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Award winner
Award winner thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
  • 2011

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

From 20 to 300 guests
Ceremony/Reception
Outdoor/Indoor
Get Ready Rooms

Why couples loved this venue

  • Quality catering
  • Guests comfort
  • Amenities
Homa
Denise
Susy
User901605
A

Recommended by 93% of couples

About this venue

For the idyllic seaside wedding you have always dreamed of, look no further than the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort in Santa Barbara, CA. Boasting stunning views of the Pacific Coast, our resort offers a slice of paradise with a California vibe. This iconic landmark features romantic and flexible outdoor and indoor venues, and elegant Riviera inspired decor. Our coastal retreat provides solace from the bustle of Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Allow the golden sands and insta-worthy vistas to welcome you and your guests!

We offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor venues can host up to 800 attendees in over 60,000sq feet of options. Our expert team will be on-hand to assist you and your vendors through the planning process. Our culinary team delights with local and seasonal gourmet cuisine, served by experienced wait staff. Event items including tables, linens, glassware, and flatware can be provided as part of your wedding package. After an unforgettable day, you can relax in one of our deluxe suites or be pampered by our onsite salon and spa services.

The cream-colored walls and Spanish-influenced architecture are designed to impress, with towering palm trees and sweeping vistas. Select from a beachfront ceremony and al fresco dining and dancing in the circular Plaza del Sol, or a glamourous party inside our Grand Ballroom. More intimate gatherings can be hosted at our Rose Garden and Ocean View Reagan Room & Terrace, or Anacapa Patio & Santa Barbara Ballroom. Ask about our Intimate Wedding Packages or Outside Catering Packages for a personalized celebration experience.

Additional options for on site rehearsal and welcome parties, after parties, brunches and family gatherings abound. We offer guestroom blocks of 10 or more guestrooms to ensure your guests only have to take the elevator home. Our resort is ideally located to nearby attractions, golf courses and tasting rooms for the ultimate convenience of your destination wedding guests!

This fabled venue has enjoyed a rich and varied history. Originally the site of two locomotive roundhouses erected in 1911. The idea of transforming the site into a luxury resort was conceived by actor Fess Parker, best known for his Disney work. His family tend to the property to this day. Opening its doors in 1986, the venue was renovated and rebranded as an esteemed Hilton Resort in 2018. Now a staple of Santa Barbara’s hospitality scene, this illustrious venue maintains its reputation as one of California's most sought-after destinations. We welcome you and yours!

Features

Small team (2-10 members)

Experience

  • 40 years in business

  • We speak English and Spanish

Links

Visit website

Weddings at this venue

Melanie & Michael's wedding
Melanie & Michael
38 photos
Anna & Chandler's wedding
Anna & Chandler
33 photos
Jacqueline & Michael's wedding
Jacqueline & Michael
120 photos
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Contact Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and their preferred vendors

FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$2,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$2,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$2,000

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$35

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Wine
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

20

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

10

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Beach
Garden
Hotel
Resort
Restaurant
Rooftop
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Get Ready Rooms
Pet Friendly

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Drapery
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Weddingwire
4.6/5 29 reviews
Google
4.1/5 3312 reviews
A
Alexis Sent on 11/05/2022
5 out of 5 rating

All Star Events Team

Having our wedding at the Hilton Santa Barbara was a dream! The event space was stunning and the Hilton has the coordination of using the rotunda and Plaza Del Sol for ceremony/cocktail hour/reception down to a tee. The food was also amazing, was 100% a step above any wedding food I’ve ever had. The Events team was also incredible to work with. We worked with Amanda for the majority of the time leading up to the wedding and she was so friendly, down to earth and very very helpful, an all around joy to work with. Leading up to her maternity leave we began working with Teralyn and even though she jumped in just a month before the wedding, she was SO on top of it and made our wedding go flawlessly. Very thankful for both women for helping our dream wedding come to fruition.
Homa
Homa Sent on 06/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Awesome location

Amaziiiing and so caring, they went beyond and locked a restaurant with look of ocean for us. So happy
D
Derek Sent on 07/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Exquisite Wedding venue: Unforgettable Memories

Our experience at The Hilton was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its charm and beauty. The venue's stunning surroundings and impeccable attention to detail created a magical atmosphere that surpassed our expectations.

The staff at The Hilton were incredible to work with. Their professionalism and personalized approach made the planning process effortless. They took care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free wedding day. The culinary experience was exceptional, with a menu that delighted our guests and left a lasting impression. Special thanks to Teralyn, Jean, Amy and Tresa for always going the extra mile for us!

In summary, the Hilton is a truly remarkable wedding venue. Its elegance, dedicated staff, and exquisite culinary offerings make it the perfect choice for couples seeking an unforgettable celebration. We highly recommend it to anyone looking to create lasting memories on their special day.
Denise
Denise Sent on 08/21/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Magical Wedding

