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
A bride and groom on black and white film at the Carpinteria Woman Club

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.

a bride tries on her wedding gown in black and white

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.


Slices of wedding cake in Carpinteria California
A cake with fresh berries at the Carpinteria Womans Club

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!

guests dance at carpinteria wedding reception
A bride and groom dance captured in black and white film in Santa Barbara
The historic Carpinteria Woman's Club venue
A groom kisses his bride on the forehead at their Santa Barbara wedding
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 in Carpinteria Woman's Club
A bride and groom's first dance captured by their Carpinteria Wedding Photographer

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.