Recommendations
Gratitude Party
— An Eventective User
from Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation
The joy-filled site is quite private, offering a gorgeous and versatile variety of spaces for special events, uninterrupted by quotidian life.
The warmth of the Sanctuary transforms into an elegant dining area, concert venue or dance floor.
Melanie, Danny and staff work behind the scenes to ensure a seamless event and are a joy to work with. Together with the staff, the site is a hidden gem in Santa Barbara and Goleta. It is a superb place for important milestone events!
The Perfect Venue: Warm Hearts, Helpful Hands
— An Eventective User
from Los Angeles, California
We had an absolutely wonderful experience hosting our grazing table display at Live Oak Unitarian Church for Santa Barbara Weddings' Whimsical Spring showcase. From start to finish, the event staff were incredibly helpful and attentive to our needs.
The kitchen facility exceeded our expectations. It's beautifully maintained, well-stocked with everything we needed, and spotlessly clean.
We loved creating our Whimsical Spring forward grazing table in such a well-designed space, and it made our work a pleasure.
If you're planning a wedding or any social celebration, we highly recommend Live Oak Unitarian Church. The venue, the facilities, and especially the warm, supportive team make it an ideal choice for making your special event truly memorable.
Booked multiple times for band performances
— An Eventective User
from Santa Barbara, CA
Our musical group has had several concerts at Live Oak over the past ten years. We love the rooms and grounds - it’s a lovely and clean venue and we always find the people involved are welcoming and helpful. Every event has been enjoyable -a 5 star spot for any occasion!
Beautiful Venue
— An Eventective User
from Oxnard, CA
I recently had the pleasure of participating in a wedding showcase at Live Oak UU Congregation, and it was such a wonderful experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful—open, peaceful, and incredibly inviting. Even more special was the warmth of the community. Everyone I met was genuinely kind and welcoming, which made the whole event feel even more meaningful. It’s truly a lovely place that reflects care, connection, and joy.
Management Response
Your gorgeous spring floral arrangements elevated and contributed to the elegance of the event! Thank you!
Unique venue
— An Eventective User
from Ventura
I had the pleasure of attending an event recently here and it is such a unique space! It has several different areas that can be used and tailored to the type of event you are planning. The larger indoor area would work well for a reception, and even a wedding, although one of my absolute favorite parts of this venue is the gorgeous little zen garden, which would be my ideal spot for a ceremony. It's just a short walk down the hill and you're rewarded with a peaceful little oasis. Such a cool venue, had no idea it was there and hope to be able to be back to enjoy the venue again one day!
Management Response
We're so glad for your participation and enjoyment of our Outdoor Sanctuary and other spaces on our Live Oak UU campus! Thank you!
Beautiful Atmosphere
— An Eventective User
from Goleta
We recently hosted a showcase event for our sound baths at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation and had such a wonderful experience. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and genuinely easy to work with from start to finish.
The event space itself is absolutely beautiful and very versatile. It’s perfect for weddings, community events, retreats, and gatherings of all kinds. The property has stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and so many different rooms and spaces that can be used creatively for both large and intimate events.
We truly appreciated how supportive and accommodating the team was throughout the process. We would gladly host another event here and highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for a warm, scenic, and flexible space.
Management Response
Thank you, Erica, for your beautiful review and your extraordinary sound bath that centered our guests and relaxed them into full enjoyment of the Whimsical Spring Wedding Showcase at Live Oak UU Congregation - an event to remember!
Wedding Showcase
— An Eventective User
from Goleta, CA
Having attended a spectacular event at Live Oak UU Congregation in Goleta, I am struck by the charming appeal of this unique and historic site. A variety of vendors displayed their many talents, making for an evening of sheer magic, both inside the spacious sanctuary (The Lotus Boutique), Fellowship Hall (Artistry by adonna), and outside, with a wedding under the full moon. An evening to remember!
