Having a Santa Ynez Inn wedding is a fantastic way to celebrate tying the knot!

I am SoCal based wedding photographer who has documented weddings around the Santa Barbara area and Santa Ynez areas for years now. I'm going to provide all of my tips for planning a wedding at the Santa Ynez Inn below!

The History of the Santa Ynez Inn

The Santa Ynez Inn is a historic, Victorian-style boutique hotel, built in 1888. The Inn has been meticulously restored to preserve its original charm while providing modern luxury amenities. Its rich history and elegant design make it the perfect setting for a timeless, romantic wedding.

It's a boutique 20 room property, on 5000 square feet of outdoor and indoor space. Not only will your guests love staying there, but it will also expand on the wedding day experience to have everyone stay at the same place. You can get together to create more memories and experiences, such as dinner reception before the wedding, an after wedding brunch, wine tasting in Santa Ynez, etc.

Tips for Having an Amazing Santa Ynez Wedding

Have Your Ceremony in the Garden Space

• With the garden's fountain and twinkle lights, accompanied by California's amazing weather, this space makes for a really romantic wedding ceremony backdrop.

Have Your Cocktail Hour on the Lawn

• Guest can enjoy cozying up by the fireplace while chatting and siping wine.

If Your Having A Larger Wedding, Use the Coach House for Your Reception

• The Coach House is the perfect space for larger receptions up to 150 guests. It features a beautiful bar with exposed brick & leads to an expansive room, great for hosting a variety of seating arrangements. The large barn doors open up to a spacious back patio with twinkle lights, which works perfectly for a dance floor area.

If Your Having An Intimate Wedding, Use the Library or Parlor for Your Reception

• For smaller, more intimate weddings, consider hosting your ceremony or reception in the Library or Parlor of the Santa Ynez Inn. Both spaces offer a warm and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating, elegant lighting, and beautiful artwork adorning the walls.

Hire a Planner

• He or she will help to ensure you both don't have to worry about a thing on your wedding day. A wedding planner handles the timeline, all of the logistics, etc. It's so, So worth it!

Have Your Guests stay over night at the Santa Ynez Inn

Steps to Have a Santa Ynez Wedding

STEP 1: Research the Santa Ynez Inn

Start by exploring the Santa Ynez Inn's website, social media pages, and online reviews to get a feel for the venue and its offerings. Pay attention to the details, such as event spaces, amenities, and the overall ambiance of the property. This will help you decide if the Santa Ynez Inn aligns with your wedding vision.

STEP 2: Schedule a Venue Tour

Once you've determined that the Santa Ynez Inn may be the perfect location for your wedding, reach out to the venue to schedule a tour. Visiting the property in person will give you a better understanding of the event spaces, accommodations, and overall atmosphere.

STEP 3: Consult with the Santa Ynez Inn Wedding Coordinator

During your venue tour, be sure to meet with the on-site wedding coordinator to discuss your specific needs and vision for your wedding. They will be able to provide valuable insight and guidance on planning a successful event at the Santa Ynez Inn.

STEP 4: Review the Santa Ynez Inn Wedding Packages

After your tour, review the various wedding packages offered by the Santa Ynez Inn, which include details on catering, event spaces, and other services. Be sure to ask about any customizable options to ensure your wedding package meets your unique needs and preferences.

STEP 5: Secure Your Wedding Date

Once you've decided on a wedding package, work with the Santa Ynez Inn wedding coordinator to secure your preferred wedding date. Keep in mind that popular dates and seasons may book up quickly, so it's best to finalize your date as soon as possible.

STEP 6: Book Your Vendors

Start looking into booking vendors, such as photography, floral design, and entertainment. Remember, these vendors get booked at least a year out in advance, so I recommend booking earlier for a wider selection.

STEP 7: Plan Your Menu & Schedule a Tasting

Collaborate with the Santa Ynez Inn's catering team to create a customized menu that reflects your tastes and preferences. Be sure to consider any dietary restrictions or special requests from your guests when designing your menu.

Arrange a tasting with the catering team to sample your chosen menu items and ensure they meet your expectations. This is also a great opportunity to finalize your wine selections, as the Santa Ynez Inn offers an extensive list of local wines.

STEP 8: Arrange Accommodations

Work with the Santa Ynez Inn to reserve accommodations for you and your guests. In addition to the Inn's luxurious rooms, inquire about nearby hotels and transportation options for your out-of-town guests.

STEP 9: Plan the Wedding Timeline

Collaborate with your wedding coordinator and vendors to develop a detailed timeline for your wedding day. This should include key events such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, as well as allotted time for photographs and other special moments.

STEP 10: Coordinate Rehearsal Dinner and Day-After Brunch

To make the most of your Santa Ynez Inn wedding experience, consider hosting your rehearsal dinner and day-after brunch at the venue. Work with the Inn's event team to plan these additional celebrations and ensure a seamless wedding weekend for you and your guests.

