Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's Wedding Extravaganza at El Encanto Hotel

SELENA GOMEZ AND BENNY BLANCO'S SECRET WEDDING EXPOSÉ: THE COUPLE TIES THE KNOT IN SANTA BARBARA

In a surprise move, pop sensation Selena Gomez and record producer Benny Blanco got hitched in an intimate ceremony in Santa Barbara over the weekend. The guest list was a who's who of A-listers, with Taylor Swift, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Paul Rudd, and Ed Sheeran in attendance. But what really caught our attention was the exclusive hotel where the couple chose to host their loved ones - El Encanto, a luxury resort that has been a hotbed of Hollywood glamour for nearly a century.

Tucked away in the picturesque hills of the American Rivera, El Encanto has been the go-to destination for celebrities seeking a tranquil retreat from the chaos of Tinseltown. Past guests include Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Hedy Lamarr - legends of the silver screen. More recently, modern stars like Gwen Stefani, Barbra Streisand, and Leonardo DiCaprio have flocked to the resort for its unparalleled luxury and seclusion.

But what's even more fascinating is that El Encanto has a new owner - none other than Justin Mateen, co-founder of Tinder. The tech mogul splashed out on the five-star resort over the summer, adding to its already storied history. And it seems he chose the perfect venue for his latest acquisition: hosting the wedding party of Gomez and Blanco.

For those lucky enough to stay at El Encanto, be prepared to part with a pretty penny - rooms start at $1,000 per night. But for the luxury-seeking A-list crowd, this is a small price to pay for the ultimate in pampering. Each bungalow or suite offers plush robes and slippers, plus round-the-clock room service to cater to your every whim.

But what really sets El Encanto apart is its staggering range of amenities. Take a dip in the saltwater infinity pool, indulge in some me-time at the spa, or sweat it out at the 24-hour gym and fitness studio complete with sauna. And when you're feeling peckish, feast on "fine coastal-California fare" or grab some casual lounge bites - all while taking in the breathtaking views of the Santa Barbara coastline.

Now, let's get to the juicy stuff: Gomez and Blanco's whirlwind romance has been making headlines for months. The couple first confirmed their relationship back in December 2023, but it wasn't until they announced their engagement in December 2024 that we realized just how serious things had gotten between them.

Their professional partnership stretches back nearly a decade - Blanco produced several of Gomez's biggest hits, including "Lose You to Love Me" and "Look at Her Now." But it was only when they collaborated on their joint album "I Said I Love You First" that sparks really began to fly. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and we can't help but wonder: what took them so long to tie the knot?

Gomez's past relationships have been well-documented - her highly publicized romance with Justin Bieber in 2011 was a tumultuous one, marked by allegations of emotional abuse. In a 2020 interview with NPR, Gomez described their relationship as "toxic," adding: "I'm not being disrespectful... I do feel I was a victim to certain [emotional] abuse." Talk about a wake-up call!

But it seems like Gomez has finally found her happily ever after with Blanco - and judging by the photos from their wedding weekend, they're living their best lives. With Taylor Swift serving as a bridesmaid and Paul Rudd in attendance, this was one party we wouldn't have missed for the world.

And let's be real: El Encanto is definitely worth splashing out on. After all, who needs the Caribbean or the Mediterranean when you can have the picturesque Santa Barbara coastline right on your doorstep? We're not saying it's worth $1,000 a night, but... actually, scratch that - it's totally worth it.

As we bid farewell to Selena and Benny's secret wedding, one thing is clear: these two are meant to be. And if you ever find yourself in Santa Barbara with a spare grand to burn, do yourself a favor and book a room at El Encanto. You never know who - or what - you might bump into.