SAN LUIS OBISPO IS KNOWN FOR IT’S BEAUTIFUL VINEYARD WEDDING VENUES

I’m lucky enough to be a wedding photographer in San Luis Obispo, a thriving city with a small town feel nestled along California’s Central Coast. Named the “happiest town in America” by Oprah, couples come from all over the United States to host their weddings here. Many of my couple’s are Cal Poly grads who know first hand that SLO offers a dreamy backdrop for couples seeking a picturesque vineyard wedding- many of them return to say “I do” long after having graduated and moved away. From rustic vineyards to scenic ranches, we have it all- it’s easy getting amazing wedding pictures when you live in a a place like this.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that combines the rustic charm of a vineyard with the laid-back elegance of California’s Central Coast, with more affordable wedding venues that Napa, then look no further than San Luis Obispo. This hidden gem offers a plethora of vineyard wedding venues that promise to turn your special day into a celebration of love, surrounded by rolling hills and the sweet scent of grapevines.

I was lucky enough to start my wedding photography career in SLO over 15 years ago and I couldn’t image having done it anywhere else. My backyard of rolling hills is an outdoor studio with endless potential for breathtaking images of weddings and engagements. I have shot at almost every wedding venue in San Luis Obispo at this point, and I think it’s about time I put together a guide to some of my favorite Central Coast wedding venues. Wether you’re a local getting married or your looking to have a destination wedding in California, you can’t fund better wedding venues anywhere else. 

WHERE IS SAN LUIS OBISPO AND WHAT IS “THE FIVE CITIES?”

The Central Coast is a region of California that encompasses the “five cities” of San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Nipomo, Morro Bay, and Arroyo Grande. It’s a pretty big area so we divide it into North County (Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, and Creston) and South County (San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Avila Beach and Pismo) plus a couple outlier beach towns such as Morro Bay and Pismo Beach which are kinda in the middle. You’ll also hear San Luis Obispo commonly referred to as “SLO” by locals.

The Edna Valley wine country region is south of SLO between SLO and Arroyo Grande, and it’s a heaven for engaged couple’s and wine tasters. For the sake of this article we are going to focus on wedding venues that are near to San Luis Obispo and Edna Valley. I’ll be doing another article to talk about Paso Robles, which is what locals will refer to as “North County.”

SIP SIP AND SAY “I DO”- HERE ARE FIVE OF MY FAVORITE VINEYARD VENUES IN SAN LUIS OBISPO

Here are the five of the best wedding venues in San Luis Obispo that promise an unforgettable celebration and wedding photos to dream about. 

OYSTER RIDGE WINERY AND ANCIENT PEAKS VINEYARD

Oyster Ridge Winery: San Luis Obispo Wedding Venue With Huge Old Oaks and Amazing Wine

Oyster Ridge Winery is ideal for couples having a large wedding who want to have an epic dance party and incredible panoramic views. Perched atop the Santa Lucia Mountains, Oyster Ridge combines breathtaking scenery with barn and vineyard setting. Say your vows surrounded by rolling hills and oak-studded landscapes, creating a romantic atmosphere that will linger in your memories. The venue’s rustic charm and natural beauty make it a top choice for couples seeking a secluded yet elegant wedding experience.

Oyster ridge offers a ceremony site that is second to none- say your vows under the shade of giant oaks and overlooking vines as far as your eyes can see. Eat dinner on their cobbled terrace and dance the night away in their huge modern barn that even has a built in bar.  Their barn even has heat inside and there are built in bathrooms- no need to worry about renting them. Oyster Ridge is a rustic wedding venue but offers all of the modern amenities, making it perfect for a wedding of any style. It’s a clean pallette waiting to be transformed to fit your wedding goals.

The best part of Oyster Ridge in my book is the sunsets. Couples get a ride on one of their jeeps and are taken up through the hills and vines for breathtaking golden hour sunset photos. To see a gorgeous summer wedding I photographed at Oyster Ridge click here.

GREENGATE RANCH AND VINEYARD

Green Gate Ranch: San Luis Obispo’s Luxury Wedding Venue

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of San Luis Obispo just outside of town and just at the edge of Edna Valley, Greengate Ranch stands as a beacon of romance and charm, offering couples a dreamy and idyllic setting for their special day. This enchanting venue is a testament to nature’s beauty, combining rustic elegance with modern amenities. It’s best feature is it has four incredible vacation homes that can be rented out and host your entire family over your wedding weekend.

For a blend of country charm and luxury, Greengate Ranch stands out among San Luis Obispo’s premier wedding venues. This expansive ranch offers multiple ceremony and reception locations, allowing couples to customize their celebration and can handle a wedding of pretty much any size and scale. With its sprawling vineyards, majestic oak trees, and modern amenities, Greengate Ranch creates a perfect canvas for a rustic yet refined wedding affair.

If you are searching for a romantic and enchanting vineyard wedding venue in San Luis Obispo, Greengate Ranch stands out as a gem. With its breathtaking views, versatile spaces, and commitment to excellence, this venue offers the perfect spot for love to bloom in the heart of California’s wine country. Choosing Greengate Ranch is the beginning of a journey to create a timeless and magical wedding experience.

To read more about and see photos from a gorgous wedding at Greengate Ranch and Vineyard, follow this link.

