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Weddings

About

Tucked away on the banks of Mission Creek, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has delighted visitors for over a century. Our historic campus evokes the charm of old Santa Barbara in an exquisite natural setting. Hosting your event at the Museum supports our work connecting people to nature for the betterment of both. Feel good about having fun, and write off 50% of your rental fee as a tax-deductible donation to a registered nonprofit!

The Museum offers both indoor and outdoor venue spaces to fit your unique event vision. Rental fees vary depending on your preferred venue, day, and time, so please contact Events Manager, Aly Cokeley, for more detailed information at acokeley@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 x112.

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Frequently asked questions

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Garden
Historic Building
Museum

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?

Event Planner
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
October
November
December
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Reviews of SB Museum of Natural History

4.8 out of 5 rating
4.8 out of 5 rating
7 Reviews
96% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
Rachel
Rachel Sent on 12/27/2015
5 out of 5 rating
We are so excited to have booked our ceremony at the SB Museum of Natural History in the beautiful wooded area across the bridge. The oak trees surrounding the ceremony space are just what I envisioned. It feels like such a sacred space, which is perfect for exchanging vows and uniting as a married couple. My fiance and I knew it was the right place instantly! Meridith is warm, accommodating, quick to reply to e-mails, and organized. The price was also ideal as it includes the Broder Building for the bride to get ready while guests arrive, wine barrels to use for tables and decor, and space to do a toast after the wedding with some appetizers. Also, because the museum is a non-profit establishment, the money goes towards the museum which provides free field trips for students. I LOVE THAT! I can't wait to share such a beautiful, sacred space with loved ones during our ceremony.
User1661594 Sent on 06/14/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Choosing to get married at the Museum was the best decision of wedding planning that my husband and I made! The place is a hidden gem and absolutely gorgeous, the quietness added to the beauty of the ceremony as well as the sunlight gleaming through the trees overhead. It was great for a bide+groom that wanted an outdoor venue!

Meridith was so easy to work with, she made the entire process stress free and was always quick to respond to emails. As a bride, I truly appreciated being able to ask any question to Meridith. The ground staff were so wonderful to work with as well, they made the entire process of set up easy and efficient.

The one thing that we LOVED about this venue, is the ability to set up the day before the event and tear down the day after the event! This made the wedding weekend less stress free than if everything was happening all in one day, our family and friends were impressed with this museum policy. The museum was completely affordable as well, the price included chairs and tables (which saved us thousands at the rental company).

We would highly recommend the Museum for any wedding party, they are flexible and are willing to work with your vision!
K
Katie Sent on 12/14/2011
5 out of 5 rating
My fiance and I are not catering hall people, we wanted something that fit us, looked like Santa Barbara and fit our "rustic meets black-tie" style. The museum was perfect for us!
We had our cocktail reception out in the back section which has a beautiful woodsy feel and a little bridge over a creek with a bunch of twinkle lights.
Our dinner and dancing was in the auditorium with a gorgeous giant wood beam ceiling and wood floor.
The whole museum has an incredible 1920's Santa Barbara look that is just perfect!
Meredith was so sweet and easy to work with, she made the whole process very simple and stress free and accommodated my few requests without batting an eye.
The museum team worked with us to make the logistics of drop-off, set-up and clean up very easy and made sure that it didn't impact our special day at all, we just got to enjoy our day.
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SB Museum of Natural History frequently asked questions

The space offered by SB Museum of Natural History for wedding events is known for:
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Museum
SB Museum of Natural History offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
SB Museum of Natural History offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
SB Museum of Natural History offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Event Planner
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
SB Museum of Natural History is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in average response time, 4.9 in flexibility, 4.9 in professionalism, 4.8 in quality of service and 4.6 in value.

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