Management Response
Thank you, Jackie! We're so happy you participated. You're presence added to the magical feel of our Whimsical Springtime Wedding Showcase! Indeed, a lovely and memorable evening at Live Oak. So glad you enjoyed yourself.
A beautiful Springtime Showcase
— An Eventective User
from Thousand Oaks, CA
What a beautiful springtime showcase at Live Oak Goleta! From the moment I arrived, there was a warm, joyful energy that made the entire experience feel special. The venue was perfectly inviting with a fresh romantic feel, and full of possibility. So many talented vendors came together to create an inspiring and welcoming atmosphere for couples.
I had the pleasure of hosting a paint & sip demonstration, and it was a highlight to see guests relax, laugh, and connect through creativity. The entire event felt thoughtfully curated, with a true sense of community. It didn’t feel like just an event, but a celebration. If you’re looking for a venue that blends beauty, creativity, and heartfelt connection, this is a magical place to begin.
-Adonna, Artistrybyadonna
Management Response
What a beautiful review from a wonderful artist who elevated our Whimsical Springtime Wedding Showcase! We loved seeing the results of the painting experience you so expertly and warmly facilitated - guests carried their floral-painted canvases with pride! Your artistry and ease allowed the guests' creativity and confidence flow. Thank you so much, Adonna!
Best Santa Barbara Event Venue
— An Eventective User
from SANTA BARBARA
As a local Santa Barbara wedding DJ, Scott Topper DJ Productions absolutely loved working at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Goleta. The campus is gorgeous with a warm, welcoming aesthetic and beautiful indoor/outdoor spaces that are perfect for weddings and receptions. Every interaction with the staff was terrific — friendly, professional, and incredibly supportive — making this venue a true pleasure to work at and one we highly recommend.
Management Response
What a memorable wedding! Your professionalism, ease, and energy added to its Advent magic. Thank you for your kind words, and we look forward to working with you again!
Wedding Event
— An Eventective User
from Goleta, CA
We had our wedding at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The venue itself is beautiful; the indoor hall is spacious and elegant, while the outdoor area offers a serene, natural setting that made for a perfect ceremony backdrop.
The staff was exceptional throughout the process. They were organized, punctual, and always quick to respond with clear communication. On the day of the event, everything ran smoothly thanks to their attention to detail and calm coordination. Their patience, kindness, and genuine humility stood out; they went above and beyond to make sure we felt supported every step of the way.
We’re truly grateful for their professionalism and care. Live Oak is a gem of a venue in Goleta, and we couldn’t have asked for a better place or team to help make our day so special.
Management Response
Thank you, Dhruv, for your kind words! It was truly a gift and a pleasure to be witness to your wedding - seeing the love of your families coming together and the blending of your rich heritages. Thank you for chosing Live Oak!
Fundraising Success!
— An Eventective User
from Santa Barbara
What a gem of an event venue, I was so excited when I first came across the site, I knew it would be just perfect for our school Spring Fundraiser. The perfect mix of indoor/outdoor space, tables and chairs provided, bathrooms and trash on site! All the details that make planning an event just that much easier. The staff at LOUCC was super friendly and accommodating, flexible and helpful with questions and requests. The space was totally prepped for us when we arrived, clean and ready to go for our set up team. All our guests kept asking us what is this place and how did you find it! We were very lucky to have come across such a special place to host our very successful fundraiser!
Management Response
Thank you for your kind and generous words! We loved working with you and seeing your event come off so well. Your guests had a great time, and we admired your many activities and decorative flourishes.
SBCAA
— An Eventective User
from Goleta
We had two Autumn Moon Festival events at Live Oak Unitarian Univerisalist Congregation in Goleta. We rented the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall each time. The facilities are in great and very presentable condition. The personnel at Live Oak are very friendly and helpful to our event. We are very pleased to work with Live oak and will have more events there in the future.
Management Response
We can hardly wait for your next Autumn Moon Festival. Our community loves the delicious food, moon cakes, and great company. This year's concert was especially lovely!
