Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind setting for events, exclusively partnered with Events by Rincon and surrounded by natural beauty and coastal views.
About the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the most beloved landmarks on the California coast — a 30-acre sanctuary of lush gardens, native plants, and over 150 animal species, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. For events, it offers something no traditional venue can replicate: a living, breathing hospitality experience where natural beauty, wildlife, and coastal views come together to create moments guests never forget.
Events by Rincon has been the zoo's exclusive event partner for years, bringing deep knowledge of every corner of the property and a team dedicated to making your event seamless from the very first conversation.
A One-of-a-Kind Setting
The Santa Barbara Zoo offers a unique event setting surrounded by lush gardens and sweeping ocean views. With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s an ideal place to host weddings, celebrations, corporate events, and special gatherings. Our experienced team works closely with you to ensure every detail is thoughtfully planned so your event feels seamless from beginning to end.
From First Hello to Final Event Strike
Planning an event at the Santa Barbara Zoo means partnering with a team that handles every single detail — so you never have to. Events by Rincon manages your entire event from start to finish: vendor coordination, catering, production timelines, rental sourcing, lighting, staffing, setup, and complete post-event cleanup. You simply show up and enjoy your celebration. We take care of everything else, from the first planning call to the final strike of the evening.
One-of-a-Kind Experiences
Ocean & Garden Views
Full-Service Catering & Planning
End-to-End Event Management
Santa Barbara Zoo Unique Locations & Experiences
Hill Top
Perched above the zoo's lush grounds, the Hilltop offers sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and the Santa Barbara mountains — an elevated setting that feels both intimate and unforgettable. With a natural open-air feel, it's beautifully suited for ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and milestone gatherings where the scenery becomes part of the celebration.
Discovery Pavilion
The Discovery Pavilion is an open-air venue surrounded by lush gardens and coastal views — a comfortable, versatile setting with a natural flow that suits everything from seated dinners to standing receptions. Its flexible layout allows Events by Rincon to tailor the configuration to your vision and guest count.
Animal Encounters
Give your guests an experience they'll talk about for years. An Animal Encounter brings you up close with some of the zoo's most beloved residents, adding a truly one-of-a-kind element to your event. Transform your event into an extraordinary experience they will never forget.
Train Rides
The Santa Barbara Zoo's iconic train offers a charming, memorable ride through the grounds that guests of all ages love. Available as part of your event experience, the train adds a playful and distinctive touch that sets this venue apart from any traditional event space in the area.
Zoo Lights
Available seasonally, Zoo Lights transforms the Santa Barbara Zoo into a magical illuminated landscape — perfect for holiday parties, year-end corporate celebrations, and evening galas. The warm, glowing atmosphere creates an enchanting backdrop that makes any event feel truly special.
Weddings at Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind setting for weddings, from the ceremony to the celebration that follows. With lush gardens, ocean views, and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, the venue allows you to create a setting that feels both personal and memorable.
Our team is there to support you along the way, helping ensure everything comes together smoothly so you can focus on enjoying each moment.
Corporate Events at Santa Barbara Zoo
The zoo is a unique Santa Barbara venue for corporate meetings, retreats, and company events. Surrounded by lush gardens and ocean views, the venue offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces along with full catering services to support a range of event styles. It’s a refreshing setting that encourages connection, collaboration, and meaningful time away from the office. Our team works closely with you to plan and execute every detail, ensuring your corporate event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
Santa Barbara Zoo Site Fees
The Santa Barbara Zoo offers site fee options designed to accommodate a variety of events and guest counts. With access to both indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the venue, you have the flexibility to create an event layout that fits your vision.
Our team will work with you to review availability, answer questions, and help you understand what’s included so you can move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could you briefly outline the scope of your planning and coordination services, including vendor communication, timeline creation/execution, and rehearsal management? Who serves as the on‑site lead on the event day?
Your Rincon Planner facilitates all vendor communication, sending timelines, floor plans and pertinent event details to your vendors and coordinating arrival times and details with these outside vendors (DJ, florist, photographer, videographer). When you book with us, a Rincon Planner will be assigned to your wedding and will start the planning process with you immediately, helping guide you through the vendor booking process, and then setting up planning meetings to begin building out your timeline, event details, decor options, etc. You can have as many or as few planning meetings as you need with them (virtual or in person) to ensure all details are handled leading up to the big day! This person then transitions to also become your day-of Wedding Coordinator. They will facilitate and execute your ceremony rehearsal and will be the main point of contact on the day of the wedding. They will truly be with you every step of the way, from start to finish!
Is there a food and beverage minimum, or is pricing strictly per person? Are there any minimum guest counts tied to date or season?
We do not have a food and beverage minimum, but we do require food to be served at each portion of the event and is charged based upon your guest count, i.e an option for cocktail hour, dinner, and dessert. We also do not have minimum guest count requirements, however, we do have a minimum labor charge which is associated with at least 100 guests. For instance, if you decided to have a buffet dinner, we charge $45 per person for labor. If the guest count is under 100, we charge a minimum labor fee of $4,500 ($45 x 100guests).
For bar service, does it typically run for the full event time frame? How are non‑drinkers or guests under 21 priced, and what determines the number of staff? Are there any scenarios where the bar would close early, or can service be paused during dinner or speeches if desired?
Our 2 main bar packages are “unlimited” bar packages that are open for the full 5 hour event time frame. For any guests under 21 years old, we charge a soft beverage package. Anyone over 21 is charged for the bar package. During dinner service, we will offer table side wine service but the bar does stay open throughout this time as well if anyone would like to continue ordering cocktails. If you decide to add additional hours, you can also add hours to your bar package if you would like!
Can you confirm whether the 20% charge is a service charge, gratuity, or both? Additionally, what is the current tax rate, and are there any administrative or coordination fees not reflected in the quote?
Our service charge is a fee that gets distributed directly back to the team that works your event. Any additional gratuity is completely discretionary and is not expected or required. The current tax rate in Carpinteria is 7.75%. The quotes are completely comprehensive so there are no additional fees that are not reflected outside of your vendors, and a day-of insurance policy (which typically runs around $125-$175 for the day).
Client Testimonials
