appointed, making them the perfect setting for getting ready on your wedding day. With natural light, elegant furnishings, and coastal views, they provide a calm, luxurious atmosphere for those special pre-ceremony moments.

Accessibility

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is designed with accessibility in mind, offering ADA-compliant guest rooms, event spaces, and restrooms to ensure all guests feel comfortable and accommodated. With accessible pathways throughout the resort, and valet parking, the Bacara provides a seamless and inclusive experience for every wedding celebration.

A Wedding Planner’s Favorite Things About the Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Photo by Allison Upchurch

While resort venues are often known for feeling busy or less private, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers a refreshing sense of seclusion and intimacy. As you walk the grounds, you’ll notice how thoughtfully designed the spaces are, tucked away from public areas and surrounded by natural beauty. From oceanfront lawns to elevated terraces, each venue space feels like a private escape, making it far more serene and exclusive than many other resort settings.

From the dramatic cliffside Bluff to the sweeping Ocean Lawn, the Bacara offers some of the most stunning ocean-view ceremony spaces in California.

Lush gardens, Spanish-style architecture, and coastal cliffs mean no need to travel off-site for portraits. Everything is right on the property.

The events team is responsive, professional, and experienced, making planning and execution smooth and stress-free. They make every couple feel special in their care, which is always appreciated. 

With valet, accessible amenities, luxury accommodations, and on-site dining and spa, guests don’t need to leave the resort all weekend.

The neutral tones, Spanish Revival architecture, and ocean backdrop allow for a range of aesthetics from timeless elegance to bold, modern design.

Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner Before Booking Your Venue

Photo by Meg Brooke, Planning by WealHouse Co

Hiring a wedding planner before booking your venue is one of the smartest decisions you can make. A seasoned planner doesn’t just help with logistics, they act as your advocate from day one. They’ll negotiate with the venue, ensuring you don’t sign a contract that’s missing key details, includes hidden fees, or locks you into a space that won’t work for your vision. An experienced planner can save you money by identifying red flags and helping you build a realistic budget before you commit to a venue, preventing costly mistakes and future headaches (Bryce Gaston Events once saved a couple $58,000 in unanticipated fees!). Planners have insider knowledge of venue pros and cons, can help you navigate confusing fine print, and often catch red flags couples wouldn’t know to look for. Most importantly, hiring a planner early means you’re not planning blind. You have a professional on your side to guide big decisions and eliminate stress from the start.

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding? Meet Your Wedding Planner. 

Bryce Gaston Events plans luxurious Southern California weddings defined by meaningful details, story-driven design, and your best interests at heart. You deserve a wedding planning experience that is the epitome of excellence, driven by impeccable execution. With genuine care, expert knowledge, diligent communication, and exemplary support, we plan weddings that are just as luxurious as they are personal.

Our packages include full service planning, partial planning and 3-month out wedding management. We’re happy to customize any package to fit your unique needs. 

Inquire now to secure your date!