With sandy shores and stunning mountain ranges, Santa Barbara is a sight to be seen; it's no wonder it's become a popular wedding spot for destination couples and California locals alike.
From a microbrewery patio in the heart of downtown to a delicious, farm-to-table meal at a local vineyard, we've got a whole slew of venues that will impress even the most seasoned party host. It's the perfect way to round out your wedding weekend.
And hey, we know that hosting in California's top destinations doesn't always come cheap, which is why we promise to connect you with hot rehearsal dinner venues in Santa Barbara at the most affordable rates.
So what are you waiting for? Not only can we help you knock one more thing off your wedding planning to-do list, but we promise we can help you throw a rehearsal dinner that guests still reminisce about for years to come.
Your Santa Barbara Rehearsal dinner deserves better than ordinary. Here’s a snapshot of the extraordinary venues that we think would add a personal touch to be the perfect setting for your celebration:
Think tying the knot deserves an all-out party? A VIP club has all the lights, booze, and glamor you crave. Bring in live musicians or brush up on your own DJ skills and dance with your friends until the sun comes up.
Nothing beats watching the sun set over the valley. Head to a local vineyard to sip on fine wine and nibble on cheese and chocolates. It’s the most sophisticated way to spend the evening.
Searching for that Euro summer vibe? Full of striking stone architecture and string lights, a Spanish courtyard is the perfect place for an alfresco dinner at a long table under the stars.
An intimate affair doesn’t necessarily call for all the bells and whistles—just a beautiful, private space to break bread. The dining room of an estate venue or local restaurant does the trick. Here, you can let good food and good conversation be the focal point of this special night.
Dreaming of waves crashing on the coastline? A barefoot bonfire in the sand or a catered meal with panoramic ocean views might be the right fit for you and your crew. Unfussy or high-class, a beach house venue can go either way.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Exciting rehearsal dinner venues are easy to come by on the Giggster App. From private estates with breathtaking views to beach houses with onsite accommodations, we’ve got 21 stellar locations to choose from.
Hassle-Free Booking: Why should renting your dream venue be a big fuss? Not only does our app prioritize convenience throughout the booking process, but we also offer a range of celebration spaces that will fit any budget. Seriously, our prices start at just $50/hour!
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Booking with us is risk-free! As long as your rehearsal dinner is over 48 hours from when you seal the deal, you have up to 24 hours to change your mind.
Platform Protections: Disruptions, damage, and liability concerns can ruin the perfect day, even at a coastal gem like Fine Wine and Beer Bar in Downtown Santa Barbara. When it comes to weddings, you don’t want to mess around, so be sure you opt into our protection plans so our team of pros can swoop in.
With a prime location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara has a lot going for it. As a host, there are a few things you may want to know about the city (good and bad) to ensure your guests have a good time, including:
Advantages
At the heart of California’s wine region, you’ll have no trouble sourcing signature pours for your special event.
Santa Barbara is a foodie haven, so don’t be shy about seeking out culinary excellence for your dinner; we guarantee you’ll find it!
This coastal city is highly photogenic. If you want breathtaking scenery as the backdrop for your wedding events, you’ve found it.
Disadvantages
Public transportation is pretty limited, especially outside of downtown Santa Barbara, so you will need to rely on taxis and rideshares to get back to your accommodations after you celebrate if you don’t have a D.D. lined up.
Santa Barbara attracts a large number of tourists, which can result in increased traffic congestion, large crowds, and higher rates during peak seasons.
There’s not much in town in the way of hardcore nightlife if you’re in the mood for an after-party.
Venue shopping for the first time? It can be pretty intimidating. Luckily, we have rounded up all the best options, no matter what your tastes are. Here are some fan favorites with universal appeal:
Beachy Brews – A Casual Celebration. Laid-back couples love a brewery get-together. Gather your loved ones in a trendy tap room or hidden beer garden and celebrate your love over cold pints and pub fare.
Historic Churches – A Ceremonial Centerpiece. If you’re not afraid of a little drama, one of Santa Barbara’s Spanish revival chapels is your hidden gem. These venues photograph beautifully, with extremely unique indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from.
Valley Estates – A Backyard with a View. Santa Barbara offers mountain-view mansions like no other. Up above the city, these sprawling estates offer an elevated backyard experience. Just picture it: poolside cocktails, a meal prepared in an outdoor kitchen, and unmatched stargazing. Gorgeous!
Hippie Houses – Eclectic and Intimate. The bohemian wedding is a staple for a reason. If you want to carry that California spirit throughout the rest of your wedding events, a boho backyard is just the place. Woven textiles, cactus gardens, and cozy lounge areas are just the beginning.
Once you’ve found a great space to invite your family and friends back to, you’ll have a bit more work to do if you want to plan an event that meets the same standard as your wedding day. Here are some places you may want to channel your energy:
Don’t Neglect the “Rehearsal” Part of the Evening – That's why you're here, after all, and it will be necessary to ensure a smooth trip down the aisle.
Arrange Transportation, If Needed – Sometimes, it's easier to have a D.D. already in place when you have a whole group drinking. Look into a shuttle bus or other rideshare solution that may be cheaper than a dozen taxis.
Make Sure Your Meal Isn’t Too Similar to Your Wedding Dinner – Something couples sometimes forget when planning back-to-back events is that you don’t want to eat the same thing two days in a row, so maybe skip the chicken and opt for something a bit more fun. Do you love sushi? Korean BBQ? Maybe you want to add a personal touch and chow down on the same thing you ate on your first date. There’s no reason not to get creative and turn it into a memorable outing with your closest friends.
Style Yourself – This is your first chance to set the tone for your wedding, so pick out outfits that beat out your Sunday best. Even if you decide to keep things casual, you’ll want to feel your absolute best, so don’t wait until the last second and crash out over a closet crisis. Remember, this event will probably be heavily photographed (whether you have a photographer or just social media-obsessed friends), so be sure you and your partner aren’t overly matchy or clashing.
Bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and of course, the big day itself…wedding events can stack up, and let’s face it, it can get EXPENSIVE. Here are a few ways to cut back on costs without it coming across as a “budget” event.
Skip the open bar.
You simply don’t have to provide unlimited drinks at every wedding-related event. And, in the case of a rehearsal dinner the night before the main event, you don’t want to be encouraging nasty hangovers anyway. Limiting things to beer and wine is totally appropriate.
Change the time of day.
Who says it has to be dinner? A rehearsal brunch/lunch will also do the trick and will likely have a lower price tag.
Keep it intimate.
It can be tempting to start inviting partners, kids, and out-of-town wedding guests to the party so everyone feels included, but you have to draw the line somewhere. The more tables and plates you need to accommodate your group, the higher the final bill. People outside of immediate family and bridal parties rarely expect to be involved in the rehearsal, so stick with something on the smaller side.
Ready to plan a fun evening to unwind with your bridal party before the big day? You’re in for a real treat. From under-the-radar Santa Barbara vineyards to bohemian homesteads, the Giggster app has it all.
