san luis obispo wedding venues

As a wedding photographer here on the central coast I get to view and photograph so many gorgeous San Luis Obispo wedding venues. Throughout the last eight years I have compiled a mental data base of so many beautiful spots that have become my personal favorites. Typically, I just use this information for my own use, for the day when I receive a email inquiry from a bride and she has selected one of these fabulous locations, I do a little happy dance and start daydreaming of all of the possibilities for gorgeous wedding day photography. But recently I have started getting more and more questions from brides who would love a little insight and some honest recommendations, which I am always happy to do. Although, it did spark the idea that I’m sure there are plenty of brides out there who would love to get a wedding obsessed photographers perspective on which locations rank the highest and why. So here we go, my personal favorite San Luis Obispo wedding venues. I should mention I am very partial to barns + ranches… as you can tell by my top 5 picks. 😉

 

Holland Ranch

Holland Ranch is located at 2275 Carpenter Canyon Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401. You will find this hidden gem just outside of San Luis Obsipo. Holland Ranch boasts incredible mountain views, a beautiful ceremony lawn with wooden stage + arch and a rustic barn to party the night away. Also, bonus points for having a full size pond, horses roaming around the property and large open fields. There is a great apartment above the barn where the bride and her buddies can get ready. There is no place quite like Holland Ranch to hold your San Luis Obispo wedding. Also, the manager Jaime is seriously amazing! I love working with her and she is always on top of everything. She is available for day of coordinating which is important for a stress free day. For questions contact Jaime Strand at (805) 459-9222.

 

 

Flying Caballos Ranch

Flying Caballos Ranch is located at 1150 Farmhouse Lane San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The Flying Caballos Ranch is the most picturesque farmhouse you will find on the Central Coast and it also happens to be quickly becoming one of the most popular San Luis Obispo wedding venues. The original farmhouse was built in 1905 and in 1952 the guesthouse and studio were built. The property has been renovated completely, and turned it into a breathtaking vacation rental and special event venue. The Flying Caballos Ranch can be quickly identified by it’s beautiful yellow exterior and its comfy couch swing. The ranch is completely unique. There is no other place on the Central Coast that offers the wedding party a completely private setting where family and friends can not only have a ceremony and reception, but also includes several private overnight accommodations. For questions email – info@flyingcaballos.com or call (805) 704-9634.

 

Greengate Ranch & Vineyard

Greengate Ranch is located at 300 Green gate Rd. just outside of San Luis Obispo. Located in the heart of Edna Valley Wine Country on California’s Central Coast, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard is 140 acres of lush rolling hills of world acclaimed vineyards and grasslands. Once an authentic working horse ranch, our property features two incredible vacation rental homes, horse stables, a vintage barn, courtyard and multiple grand lawns offering an uncommon venue for recreation, retreat, and celebration. For inquiries contact Corinne Smith at (805) 459-5635

Santa Margarita Ranch

The Santa Margarita Ranch is one of my favorite San Luis Obsipo wedding venues because of it’s historic barn, beautiful setting along 15,000 acres of open pastures, vineyards and gardens. For questions call (805) 540-3214.

 

Spanish Oaks Ranch

Spanish Oaks Ranch is located at 19990 Via Spanish Oaks Santa Margarita, CA 93454. This is the only one of my venue selections that I have not yet photographed. So why you may ask is it on my favorite San Luis Obispo wedding venues list? Well, it is just an amazing venue. I couldn’t in good conscience not include it. It is an all around gorgeous property that offers a number of venues, from their outdoor patio overlooking the rolling hills,  heart shaped pond,  and an indoor reception area; they have different options for you to choose. Fingers crossed one day SOON I will get to photograph at the amazing Spanish Oaks Ranch.  Questions? Contact (805) 423-7685.

Dana Powers Barn + Dana Powers House

The Dana Powers Barn + Dana Powers House are located at 535 Mehlschau Road Nipomo, CA 93444. While I completely understand this venue is a bit further away from San Luis Obispo than others mentioned in this post I have to exercise my right as creator of this list to allow this venue to slip in anyways. As you have probably realized by now I am in LOVE with barns. Wait… let me say this one more time, I am in L-O-V-E with barns. So once you step foot on this property you will quickly realize something oh so special about it. Not only does it have one of the most incredible barn wedding venues here on the central coast but on the same property sits the Dana Powers House. An amazingly beautiful home that is nestled among a garden like no other. Plus if you are an antique lover like me entering into the home will magically transport you. So just to recap this gorgeous wedding venue has a barn, orchard and garden setting. Oh and the owner Judy has just started offering vintage rentals to help snazz up your ceremony or reception space. Questions? Contact Judy at (805) 929-3939.

 

The Casitas Estate

The posh Casitas Estate puts a luxurious polish on Early California design. The hilltop Bed & Breakfast encompasses 7 landscaped acres—a private wedding paradise. Tiled garden courtyards with trickling fountains and wisteria-decked trellises inspire outdoor celebrations. With so much abloom, little additional floral décor is needed—the lush panorama of the Arroyo Grande Valley and nearby vineyards is a dramatic, natural embellishment. Guest suites have picture windows, lavish interiors and fireplaces, inviting lazy mornings and late-night intimacies. This southern San Luis Obispo wedding venue is located at 2655 Lopez Drive Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. Contact Tony GoetzPhone: 805/710-1587

 

As I fall in love with new venues I will make sure to keep adding them to this list!

Contact Jen Rodriguez | www.jen-rodriguez.com | jen@jen-rodriguez.com | 805.598.1530