Before you start envisioning beachside “I do’s” or vineyard vows, let me stop you right there. California wedding venues can be so much more and so much less basic.
If you’re snoozing over “barn wedding” dreams, get ready to make your Pinterest board weep with joy. The Penny in downtown San Luis Obispo is about to make your wedding the talk of the West Coast! (AKA the best coast) 🍸🪩💋
The Penny | Top Wedding Spots in California ✨
In the heart of downtown SLO, The Penny is serving up major wedding goals. Its over 2,200 sq ft of historic brick interior is practically begging to be the backdrop of your “just married” selfies, and the private 1,600 sq ft landscaped patio is perfect for those starlit first dances.
@yvonnegollphotography Part 8 of our wedding photographer approved venues series: #ThePennySLO 🪙 The Penny is located downtown SLO, making it ideal for couples looking for plenty to do before and after their wedding! #sloweddingvenue #slowedding #enjoyslo #weddingphotographer ♬ original sound – CLUB70
The Whole Package | Stress-Free “I Do’s”
Planning a wedding can be more dramatic than a Real Housewives finale. But at The Penny, we’re all about keeping it chill. Our all-inclusive event package is the cure to stress-planning before it starts. We offer…
- Decor for Days: Our decor closet is fit for any wedding aesthetic. From vintage welcome stations to Insta-worthy arches, we’ve got the goods to make your Pinterest dreams come true.
- Feast Mode: Full-service catering with one of our local partners that’s so good that your guests might forget they’re at a wedding. Plus, a dessert bar that’ll have everyone breaking their diets (sorry, not sorry).
- Sip, Sip, Hooray: Our sister company, Sidecar Cocktail Co, is bringing the party with exclusive bar services. From craft cocktails to wine, we’ve got your liquid courage covered.
- Dream Team: Our squad of coordinators, staff, and security make sure your day is nothing short of amazing.
- Tech-Savvy: WiFi and power hookups galore, because let’s be real, those wedding stories aren’t going to post themselves.
But Why California for Weddings?
California isn’t just a state; it’s a mood. From SoCal’s sun-kissed beaches to NorCal’s rolling vineyards and bustling cities in between, the Golden State serves up wedding backdrops that are basically made for the gram.
A Statistical Love Story for the Number Crunchers
- 238,513: Average number of weddings in California per year
- $39,000: Average cost of a wedding in California
- 131: Wedding venues per 100,000 residents in California
- 70% of California weddings that take place outdoors
- 15% of all U.S. weddings happen in California annually
- 284: Average number of guests at a California wedding
- 13.5 months: Average engagement length for California couples
- 82°F: Average high temperature in SLO during peak wedding season (June-August)
- 3.4% of California weddings are destination weddings
- $2,500: Average spent on flowers for a California wedding
- 45% of California couples hire a wedding planner
- 22% increase in weekday weddings in California since 2019
- 68% of California couples say venue is their top priority when planning
More Wedding Locations in California | Los Angeles to San Francisco
While we’re totally biased towards The Penny (can you blame us?!), here are a few other California event venues that are giving us heart eyes…
- The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach
- Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley
- Black Oak Mountain Vineyards, Cool
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
- Berkeley City Club, Berkeley
- Dove Canyon Courtyard, Trabuco Canyon
- Rocky Oaks Winery, Malibu
- Smoke Tree Ranch, Palm Springs Deserts
But let’s be real, why settle for anything less than The Penny? 😉
SLO Down and Enjoy the Perfect Weather
One of the best things about choosing The Penny for your big day? San Luis Obispo’s almost-too-good-to-be-true weather. Check out these average temps and you’ll see why SLO is a year-round wedding wonderland:
|
Month |
Avg. High (°F) |
Avg. Low (°F) |
Avg. Rainfall (inches) |
|
Jan |
65 |
42 |
4.5 |
|
Apr |
71 |
46 |
1.3 |
|
Jul |
79 |
54 |
0.0 |
|
Oct |
77 |
50 |
1.0 |
With temps like these, you can rock that strapless gown or dashing suit without breaking a sweat (or freezing your tulle off)!