STEP 11: Finalize Details and Payments

As your wedding day approaches, confirm all final details with your vendors and the Santa Ynez Inn wedding coordinator. Ensure that all payments and contracts are in order to avoid any last-minute surprises or complications.

FAQs about Having a Wedding at Santa Ynez Inn

Is there a minimum guest count requirement?

No, Santa Ynez Inn can accommodate intimate weddings as well as larger celebrations of up to 150 guests.

Can we bring in our own vendors?

Yes, the Santa Ynez Inn allows you to work with your preferred vendors, though they also provide a list of trusted local vendors for your convenience.

Are pets allowed at the Santa Ynez Inn?

Yes, the Inn is a pet-friendly venue, but please contact them directly to discuss their pet policy for weddings.

Can we have our rehearsal dinner at the Santa Ynez Inn?

Absolutely! The Inn offers a variety of dining options and spaces for your rehearsal dinner, providing a seamless experience for your wedding weekend.

The Best Spots for Photos at the Santa Ynez Inn

The Santa Ynez Inn has so many beautiful locations for photos. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Gardens

The beautifully manicured gardens at Santa Ynez Inn provide a serene and romantic setting for your wedding photos. Filled with vibrant flowers, greenery, and charming pathways, these gardens create a picturesque backdrop that captures the essence of wine country.

Romantic Courtyard

With its elegant fountains, blooming flowers, and ambient string lights, the courtyard provides a magical setting for both daytime and evening photographs. Capture intimate moments as newlyweds beneath the twinkling lights, or gather your family and friends for group photos in this charming space.

Scenic Vineyards

The surrounding vineyards offer a stunning and quintessential wine country backdrop for your Santa Ynez Inn wedding photos. The rows of grapevines, rolling hills, and golden sunsets create a breathtaking scene that encapsulates the beauty of the region.

Grand Staircase

The Santa Ynez Inn's grand staircase is a sophisticated and elegant location for your wedding photos. With its intricate ironwork and rich wood accents, the staircase provides a timeless backdrop for both bridal portraits and couple shots. Capture moments of anticipation as you descend the stairs to your ceremony or pose together on the steps as newlyweds.

Elegant Library

The Inn's refined Library offers a unique and intimate setting for your wedding photos. Surrounded by shelves of classic literature, plush seating, and warm lighting, the Library creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for capturing quiet moments between you and your partner.

Charming Coach House

The Coach House at Santa Ynez Inn is a versatile space that can serve as both a reception venue and a unique photo location. With its rustic wooden beams, elegant chandeliers, and versatile layout, the Carriage House provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for your wedding photos.

Santa Ynez Wedding Timeline

Are you in the process of finessing your Santa Ynez Inn wedding day timeline? I've got it covered below!

Let's say your ceremony start time is at 5:00 pm. Here's a timeline for that.

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9:00 - 12:30 - Hair/Makeup (This start time will vary depending on how many people will be getting their hair/makeup done; typically, the bride is last)

12:00 - Photographer(s) Arrive

12:00 - 12:40 - Details (Dress, shoes, rings, etc.)

12:45 - 1:45 - Getting Ready Photos (One photographer is with Partner A & second photographer is with Partner B)

*Note: If you don't have a second photographer, more time is needed here as the solo photographer will have to take extra time to document Partner A & Partner B.

1:45 - 2:00 - Walk to First Look Location

2:00 - 2:45 - Couple Portraits

2:45 - 3:15 - Wedding Party Portraits (More time is needed here is there is no second photographer)

3:15 - 3:45 - Family Portraits

3:45 - 4:20 - Buffer Time (Super important to always leave buffer time within the schedule should things run a bit behind schedule. It also allows the couple to just relax more...the day won't feel rushed.)

4:20 - Couple Preps for Ceremony / Photographer Documents Ceremony Details

5:00 - 5:30 - Ceremony

5:30 - 6:30 - Cocktail Hour + Couple Portraits

*The cocktail hour typically takes place during the golden hour (best time for photos because of the light), so usually about 30 minutes of couple portraits are taken during this time.)

6:45 - Grand Entrance

6:45 - 10:00 - Reception (First Dance, Parent Dances, Speeches, Open Dancing, Etc.)

Santa Ynez Inn Wedding Cost

A Santa Ynez wedding has a site fee of $10,000.

What’s Included?

• Use of the Coach House, patio, and garden
• Staffing for the event
• Set-up, break-down, and clean up
• Tables and linens, dinnerware, glassware, barware, and flatware
• Ceremony and reception chairs
• Newly renovated bathrooms

Amenities at Santa Ynez Inn

Santa Ynez Inn offers a range of luxurious amenities to make your wedding day unforgettable, including:

• Elegant guest rooms and suites with fireplaces and spa tubs
• Gourmet breakfast and evening wine hour for guests
• On-site spa services for relaxation and pampering
• Valet parking and concierge services for convenience
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property

How Many Guests Can This Venue Accommodate?

