On your wedding day, you are the star of the show, so what better place to hold your special day than The Granada Theatre?
The Grand Dame on State Street has showcased many star performances during its 100-year history and is ready to (literally) roll out the red carpet for couples on their big day.
“We were looking for a unique venue, and we own The Barber Shop on State Street so we see The Granada every day,” said Jamie Salgado, who married Jorge Salgado on March 30, 2024. “It’s a beautiful, unique venue so when we found out they did weddings we knew we found our place.”
According to wedding planner Elizabeth Lucatero, owner of TK Events & Co., The Granada is a perfect venue for couples looking for a special romantic space who love history and the arts and want a touch of vintage luxury on their big day.
Weddings Wow at The Granada
A wedding at The Granada comes with built-in opulence, grandeur, history, and elegance. Thanks to the décor of the theater, couples often have to spend less to decorate than they would at other venues.
“The ambiance is super elegant and over the top,” said Jamie Salgado. “We didn’t have to spend money on lighting or sound. Many of our guests said the wedding felt like it was out of a movie. They even had a red carpet outside welcoming everyone.”
Another major selling point is that The Granada is exempt from the city noise ordinance that requires many other wedding venues to close at 10 p.m.
“Having extra time for our party was a game changer,” said Jorge Salgado.
The day of the Salgado’s wedding was a rainy one in Santa Barbara, so at the last minute, the couple had to move their offsite outdoor ceremony indoors at The Granada. The Granada team was able to quickly shift to performing the ceremony on stage, hosting a reception in the lobby and McCune Founders Room, and then opening the stage for dancing.
“The Granada team was amazing. They had great communication and did a fantastic job managing the event. They made everyone feel very special and ensured that the night was for us,” said Jamie Salgado.
Wedding Packages at The Granada
The Granada is available for weddings when the theater isn’t hosting a performance. According to Tracy Dunn, special events manager at The Granada, this means that it’s ideal to secure your wedding date 18 to 24 months in advance.
For more intimate weddings, The McCune Founders Room and Lobby package is ideal. The rental includes the use of the balcony-level McCune Founders Room and the first and second-floor lobby area. Tables and chairs for up to 50 guests are provided and The Granada’s iconic marquee is personalized to welcome your guests.
The Silver Stage Package includes the use of the stage, auditorium, and first-floor lobby. Tables and chairs for up to 50 guests are provided and The Granada Theatre’s iconic marquee is personalized to welcome your guests.
According to Dunn, the most popular package is the Gold Stage Package, which includes all of the amenities of the prior packages, plus use of the dressing rooms.
The Granada events team works with your wedding coordinator to plan your perfect day. On the day of the event, The Granada’s stage crew, operations, and front-of-house team are all involved to ensure that your wedding dream is brought to life.
“Not everyone gets to say, ‘I got married in The Granada Theater’,” said Lucatero. “Getting married in a historical theater in the heart of Santa Barbara is a luxury. It’s completely different from a traditional wedding venue.”
“The Granada is extraordinary,” enthused Jamie Salgado. “It’s very beautiful and very Santa Barbara.”
