Ritz Carlton Bacara Wedding: Your Luxury Santa Barbara Venue Guide
Planning a wedding that feels luxurious, coastal, and incredibly personalized? A Ritz Carlton Bacara wedding in Santa Barbara might just check every box on your dream venue list. Perched along the California coast with ocean views, Spanish-style architecture, and elevated amenities, this venue blends five-star service with effortless California elegance.
As a California-based wedding photographer, I’ve seen a lot of venues, and Bacara is one of those rare places that truly delivers both beauty and experience. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like a full-on celebration and a weekend getaway, keep reading.
Explore more top-tier venues in my Best Wedding Venues in California guide here!
Why Choose Ritz Carlton Bacara For Your Wedding Venue?
The Coastal Views Are Next-Level
The Ritz Carlton Bacara sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views throughout the day. Whether you’re exchanging vows with the ocean behind you or sipping cocktails during golden hour, the scenery is a built-in wow factor for your guests and your wedding gallery. It’s the kind of backdrop that feels expensive, peaceful, and cinematic all at once.
It Feels Like a Destination Wedding Without Leaving California
One of my favorite things about Ritz Carlton Bacara weddings is how immersive they feel. Your guests aren’t just showing up for a single event—they’re arriving for a full weekend escape. With 78 acres of resort property, onsite dining, a luxurious Ritz Carlton Bacara spa, and beach access, it’s the perfect place to turn your wedding into a shared experience.
You can host a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and post-wedding brunch all within the property.
The Property Is Stunningly Photogenic
From the red-tiled rooftops and Mediterranean-inspired arches to the quiet garden paths and beachfront cliffs, Bacara is packed with romantic photo opportunities. The grounds feel elevated without being stiff, and the architecture gives just enough drama to make every frame feel timeless.
As a photographer, it’s a dream location for creating a gallery full of variety and emotion, from sun-soaked moments by the water to candlelit scenes in the reception space.
Ritz Carlton Bacara Ceremony Locations
The Bluff
The iconic ceremony spot. Set against panoramic ocean views, The Bluff is where you get those jawdropping vow exchange photos. With the sun setting in the background, it’s pure magic.
Rotunda Lawn
If you want something a bit more private and garden-esque, the Rotunda Lawn is ideal. It’s a circular lawn surrounded by greenery with views of the sea peeking through, perfect for more intimate gatherings or cocktail hours.
Ocean Lawn
Another standout for larger ceremonies or a coastal reception, the Ocean Lawn gives you a wide-open view of the coast with plenty of space for customization and design.
Ritz Carlton Bacara Wedding Photos
I’ll be the first to say: your gallery at Bacara will be nothing short of cinematic. The mix of architecture, light, texture, and landscape gives your wedding photos a luxurious, lived-in feel. Whether it’s a windswept moment on the cliffside, a private vow in the courtyard, or golden hour portraits under the arches—it’s a visual storytelling dream.
Want to see more from real weddings I’ve photographed at venues like this? Head to my wedding portfolio here!
Ritz Carlton Bacara Wedding Cost
Starting wedding costs at Ritz Carlton Bacara typically range from $20,000 to $50,000+ depending on guest count, location choice, and package inclusions.
This often includes venue rental, catering minimums, tables/chairs, and coordination support. Prices may vary depending on the season and your vendor choices, so I recommend reaching out to the venue team for a custom quote.
Ritz Carlton Bacara Wedding Photographer
Hi! I’m Kelsey Layman, a destination wedding photographer with a documentary-style approach. I blend into the day so your moments unfold naturally and your guests feel totally at ease. My goal is to give you a gallery that brings you right back to how the day felt—the glances, the laughter, the quiet moments you didn’t even know I captured.
Whether you’re planning an engagement session, wedding day coverage, or a full weekend celebration at the Ritz, I’d be honored to tell your story.
Ritz Carlton Bacara Wedding Photography Packages
My wedding photography packages are tailored to fit everything from intimate elopements to full wedding weekends. All collections include timeline planning, sneak peeks within 48 hours, and a custom online gallery.
Most couples spend between $5,000–$7,000 for full coverage.
FAQs
How many guests can Ritz Carlton Bacara accommodate for weddings?
The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests for larger celebrations and offers smaller locations for intimate weddings or elopements.
Is there a getting ready suite at Bacara?
Yes! The suites and villas onsite make for gorgeous getting ready locations with great light and plenty of space for you and your wedding party.
Can you host multiple wedding events at the venue?
Absolutely. Many couples choose to host welcome drinks, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions, and post-wedding brunches all on-site.
What’s the best time of year for a Ritz Carlton Bacara wedding?
Late spring to early fall is ideal for warm weather and stunning sunsets. That said, Santa Barbara’s coastal climate is pretty mild year-round.
Can guests enjoy the spa and resort amenities during a wedding weekend?
Yes! The Ritz Carlton Bacara spa and resort amenities are available to guests, making it a perfect destination-style experience.
Ready to plan your Ritz Carlton Bacara wedding?
Let’s connect and talk about capturing your day in a way that feels honest, emotional, and elevated. Reach out here to get in contact!
Vendors From the Day
Planner: Vine + Branch Events | Venue: Ritz Carlton Bacara | Lighting/Decor: Bella Vista Designs Inc. | Florals: breannajanebotanicals | Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
