Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(map) Phone: 805-965-4583
Reviews for Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
GUEST
My daughter's wedding and reception was held at the Unitarian Society. The Unitarian Society is a beautiful venue with Spanish charm and character. For $3200 we rented the chapel, courtyard and hall for 12 hours. We felt this was a good value considering we had access to three areas for half a day. The chapel has amble seating for a larger wedding but still provided an intimate feel for our smaller wedding. Everyone commented on the architectural details of the chapel especially the beautiful stained glass windows. The courtyard with the fountain was perfect for the cocktail hour. Inside the courtyard is a nice lawn area and a flowerbed. Our dinner was held in the hall but could of been held on the courtyard patio. The hall also has unique architecture and wood floors for dancing. We were very pleased with the Unitarian Society and the staff and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a very affordable yet lovely venue.
GUEST
The Unitarian Society is a beautiful venue. Celina, the facilities coordinator was a wonderful to deal with and made planning a wedding for another state so much easier. My daughters reception was just perfect and beautiful.
GUEST
Our daughter's wedding at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara's facilities was truly memorable. The courtyards and buildings are beautiful and very well kept. We used the lower courtyard for the cocktail hour and the main courtyard for dinner with dancing later in the Parish Hall. All of our guests raved about the beautiful setting. We could not have been happier! The Facility Use Coordinator was always friendly and professional. Her quick response to our emails made planning an out of town wedding so much easier for us. We would certainly recommend this wedding venue.
GUEST
The venue was absolutely fantastic and one of the most beautiful locations in Santa Barbara we found (and we looked at tons!). Our guests couldn't stop raving out it's beauty and charm and the proximity to Alice Keck Park for wedding pictures was awesome. We were able to choose our own vendors and bring in our own decorations/alcohol/etc. which was a great money saver and huge plus. VERY great venue. The only negative (especially since it was an out of town wedding for us) was that there is no set-up or dropping off of anything prior to the afternoon of the event date and everything must be out the night of the wedding. This makes for a hectic morning/afternoon and event close - but everything went smoothly in the end and looked amazing so I guess I can't complain too much!!!
GUEST
The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara was a wedding dream come true for us. Our dreams were to get married at an all in one location, since we got married on Cinco de Mayo we definitely wanted a Latin/Spanish mission feel. The venue was absolutely perfect for our needs and the grounds are so beautiful. Our guests all had a wonderful time and they thought the Sanctuary, courtyard, garden fountain area and dance hall were all fabulous. We even heard that our wedding was the best wedding they have ever been to. The staff made us feel special and they were very easy to work with.
GUEST
my wife and were couldn't have been happier with the unitarian society as our reception venue. the church itself is historic and the staff there made it really easy for us to plan. another plus-- there is a picturesque park across the street that is ideal for wedding photos. all and all, i would recommend the unitarian church to any couples who are seeking a spiritual ceremony in a beautiful location :)))
GUEST
My husband and I got married at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. The venue is the cutest thing you will ever see! For the price, in Santa Barbara, I can't complain. I was given the space for use of a 10-hour span with the church, reception hall, and courtyard to use. My family really enjoyed the private and quaint ceremony. My only gripe is with the staff at the venue. The music person did not fix what we had asked of him the day before the wedding. Therefore, I walked down the aisle to music in the distance. I was sad about it, but for a college budget it was almost perfect. Now, it will be perfect if you hire all the necessary people (DJ, catering: Tamara's Catering is the best, flowers, etc). I would get married here again if I had to do it all over again!
About Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
Located at 1535 Santa Barbara street, the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara sits directly across from the lovely Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. The 80 -year-old historic building was designed in the Spanish style and incorporates many beautiful antique architectural elements. The Sanctuary has a rounded ceiling, a raised chancel and altar area, tiled floor and large stained glass windows. Gardens surround the church building. A unique brick courtyard with center Fountain is enclosed within the church grounds and is accessible from the Sanctuary or the Reception facility. With lovely outdoor lighting, the gardens make a beautiful setting for daytime or evening photography. You will find many opportunities for memorable photographs. The church campus includes a Reception hall and kitchen that can accommodate both formal and informal receptions.
The beautifully manicured lower Courtyard is available for rent as well, and is often transformed into a dancing, music or cocktail hour between Ceremony and Reception.
The Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara prides itself on welcoming the diversity of our community and is dedicated to providing space to all couples regardless of sexual identity or religious background. No religious artifacts are displayed in the sanctuary.
The Unitarian Sanctuary and grounds combine all the elements of a perfect event like no other site in Santa Barbara.
◊ Beautiful, historic church that seats 285.
◊ Central downtown location with easy accessibility.
◊ Lovely gardens and grounds with enclosed brick courtyard, and fountain.
◊ Magnificent pipe organ and fine acoustics.
◊ Spacious Reception Hall with a full commercial kitchen.
The Church Sanctuary can seat 285 guests. Original wooden pews are situated on the main floor and in a rear balcony that overlooks the Sanctuary. Large stained glass windows reflect colorful light throughout all hours of the day. Overhead lighting can be supplemented with graceful candelabras placed at each pew. The church was designed to accommodate beautiful music, and the Sanctuary’s acoustics are some of the best in Santa Barbara. A Steinway grand piano and a 1,800 pipe organ are available for use during the ceremony.
The Unitarian Minister and Musical Accompanists are available to participate in the ceremony. Please inquire about rates.
Also overlooking the Courtyard garden, the Reception hall can accommodate guests. Tables and cushioned chairs are available for inside use. A full commercial kitchen facility is available for your caterer. The Reception hall has a stage area suitable for live music or entertainment.
Six parking spaces are available on the church grounds. Guest parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood within walking distance to the sanctuary. Valet parking may be contracted.
FAQ for Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara
Gorgeous Courtyards accomodate 150-200 Dining
Spacious Reception Hall accomodates 110 Dining
Across the street from the lovely Alice Keck Memorial Gardens
Full Commercial Kitchen
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