
The Four Seasons Biltmore
A 1927 Spanish-Colonial resort on Montecito's Butterfly Beach that long ranked among California's premier oceanfront wedding estates — though it has sat closed since March 2020.
About The Four Seasons Biltmore
The Four Seasons Biltmore is a 22-acre Spanish Colonial Revival landmark on Channel Drive, historically one of Santa Barbara's most sought-after luxury wedding venues with oceanfront lawns and garden ceremony sites. Please note: the resort has been closed since March 2020 amid the pandemic and an ownership-management dispute, and it is not currently hosting weddings — reopening remains pending as of 2026, so the details below are historical. When operating, it paired direct Butterfly Beach frontage with red-tile-roofed courtyards, palm gardens, and multiple ballrooms for a true full-service luxury wedding. Its combination of oceanfront ceremony lawns and the adjacent Coral Casino beach club made it a Montecito icon. Couples should confirm reopening directly before considering it, as no bookings are being taken.
What couples love
Historically prized for its true oceanfront setting on Butterfly Beach, with ceremony lawns framed by the Pacific and mountains. Full-service Four Seasons luxury meant polished in-house catering, on-site guest rooms, and the adjacent Coral Casino beach club for portraits. The 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, courtyards, and mature palm gardens gave weddings a timeless, upscale Montecito character.
Good to know
The single biggest drawback: the resort has been closed since March 2020 and is not accepting or hosting weddings, with reopening still unconfirmed as of 2026. Even pre-closure it sat at the top end of the market, with food-and-beverage minimums and base costs around $43,000 for a mid-size wedding. In-house catering was mandatory and there was no outside-vendor flexibility, which limited couples wanting to control their own budget or menu.
A typical wedding day
Getting ready — Historically in ocean-view suites and garden cottages with soft morning light
Ceremony — Oceanfront lawns with Butterfly Beach and Pacific backdrop
Cocktail hour — Loggia courtyard and garden terraces beneath Spanish arches and palms
Reception — Ballroom dinner or a beachfront lawn seating
Golden hour — Butterfly Beach and the Coral Casino for sunset portraits over the water
Photographing The Four Seasons Biltmore
Spanish Colonial architecture, red-tile roofs, wooden beams, and palm-lined oceanfront lawns produce warm, editorial, golden-toned imagery. Butterfly Beach and the Pacific offered dramatic sunset backdrops steps from the ceremony sites.
Similar venues we love
Explore more venues we photograph: Vibiana · Greystone Mansion · Millennium Biltmore · Calamigos Ranch.
Planning a wedding at The Four Seasons Biltmore? Reach out to check your date →


