Special Events & Weddings — Channel Coast District

Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers an iconic, diverse shoreline, featuring white sand and rock outcroppings. In addition to a beautiful beach, Carpinteria State Beach also hosts three potential event venues: Linden Field, the covered Ramada (picnic) areas, and a campfire center. Adjacent to the park, the City of Carpinteria offers a wide range of restaurants, breweries, and entertainment while still maintaining a small town feel. As the focal point of this quaint coastal community, the park provides excellent recreation options (swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring, and camping).

Further downcoast, this park also manages a parking lot and the access trail to the international renowned surf spot, Rincon Point.

Events are considered year-round except holidays. Weddings are permitted between Labor Day and Memorial Day and are not permitted in the busy summer months.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact Carp.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 746-7095 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event.

El Capitán State Beach has a spacious yet private meadow next to the beach with vast and pristine ocean views, a wonderful venue for large weddings, celebrations, and other events. The large campground sits amongst sycamores and oaks on top of the bluffs that rise dramatically from the water. The park features a campfire center, multiple group camps, plentiful parking, and 2,500 acres of backcountry to explore on the Bill Walllace Trail.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact SB.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 968-1711 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event.

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park is operated by the Santa Barabara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP).

Please visit the SBTHP webpage for information on property rental.

Emma Wood State Beach hosts two separate camping areas for recreation and special events: Emma Wood North Beach and Ventura River Group Camp. Moderate temperatures make Emma Wood State Beach popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing. 

On the downcoast end of the iconic Rincon Parkway, North Beach provides a long, beautiful stretch of sand that is popular for all ocean activities. The beachfront campground runs along the historic Roosevelt Highway, offering unparalleled ocean views but no permanent amenities. 

At the Ventura River mouth is Ventura River Group Camp, which provides 5 group campsites, day use parking, and beach access. The offshore Channel Islands can be seen from the beach. The large open, coastal space provides an excellent staging area for large events or sites can be combined for a unique group camping experience. Group campsites will be available year-round by online reservations beginning January 2023.

Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail

Emma Wood State Beach is located along the Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail, which runs from San Buenaventura State Beach to west of Emma Wood State Beach.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact Ventura.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 746-7095 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event at Emma Wood State Beach.

From southbound highway 101, Gaviota State Park presents itself as the gateway to the Pacific Ocean and features seasonal camping near a secluded sandy beach. With its iconic train trestle and pier, the intimate ocean landscape is the perfect setting for your wedding, celebration or other small event. The sprawling backcountry offers many opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and experiencing natural hot springs.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact SB.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 968-1711 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event at Gaviota State Park.

La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is located in Santa Barbara County just outside of the Lompoc Valley. It offers a unique setting surrounded by historic buildings and is tucked within a small canyon, La Cañada de los Berros. Our location features a variety of venue options including The Main Church, The Padre’s Chapel, The Historic Mission Garden, and La Sala.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact LPM.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 733-3713 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park.

Mandalay State Beach is an undeveloped park featuring sandy beach, coastal dunes, and wetland environments. While this park offers no facilities, the natural beach provides a sense of solitude adjacent to the developed beach area in the coastal community of Oxnard. The remote atmosphere of the wide beaches and adjoining coastal dunescape are sought-after features in this state park.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact Ventura.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 746-7095 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event at Mandalay State Beach.

McGrath State Beach is currently closed to the public due to infrastructure failing and flooding at the campground. No special events are being permitted at this time.

Refugio State Beach is a picturesque paradise 22 miles west of Santa Barbara with breathtaking sunsets and a tropical island feel, perfect for small, intimate weddings, celebrations, and other events. The quiet, remote beach is ideal for kayaking, surfing, fishing, or simply getting away from it all. The park also features 66 campsites, 3 group campsites, basketball court, swing set, campfire center, and a large grassy area with barbeques.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact SB.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov  or call (805) 968-1711 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event at Refugio State Beach.

San Buenaventura State Beach, conveniently located next to downtown Ventura, features a seasonal sandy beach, volleyball courts, a pier, and a large grassy picnic area. With easy access from highway 101, the park offers more than 40 picnic areas on 6 acres for events big and small as well as ample parking for your guests. San Buenaventura State Beach can accommodate a wide range of events, whether you are planning an intimate wedding on the beach or a large-scale music festival. The Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail also runs through the park and continues to Emma Wood State Beach.

Please submit an inquiry for the quickest response. For additional questions, contact Ventura.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov or call (805) 746-7095 to speak with the Special Event Coordinator about your event at San Buenaventura State Beach.