Carpinteria, California,


nestled just south of the bustling city of Santa Barbara, is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque landscapes, and perfect climate. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing an intimate casual wedding at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club. This simple venue, combined with the beach weather and atmosphere of Carpinteria, made the celebration fun and completely stress-free. Whether you're planning a wedding in Carpinteria or Santa Barbara, this post will give you a glimpse into the beauty and charm of an intimate and casual wedding in this lovely area.

The Carpinteria Woman's Club set up for a wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom on black and white film at the Carpinteria Woman's Club in Carpinteria.
Wedding reception snack table with assorted chips and treats displayed.

The Venue: Carpinteria Woman’s Club


The Carpinteria Woman’s Club is a hidden gem for couples looking to tie the knot in a quaint and intimate setting. This historic venue, established in 1914, offers a unique blend of historic charm with it's fireplace, and modern amenities for guests including an on-site kitchen area. The club features a spacious hall, beautiful gardens, and a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for smaller, more personal weddings. The venue's versatility allows for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, making it a great choice for any time of the year. Sabrina and Tyler used both the indoor and outdoor spaces for their intimate wedding in Carpinteria, holding their ceremony outside on the lawn, and their reception and dancing indoors.

Wedding couple standing in front of a white Spanish-style building entrance with palm trees in Carpinteria.
Three white cocktail tables with tablecloths set up on a patio near a grey door.
Wedding ceremony site entrance with welcome sign and hedge archway.
Black and white photo of someone wearing a flowing white vintage-style dress with long sleeves and curled hair, viewed from behind.
Close up of wedding bouquet with colorful flowers held between couple in Carpinteria.
Black and white portrait of person in formal suit posing against tropical foliage.
Decorative chalkboard wedding welcome sign with floral design elements.
A couple poses for photos in front of a house with tropical plants and white exterior in Carpinteria.
Close-up of peach-colored angel trumpet flowers hanging from green stems in a garden.
Black and white photo of guests mingling at outdoor cocktail reception in Carpinteria.
Car window decorated with 'Getting Hitched' text written in white for a wedding celebration.
Two women in formal dresses celebrate during an outdoor wedding reception.
A couple walks down the aisle together after their wedding ceremony in a backyard garden setting.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in a garden with guests seated on chairs in Carpinteria.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under a large tree with guests watching in Carpinteria.

After walking down the aisle to "Concerning Hobbits",


Sabrina and Tyler enjoyed snacks and drinks in the garden patio area, then a taco truck for dinner and speeches outside. The whole wedding was casual, intimate, and like a big backyard party more than anything else! Friends chatted and posed for photos taken by Fujifilm Instax cameras, and a candy bar was set up with childhood treats like gummy bears and chocolate.


Why Choose an Intimate Wedding? Intimate weddings have become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons:

  1. Personal Connection:
  • Smaller guest lists allow couples to spend quality time with each attendee, creating a more meaningful and personal experience for everyone involved.
  1. Budget-Friendly:
  • Intimate weddings typically cost less than larger celebrations, allowing couples to allocate their budget to other priorities, such as a memorable honeymoon or high-quality photography (such as yours truly!)
  1. Stress Reduction:
  • With fewer details to manage and a more relaxed atmosphere, intimate weddings can be less stressful to plan and execute, allowing couples to fully enjoy their special day.


Black and white photo of a wedding couple's lower half with flowing dress and bouquet.
Multiple slices of white layered cake with berry filling arranged on small white plates on a wooden surface.
Large fireplace with high ceiling and string lights in a room with beach-themed artwork in Carpinteria.
Dessert table with cakes, tiered stands, and floral centerpiece on wooden surface.
Speaker addressing guests at outdoor reception under tall trees.
Outdoor gathering with tables and chairs set up under large trees.
A cake with fresh berries at the Carpinteria Woman's Club.
Fresh vegetable platter with cucumber slices, carrots, and celery sticks on wooden table.
Display of candy and snacks with blue and red packaging alongside personal photos.
Two people sitting at outdoor table during daytime event.
Guests enjoying a casual outdoor gathering with refreshments beside a red hedge in Carpinteria.
Black and white photo of an outdoor dinner party with guests seated at round tables.
Guests gathered around outdoor dining tables for a casual celebration.
Party spread with chips, guacamole, salsa and dips arranged on woven placemats.
Couple seated at outdoor table during celebration with floral decorations in Carpinteria.

As a wedding photographer serving Carpinteria and California, I strive to capture the essence of celebration in every shot. This intimate wedding at the Carpinteria Woman’s Club was a perfect example of how smaller and more casual celebrations can be just as celebratory and memorable as larger ones. From the peaceful garden ceremony to the heartfelt moments shared between the couple and their guests, every detail was captured in my documentary photography style.


Once the speeches were said, the guests moved inside to watch the couple's first dance and then dance the rest of the afternoon and evening to their favorite music. Everyone was having fun, getting down, and it was such a great time for everyone involved!

Blurry black and white photograph showing people moving in what appears to be a crowded indoor space.
A bride and groom dance captured in black and white film in Santa Barbara
Guests mingling and dancing at an indoor wedding reception venue.
The historic Carpinteria Woman's Club venue in Carpinteria.
Wedding memorabilia and photos displayed on a floral tablecloth.
A groom kisses his bride on the forehead at their Santa Barbara wedding.
Beautiful wildflower wedding bouquet with pink and white blooms held against white dress.
A bride and groom pose for their wedding photographer in Carpinteria.
A bride and groom smile at their wedding reception in Carpinteria California.
A couple share a first dance at their wedding in Carpinteria.
A black and white photo of a first dance at the Carpinteria Woman's Club.
A bride and groom's first dance captured by their Carpinteria wedding photographer.
Wedding guests dancing and socializing during a reception in an indoor venue with white walls and pendant lighting.
Guests mingling and dancing at an indoor celebration with contemporary pendant lights overhead.
Partygoers in colorful dresses dancing and enjoying themselves at an indoor wedding reception.

Looking for a wedding photographer in Carpinteria?


The Carpinteria Woman’s Club, with its historic charm and modern amenities, provides the perfect setting for an intimate wedding celebration. With the beautiful natural landscapes and ideal climate of Carpinteria, coupled with the nearby attractions of Santa Barbara, your wedding day is sure to be unforgettable.


If you're planning a wedding in Carpinteria or Santa Barbara and are looking for a photographer who can capture the essence of your love story, I'd love to hear from you. All of my packages include both digital and 35mm film photography for a mix of modern and vintage nostalgic imagery.