Luxury Santa Barbara Wedding at El Encanto


Some weddings feel like they belong in a dream—timeless, elegant, and unforgettable. Ryan and Mariella’s luxury Santa Barbara wedding at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, was one of those magical celebrations. From their heartfelt ceremony at the historic Santa Barbara Mission to a breathtaking reception overlooking the rolling hills, every moment felt like a perfect blend of romance and refined luxury.


For me, El Encanto had been on my bucket list for years, and this wedding was everything I could have hoped for. This venue is everything you’d want for a Santa Barbara wedding—breathtaking views, lush gardens, and that perfect blend of charm and sophistication that makes for stunning wedding photography.


Getting Ready at El Encanto


The day began at El Encanto, where Ryan and Mariella got ready in the serene, light-filled suites. The elegant details of the hotel provided a perfect backdrop for intimate moments—final touches of makeup, a quiet toast with loved ones, and the anticipation of the day ahead.


The atmosphere was calm but filled with excitement as Mariella stepped into her gown, ready to meet Ryan for their first look before heading to the Santa Barbara Mission.

A Romantic First Look in the Gardens


Before their ceremony, Ryan and Mariella chose to have a first look in the lush gardens of El Encanto. As Ryan turned around to see Mariella for the first time, his face lit up with pure joy and admiration. With the soft morning light filtering through the trees, the moment was intimate and emotional, allowing them to take in the day together before the whirlwind of the ceremony began.


These first look moments are some of my favorite to capture—filled with raw emotion, excitement, and genuine love.

A Ceremony at the Historic Santa Barbara Mission


Santa Barbara weddings have a unique magic, and there are few places as iconic as the Santa Barbara Mission. The mission’s stunning Spanish architecture, historic charm, and natural beauty made for a breathtaking setting for Ryan and Mariella’s vows.


As the church doors opened, Mariella entered arm in arm with her father and mother, walking down the grand aisle of the historic mission. The soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows cast a warm, ethereal light over the moment. The couple exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends, with the majestic altar and intricate stonework of the mission church providing a truly timeless backdrop.

An Enchanting Reception at El Encanto


After the ceremony, guests returned to El Encanto for an evening of celebration, romance, and elegant details. The reception was nothing short of spectacular—Coastal Rose Events designed an effortlessly elegant setting that blended natural beauty with refined décor.


Hogue & Co. created lush, organic floral arrangements that perfectly complemented the venue’s surroundings. Candlelit tables, delicate white florals, and soft gold accents transformed the space into a dreamlike setting.


One of my favorite details was the way the reception space was set up—intimate yet grand, with twinkling lights overhead and a warm ambiance that invited guests to relax and celebrate. The stunning Santa Barbara sunset added a breathtaking glow, making for an unforgettable evening of love, laughter, and celebration.

Capturing the Magic


As a Santa Barbara wedding photographer, my goal is always to capture the feeling of the day, not just the details—and Ryan and Mariella’s wedding was filled with heartfelt moments.


From their emotional first dance beneath the twinkling lights to the joyful energy of their guests on the dance floor, every frame told a story of love and connection. Whether it was a quiet glance between the couple during dinner, the way they held each other during their first dance, or the laughter shared between friends and family, this wedding was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do.

Planning a Wedding at El Encanto? Let’s Create Something Unforgettable!


El Encanto is truly a dream venue for couples looking for a luxury Santa Barbara wedding experience, and I would love the opportunity to document more beautiful love stories here.


If you’re planning a wedding at El Encanto or anywhere in Santa Barbara, let’s connect—I’d love to bring your vision to life through timeless, elegant wedding photography.

Planning a wedding at El Encanto? Let’s create something unforgettable.

 

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Close-up of the groom’s wrist, featuring a classic gold watch with a leather strap.
The bride’s elegant dress train on terracotta tiles at El Encanto in Santa Barbara.
Close-up of the bride’s elegant dress train on terracotta tiles at El Encanto in Santa Barbara.
Bride in a white robe gazing over the balcony with soft curls in her hair.
Best man helping the groom adjust his black bowtie before the wedding.
The groom embraces his best man in a heartfelt hug before the ceremony at El Encanto, Santa Barbara.
Groom buttoning his black tuxedo jacket in a softly lit room.
Bride walking down terracotta stairs, lifting her dress elegantly.
A bride in white dress poses in a garden setting behind her groom wearing a black bowtie preparing for a first look.
Bride approaches groom for a first look at El Encanto in Santa Barbara.
People standing on a second floor balcony cheering for the bride and groom after their first look.
The bride smiles softly while holding her bouquet in the lush gardens of El Encanto.
A joyful bride laughs during a candid moment at her wedding at El Encanto, Santa Barbara.
Black and white photo of a bride standing in a sun-dappled courtyard, holding her bouquet.
Bride walks down the aisle at the historic Santa Barbara Mission, escorted by her father and mother. A timeless black & white photo.
Wedding ceremony inside the historic Santa Barbara Mission.
Wedding ceremony inside the historic Santa Barbara Mission.
A romantic black and white photo shows a couple in an intimate embrace in a vintage hallway, with the bride's dress flowing behind.
Joyful wedding moment captured with couple embracing while groomsmen look on outside a stone church building.
Bride and groom celebrate their wedding exit at the Santa Barbara Mission.
The bride peeks out of the door of a classic white wedding car, holding her bouquet.
The couple relaxes in a vintage car, sharing a candid and intimate moment.
The bride playfully kicks up her feet in the backseat of a vintage car.
Bride and groom pose for romantic portraits at El Encanto.
A vintage cream-colored classic car with an open door shows a glimpse of its elegant interior and floral bouquet.
Bride and groom smile as they drive off in a vintage wedding car.
The couple stands together, taking in the beautifully set reception tables under twinkling lights.
A regal wedding portrait of the bride and groom surrounded by lush greenery and an elegantly set dining table.
An intimate wedding reception table featuring lush greenery, gold lanterns, and candlelight, set in a stunning outdoor venue.
A sophisticated wedding table setting featuring white linen, gold accents, and a personalized menu at an outdoor reception.
Elegant courtyard wedding reception at El Encanto, Santa Barbara.
A breathtaking wedding aisle setup with floating candles along the poolside, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere at El Encanto.
A sophisticated wedding table setting featuring white linen, gold accents, and a personalized menu at an outdoor reception.
A breathtaking wedding aisle setup with floating candles along the poolside, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere at El Encanto.
A beautifully arranged wedding reception dining setup with white table linens, lush floral arrangements, and elegant chairs in an outdoor ga
Bride looks back at the groom with a glowing smile as they walk together at golden hour.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand by the pool, their reflections shimmering in the water.
The groom romantically dips the bride by a reflective pool, creating a stunning silhouette.
A romantic black and white photo of a bride and groom in wedding attire sharing a tender moment in a garden setting sunset.
A four-tier wedding cake adorned with cascading florals, surrounded by romantic candlelight at an elegant Santa Barbara reception.
A couple shares an intimate dance moment under twinkling string lights at an outdoor evening wedding reception.
Black and white photo of a couple sharing a romantic dip kiss under twinkling string lights on their wedding dance floor.
Bride and her father share their father and daughter dance under twinkling string lights at an outdoor evening wedding reception.
People enjoying a wedding reception dance in an elegant ballroom with warm lighting and chandeliers overhead.
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