JeanieC Charcuterie | Featured at Santa Barbara Weddings' Whimsical Spring Showcase We had a wonderful experience hosting our grazing table display at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church for Santa Barbara Weddings' Whimsical Spring showcase. The event staff were incredibly helpful and attentive to our needs from start to finish. The kitchen facility exceeded our expectations--beautifully maintained, well-stocked, and spotlessly clean. Creating our Whimsical Spring forward grazing table in such a well-designed space was a true pleasure. If you're planning a wedding or social celebration, we highly recommend Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church. The venue, facilities, and warm, supportive team make it an ideal choice for your special event. read more

See all

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! read more

As a local Santa Barbara wedding DJ, Scott Topper Wedding 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. read more

Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Santa Barbara Wedding DJ Scott Topper - Churches Near Me - Goleta, California

What an amazing venue! Perfect location! It feels so welcoming and warm... Great design and layout! Amazing views of the mountains! Quiet location, yet close to town! Everyone is super cooperative and excellent communicators and go the extra mile! Really well priced - an amazing value! A++++ read more

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! read more

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. read more

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! read more

Sunday after Sunday we enjoy the excellent Sunday services at 10 AM and now, on the fourth Sunday of the month, we enjoy swing dancing free starting with a 30 minute lesson and dancing til 8:30 PM. read more

Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Hal Hill & Mary Ince - Churches Near Me - Goleta, California

We had a memorial service here for my mother in law and Melanie was incredibly kind, flexible, and accommodating the whole way through. The space itself is really beautiful and has a warm, welcoming vibe that we appreciated a lot. Would definitely suggest for any type of event! read more

My son and his fiancé were looking for a special place to have their wedding. They wanted a beautiful, country-like setting for a small, intimate wedding of about 100 guests. They found it at Live Oak U.U. Church. The sanctuary has a lovely, open feeling with white walls and high ceilings. For the meal, tables and chairs, which were provided, had been placed along the sides of the patio, which left enough room for dancing in the center. The community room was spacious enough for the caterer to set up, as well as space for a party photography area. It was a beautiful wedding. read more

I've been a full-time member of Live Oak UU Congregation_Goleta for 16 years, having discovered this community about 20 years ago. During my first four years of visiting while being here for the winter, it always felt like I was coming home, and that feeling has stayed with me all these years. Being part of this small, intimate congregation feels like being with family--a true and meaningful community. read more

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. read more

March 2017, my husband John and I exchanged our wedding vows on the lovely Live Oak Congregation grounds in Goleta, California. Surrounded by family and friends, we exchanged our wedding vows in the Sanctuary officiated by Rev Tamara, enjoyed music by John's adult children, a Mexican catered buffet by Jack's Bagels from Carpinteria and artistically created cupcakes designed by Samantha Eve. Live Oak offers a lovely cottage next to the Sanctuary for the bride to dress. Both indoor and outdoor areas are available for you and your guests to enjoy your special day. Nansie Douglas read more

I first attended Live Oak as a child when it was in Isla Vista, and continued to attend through its move to Goleta. It has always been a very warm, very genuine, very progressive and open minded bunch of people. As a youth, I went to Religious Education classes, which weren't your normal Sunday School classes, but rather a very unbiased overview of the many faiths of the world. No one told me what to believe, and no one told me what not to believe. It was a place where good people would come together for community. Some of my closest friendships (with adults and other kids) were developed here. I participated in pageants, choir, and numerous field trips. When I got into my teen years, I went through the coming of age ceremony where I chose an adult to be my mentor. Since I've been out of high school I haven't attended much, though every time I do I am overcome with a sense of love. There is no guilt about not attending, but rather joy and excitement that I've returned to visit. I figure I could have been raised in a conservative religious and political household, where I was told what to think and was scared into living a good life just to stay away from hell. Instead, I was taught that my opinions mattered, that I could still be a good person and live a meaningful life without having to accept or conform to a certain set of ideas, that all people should be treated equally regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or lifestyle. I am so thankful that places like this exist. Live Oak is truly an amazing place with a group of amazing people. read more

Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation - The new sanctuary. Debuted 12/21/08 - Churches Near Me - Goleta, California

See all

Unitarian-Universalist (UU for short) churches are different from most churches in that they do not give you answers, but encourage you to ask questions and then give you tools and a community to help you find your own answers. Live Oak is a vibrant, close community of art and friendly people. Once a month, Live Oak hosts the SongTree folk music concert series. I should note that this is MY church for the last 20 years. read more

See all

I felt right at home at Live Oak UU Congregation as soon as I started attending 25 years ago and was told by a choir member that they'd be working on Gershwin love songs for the Valentine's Day service. The members are welcoming, warm and thoughtful, and because we are all part of the interconnected web of life, we are working toward improving our community, the environment and the world as well as growing our own spirituality. We honor diversity and equality as we search for truth and meaning. Now I look forward to the Sunday 10 a.m. services on zoom to stay connected during the COVID-19 quarantine. The music and words and sharing are always inspiring. read more

See all

I have to give Live Oak 5 stars! The members are welcoming and friendly - our family felt comfortable immediately, and 23 years later, we're still here. When you attend a Sunday service at Live Oak, you'll hear a thought-provoking sermon from our minister, Rev. Tamara; the great music may calm your spirit, or it may move you to dance and clap. And there's always a time to meditate. I love that we are all learning and growing spiritually in community. Finally, we are involved in social justice activities throughout Santa Barbara; chance are you've seen our posters and t-shirts at a rally. Check out the U.U. 7 Principles (www.uua.org). Maybe they will resonate with you too. read more

This is a review of the venue as a concert space. I haven't attended a service here. The gamelan group in which I play, Gamelan Sinar Surya, recently gave a performance at Live Oak. The group was very welcoming and helped us set everything up. They even helped take tickets and sell some merchandise. Everyone was so nice to us! The venue itself is beautiful and well kept up. read more

The congregation is very open minded and friendly. There are no specific religious views and all concepts are welcomed. I immediately felt I was among friends. Everything is accepted and respected. There are many religious beliefs represented and all are welcome. Come find some friends. Your friend, John O. read more

Live oak is a special place! I found it 20 years ago when I was looking for a religious education for my 6 year old. She loved it, loved the high school youth group and I am still actively involved. The music, the sermons and the kind and friendly people keep me coming back. read more

Welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Respectful of the world's great religious traditions. Ralph Waldo Emerson's faith of choice. Some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Working hard for social justice. Even solar panels on the roof! What's not to like? Go check it out. read more

If you are looking for spiritual nourishment, I recommend Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation. You might not even know it's there. It's located on the mountain side of Cathedral Oaks at 820 North Fairview Avenue in Goleta. It's a great place to bring the kids, family and friends. As soon as you arrive at this place you are warmly greeted. You will immediately feel welcomed and comfortable. The atmosphere is casual. The live music is amazing, the food-for-thought is delicious and the service is excellent. I recommend treating yourself to this place. You will not be disappointed. read more