Santa Barbara’s Beloved Wedding & Lifestyle Photographers
When planning your Santa Barbara wedding, engagement, or family celebration, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right photographer. The right photographer does more than just snap photos—they preserve emotions, tell your story, and capture fleeting moments that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
We’ve had the pleasure of working alongside and admiring the work of several incredibly talented photographers in the Santa Barbara area. Each brings a unique style and energy to their sessions. Whether you’re looking for fine art wedding coverage, candid family moments, or a dreamy engagement session by the sea, here are four photographers we highly recommend.
1. Trevor Morrison Photography
Style: Timeless, dreamy, authentic
Specialties: Weddings, families, newborns
Website: trevormorrisonphoto.com
Instagram: @trevormorrisonphoto
Trevor Morrison is a Ventura County-based photographer who often works in Santa Barbara and surrounding coastal areas. Trevor’s style is warm, romantic, and effortlessly classic—perfect for couples looking to document their love in a way that feels natural and enduring. His ability to capture candid emotion while maintaining a polished, editorial finish sets him apart. He’s also a favorite for styled shoots, often collaborating with local creatives like The Picnic Place SB to create magic.
2. Augusta Ottillia Photography
Style: Editorial, heartfelt, heirloom-inspired
Specialties: Weddings, families
Website: augustaottillia.com
Instagram: @augustaottillia
Augusta Ottillia’s work feels like stepping into a timeless love story. With an eye for detail and emotion, she blends fine art with documentary photography to create galleries that are both beautiful and deeply personal. Whether she’s capturing vows under a canopy of olive trees or quiet moments between a couple and their newborn, her photographs have a soft elegance and a sense of calm that makes them stand out.
3. Tristin Tracy Photography
Style: Lighthearted, artistic, lifestyle-focused
Specialties: Family, maternity, newborns, couples
Website: tristintracyphotography.com
Instagram: @tristintracy_photography
Tristin Tracy has a gift for capturing genuine connection in the most joyful and relaxed way. Her work is perfect for families, couples, and expectant parents who want photography that feels real—not staged. Sessions with Tristin are filled with laughter, movement, and light, and the final results are always beautifully composed, full of feeling, and uniquely you.
4. Kaitie Brainerd Photography
Style: Film-inspired, candid, timeless
Specialties: Weddings, elopements, engagements
Website: kaitiebrainerd.com
Instagram: @kaitiebrainerdphoto
If you’re drawn to nostalgic, romantic imagery with a modern twist, Kaitie Brainerd is your girl. Using both digital and film photography, Kaitie captures weddings and elopements with a signature style that’s full of emotion and grace. Her clients love her calm energy and her ability to tell stories through subtle, candid details. She's an expert at making you feel comfortable in front of the camera—even if you normally hate having your photo taken!
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara is a dream location for weddings, engagements, and family portraits—and the right photographer will help you remember every detail with clarity and heart. Whether you’re drawn to timeless romance, lifestyle storytelling, or candid joy, these four talented professionals each offer something truly special.
Looking for the perfect setting for a proposal or engagement session? The Picnic Place SB offers styled pop-up picnics and romantic setups, perfect for photo shoots. And for a sweet touch, The Wild Berry provides decadent chocolate-covered strawberries that look as good as they taste!
The Best Wedding Venues in Santa Barbara: A Guide to Saying “I Do” in Style
Santa Barbara is a dream destination for couples planning to tie the knot—and for good reason. With its Mediterranean climate, coastal charm, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, it’s no wonder this seaside town is a top choice for weddings of all sizes and styles. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, here are some of the most stunning wedding venues Santa Barbara has to offer:
1. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
For a luxury experience that feels like a European getaway, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers sweeping ocean views, dramatic bluffside ceremony spots, and elegant ballrooms. It’s ideal for couples wanting top-tier service and world-class ambiance.
Why we love it: Sunset ceremonies on the Ocean Bluff Lawn are pure magic.
2. Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Step back in time with this Spanish-style venue in the heart of downtown. With charming courtyards, adobe walls, and a romantic atmosphere, it’s perfect for couples who want a touch of Old California charm.
Perfect for: Cultural and vintage-inspired weddings.
3. Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm
A hidden gem perched on the coast, this venue combines rustic greenhouse vibes with oceanfront views. Lush, green, and serene, it's a truly unique location for a one-of-a-kind wedding.
Bonus: Your photos will look like they belong in a magazine.
4. El Presidio Chapel
One of the oldest buildings in Santa Barbara, this historic chapel is ideal for traditional or religious ceremonies. Pair it with a modern reception venue for a mix of old and new.
Great for: Couples looking for a meaningful, spiritual ceremony location.
5. Villa & Vine
A downtown gem that blends chic design with Mediterranean flair. It offers a private courtyard, elegant dining space, and is just steps from State Street—perfect for a lively reception.
Why it stands out: Intimate, stylish, and centrally located.
6. The Santa Barbara Courthouse
Don’t let the name fool you—this is one of the most picturesque and affordable places to get married in town. Its iconic clock tower, sunken garden, and Spanish colonial architecture make it a favorite for elopements and small ceremonies.
Ideal for: Elopements or couples on a budget who don’t want to compromise on beauty.
7. Rosewood Miramar Beach
Located in nearby Montecito, this 5-star resort boasts beachfront ceremonies and luxurious accommodations. If you're dreaming of a lavish seaside celebration, this is the place.
Pro tip: Book the Cabana Lawn for toes-in-the-sand elegance.
8. Private Estate or Beach Picnic Wedding
Want something more intimate or unconventional? Many couples are opting for private estates, vineyards, or curated luxury beach picnics. With Santa Barbara’s natural beauty, a thoughtfully styled picnic wedding or micro-ceremony can be just as breathtaking as a traditional venue.
Need help with this? Our team at The Picnic Place SB can help you design a bespoke beach or garden ceremony with stunning décor, cozy seating, and unforgettable vibes.
Final Thoughts
No matter your style, Santa Barbara has a venue to match your vision—from luxurious resorts to historic chapels and beyond. As you plan your big day, consider what kind of atmosphere you want to create: oceanfront romance, downtown charm, rustic elegance, or relaxed boho. Whatever your dream, you can find it right here on the American Riviera.
Elevate Your Santa Barbara Party with Cheese & Charcuterie
There’s something effortlessly elegant about a beautifully crafted cheese and charcuterie board. In Santa Barbara, where the sun shines bright and the ocean breeze sets the tone for unforgettable gatherings, a curated spread of fine cheeses, artisanal meats, and seasonal accompaniments is the perfect way to elevate any celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a beach picnic, a backyard birthday, or a bridal shower in the hills, a cheese and charcuterie display adds that perfect balance of style and indulgence your guests will love.
Why Cheese & Charcuterie?
1. Visually Stunning:
A well-designed board is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate. Layers of vibrant fruits, rustic crackers, creamy brie, and savory prosciutto create an Instagram-worthy centerpiece that guests can’t help but admire (and devour).
2. Crowd-Pleasing Variety:
From sharp aged cheddar to soft chèvre, from spicy salami to delicate pâté—there’s something for everyone. Vegetarian or gluten-free? Boards can be customized to fit any dietary needs.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion:
Cheese and charcuterie fit right in at casual beach days, sunset wine nights, or upscale garden soirées. They’re as versatile as Santa Barbara itself.
4. Local Flavor, Elevated:
Santa Barbara is home to incredible wine, produce, and artisanal goods. Pair your board with local olives, honey, or even strawberries from the coast (hint: chocolate-covered berries are a decadent add-on your guests won’t forget!).
Tips for a Next-Level Board
Mix Textures and Flavors: Combine creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and savory for a balanced experience.
