The best wedding rehearsal dinner venues in SB
Finding a wedding venue is hard enough, let alone also finding a venue for a welcome party and rehearsal dinner! Lucky for you, I’ve been planning weddings in Santa Barbara since 2014 and have put in the research for you. Here are a few of my favorite places to host a rehearsal dinner in Santa Barbara
The Lark | If I could host every rehearsal dinner in The Lark’s back room, I would. This intimate, private, warm dining space is perfect for groups of 20-40 in the heart of the Funk Zone. This area is very popular and will stay alive into the evening. Bonus points for renting the attached Pearl Social for the welcome party drinks! The Lark is a quick walk from Hotel Californian and a brief drive from the Hilton, Santa Barbara Inn and many other Inns that guests may be staying at.
Stella Mare’s | Stella Mare’s has been a staple for many of my couples who get married in downtown Santa Barbara (i.e. the Hilton, Hotel Californian, Maritime Museum, etc.). This French restaurant has a variety of spaces to choose from with a top-notch menu to curate.
Deep Sea Tasting Room | Deep Sea is one of my all time favorite wineries in downtown Santa Barbara. Not only is the wine fantastic, but the views are immaculate. Treat your guests to a dinner on the water and cater in whatever you choose! I recommend a paella or oyster bar!
Arnoldi’s | Arnoldi’s Cafe is perhaps one of my favorite places to hold an affordable rehearsal dinner that can seat many guests. Depending on size, you may need to share the back patio with guests but you are guaranteed enough space for it to feel private with your own bar, appetizers and buffet stations. Arnoldi’s keeps it casual and lends itself to an Italian al fresco vibe.
The Landsby | Located in the bustling area of Solvang, The Landsby is a highly sought-after boutique hotel. Not only are the rooms stunning, but there are a few spaces that can be rented out for larger dinner parties including the courtyard in the middle. You may need a buyout of the rooms, but if you’re getting married at Sunstone Villa or Alisal Ranch, this would be a fun part of town to host your room block.
Finch & Fork | This well known eatery is connected to the lobby of the Canary Hotel and is very easy for guests to visit no matter where they are staying. If you are getting married at The Courthouse, The Canary Hotel or the Santa Barbara Club, this restaurant would be an easy walk away from your rehearsal.
Stonehouse | This popular restaurant at the San Ysidro Ranch would be such a treat for your wedding party! Of course, it would be incredibly close if you were to be rehearsing in San Ysidro or Montecito; however, it could be a fun adventure to transport your wedding party and family from places a little further like Rosewood Miramar or Downtown Santa Barbara
Jane | With two locations in different parts of town, Jane is a great spot to celebrate with your nearest and dearest after the rehearsal. For those rehearsing on upper State Street, such as at the Santa Barbara Courthouse or Villa and Vine, Jane is an easy walk down State Street.
