Santa Barbara Landmarks

A small sampling of some of Santa Barbara's most gorgeous landmarks

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Often referred to as the most beautiful government building in America; this Spanish-Moorish style building was designed by William Mooser III and completed in 1929 after the 1925 earthquake ruined much of the city including the original Greek-Revival courthouse.

Civic events, performances and weddings are held often in the gorgeous Sunken Gardens surrounding the Courthouse where the 1872 original Courthouse once stood. Use of the Sunken Gardens for wedding ceremonies is on a first come, first served basis. Contact the Courthouse Docents at 805 962-6464. Free docent tours are conducted daily at 2pm, except Sundays. (information taken from the SB County Courthouse Legacy Foundation website: http://www.courthouseleagacyfoundation.org/ Marriage licenses are available in this magnificent building at the County Clerk Recorder's office in the same building: http://www.sbcourt.org/general_info/cthouse_info.htm

Queen of the Missions

Old Mission Santa Barbara founded on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4th, 1786. Although she was the 10th of the Missions founded by Father Junipero Serra, she is considered the Queen of the Missions. Experience the Queen, her beautiful grounds, Museum, Church, Cemetary and vistas: tours offered daily except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, at very nominal prices ($5/adults, $4/seniors, $1/youth, under 6yrs free). information: http://santabarbaramission.org/

Bathhouse at Lotusland

"Lotusland is a unique 37-acre estate and botanic garden situated in the foothills of Montecito to the east of the city of Santa Barbara. The gardens now covering the estate were created by Madame Ganna Walska, who owned the property from 1941 until her death in 1984. Before her death, Madame Walska established the nonprofit Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation, which now preserves this unrivaled botanical treasure." (information from the Lotusland Website)

For more information on the gardens and tours of the gardens: http://www.lotusland.org/welcome.htm

View of SB Downtown Mission Tile District
"The most beautiful downtown in America"

For information on Shopping, Arts, Culture & Sightseeing; Dining & Restaurants; Entertainments & Nightlife, Accomodations & Reservations visit the Santa Barbara Downtown Organizations' website: http://www.santabarbaradowntown.com/ The webiste also has a calendar of events, information on transportation, parking, maps and the popular 1st Thursday festivals.

Santa Barbara Coastline view from Shoreline Park

Sparkling Night Lights

of the

Santa Barbara Harbor

for information on Harbor activities: www.sbharbor.com/

Stay tuned for more of Santa Barbara's amazing landmarks and geographical beauty....

Santa Barbara The Party Place

A casual back yard engagement party for 80 close friends!

The Rockin Band, PIE

The most beautiful fall day

a photo of Couple Number One in each floral arrangement

We are still recovering from hosting an exuberant and sizable engagement party for our dear friends' son and his soon to be lovely bride. This wonderful couple is amazing! Both are power professionals yet the most loving and endearing people. Accomplished adults with outstanding educations and professions, first and only engagement and forthcoming marriage! They met through serendipitous circumstances and they are very much each other's soul mates! In this fast world of in-and-out relationships it is just wonderful to meet a couple like this. My husband and I just celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary and the groom to be's parent their fortieth! Whomever said that true love and romance are dead hasn't met us!

Towers of yummy mini cupcakes

Santa Barbara is a wonderful venue for weddings, large and small, extravagant or modest; all offering the romance of gorgeous scenery, wonderful predictable climate and locations from no cost to over the top!

Our back yard was the scene of this wonderful casual event! We planned to seat 80 people with complete sit-down service; although the dinner was buffet style. The Margarita Fountain served iced margaritas continuously, wine and beer bar; and a five-piece band offered music for lots of dancing late into a magical evening. The weather was so pleasant that the out-door fireplace was not put into service, nor were the portable heaters used.

Weddings/parties can be held at any one of our many parks, public gardens, the beaches, the sunken gardens at the Court House, the Rose Garden at the Mission and many many more locations for the fee of a Park permit! The beautiful Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens does require an entrance fee. Many a wedding, birthday parties and special events are held there.