Your Santa Ynez Inn wedding will be able to accommodate up to 140 guests.

Santa Ynez Inn Wedding Event Spaces

Luxurious Suites for Getting Ready

Begin your wedding day in style with Santa Ynez Inn's luxurious suites, designed to provide a comfortable and elegant space for the bridal party to prepare for the festivities. These spacious suites feature comfortable seating, ample natural light, and full-length mirrors, creating an ideal environment for hair and makeup application, as well as capturing those candid getting-ready moments. With the convenience of being on-site, you can relax and enjoy the morning of your wedding in a stress-free and lavish setting.

Gardens for Ceremony

The gardens at Santa Ynez Inn serve as an enchanting location for your wedding ceremony. Guests will be seated on the lawn, while you and your partner stand under a beautiful floral arch or gazebo.

Courtyard for Cocktail Hour

Following your ceremony, treat your guests to a cocktail hour in the romantic courtyard of the Santa Ynez Inn. Complete with elegant fountains, ambient string lights, and comfortable seating areas, this space allows your guests to mingle and enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and beverages while you take advantage of the property's stunning photo locations.

Coach House for Reception

Celebrate your union in the Coach House at Santa Ynez Inn. This versatile event space combines rustic elegance with modern amenities, featuring wooden beams, sparkling chandeliers, and a spacious dance floor. The Coach House can accommodate up to 150 guests, with flexible seating arrangements to suit your unique vision. With a dedicated area for dining, dancing, and toasting to your new life together, the Coach House provides the perfect setting for a fun and elegant wedding reception.

Sophisticated Library or Cozy Parlor for Intimate Weddings

For smaller, more intimate weddings, consider hosting your ceremony or reception in the sophisticated Library or the cozy Parlor of the Santa Ynez Inn. Both spaces offer a warm and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating, elegant lighting, and beautiful artwork adorning the walls.

Pros of Having a Wedding at Santa Ynez Inn

• Exclusive use of the venue, ensuring privacy for your celebration
• Stunning event spaces, both indoor and outdoor
• Luxurious accommodations for the wedding party and guests
• Expert event planning and coordination services
• Fine dining catering options and an extensive wine list
• Beautiful photo locations, including lush gardens and vineyards
• Offers a great location as the inn sits in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country

Cons of Having a Wedding at Santa Ynez Inn

• Limited guest capacity (up to 150 guests)
• Higher cost compared to more casual venues
• Potential for limited availability during peak wedding season

Fun Activities Near Santa Ynez Inn for Wedding Guests

Your wedding guests will love exploring the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley during their stay. Nearby attractions include:

• Wine tasting at the many local wineries
• Hot air balloon rides with stunning views of the valley
• Horseback riding through picturesque vineyards and countryside
• Golfing at one of the area's top-rated courses
• Visiting the historic Danish village of Solvang

Hotels Near Santa Ynez Inn and Their Distance

In addition to the luxurious accommodations at the Santa Ynez Inn, there are several other hotels nearby for your wedding guests:

• The Landsby: 3.4 miles away
• Hotel Corque: 3.8 miles away
• The Ballard Inn: 4.1 miles away
• The Solvang Gardens Lodge: 4.2 miles away
• The Mirabelle Inn: 4.5 miles away

Parking and Transportation at Santa Ynez Inn

Santa Ynez Inn offers convenient valet parking for your wedding guests, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure. For guests staying at nearby hotels, consider arranging shuttle transportation to and from the venue for added convenience. Santa Ynez Inn is located just 30 miles from the Santa Barbara Airport and 40 miles from the Santa Maria Airport, offering accessible travel options for out-of-town guests.

Santa Ynez Inn Wedding Reviews

"We had an amazing wedding weekend at the Santa Ynez Inn. We've stayed here many times and it was wonderful every time, but the wedding weekend was completely magical. Beautiful grounds, beautiful space, amazing food. Planning with John was as stress-free and awesome as planning a wedding could be. Everyone at the hotel - EVERYONE - was sweet, helpful, happy for us and made us feel like family. John and the staff at the Inn worked with us to allow us to add many personal touches, they were patient with all of our requests and suggestions, and everything was absolutely perfect. It was just exactly the way we wanted it to be, and it was due to the wonderful people who worked tirelessly at SY Inn to make it happen for us. We are very grateful!"

Dreamy Santa Ynez Wedding Venues

Are you still searching for the perfect Santa Ynez wedding venue? I have a list of the 25 dreamiest Santa Ynez wedding venues below.

25 Dreamy Santa Ynez Wedding Venues

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