Add Seasonal Touches: Incorporate local, in-season fruits and herbs to keep things fresh and unique.
Serve with Local Wines: A crisp Chardonnay or bold Pinot Noir from the Santa Ynez Valley is the perfect companion.
Presentation Matters: Use wooden boards, marble slabs, or even palm leaves for a coastal-chic look.
Let the Experts Do the Grazing
Want to skip the prep and enjoy a flawless spread? Consider working with a local grazing company that knows how to bring the wow factor. We love collaborating with talented small businesses like The Grazing Place, who create gorgeous, high-quality boards that highlight the best of Santa Barbara’s local bounty. Their attention to detail and artistry make them a wonderful choice for any celebration.
Pair a stunning board from The Grazing Place with one of our signature picnic setups at The Picnic Place , and you’ve got a recipe for an effortlessly elevated experience.
Birthday Party Goals: Unique Celebration Ideas in Santa Barbara
Birthday Party Goals: Unique Celebration Ideas in Santa Barbara
With Charcuterie, Picnics, and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries—Yes, Please!
Santa Barbara is the ultimate place to celebrate your birthday in style. From beachside hangs to wine country adventures, every birthday deserves a little extra magic. And nothing sets the tone like a beautiful setup, delicious bites, and a few sweet surprises.
Here are a few fun and elevated birthday ideas in the Santa Barbara area—with help from some local favorites to bring the vision to life:
🎈 Luxury Picnic at the Beach
Book a dreamy birthday picnic with The Picnic Place SB, where everything is handled for you—from low tables and cozy cushions to florals, tableware, and boho-chic vibes. Add on a cheese and charcuterie board from The Grazing Place for the perfect gourmet touch, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a seaside celebration that’s equal parts chill and Instagram-worthy.
🍷 Winery Birthday Bash
Gather your crew and head to the Santa Ynez Valley for wine tasting, good laughs, and stunning views. Enhance your experience with a curated grazing board from The Grazing Place — perfectly paired with local wines.
🏡 Backyard Soirée with a Grazing Table
Hosting at home? Make your backyard feel like a private oasis with a full charcuterie table by The Grazing Place. Add a dreamy setup from The Picnic Place.
🚤 Sunset Sail & Snacks
Set sail from Santa Barbara Harbor with a private charter and celebrate your birthday on the water. Pack a mini grazing box, a bottle of bubbles, and a few decadent strawberries for the ultimate luxury snack session while watching the sun go down.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, thoughtful details like artisan charcuterie, beautiful decor, and handcrafted sweets will elevate your birthday from basic to unforgettable.
Santa Barbara birthdays just hit different—especially when you’re surrounded by good food, good friends, and that golden California glow.
Elevate Your Santa Barbara Wedding with Cheese & Charcuterie Magic
There’s something undeniably magical about weddings in Santa Barbara. With its coastal charm, golden light, and dreamy backdrops—from the beach to the vineyards—it’s no wonder this area is a favorite for couples tying the knot.
And what pairs perfectly with that magic? A beautifully crafted cheese and charcuterie spread.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate elopement in Santa Barbara, a sunset ceremony on the beach, or a luxurious reception in the hills of Santa Ynez, a grazing table adds a chic, delicious touch to your celebration. Think artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, olives, nuts, and honeycomb—all styled to perfection.
For couples looking to impress their guests with a local flair, we highly recommend checking out The Grazing Place in Santa Barbara. Founded by Monica Vuchkova, they specialize in elegant grazing tables and boards using locally sourced, organic ingredients. Their setups are not only delicious but also double as show-stopping décor.
Charcuterie is a guest favorite for good reason—it’s customizable, inclusive (hello, vegetarian and gluten-free options), and perfect for sharing. Whether you want something for cocktail hour, your welcome party, or even a post-ceremony snack, it’s an easy way to keep the good vibes and good bites flowing.
Santa Barbara weddings deserve something special—and a thoughtfully curated grazing experience brings both flavor and style to the table.