Last September, we had the pleasure of celebrating a truly intimate wedding in Santa Barbara. Nestled at a private residence perched on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the day brought together just 20 of the couple’s closest friends and family — yet the energy was anything but small. From heartfelt vows to a nonstop cliffside dance party, this wedding perfectly combined luxury, personal connection, and pure joy.
Why Santa Barbara is a Dream Destination for Intimate Weddings
Santa Barbara is one of California’s most iconic coastal destinations — and it’s easy to see why. With rolling hills, ocean views that stretch endlessly, and soft golden light, the city offers a backdrop that feels both exclusive and effortless. September is a particularly magical time, with warm days, cooler evenings, and the kind of sunsets that photographers dream about. For couples seeking a private, intimate wedding, Santa Barbara delivers beauty year-round.
Why Every Guest Loved This Intimate Wedding Santa Barbara Style
Small weddings have a special magic, and this one was no exception. Each guest was hand-selected, ensuring the room was filled with people who truly mattered to the couple. From heartfelt toasts to spontaneous dancing, every moment felt alive with connection. The combination of an exclusive location, a tight-knit guest list, and a warm, vibrant atmosphere created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Photos provided by: Bright Bird Photography
Celebrating Love Against Santa Barbara’s Stunning Backdrop
The hills, the ocean, the sunsets — every element of Santa Barbara came together to create a wedding that felt both luxurious and effortlessly beautiful. The couple, two genuinely wonderful humans, radiated joy from start to finish. Every smile, every dance, every raised glass reflected the magic of saying “I do” surrounded by the people who matter most, in one of the most breathtaking locations imaginable.
This intimate Santa Barbara wedding at a private residence proves that small celebrations can be unforgettable, luxurious, and full of energy. From cliffside ceremonies to nonstop dancing with a Santa Barbara wedding DJ, this day was a perfect mix of elegance, connection, and pure fun. Cheers to love, laughter, and a night that will be remembered forever. 🥂
Planning a Private Estate Wedding in the Hills of Santa Barbara
This wedding took place at a private residence in the Santa Barbara hills, a choice that added both intimacy and sophistication. The property offered panoramic ocean views, lush outdoor spaces, and a sense of privacy that made the celebration feel completely theirs. From the ceremony setup to the reception décor, every detail was tailored to create a high-end, personalized experience. Intimate weddings like this allow couples to curate every moment — from the flow of the day to the guest experience — without compromise.
The Ceremony
Prelude: Vitamin String Quartet - Just The Way You Are, Your'e My Best Friend, JUst Like Heaven, In Your Eyes, God Only Knows, Brooklyn Duo - All of Me, Love Me Like You Do, Wedding String Quartet - Somewhere Only We Know
Parents, Groom Processional:—> James Cordoba - Have I Told You Lately
Wedding Party Processional:—> James Cordoba - Have I Told You Lately
Bride's Processional:—> Mike Scott, Paula Kiete, Chris Snelling - How long will I love you? (Arr. for Violin and Piano)
Ring Warming:—> Jordan Hill - Remember Me This Way (instr.)
Recessional:—> Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
The Cocktail and Dinner Music
Cocktails: Mariachi Band
Grand Entrance - Wedding Couple: Rob Base & EZ Rock - It Takes Two
First Dance: Louie Bello - You Mean Everything To Me
Dinner: Jack Johnson - Better Together, Edie Brickell - G Where The Love Is, Norah Jones - Don't know Why, Elton John - Your Song, Leon Bridges - Beyond, Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely, Calum Scott - You Are The Reason
Creating the Perfect Cliffside Celebration
Once the ceremony concluded, the celebration shifted into full swing. String lights twinkled overhead, candles lined the stone patio, and the cliffside became a dance floor with the ocean as the ultimate backdrop. Even with only 20 guests, the energy was electric — laughter, music, and joy filled the air. This is a perfect example of why intimate weddings in Santa Barbara can often feel even more memorable than larger events: every guest is fully present, fully engaged, and ready to celebrate love in style.
The Role of a Santa Barbara Wedding DJ in an Unforgettable Night
Of course, no dance party is complete without the right music. Their Santa Barbara wedding DJ kept the energy high, seamlessly blending upbeat tracks with meaningful songs that had everyone on the dance floor. With a curated playlist and an understanding of the crowd’s energy, the DJ transformed the cliffside patio into a full-on celebration under the stars. Intimate weddings like this show that even a small guest count can result in a huge, unforgettable night of dancing.
Dance Music (partial list) Michael Jackson P.Y.T, Walk the Moon - Shut Up and Dance with Me, NSYNC - Tearing Up My Heart, Lizzo Juice, La Senora Dinamita - Mi Cucu, Elvis Crespo - Suavemente, Caballo Dorado - Payaso De Rodeo, Daft Punk - One More Time, Kesha - Tik Tok, Eminem - Shake That, Nelly - Shake Ya Tailfeather, Young Joc - It's Goin' Down, UNK - Walk It Out, J. Dash - Wop, NSYNC - Pop, Ginuwine - Pony
Last Song(s) of the Night —> Toploader - Dancing in the Moonlight
Special Moments:
Mother/Daughter Dance --> Aida Cuevas - Cielito Lindo (1 min special edit)
Mother/Son Dance --> NSYNC - God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You
Cake Cutting --> James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
Shoe Game -->
Group Photo --> Sparkler Heart Photo
Private Dance --> Artic Monkeys - Baby I'm Yours
(Couples) DANCE MUSIC RECIPE
Genres --> Latin Dance Favorites, 80s, 90s, 2000's, 2010's pop, Dance Hits
MUST-PLAYS Earth Wind & Fire - September, Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Jagged Edge - Let's Get Married, Five - Partline, Murphy Lee Ft. Jermaine Dupri - Wat Da Hook Gon To Be, Will Smith - Miami, V.I.C. - Wobble, Todo Me Gusta - Aaron Y Su Grupo Ilusion, Celia Cruz - La Vida Es Un Carnaval, Los Angeles Azules - El Liston De Tu Pelo, Los Hermanos Rosario - La Duena Del Swing, Selena - Baile Esta Cumbia, LOs Tucanes De Tijuana - La Chona
Heart Shaped Sparkler Grand Exit
Santa Barbara Wedding Vendor List
Here is the amazing team of wedding vendors we had the pleasure of working with on this Santa Barbra County Wedding:
Venue: Private Residence, Santa Barbara
Coordinator: Claudia Hoste
Photographer: Bright Bird Photography - Alexa Gallo
Videographer: Jeremy Foster
Officiant: Chris (Best Man)
Lighting Decor: In The Mix Events
DJ/MC/: DJ Brian
