I Can Still Hear the Mission Bells -Social Distortion

One of the most frequented tourist destinations, and my favorite place to hear mass, is Old Mission Santa Barbara. Nestled upon a hill at the foot of the mountains, the Queen of the CA Missions offers beautiful views, exquisite architecture, and lovely grounds rich in history. Up until a few years ago weddings were not regularly celebrated, but with the arrival of their current pastor, Fr. Daniel, the sacrament of marriage is now celebrated plenty of times throughout the year. While weddings at the Mission are most exclusively for parishoners and SB residents, and plenty of rules come with having the Mission as a venue, just the opportunity to have this ceremony location is well worth it.

The entrance doors to the church sit atop grand tile and concrete steps. And inside are the warm colors of tans, pale pinks, yellows, champagne, with green and blue accents.


The light that shines through the windows provide an overall warmth to the place.

The wooden benches are comfortable, floor is tiled and hardwood, and art decorates the length of the walls. And although smaller in size compared to other CA missions, the size provides intimacy to a service.

The beauty and history of this location has attracted me to put it on the list of possible ceremony locations. By having our ceremony there our guests will get a chance to share in my Catholic faith and visit a site important to the city of Santa Barbara. Fr Daniel's forward thinking and open mind are also very good qualities of the Mission.

The grounds surrounding the Mission are also quite lovely. There is the fountain (with lily pads blooming during Spring and Summer), the gardens, ruins, and, if you schedule your wedding after the annual I Madonnari street festival, beautifully created chalk art on the parking lot at the base of the Mission.

The fountain and lush lily pads.

A hallway towards the office.

View from the steps. On a clear day you can see the ocean, sail boats, and the oil rigs.

Art from this year's chalk festival. Although the day was windy and there was a threat of rain, the artists worked hard and completed beautiful pieces.



If you are ever in SB, this is a place to see.

All photos by me.