Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery & Events


All-inclusive venue

The venue takes care of it all - food and beverage, rentals, the works!

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $3,000 for off-peak dates, and $6,000 for peak dates

Packages

Prices start at $7,500

Guest capacity

Up to 350 seated guests


About this venue

Welcome to Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery, a forthcoming premier private event venue nestled in the heart of La Arcada Plaza, steps away from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse. We have positioned ourselves to locals and visitors alike who are seeking an exclusive setting for weddings at unbeatable prices. Our journey begins with a deep appreciation for Santa Barbara's rich wedding tradition, highlighted by over 1500 annual ceremonies at the Courthouse. Beyond weddings, we embrace the diversity of events, offering a versatile space capable of accommodating up to 350 guests. Our flexibility, onsite ownership and central location make us an ideal venue to host your event. With a spacious layout, aesthetic charm, and convenient access to public parking, SBCD promises unparalleled versatility and convenience for event hosts and attendees. Our commitment to culinary excellence is reflected in our diverse menu options, crafted to delight a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences.


Our event spaces

Arcada Ballroom

Modern Elegance Meets Warm, Romantic Charm

Step into a light-filled, elegant space designed for extraordinary moments. With soaring ceilings, cascading natural light, and a sophisticated yet versatile design, this venue transforms effortlessly to match your vision.

Guest capacity

30-100 Seated

30-130 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement

Included in this room:

-Chandeliers with dimmers for light customization -60" Round tables -Cushioned chairs -Restrooms -Central heat & AC

Fig Patio

Tranquil Waters & Flickering Flames

An enchanting retreat where firelight dances and turtles glide. Gather around wood firepit tables, sharing warmth and conversation, while the peaceful pond adds a touch of natural serenity. Whether you're sipping under the stars or basking in the soft glow of dusk, this outdoor haven invites you to slow down, connect, and let the elements work their magic.

Guest capacity

20-100 Seated

20-120 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement

Included in this room:

-Wood firepit tables -Choice of metal or cushioned chairs -Live turtle pond -Heaters -String lights -Umbrellas

Distillers Lounge

Raise a glass to timeless style

A refined retreat where sophistication meets warmth. The smooth elegance of marble floors pairs effortlessly with rich wood accents, creating a space that feels both timeless and inviting. A fully stocked bar stands ready for crafted cocktails and lingering conversations, making this the perfect setting to sip, celebrate, and savor every moment.

Guest capacity

20-60 Seated

20-80 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement

Included in this room:

-Dimmers for total light customization -4 TV screens -Restrooms -Full bar -Option of rectangular wood, round tables, or cocktail tables -Cushioned chairs

Arcada Ballroom

Modern Elegance Meets Warm, Romantic Charm

Step into a light-filled, elegant space designed for extraordinary moments. With soaring ceilings, cascading natural light, and a sophisticated yet versatile design, this venue transforms effortlessly to match your vision.

Guest capacity

30-100 Seated

30-130 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement

Included in this room:

-Chandeliers with dimmers for light customization -60" Round tables -Cushioned chairs -Restrooms -Central heat & AC


Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery & Events packages

The Essentials

50 guests

Peak pricing $7,500

Description

Reception venue for up to 50 guests Taco Bar or Santa Maria Style BBQ Buffet Dinner Unlimited beer & wine for 3 hours

The Deluxe

50 guests

Peak pricing $10,000

Description

Reception venue for up to 50 guests 3 course plated dinner Champagne toast Unlimited beer, wine, and call drinks for up to 3 hours

The Classic

100 guests

Peak pricing $15,000

Description

Reception venue for up to 100 guests Taco Bar or Santa Maria Style BBQ Buffet Dinner Unlimited beer & wine for 3 hours 16x16 wood dance floor

The Grand

Peak pricing $20,000

Description

Reception venue for up to 100 guests Passed champagne upon entry Signature Courthouse Buffet Grazing table with artisan cheese, charcuterie, fruit, and vegetable crudite Unlimited beer, wine, and well drinks for 3 hours DJ 16x16 wood dance floor


Available services that can be provided by Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery & Events

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Catering services
  • Clean up
  • Event coordinator
  • Event rentals
  • Event staff
  • Liability insurance
  • Pet friendly
  • Service staff
  • Set up
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

8 reviews

  • AW

    Amanda and W.

