Planning a Micro Wedding in Ventura or Santa Barbara? Start Here.
If the idea of planning a 200-guest wedding makes you want to elope with a bottle of champagne and zero witnesses—you’re not alone. More and more couples are skipping the big production in favor of micro weddings: intimate celebrations with all the heart, none of the stress, and often a lot more meaning.
If you’re thinking of planning a micro wedding or elopement in Ventura County or Santa Barbara, this guide is for you. From permits to vendors to creating the cozy, elevated vibe you're envisioning, here’s how to make it happen.
What Is a Micro Wedding, Exactly?
A micro wedding typically includes:
20–50 guests (sometimes even fewer)
A full ceremony and reception (just scaled down)
Thoughtful details—florals, cake, music, photos, etc.
A more relaxed and personal atmosphere
It’s not the same as a courthouse elopement—but it’s also not a full traditional wedding. It’s the sweet, stress-reducing middle ground.
Why Couples Are Choosing Micro Weddings
✨ More time with guests
💸 Lower costs without sacrificing style
💕 More flexibility with venues (hello, restaurant patios and private gardens)
🌅 Better photo ops and golden hour ceremonies
😌 A calmer day overall
Basically, micro weddings let you focus on what actually matters—you two getting married—without all the pressure of putting on a production.
Where to Host a Micro Wedding in Ventura or Santa Barbara
Some of our favorite options:
🌿 Beaches, Parks, and Scenic Outdoor Spaces
Both Ventura and Santa Barbara have incredible public spaces that can be rented through their Parks and Recreation Departments. These are perfect for couples who want natural beauty without the resort price tag.
Ventura offers gorgeous beaches, botanical gardens, and scenic hillside parks with ocean views.
Santa Barbara has iconic spots like the Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, the Courthouse Sunken Gardens, and Chase Palm Park near the waterfront.
➡️ Good to know:
We help clients pull the right permits, meet insurance requirements, and navigate all the city or county rules so you’re not stuck figuring it out on your own. These venues can be incredibly affordable—but they’re not always plug-and-play. Having a planner makes a big difference, especially when there’s a strict setup/teardown window.
🏛️ Historic Buildings Through Parks & Rec
Here’s the hidden gem most couples don’t know about:
Both Ventura and Santa Barbara rent out gorgeous historic buildings—think Spanish-style architecture, exposed beams, vintage fireplaces, and manicured gardens—through their Parks and Rec departments.
Some favorites:
Ventura’s Olivas Adobe: A charming Spanish-style venue with a shaded garden courtyard.
Santa Barbara’s Carrillo Recreation Center: A beautiful ballroom with hardwood floors, perfect for intimate indoor receptions.
Santa Barbara’s Historic Lawn Locations: Like the Courthouse Sunken Gardens or Casa de la Guerra, often paired with a reception at a nearby rented space.
These venues are:
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Centrally located
✅ Full of charm and character
✅ Often overlooked by traditional wedding venues
They’re ideal for couples who want a venue that feels intentional and unique, without going over budget.
🍷 Private Backyards or Vacation Rentals
Backyard weddings are perfect for small guest lists—and with the right setup, they can feel totally luxe. (Bonus: no strict curfews or outside vendor fees.)
🍽️ Restaurants or Private Dining Rooms
Small weddings mean you can book that cozy Italian restaurant or trendy wine bar you love. Many offer beautiful private spaces for 10–50 guests with food included—win/win.
How to Plan It Without Losing Your Mind
Even small weddings take coordination. Here’s what you’ll need:
A simple but solid timeline
Vendor coordination (photographer, florist, food, etc.)
Someone to set up and decorate
A rain plan if you’re outdoors
Someone to handle all the tiny things while you enjoy your day
This is where a planner (hi 👋) can make all the difference—especially with limited setup windows at public venues or restaurants.
Our “Micro Wedding & Elopements” Package
At Amaziling Events, we’ve created a customizable micro wedding package that includes:
✅ Planning assistance and venue guidance (including permits)
✅ Décor setup: signage, candles, florals (bud vases, table runners, centerpieces)
✅ Vendor coordination: photographer, catering, and licensed bartender (if needed)
✅ Support sourcing a rentable backyard or restaurant space
✅ Florals from our preferred online partners (pre-arranged and beautiful)
Basically, it’s everything you need for a dreamy micro wedding, minus the overwhelm.
“I wanted a simple but beautiful wedding in Ventura and Hannah made it happen—on budget, on time, and honestly better than I imagined.”
—One of our micro wedding brides 💍
Final Tips for Your Micro Wedding
Start with the vibe you want (romantic? relaxed? coastal casual?)
Don’t skip photography—you’ll want to remember every detail
Think outside the box: picnics, daytime ceremonies, food trucks, sunset toasts
Keep traditions that matter and toss the rest
Small doesn’t mean less. In fact, with the right team, a micro wedding can feel even more magical than the traditional route.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you're planning a micro wedding in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Ojai, or beyond, we’d love to help.
📩 Contact us for a free discovery call
Your dream wedding doesn’t have to be big—it just has to feel right.