When we first reached out to the Hilton SB Resort in January 2021, we were still in the middle of the pandemic and we were unsure if we could even have a wedding in July. We were so thankful that Amanda reached out to us and explained to us everything we needed to start our planning. I have never worked with someone so professional and yet so friendly and personable. She never once made us feel pressured to make decisions and only helped us decide what was best for us, our budget, our vision for our wedding. Our wedding was a destination wedding so we relied on Amanda for her recommendations from our wedding coordinators to our other vendors. We are so thankful she helped us pick our dream team led by Dulce Dia Events! Shawna and Amanda are the perfect team!! The wedding package the the Hilton SB Resort offered was simply the best and included everything imaginable!! We scheduled a menu tasting with Amanda and tried a few menu items which helped us select our menu options for our wedding. The food was so amazing!!! Everyone loved and enjoyed the food selections!!! We highly recommend the filet mignon and the salmon for the reception dinner options. My family and friends loved the food so much, they were still talking about it weeks later!!! :) Everyone complimented how the wedding was perfect and magical! We were so thrilled that we chose the ceremony location in front of the Hilton SB and the cocktail hour and reception at the Hilton ballroom! Amanda and her team were simply amazing!!!! I can't stress enough how happy we are that we chose the Hilton for our wedding venue. I have been to other weddings and have seen other wedding vendors and I can say with confidence that Amanda and her team along with the vendors I chose for our wedding was the best I have ever had the pleasure of working with. We love Amanda, Nina, Daisy, Lani and the rest of the amazing Hilton team!!! Thank you so much for making our wedding so magical and memorable!!! :)
N
Nicole Sent on 06/03/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing quality, value, and packages for our destination wedding!

Having our intimate destination wedding at the Hilton Santa Barbara, Beachfront Resort was the perfect venue for my husband and I. We wanted a high quality, romantic event, without a ridiculous price tag or an overly up-tight feel. Having all of our 65 guests join us from out of town or out of state, the resort was perfectly placed to host most of them - and for other guests to choose alternate accommodations within walking distance as well. Some of the things that stand out the most include how much we got within the one wedding package (food, drinks, equipment, location and more), and the high quality/attention to detail that was given to every aspect - even though it was a package. In addition the staff and service the day and night of the wedding was incredible, and our guests raved about the dinner quality and flavors of the food. The facilities having been recently updated provide a modern, clean, coastal feel which we loved. Proximity to the beach and the funk zone/downtown allowed us to have additional nights with our guests to host additional events off site with ease. The valet and rooms staff were also exceptional, offering to haul the many decorations and supplies we had needed to bring with us (being from out of town) for the week. They always had a smile on their faces and were happy to help us and just plain see us the week of our wedding. The event staff and accommodations staff were extremely helpful in the planning process as well - staying in touch, keeping me organized, and communicating clearly. They offered additional support, perks, and flexibility than is promised and were so lovely to work with as people. We could not have imagined our wedding at a different venue and it was more than we could have dreamed at the beginning of the selection process.
J
Jason Sent on 04/11/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Accommodating Staff and Great Location

We went through the Hilton for our room block and for the day after brunch. All of the staff who worked with either me or my wife were fantastic, thorough, and exceeded our expectations even when another large event was also booked on the same day, limiting some of our options. The booking process was easy and they were able to expand the room block as needed. The day after brunch was great and the placement of everything allowed for plenty of room and outdoor seating.
Susy
Susana Sent on 02/26/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Beachfront wedding

The Hilton has absolutely gorgeous gardens and beachfront options. The catering options were great as well.
T
Tiffany Sent on 10/09/2014
5 out of 5 rating
We had our dream wedding and The Fess Parker Resort made it come true!!!!
User901605
User901605 Sent on 08/14/2012
5 out of 5 rating
One of the reasons we chose the Doubletree was because of the easy access to the beach and reception. We researched other locations, but found most venues lacking on beach access, or access would have been difficult on older guests. Plus,, with Doubletree providing all the food and tables, chairs, etc. it was one less separate vendor I needed to engage. Doubletree was definitely a winner for our beach wedding with around 100 guests. It was a gorgeous day at this beautiful location. The Reagan Room's (reception) large windows let in lots of light and gave us a gorgeous view of the beach. Our catering manager, Paige, was easy to work with, professional, knowledgeable and had good suggestions for my questions. I was impressed with how the serving staff seemed to move around almost invisibly. They were very professional and quick. The chicken was delicious! It was moist and had a great flavor to it. Definitely the best choice for us.





E
Erika Sent on 10/20/2011
5 out of 5 rating
Paige and the whole team were wonderful @ the doubletree. They accomodated my 30 person destination wedding just as they did the much larger weddings they had that weekend. We could not have been happier. Thank you for hosting my dream wedding!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

29
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner
illustration message review

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Team

Amanda Wolters
Amanda Wolters
Senior Wedding Specialist

Professional Network & Endorsements

Michael + Anna Costa Photography Michael + Anna Costa Photography Wedding Photographers

Fess Parker Resort has it all! From the ocean views, indoor/outdoor event space, incredible rooms to the stellar service. If you are looking for a venue that will offer easy planning, epic service and jaw dropping vista's then Fess Parker is the place to be.

Immaginare Events by Giseli Spera Immaginare Events by Giseli Spera Wedding Planners

As a wedding planner, who does weddings at many venues, The Fess Parker Resort is, without a doubt, an excellent choice. Their knowledgeable and talented managers and staff are great to work with and are very professional. The venue has many elegant banquet halls, delicious food and friendly staff that pays attention to details. It is always a pleasure to plan and coordinate weddings there. I highly recommend this wonderful venue to anyone looking for a very special place for their wedding day! Giseli Spera- Wedding Planner.

Elite Disc Jockeys Elite Disc Jockeys Wedding DJs

Always a pleasure to work with the staff at Fess Parker's Doublke Tree.

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Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort frequently asked questions

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • Champagne Toast
  • House Beer
  • House Wine
  • Specialty Beer
  • Specialty Wine
The space offered by Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Beach
  • Garden
  • Hotel
  • Resort
  • Restaurant
  • Rooftop
  • Waterfront
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Pet Friendly
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Drapery
  • Lighting
  • Tables
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is recommended by 93% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.7 in flexibility, 4.7 in professionalism, 4.6 in quality of service, 4.6 in average response time and 4.5 in value.

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