About Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm

About ten miles west of Santa Barbara in Goleta, Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm is a wedding venue built on land with several centuries of history behind it. Native American tribes lived here long before Spanish settlers arrived. The area was named Dos Pueblos, meaning "two villages," after finding evidence of those communities on the bluffs. Mexican ranchers followed, running cattle across the coastal property. In 1943, an oil and gas businessman named Samuel Mosher bought a portion of the 45,000-acre ranch and converted it into one of the largest orchid farms in the world. He grew exotic blooms for celebrity dinner parties and political events throughout the Santa Barbara area.  

Couples are drawn to Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm for the uniqueness of the property, the natural setting, and having the grounds to themselves for the day. Few venues offer both an ocean view ceremony and a greenhouse reception on the same property, while also being surrounded by the Central Coast landscape. Having the entire property for the day, rather than sharing it with other events, gives the couple and their guests room to enjoy the day uninterrupted.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Ocean Bluff Ceremony Site

Ceremonies take place on the Ocean Bluff Deck, a clifftop above the Pacific with views of the coastline in both directions. It is where the day begins for guests, and the setting makes an immediate impression.

Greenhouse Reception

The Greenhouse is a large space with a glass roof and exposed structural framing. Couples can configure it in many different ways, and it serves as the setting for both cocktail hour and the reception.

What we Love About Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm

Diverse Backgrounds

Within one venue, we move between cliffs, open fields, a greenhouse interior, cactus gardens, and mature trees. The backgrounds are genuinely different from each other, which means we are not repeating the same images throughout the day.

Ocean View Ceremony

Ceremonies take place on Ocean Bluff Deck, a clifftop space above the Pacific with views of the coastline in both directions. For us, it captures what makes coastal California such a compelling place to get married.

Rustic Greenhouse Reception

The glass structure gives the space an open feel while keeping guests comfortable inside. Once the string lights are on, the greenhouse glows against the night sky, and the stars visible from outside make it one of the more unique reception settings we have photographed.

Insider Tips

The getting-ready cottage sits away from the main property, which makes for a calmer morning. It is a good space to use as a home base throughout the day between events.  

After the ceremony, we take the couple to the bluffs for portraits while guests make their way to cocktail hour. The coastal light at that time of day is some of the best on the property.  

The walk between the ceremony site and the greenhouse is long enough that we recommend arranging transportation for guests. A getaway car works well for the couple, it is practical and gives us a great moment to photograph.

Who Is the Right Couple for This Venue

Couples who choose Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm for their wedding tend to want something unique. They are usually not drawn to formal or polished settings. They want to be outside and want a reception space with character. If that sounds like you, the range and variety of this venue will work well for your day.

Couples who choose Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm are usually looking for something that feels a little different. An outdoor ceremony matters to them, and the Ocean Bluff Deck puts them right on the coastline. A unique reception space matters too, and the greenhouse delivers that with its glass roof and exposed framing. Together, the two spaces give couples a day that looks and feels nothing like a typical, more formal wedding.

Inspiration

The best way to get a feel for what your day could look like at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm is to see real weddings we have photographed at this property. Take a look at the celebrations of Jordan & Brandon and Karlen & Chris to see how different couples have brought their vision to life here. To learn more about Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, you can also take a look at their Venue Report.

Considering a Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm Wedding?

Whether you are still exploring venues or have already chosen Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm, we would love to connect. We have photographed here throughout the year and would love to share what we have seen and learned from documenting weddings at this property.