Perched above the Pacific Ocean, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara is one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic wedding venues. With its Spanish-style architecture, terracotta rooftops, and sweeping ocean views, the property feels like a secluded coastal retreat. Most weddings here take place on the bluff lawn overlooking the water, but the resort also offers a range of indoor and outdoor settings, from grand ballrooms to intimate garden spaces, making it incredibly versatile for celebrations of all kinds.
This gallery features an emotional oceanview ceremony, cozy reception details, and portraits around the grounds during golden hour. The couple’s dog even made an appearance, which felt like the perfect personal touch. The team at Bacara always does such an incredible job bringing each event to life, and the vendor team for this one went above and beyond. Long family-style tables, lounge seating under hanging lights, and thoughtful, design-forward details made the evening feel welcoming and intentional.
From the elegant suites to the stunning views, Bacara brings together Santa Barbara’s natural beauty with the luxury and service of a world-class resort. It’s a place where weddings feel elevated but still personal, and where the scenery does so much of the work for you.
I’ve been photographing weddings for more than 15 years, and in that time, I’ve worked at venues of every size and style. From intimate backyard ceremonies to full weekend destination weddings across the country and internationally, each event brings its own energy and story. Ritz-Carlton Bacara is one of my favorite places to work in Santa Barbara. The ocean views, the beautiful Spanish-style architecture, and the mix of indoor and outdoor spaces offer so much variety for photography.
My approach is part documentary, part editorial. I focus on natural light, real emotion, and honest moments. That includes everything from quiet getting-ready shots to the loudest dance floor photos. I’ll help you feel comfortable in front of the camera while also making space for the day to unfold naturally. I’ve photographed events everywhere from the Four Seasons Biltmore to Greystone Mansion and vineyard estates in Santa Ynez, but no matter the setting, I always aim to tell a story that feels elevated, personal, and true to you.
Over the years, I’ve photographed weddings across a wide range of cultures and traditions. It’s truly special to document Jewish weddings under the chuppah and church weddings on the altar, Indian weddings replete with an elephant for the bharat, and Persian weddings with late-night rose petals. I love the excitement of Orthodox Jewish weddings with the tisch and bedeken, as well as small courthouse weddings with just a few friends.
I’m based in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles and regularly travel throughout Southern California and beyond. If you're planning a wedding at Ritz-Carlton Bacara, or just starting to explore venues in the area, I’d love to connect. I’m always happy to help couples envision how photography can fit naturally and beautifully into the day they’re planning.