Garden wedding venues are definitely some of my favorite places to photograph being a light and airy and whimsical style photographer, who loves romantic wedding venues that feel like they could be in a fairytale. San Luis Obispo, nestled along California’s stunning central coast, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and lush plant life, making it the perfect destination for couples seeking an enchanting garden venue for their outdoor wedding.

It can be a little tricky to find garden venues here in San Luis Obispo in the land of vineyards and wineries, but we have some beautiful ones an experienced wedding photographer I have been lucky enough to discover. Garden venues are unique and often more affordable than larger venues which makes them a great option for couples planning a wedding in California.

Here, amidst the rolling hills and lovely landscapes, you’ll find wonderful venues that promise to turn your special day into a fairytale affair. If you’re that bride that wants her wedding to feel like a stepping into the secret garden, I am so here for it. I hope I can help you find the perfect garden venue for your dream wedding day!

Let’s delve deeper into each of these five romantic garden wedding venues:

1. Hartley Farms Is a Botanical Garden Wedding Venue

Hartley Farms is a hidden gem of a wedding venue tucked away in the serene landscapes of San Luis Obispo. With its sprawling greenery and huge oak trees, this wedding venue offers a truly idyllic setting for exchanging vows. Imagine walking down the aisle amidst towering oak trees, with the soft rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of wildflowers filling the air.

It has so many charming personal touches and they even make their own jam. Dance the night away beneath the open sky and walk through the botanical paths together at sunset, Hartley Farms promises a wedding experience that is both whimsical and unique. For more on this gorgeous outdoor garden venue click here.

2. The Secret Garden at the Madonna Inn: A Fairytale Wedding Venue

Step into a fairytale at the Madonna Inn Secret Garden, where every corner exudes charm and romance. The Madonna Inn is an iconic hotel and wedding venue with a long history of weddings going back to the 1950’s. This picturesque venue boasts a vibrant gardens, a beautiful pond, and a quaint gazebo arch perfect for intimate ceremonies. Whether you’re dreaming of a whimsical outdoor affair or a cozy indoor celebration, Madonna Inn offers endless possibilities for creating memories that will last a lifetime- but the secret garden is definitely my personal favorite as a light and airy style photographer.

From exchanging vows next to a sparkling pond to dancing the night away under the stars, your wedding day at Madonna Inn is sure to be nothing short of magical. With its unique history, lush gardens, and unparalleled hospitality, getting married at the Madonna Inn promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

3. The Dana Powers House and Barn: A Garden With Vintage Charm

For couples seeking privacy and intimacy, The Dana Powers House and Barn’s Secret Garden is the ultimate romantic hideaway. Nestled within the tranquil grounds of this historic estate, the Secret Garden offers a secluded oasis where love can blossom in serenity. Picture-perfect backdrops abound, from lush greenery and fragrant blooms to charming gazebos and tranquil ponds. It’s truly one of the top, Garden, wedding, venues, and all of San Luis Obispo especially for someone who loves vintage stuff like I do. If you’re a vintage lover, then you have found a beautiful venue for your wedding.

Whether you’re exchanging vows surrounded by family and friends or stealing a quiet moment together amidst the beauty of nature, the Secret Garden at The Dana Powers House and Barn provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding day. Guests can choose from two different gardens on which to have their wedding ceremony, and have their wedding reception either inside the vintage barn our outside on the expansive lawn.

4. Casitas Estate: A Spanish Style Garden Wedding Venue with Luxury and Elegance

The Casitas Estate in San Luis Obispo epitomizes timeless elegance and romance, making it the ideal garden wedding venue for couples who envision a classic wedding with a touch of luxury. Set amidst meticulously manicured gardens and sweeping lawns, this stunning estate offers a picturesque backdrop for your special day. Say “I do” beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees, dine al fresco under the stars, and dance the night away in a graceful ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers.

The venue boasts a beautiful hacienda style home and a sparkling pool around which the guests have cocktails, and multi-level gardens perfect for each part of your wedding day. With its timeless charm and breathtaking beauty, Casitas Estate sets the stage for a wedding that is as unforgettable as it is elegant.

For a full gallery of photos from this colorful wedding at The Casitas Estate and Gardens, click here.

5. Terra Mia Vineyards

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty Terra Mia Vineyards, a privately family owned wedding venue in Paso Robles that boasts a gorgeous garden and pond surrounded by white rises and willow trees. Couples get married next to the sparkling Coyle pond, with the sound of the breeze rustling through the willows, their guest comfortably sat upon prebuilt stadium, seating that overlooks the ceremony and creates an elegant and picturesque scene.

The reception is right across the pond next to a flowing waterfall, and in the evening, they can walk through the vineyards in the sunset. Terra Mia Vineyards is one of my favorite locations to shoot weddings on the entire Central Coast. Every time I do a wedding there I notice something more beautiful about it to appreciate. With little ducks paddling around, Coy fish swimming and my favorite kind of tree to pose couples in, what is there not to love. See more Terra Mia weddings in the links below:

Fall Boho Wedding at Terra Mia

Garden Wedding at Terra Mia

And I have one BONUS Venue for you! It’s a little further south in Camarillo, but it’s such a beautiful Garden Venue that I just had to list it.

MARAVILLA GARDENS: DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY UNDER AN OPEN GREEN HOUSE

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Camarillo, California, Maravilla Gardens enchants visitors with its serene beauty and rustic charm. The reception takes place under an open air greenhouse and guests sit under shaded canopies during the ceremony. As you step onto the grounds, you’re greeted by lush greenery and vibrant blooms that create a sense of tranquility. The garden’s meticulously manicured pathways wind through a variety of enchanting settings, from manicured lawns to intimate groves, offering an idyllic backdrop for weddings, events, or simply a leisurely stroll. Towering trees provide shade while delicate flowers perfume the air, and quaint wooden benches invite you to pause and soak in the natural splendor. Whether you’re exchanging vows under the canopy of a majestic oak or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Maravilla Gardens is a sanctuary of beauty and serenity in the heart of Camarillo.

These enchanting garden wedding venues in San Luis Obispo offer more than just a picturesque backdrop— they are the place where your family and friends will come together to celebrate your love, and be thrilled with how beautiful of a wedding you have created for them to enjoy. They will have your wedding guest talking about how unique and romantic your wedding was for years to come. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, let these romantic sanctuaries set the stage for memories that will last a lifetime.