A beautiful venue for any occation
— An Eventective User
from Baltimore MD
I got to visit Live Oak for a fundraising event and was amazed at the venue. There is functional space, both inside and outside. And the staff was amazing, helping with the suggestions when setting up our event. I highly recommend this space for any event, and plan on using this space myself for the next event I hold in CA.
Management Response
Thank you, KT4, for your kind words! We appreciate your positive review!
A beautiful venue for any occasion
— An Eventective User
from Santa Barbara, CA
I hosted a nonprofit fundraising event at Live Oak UU Congregation on May 4, 2024, and it was the perfect location for this event. We used both the patio and one of the halls, which allowed flexibility and were protected from the elements with unexpected weather. There was plenty of parking and the staff was more than helpful.
Management Response
We had such fun at your event, dear Janice! The spirit of kindness and generosity was so evident and heartfelt. Thank you for your positive review.
Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Goleta is an outstanding venue for a great party
— An Eventective User
from Goleta, CA
When I retired from teaching at Kellogg Elementary School, I wanted a location near the school where I could host a party to thank the students and families I had worked with for twenty years. It was a great place for a party. We used both the sanctuary and patio. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The place was so welcoming that at least one of the guests actually joined the congregation. It's an attractive welcoming space for events of all sorts.
Management Response
Thank you for remembering Live Oak! What a great crowd of admiring guests. So glad to be a part of that milestone celebration.
Outstanding Venue in Lovely Natural Setting!
— An Eventective User
from Goleta, California
For over seven years, my folk-dance group has had the pleasure of regularly using both the Indoor Sanctuary as well as the Fellowship Hall, at Live Oak Unitarian-Universalist Congregation. Located in a quiet, serene setting of Goleta, the inner and outdoor venue spaces have a “natural elegance” and are very well-maintained. The Indoor Sanctuary is spacious, aesthetically-decorated, accessible to fresh air and natural light, and has an excellent surface for dancing. Although smaller than the Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall is sizable, bright, well-ventilated and, also, has an excellent wooden floor that is exceptional for dancing. The outdoor patio spaces are well-positioned to allow for an easy flow of guests on the campus and to capture some of the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. The bathrooms are updated and clean, parking is abundant, and all indoor and outdoor spaces are handicapped-accessible.
What has been most significant during these past seven years of using the beautiful spaces at Live Oak Unitarian-Universalist Congregation, is my regular connections with the staff and some board members who oversee the facility. All who I have connected with have been very responsive to communications, tremendously positive and helpful in their interactions, and overall, a delight to work with!
Management Response
Thank you for your kind words and the details you include, Arlene. We're grateful that you find our space inviting and comfortable for your weekly dance sessions. We love having you on our campus.
Love this place!
— An Eventective User
from Santa Barbara
It's one of Santa Barbara's best kept secrets!
We provided DJ services for our first wedding there a few weeks ago, and loved the space. It's very versatile and provides privacy for any event. We can't wait to work there again!
Management Response
Thank you so much Bonnie! As a preferred vendor we love working with - Music with Bonnie - your review means a lot!
Low Stress Wedding at Live Oak UU
— An Eventective User
from Santa Barbara
Everyone at Live Oak made it easy for us to achieve the wedding setup we envisioned. From showing us photos of the space with others' decor, to sending us links with suggestions, coming to the venue to help us plan at times that worked for us, working with us to create a checklist and timeline, and showing up early/ staying late to clean up, we felt that the people at Live Oak really wanted to help us achieve the wedding that worked for us.
On the day of the wedding, it was nice to have the Cottage as a room to prep and primp, and I was able to see the arriving guests while staying unseen. We also stored flowers in the kitchen fridge, which helped keep them fresh.
Overall, we were consulted as to our wishes prior to the event, then during the actual wedding, things that needed to be done "behind the scenes" were taken care of, which left us able to focus on our guests and each other.
Management Response
Thank you so much. We loved working with you on your beautiful wedding!
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