    Rating: 5
    Mar 31

    A Dream Venue With a Team to Match

    We got married at Santa Barbara Courthouse right across the street and celebrated our reception at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery — and it was absolutely perfect. When we were first searching for a venue, the first person we met was Andrew. He took the time to show us the space, listen to our vision, and truly understand not just what we wanted, but why we wanted it. From that very first meeting, he gave us the impression that this team puts the customer first — and that if something could be done, they would find a way to make it happen. That turned out to be completely true. From there, Melody and the rest of the team were communicative, quick, and direct, answering every question we had. The venue itself is spacious and stunning, with so much room to make the space entirely your own. We rented out all three spaces, which gave us the room to really spread out and create something special. One of our biggest selling points was that food, bartenders, tables, and chairs, etc were all included — we didn’t want to deal with coordinating a dozen third parties just to have the basics covered, and the fact that it was all taken care of in one place was such a relief. They also offer plenty of add-ons to customize your package, and they were completely flexible with us bringing in our own photobooth and DJ — making it easy to personalize every aspect of the day. The food was absolutely delicious (WE LOVE MIZZAs) and the team was incredibly accommodating throughout the entire planning process. If we had a specific vision for something, they found a way to make it happen — no question too big, no detail too small. Our setup was elaborate and detail heavy, with our family and friends bringing our vision to life, and Andrew and the staff jumped right in to help without hesitation. They made what could have been a stressful process feel seamless and fun. On the day itself, Melody, Andrew, and the whole team made everything feel effortless and magical. Everything went completely smoothly — we had absolutely no issues from start to finish, which is truly the greatest gift on your wedding day. They served dinner, kept the drinks flowing, and made sure we felt taken care of every single moment. Andrew especially went above and beyond — my husband is obsessed with the bruschetta, and Andrew made sure a plate was saved and ready for him the moment we arrived. It’s those little personal touches that set this team apart. So many thoughtful details made our day unforgettable: early access the day before to set up, staff coordinating with the restaurant next door to get our cake, letting me use the upstairs space to get into my dress before heading to the courthouse, preserving my flowers so I could enjoy them the next day, and giving us the grace to clean up the following morning without ever feeling rushed. If you’re looking for a venue where the team genuinely cares and goes above and beyond for your big day, look no further. We are so, so grateful and would recommend the Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery to any couple looking for an incredible space to celebrate.

  • AB

    Amy Van B.

    Rating: 5
    Mar 6, 2026

    Outstanding service!

    Outstanding service, good food and drinks and staff willing to assist in any way possible

  • SS

    Sasha S.

    Rating: 5
    Feb 7, 2026

    Birthday party to remember

    I organized my wife's 50th party at Courthouse Distillery and I can't imagine a better support than what I got from Melody, Andrew, and the rest of the team. The promises were kept, no hidden charges, we even got some freebies that we thought were not included in the deal. But the most important aspect for me was that the outstanding service did not stop until the last guests left the party. The food was great, and the location is one of the best in town. That place is made for parties and I am glad a capable group of people is managing it.

  • CK

    Carol and K.

    Rating: 5
    Feb 7, 2026

    Hosted a Wedding Event

    We had a pre-wedding reception event that we hosted at the Courthouse Distillery. The venue and food are fantastic and the staff is terrific to work with. Our event coordinator (Melody Hildebrand) was excellent to work with and very responsive. She kept us on task the entire way from planning to execution. We highly recommend having an event at the Courthouse Distillery and we will plan to do so again.

  • DR

    David R.

    Rating: 5
    Feb 7, 2026

    Pre-Wedding Cocktail Hour

    We booked the Courthouse Distillery for a cocktail hour the night before our wedding. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. The venue was beautiful. Especially the courtyard outside under the lights at night, with little tabletop fire pits everywhere was stunning. The staff were super friendly. The drinks were delicious and everyone was served especially promptly. Would book again and very strongly recommend!