Location Envy | California Wedding Venues Edition
The Penny isn’t just a pretty face – it’s got prime real estate too! SLO’s central location means your guests can turn your wedding into a full-on California adventure. Check out how close these awesome spots are:
|
City/Town |
Distance from SLO (miles) |
Approx. Drive Time |
|
Pismo Beach |
13 |
15 minutes |
|
Morro Bay |
15 |
20 minutes |
|
Paso Robles |
31 |
35 minutes |
|
Santa Barbara |
95 |
1 hour 30 minutes |
|
Big Sur |
104 |
2 hours |
Central Coast Magic | A Southern California Experience
Speaking of California dreaminess, have you checked out all the amazing things to do on the Central Coast? From wine tasting to beach hopping, your wedding weekend can turn into a full-on vacation or mini-moon!
The Penny’s All-Inclusive Package | Stress-Free Venues in SoCal
Let’s dive deeper with this quick recap of what makes The Penny’s all-inclusive package the stuff of wedding legends…
- With over 2,200 sq ft indoors and 1,600 sq ft outdoors, you’ve got rooms to dance like nobody’s watching (even though everyone totally is).
- Our full-service catering isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. From passed apps to buffet-style feasts, we’ve got your taste buds covered.
- Our dessert or donut bar is so good, it might upstage the wedding cake (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
- Full-service bar catering means the good times keep flowing all night long.
- Access to our extensive list of specialty rentals and decor means your wedding will be as unique as your love story.
- Our gorgeous bridal lounge isn’t just a place to primp – it’s your personal photoshoot studio.
- Our dedicated staff handles everything from setup to breakdown. You just focus on saying, “I do.”
- Abundant indoor plants bring the outside in, perfect for that organic, natural vibe.
- Our custom-built modern layout blends seamlessly with the historic brick interior.
- Optional floral packages mean you can have your dream blooms without the hassle.
What’s Your Wedding Style? Take the Quiz!
Alright, future newlyweds, it’s time to find out which of The Penny’s decor themes matches your personal aesthetic! Answer these questions, and we’ll reveal your perfect decor theme:
Your ideal date night is:
- a) A modern art gallery opening
- b) A serene hike in the redwoods
- c) Cozying up in a rustic cabin
- d) A pastel-themed tea party
Your go-to Instagram filter is:
- a) No filter, just clean and crisp
- b) Juno for that natural pop
- c) Gingham for warm, earthy tones
- d) Lark for soft, dreamy vibes
Your favorite season is:
- a) Winter, for its minimalist beauty
- b) Spring, when everything’s fresh and new
- c) Fall, with its rich colors
- d) Summer, for its soft, warm light
Your home decor style is:
- a) Sleek and contemporary
- b) Bringing the outdoors in
- c) Warm and inviting with natural textures
- d) Light and airy with soft colors
Your dream honeymoon destination is:
- a) A chic country like Tokyo or Stockholm
- b) An elegant eco-resort located in Costa Rica
- c) A cozy, hidden lodge in the mountains or on a lake
- d) A quaint bed and breakfast on a farm
Mostly A’s: Modern & Muted – You’re all about clean lines and understated elegance. The Penny’s modern decor options will be your jam!
Mostly B’s: Simply Evergreen – Nature is your love language. Our greenery-focused decor will make your heart skip a beat.
Mostly C’s: Earthy Brick Tones – You’re drawn to warmth and texture. The Penny’s historic brick interior is calling your name!
Mostly D’s: Pretty in Pastels – Soft colors and romantic vibes are your thing. Get ready to fall in love with our pastel decor options!
No matter your style, The Penny has the decor for you! That’s more than what other California wedding venues can offer… just saying!
Find Serenity in SoCal
So what are you waiting for? Let’s turn those Pinterest boards into reality and create a wedding day that’s as unique as your love story. The Penny is ready to be your something old (historic charm), something new (modern amenities), something borrowed (our amazing decor), and something blue (California skies, anyone?).
Don’t let your dream wedding venue slip away! Contact us today, and let’s start planning the celebration of a lifetime. After all, when it comes to California wedding venues, The Penny just makes cents! 😉💰💍