MARFARM RANCH AND VINEYARD

Marfarm is a Unique Wedding Venue That Feels Like Home

MarFarm (short for Marshall Farm) is a wedding venue that has so much to offer for every couple, from small wedding to large. Located just a short drive from San Luis Obispo, MarFarm boasts an idyllic location that captures the essence of California’s Central Coast. The venue sits atop a hillside surrounded with sprawling vineyards, lush gardens, and panoramic views of San Luis Obispo.

This venue is a hidden gem for couples seeking a unique wedding experience- nestled in the rolling hills and surrounded by vineyards, MarFarm is a captivating wedding venue that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance. MarFarm is a dream wedding destination wedding venue and air-b-and-b, available for vacation stays, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and more.

For couples who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, MarFarm provides incredible outdoor spaces for both ceremonies and receptions. The meticulously landscaped gardens and vineyards offer an enchanting backdrop for exchanging vows, while the expansive lawn provides a romantic setting for open-air receptions under the stars.

The venue’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings ensures that couples and their guests can revel in the breathtaking scenery throughout the celebration. I love that guests can sit around a fire pit and play bocce ball, kids can run across the lawns and play on the rope swing. It really has a family friendly feel.

To read more about Marfarm and see a beautiful wedding there, click here.

FLYING CABALLOS VINEYARD

A wedding venue nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Flying Caballos Ranch stands as a testament to timeless charm and family legacy. This enchanting wedding venue, owned by a local family who are the sweetest folks, offers couples a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, making it the ideal backdrop for a dream ranch and vineyard wedding.

Spread across a sprawling property, Flying Caballos Ranch captures the essence of Edna Valley with its scenic views and picturesque landscapes. One of the venue’s standout features is the newly constructed barn, adorned with inviting glass doors that seamlessly marry traditional charm with contemporary style.

What sets Flying Caballos Ranch apart are the perks that come with hosting your special day at this one-of-a-kind venue. The expansive property provides a canvas for couples to personalize their celebration, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. The versatility of the venue allows couples to curate an experience that perfectly aligns with their vision.

The surrounding hills and meadows, coupled with the newly constructed barn, create a dynamic backdrop for unforgettable moments and stunning photographs. Imagine exchanging vows beneath the open sky or dancing the night away in the rustic-chic barn with its modern touches.

Additionally, Flying Caballos Ranch offers the convenience of on-site accommodations, allowing the wedding party and guests to revel in the festivities without the need for travel. This thoughtful perk enhances the overall experience, fostering a sense of togetherness and making every moment of the celebration truly special.

Whether you envision a grand affair or an intimate gathering, Flying Caballos Ranch provides the canvas for your dream wedding. The warmth of family ownership, coupled with the venue’s unique features, ensures that your special day is not only memorable but also reflects the love and commitment that brought you to this enchanting San Luis Obispo haven. Check out Flying Caballos Ranch and let your love story unfold against the backdrop of timeless rustic charm.

SLO BREW ROCK

SLO Brew Rock: Elevating Wedding Celebrations in San Luis Obispo

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque San Luis Obispo, SLO Brew Rock stands as a testament to the perfect fusion of modern charm and laid-back California vibes. Beyond its reputation as a craft brewery and entertainment hub, SLO Brew Rock has emerged as a sought-after wedding venue, offering couples a unique and dynamic space to say “I do.”

Situated amid the rolling hills and bathed in the warm Californian sun, SLO Brew Rock provides an unforgettable backdrop for couples seeking a distinctive wedding experience. The venue seamlessly blends an industrial aesthetic with an inviting atmosphere, making it a canvas for couples to paint their love stories in vibrant hues. It’s not exactly in a vineyard, but it’s across the street from vines for miles and it’s easy to skip over for those vineyard sunset photos.

The courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and bathed in natural light, serves as an idyllic setting for wedding ceremonies. One of the standout features of SLO Brew Rock is its versatility. The venue’s dynamic spaces effortlessly transition from ceremony to reception, offering a seamless flow for the celebration. Communal tables, adorned with rustic decor and vintage accents, create an inviting space for guests to gather and celebrate love in a relaxed, communal atmosphere.

For couples seeking a bohemian touch, SLO Brew Rock’s industrial chic backdrop serves as the perfect canvas for creative expression. The venue’s open spaces allow for personalized decor and styling, providing a unique opportunity for couples to infuse their personality into every detail.

The brewery’s commitment to culinary excellence extends to its wedding offerings, ensuring that the celebration is not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds. From farm-to-table delights to craft beer pairings, the culinary experience at SLO Brew Rock elevates the wedding celebration to a gastronomic journey.

As the sun sets over the hills, SLO Brew Rock transforms into a magical space illuminated by dance party lights and music. The expansive dance floor becomes the stage for joyous celebrations, with the couple and their loved ones dancing the night away in one of the coolest wedding reception spaces in SLO.

To see more weddings photos from the modern and chic SLO Brew Rock, here is a gorgeous bohemian fall wedding to feast your eyes upon.

Bella Terra Vineyards

SAN LUIS OBISPO IS THE ULTIMATE SPOT FOR YOUR PERFECT VINEYARD WEDDING DAY

In conclusion, San Luis Obispo offers a diverse array of wedding venues, each with its unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic allure of a ranch, the panoramic views from a mountaintop, or the urban energy of a brewery, these venues promise to make your special day truly unforgettable. Choose the one that resonates with your vision, and from there you can find the perfect photographer to capture your day. 

If you are drawn to the bright and natural colors and really want to capture the gorgeous scenery of the central coast and your wedding venue, I’m your gal!