Business Details
19 Years
experience
Santa Barbara Wedding Planning Experts
Weddings By The Sea has been dedicated to crafting unforgettable wedding experiences along California's coast for over sixteen years. Specializing in elopements and intimate ceremonies, we offer all-inclusive destination packages tailored to couples seeking personalized, stress-free planning. Our expertise spans beach weddings, courthouse ceremonies, and garden celebrations at iconic Santa Barbara locations. With a team of professionals including coordinators, officiants, florists, and photographers, we ensure every detail reflects your unique vision.Our commitment to inclusivity and modern multicultural values aligns with California's diverse community. By managing logistics from site setup to vendor coordination, we allow couples to focus on celebrating their union. Our proven track record with hundreds of satisfied clients demonstrates our ability to transform wedding dreams into reality while maintaining seamless execution.
Services
Elopement Planning
Venue Selection
Ceremony Coordination
Floral Design
Photography Services
Officiant Booking
Event Decor
Vendor Management
Vow Renewals
Destination Weddings
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We specialize in intimate Santa Barbara weddings with 16+ years of local expertise
- Our all-inclusive packages streamline planning for elopements and micro-weddings
- We offer access to exclusive beachfront and historic venue options
- Our team includes certified wedding coordinators, officiants, and photographers
- We provide personalized support from initial consultation through ceremony execution
What people say
Seamless execution
Stress-free planning
Professional team
Personalized attention
Exquisite floral design
Services
Elopement Planning
Our elopement planning service specializes in creating personalized, low-stress ceremonies for couples seeking intimate celebrations. With expertise in Santa Barbara's most scenic locations, we handle permits, vendor coordination, and timeline management while maintaining your vision's integrity. Our packages include officiant booking, floral arrangements, and photography services tailored to small guest lists.
Venue Coordination
Venue coordination covers access to exclusive Santa Barbara locations including beaches, courthouses, and gardens. We secure necessary permits, manage site logistics, and ensure compliance with local regulations while providing site visits and setup assistance. Our established relationships with venue managers guarantee optimal positioning and timing for your ceremony.
Floral Design
Custom floral design services create cohesive aesthetic themes across ceremonies and receptions. Our florists specialize in seasonal arrangements that complement coastal environments, including bridal bouquets, arch decorations, and table centerpieces. Each design undergoes consultation to ensure alignment with color schemes, personal preferences, and venue characteristics.
Photography Packages
Professional photography packages capture your special day with artistic composition and technical excellence. Our photographers specialize in natural light settings, delivering high-resolution images within two weeks post-event. Packages include coverage of ceremony highlights, portraits, and reception moments with optional drone footage for scenic locations.
Vendor Management
Comprehensive vendor management ensures seamless integration of all wedding professionals. We coordinate schedules, contracts, and on-site logistics for officiants, musicians, and decorators while maintaining quality control standards. Our curated network guarantees reliable, experienced providers who align with your event's style and budget requirements.
People
Catherine Forester
Owner & Lead Wedding Planner
Catherine Forester brings 16+ years of wedding planning expertise to Santa Barbara's coastal events. Specializing in elopements and intimate ceremonies, she combines organizational precision with creative vision to deliver personalized experiences. Her hands-on approach ensures stress-free execution while maintaining attention to cultural inclusivity and modern couple needs.
Questions
What wedding package options do you offer?
We provide all-inclusive packages for elopements and micro-weddings accommodating 2-50 guests, with customizable options for beach, courthouse, and garden ceremonies.
Can you help with last-minute weddings?
Yes, our streamlined planning process accommodates short-notice ceremonies, with availability confirmed within 24-48 hours and expedited vendor coordination.
Do you work with same-sex and multicultural couples?
Absolutely, we actively support marriage equality and specialize in creating culturally inclusive ceremonies that honor diverse traditions and family dynamics.
What locations are available for ceremonies?
Our venues include Santa Barbara beaches, the historic Courthouse, Alice Keck Memorial Gardens, Manning Park, and private estate properties with ocean views.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for peak seasons, though we can accommodate shorter timelines depending on venue availability and guest count.
What's included in your photography packages?
Packages include 4-6 hours of coverage, professional editing, high-resolution digital files, and optional drone footage of scenic coastal backdrops.