
The Ultimate Weekend Wedding Itinerary in Downtown SLO
A wedding at The Penny isn’t just about one night — it’s about giving your guests an unforgettable weekend in San Luis Obispo. Imagine your favorite people strolling from boutique hotels to craft coffee shops, gathering for a chic rehearsal dinner, dancing the night away in downtown, and waking up the next morning for a catch-up stroll along the creek.
We’ve built this weekend wedding itinerary so you can picture how seamlessly your celebration flows when you host it downtown.
Friday | Arrival & Check Into Downtown SLO
Your guests arrive, bags in hand, ready to dive into your weekend wedding itinerary. The best part? They won’t need a car — all the best hotels are just a short walk from The Penny.
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SLO Brew Lofts – Just a 3-minute walk, with 5 lofts that can be booked together (housing up to 35 guests). Perfect for bridal parties or family groups, with modern design and dreamy creek views. Couples love it because the lofts feel like the ultimate downtown Airbnb — stylish, flexible, and a home base that keeps everyone together.
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Hotel Cerro – Only 3 minutes away, this boutique hotel opened in 2020 and blends contemporary Mission-style architecture with boutique luxury. Between the rooftop pool, the second-story kitchen garden (a stunning first-look spot), and the onsite rehearsal dinner space, it’s a hotel that doubles as a backdrop for wedding-weekend memories.
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Hotel SLO – A 6-minute walk and full of modern amenities, including three restaurants, a rooftop bar, a spa, and incredible views of downtown. Guests who book here get the ultimate “treat yourself” experience — spa time, rooftop cocktails, and all the perks of a chic boutique stay.
By Friday afternoon, your people are checked in, snapping photos from rooftop patios, and already soaking in the energy of downtown San Luis Obispo.


Welcome Party & Rehearsal Dinner
Once bags are dropped and everyone’s had time to explore downtown, it’s time to officially kick off the weekend. Whether you want cocktail-driven energy, a vibey dinner, or something totally iconic, San Luis Obispo delivers.
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Sidecar – Our sister bar and a local favorite, with a downstairs private dining room that’s perfect for intimate groups. The drinks are award-winning, the food is elevated, and the energy is effortlessly cool — ideal for couples who want a laid-back start to their weekend.
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Nate’s on Marsh – Just two minutes from The Penny, Nate’s is all about beautifully plated dishes, an elegant bar, and a stylish aesthetic. It’s the spot where guests dress up a little, toast with wine, and linger over dinner.
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Ox & Anchor – Located inside Hotel San Luis Obispo, this sleek steakhouse serves rich, classic flavors in a contemporary setting. It’s the go-to for couples who want a rehearsal dinner with substance and a little old-school polish.
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Feral Kitchen + Bar – Only a three-minute walk from the venue, this trendy restaurant offers a mezzanine level that feels private yet full of energy. It’s a great choice if you want a dinner that naturally flows into an after-party vibe.
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Madonna Inn – Just a five-minute drive, this kitschy, colorful landmark is one of California’s most famous spots. If you’re looking for playful, unforgettable rehearsal-dinner energy, there’s nowhere more iconic.
By the end of the night, your guests will already feel like they’ve stepped into something special — a wedding weekend that feels more like a city-wide celebration than a single event.



Sunday | Post-Wedding Brunch
The best way to wrap up a wedding weekend in San Luis Obispo? A brunch send-off that lets everyone relive the night before and say their goodbyes in style.
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Novo – Just a three-minute walk from The Penny, Novo’s creekside patio is iconic. Guests love the relaxed atmosphere, fresh menu, and the chance to enjoy SLO’s downtown charm one last time.
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Nate’s on Marsh – Bright and modern with a spritz bar and inspired brunch dishes. It’s a stylish yet laid-back spot to gather your favorite people before they head out of town.
By the time the last mimosa glass is cleared, your guests will leave with full hearts, happy stomachs, and the memory of a weekend that felt more like a vacation than just a wedding day.


Guest Activities
A weekend wedding itinerary in San Luis Obispo isn’t complete without giving guests a few options to explore between events. From wine country afternoons to beach escapes, there’s something for every vibe.
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Wine Tasting in Edna Valley – Just 15 minutes from downtown, vineyards like Biddle Ranch, Malene, Chamisal, and El Lugar offer coastal wines and scenic views. It’s a perfect group outing before or after the big day.
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Beaches – Avila and Shell Beach are both within a short drive. Guests can relax on the sand, walk the piers, or sneak in a golden-hour photo session.
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Hiking – Madonna Mountain is only a 5-minute walk from The Penny. The short hike pays off with sweeping views of the city and Central Coast landscape.
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Tin City in Paso Robles – About a 30-minute drive north, Tin City is a hub of wineries, breweries, and food artisans. It’s a one-stop spot for guests who want to make a day of tasting and exploring.
With so many options nearby, your wedding weekend will be raved about long after the last guest has gone home.
FAQs | Planning in Downtown
Take the Next Step
A wedding at The Penny isn’t just a day — it’s the centerpiece of a weekend your guests will never forget. From boutique hotels and downtown coffee runs to courtyard vows and after-party adventures, San Luis Obispo makes it effortless to turn your celebration into a complete getaway experience.
When you host at The Penny, you’re not just booking a venue. You’re giving your people the joy of a wedding woven into the heart of downtown — stylish, walkable, and filled with moments that feel unforgettable.
