A Montecito Private Estate Wedding Full of Romance

Montecito, California, has long been known as one of the most romantic wedding destinations on the West Coast. Just minutes from Santa Barbara, this coastal enclave is filled with ocean breezes, mountain views, and timeless private estates tucked into winding hillside streets. For couples dreaming of a wedding that feels both intimate and iconic, a Montecito private estate wedding offers the perfect backdrop.

Allie and David’s celebration at The Cole Home in Montecito showcased everything that makes this area so special—stunning landscapes, heartfelt moments, and the effortless elegance that defines a California estate wedding.

Getting Ready in Santa Barbara & Summerland

The morning began in two quintessential Central Coast settings: David prepared with his groomsmen at an Airbnb in Summerland, a charming beach town just down the road from Montecito, while Allie and her bridesmaids got ready at her family’s Montecito residence, The Cole Home.

From her Mareh Couture gown to custom accessories from Etsy designers, every detail reflected Allie’s timeless style. Meanwhile, David’s look from The Black Tux brought California cool to this elegant occasion.

First Look & Family Moments

The lush gardens of The Cole Home made the perfect setting for Allie’s first look with her father and brother, followed by her emotional reveal with David. These quiet, shaded corners of the Montecito estate created intimate spaces for portraits before the celebration began.The lush gardens of The Cole Home made the perfect setting for Allie’s first look with her father and brother, followed by her emotional reveal with David. These quiet, shaded corners of the Montecito estate created intimate spaces for portraits before the celebration began.

A Ceremony in the Heart of Montecito

Guests arrived via shuttle from Santa Barbara and Carpinteria hotels, greeted by music from Conner Cherland. Beneath the golden California sun, Allie walked down the aisle, surprising her father with a song from his old band—a personal detail that gave the ceremony its signature Montecito charm: refined yet deeply personal.

Surrounded by the rolling hills and gardens of the estate, Allie and David exchanged vows in front of family and friends, embodying the relaxed yet elegant spirit of a Santa Barbara–area wedding.

A Montecito Sunset Reception

Cocktail hour unfolded on the estate lawn, followed by dinner from DJ’s Catering. As the sun dipped behind the Santa Ynez mountains, Allie and David slipped away for portraits—arguably the most magical part of a Montecito wedding. With golden light sweeping across the estate, these photos captured the romance of the California coast in its purest form.

After heartfelt toasts, the couple shared their first dance before opening the floor with music from DJ Divine of GTZ Entertainment. The night carried on with cake, late-night pizza, and a packed dance floor until the newlyweds’ joyful grand exit under the Montecito stars.

Tips for Planning a Private Estate Wedding in Montecito

If you’re considering a private estate wedding in Montecito, here are a few tips for making it unforgettable:

1. Consider Guest Logistics – With estate weddings, parking is often limited, so shuttle services from nearby hotels (like Hyatt Place or Best Western Carpinteria) make the experience seamless for guests.
2. Leverage Golden Hour – Montecito’s sunsets are breathtaking. Plan a few minutes away from your reception for golden hour portraits—you’ll treasure these images forever.
3. Bring in the Right Vendors – Private estate weddings often require a mix of rentals, catering, and coordination. Working with experienced local vendors ensures everything flows smoothly.

Vendor Team

• Wedding Photographer | Mycah Bain Photography, @mycahbainweddings
• Wedding Planner | Kendalyn @kendalyniscool
• Florals | @yamaguchisn
• Bride’s Gown | Mareh Couture Bridal
• Bridal Party | @abercrombie, @vans
• Groom’s Attire | @theblacktux
• Rings | Brilliant Earth, @brilliantearth
• Hair & Makeup | Caitlin Spears, Ciao Bella Beauty Co., @ciaobelabeautyco_
• Catering & Rentals | DJ’s Catering, @djscaliforniacatering @amigo.event.rentals
• Desserts | Jeannine’s @jeanninesrestaurants + Costco
• Music | Ceremony – @weddingmusicbyconner | Reception – DJ Divine, GTZ Entertainment @gtzentertainment
• Restrooms | @majoreventtrailers

Let’s Capture Your Montecito Wedding

If you’re planning a private estate wedding in Montecito or Santa Barbara, I’d love to capture your story. From intimate first looks to golden-hour portraits, Mycah Bain Photography specializes in creating timeless images that reflect the romance of your day.

✨ Inquire about your wedding photography here