💍✨ If you’re looking for mason jars and seashell decor continue on your search for Santa Barbara wedding venues. If you’re looking to leave basic behind… say hello to The Penny in nearby San Luis Obispo – where coastal charm meets urban chic, and your Pinterest board dreams comes to life!

SLO vs. Santa Barbara Wedding Venues | The Showdown

Sure, Santa Barbara’s got its Spanish colonial charm, but SLO’s got urban cool & plenty of soul. Here’s why SLO (and The Penny) is giving Santa Barbara a run for its money…

  1. Fewer Crowds, More You: While Santa Barbara’s crawling with tourists, SLO offers a more intimate vibe for your big day.
  2. Budget-Friendly Bliss: Your wallet will thank you for choosing The Penny’s all-inclusive package over the pricey ala carte Santa Barbara ones.
  3. Vintage Meets Modern: The Penny’s historic brick walls and modern amenities offer the best of both worlds.
  4. Central Coast Convenience: SLO’s central location means easier access for your guests.
  5. Wine Country Wonder: Paso Robles wine country is just a hop and a skip away.

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The Penny | Your Wedding Wonderland

Now, let’s talk about why The Penny is the crown jewel of California wedding venues…

  • 2,200 sq ft of historic brick interior (hello, perfect photo backdrop!)
  • 1,600 sq ft private landscaped patio (starlit dancing, anyone?)
  • All-inclusive packages that’ll make planning a breeze
  • Downtown location for easy guest access to hotels and nightlife
  • A decor closet that would make Anna Wintour weep with joy (maybe lol)
Click for Eyecandy

AR5A8560 | all inclusive wedding packages

By the Numbers | The Penny vs. Santa Barbara Wedding Venues

Features

The Penny (SLO)

Average Santa Barbara Venue

Capacity

Up to 300 indoor/outdoor

Often limited to 150

Avg. Cost

$$

$$$$

Parking

Ample downtown options

Often limited or valet-only

Vendor Flexibility

Customizable packages

Often restricted

Unique Design Elements

Historic brick + modern chic

Mostly traditional Spanish style

Connect With Our Team

Downtoan San Luis Obispo Farmers Market

Our style? A little bit of everything. The Penny rolled with it, giving us the perfect mix of vintage and modern. It was so us!– Liam & Olivia

The Penny San Luis Obispo

Your Mini-Moon Road Trip | San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara

After your dream wedding event at The Penny, why not hit the road for a romantic mini-moon to Santa Barbara? It might not be your wedding destination, but it’s still lovely there! Here’s your 3-day itinerary…

Day 1: SLO to Pismo Beach (13 miles)

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Day 2: Pismo to Santa Ynez Valley (67 miles)

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Day 3: Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara (32 miles)

Total Distance: The Penny to Santa Barbara = 112 miles of coastal bliss!

More Things to Do on the Central Coast

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Santa Barbara Venues? Nice, But…

While Santa Barbara County venues like The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Canary Hotel, Carpinteria, Roblar Farm, San Ysidro Ranch, Whispering Rose Ranch, or Sunstone Winery are stunning, they often come with hefty price tags, limited design options, and strict vendor lists. The Penny offers similar coastal charm and elegance but with more flexibility and a modern look.

Book The Penny

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We had some wild ideas, and The Penny team was all in! They turned our Pinterest dreams into reality.– David & Rachel

10.28.23 Erin and Max9123

Most Common Types of SoCal Wedding Scenes

  • Barns/Country Wedding Venues
  • Winery/Vineyard Venues
  • Resort Retreats/Hotel Rooftops
  • Beaches/Coastline Elopements
  • Los Angeles Downtown Venues

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The Penny’s Wedding Style Quiz

What’s your vibe? Take our quick quiz to plan your perfect wedding…

  1. Your ideal venue backdrop is: a) Historic brick walls b) A blend of indoor and outdoor spaces c) Urban chic with a touch of nature d) Versatile spaces for multiple setups
  2. Your wedding priorities include: a) Flexible vendor options b) All-inclusive packages c) Downtown convenience d) Unique wedding photos
  3. Your guest list is: a) Intimate (50-100) b) Medium (100-150) c) Large (150-200) d) Perfectly tailored to your venue
  4. Your wedding budget is: a) Savvy saver b) Moderately indulgent c) Focused on value and quality d) Invested in creating memories
  5. Your ideal wedding location is: a) Central to Southern California b) A charming downtown setting c) Close to wineries and beaches d) A place with year-round perfect weather

Oop, turns out no matter how you answered, The Penny is your dream wedding vibe. 🔥 We offer all of the above plus some! 😉

Get Inspired

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SLO Down & Enjoy Your “I Do”


Imagine ✨

  • ☀️ 315 Annual days of sunshine (Santa Barbara who?)
  • 🏖️ 30 Minutes to beautiful beaches
  • 🍇 15 Minutes to world-class wineries
  • 🧺 1 Awesome downtown farmers’ market for local goodies
  • 🥾 10+ Nearby hiking trails for post-wedding adventures
  • 🕊️ 3,800 Square feet of wedding bliss at The Penny

It’s like finding a perfect avocado in the grocery store!

@em__sarah__ If you’re craving a quick day trip in California, I highly recommend San Luis Obispo! Or make it a weekend trip and check out some of my other videos about California’s central coast for more recommendations! #daytrip #california #weekendtrip #sanluisobispo #centralcoastca ♬ original sound – em__sarah__

Trending Now | Unique Ideas to Rock at The Penny

Who says weddings have to be cookie-cutter affairs? Check out these fun trends that our couples have been loving…

  1. Late-Night Snack Stations – Forget boring buffets! How about a midnight taco truck or a gourmet popcorn bar? Our spacious patio is perfect for food truck setups.
  2. Signature Cocktail Walls – Display your custom cocktails on a wall of shelves, complete with ingredient lists. Our brick walls make a killer backdrop!
  3. Living Plant Favors – Send guests home with succulents or herbs. They’re eco-friendly and fit perfectly with our garden patio vibe.
  4. Custom Neon Signs – Light up the night with a personalized neon sign. It’s Instagram gold and doubles as cool home decor after the big day.
  5. Interactive Guest Books – Think beyond the traditional. We’ve seen couples use everything from Polaroid photo walls to custom jigsaw puzzles.
  6. Vintage Game Stations – Set up old-school games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or even an old console. They’re great ice-breakers and perfect for our outdoor space.
  7. DIY Flower Crown Station – Let guests get creative with a make-your-own flower crown bar. It’s a hit for bohemian-themed weddings!
  8. Local Wine Tastings – Showcase SLO’s amazing wines with a tasting station. It’s a great way to give guests a taste of the Central Coast.

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Santa Barbara, Who?

So there you have it, lovebirds! While Santa Barbara might be the “American Riviera,” San Luis Obispo is the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. With The Penny as your venue, you’re not just getting a place to say “I do” – you’re getting a slice of Central Coast magic.

At The Penny, “happily ever after” isn’t just a fairy tale ending – it’s the beginning of your greatest adventure. Say “yes” to The Penny, and then cruise down to Santa Barbara for the mini-moon of your dreams! 💍🌴🥂

Say I Do in SLO