Planning a San Luis Obispo Wedding? Your Complete Central Coast Guide
As a San Luis Obispo wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience—and a proud local—I’ve had the honor of photographing hundreds of weddings throughout SLO County. From Paso Robles vineyards to Pismo Beach ceremonies, I’ve seen nearly every venue and worked with the best vendors in the region. This insider’s guide is here to help you plan your dream wedding on California’s Central Coast with confidence.
Whether you’re a local couple, a Cal Poly grad returning to your roots, or planning a destination wedding in SLO, I’ve gathered all the knowledge you need to get started—from venues and vendors to weekend activities and planning tips.
What You’ll Find in This Guide:
- The best San Luis Obispo wedding venues
- Trusted local wedding vendors
- Ideal engagement session locations
- Where to stay, dine, and shop
- Things to do for your wedding weekend
- Timeline planning and pro tips
If I were planning my own wedding here, these are the exact steps I’d take—starting with finding a venue and building a team of vendors that align with your style, budget, and priorities.
Why San Luis Obispo Is a Dream Wedding Destination
SLO is nestled between rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean, offering the charm of a small town with the beauty of wine country and the ease of a coastal destination. Oprah once called it the “happiest place to live in California”—and it’s easy to see why.
San Luis Obispo is also part of the greater “Five Cities” region:
- Paso Robles – Known for vineyards, wine estates, and rustic ranch venues
- Pismo Beach – Coastal charm and oceanfront ceremonies
- Arroyo Grande – Quaint town vibes and lush gardens
- Nipomo – Rolling hills and scenic estates
- Edna Valley – Central Coast wine country, just minutes from downtown SLO
All of these destinations are within a 20–30 minute drive, giving you a wide variety of venue styles and settings to choose from.
[Read: Why San Luis Obispo Is the Best Place to Get Married in California ➝]
How to Find the Perfect Wedding Venue in San Luis Obispo
Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your planning process—and it’s often where the entire vision for your day begins. Many of the most beautiful Central Coast wedding venues are privately owned and may not appear in your initial Google search. That’s where I come in.
With over 15 years of experience photographing weddings at nearly every venue across SLO County, I can help you find everything from luxury vineyard estates to affordable, intimate venues that still deliver charm and character.
Ask These Questions First:
- How many guests are we inviting?
- What’s our wedding budget?
- Do we want an indoor or outdoor celebration?
- Are we drawn to vineyards, gardens, ranches, coastal locations, or downtown spaces?
- What’s our wedding style: rustic, elegant, modern, boho, romantic?
- What time of year are we getting married?
Once you’ve answered these, you can begin narrowing down your search. To make things easier, I’ve created a series of venue guides:
- [Best Vineyard Wedding Venues in San Luis Obispo ➝]
- [Best Garden Wedding Venues in San Luis Obispo ➝]
When to Book Your Wedding Vendors (and In What Order)
Booking vendors in the right order can save you major headaches. Some vendors book out over a year in advance, especially during peak seasons. Here’s the order I recommend:
- Wedding Venue (everything else depends on your date and location)
- Wedding Planner (if you’re hiring one)
- Wedding Photographer (and videographer)
- DJ or Live Band
- Caterer, Cake & Desserts
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup Artists
- Rentals, Transportation, Photo Booth, Signage, etc.
Decide what matters most to you—whether that’s photography, food, or entertainment—and prioritize booking those vendors first.
How to Find the Best Wedding Vendors in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is home to an amazing community of wedding professionals who truly care about their clients. But because many local vendors operate small businesses and don’t spend much on advertising, they can be hard to find at first.
Why Local Expertise Matters
SLO’s wedding community is rooted in personal connection and high-quality service. Vendors here tend to be passionate and deeply committed—but their slower-paced, relaxed approach can sometimes result in longer response times.
That’s why it’s important to work with full-time professionals who are reliable, communicative, and experienced in the wedding industry.
Tips to Find and Vet Great Vendors:
- Ask for personal referrals from local friends, family, or your photographer
- Use trusted platforms like The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Style Me Pretty for reviews
- Check vendor websites and Instagram for consistency and style
- Ask your venue or planner for their preferred vendor lists
- Schedule consultations to get a feel for their communication and personality
As a photographer, I often work closely with other vendors and can personally vouch for their professionalism, creativity, and reliability. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite San Luis Obispo wedding vendors—vendors I know and trust because I’ve worked with them many times.
Whether you’re looking for a top-tier florist or a great DJ who knows how to keep the dance floor packed, I’m happy to point you in the right direction.
Remember: You don’t need the most expensive vendors to have an amazing wedding—but the team you build matters. Hiring vendors who are aligned with your values and genuinely care about your day will make your entire experience smoother, more fun, and stress-free.
Want my full list of favorite vendors? Reach out and I’ll send it your way!
LIST OF THE BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING VENDORS (THE INSIDERS GUIDE!)
BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING PLANNERS
Blush & Twine is a full service company dedicated to wedding and event planning, event design, and day of coordination. Casey prides herself on my problem solving skills as well as my ability to go with the flow and roll with the punches in a high stress situation.
They believe every love story is unique. It’s their job to help you share that story by developing an extraordinary wedding experience. Their attention to detail and personal commitment to your special day ensures that your vision is executed flawlessly. They go above and beyond for our clients to guarantee they are completely engaged and worry free on their wedding day.
Heyday Weddings & Events is a planning and coordination company in Arroyo Grande, California. Owner Candice knows that each couple is different and customizes each service to match their personality, style, and overall nuptial vision. She will work closely with you to ensure you’re free to express your love story in a unique, meaningful, and authentic way.
BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO FLORISTS
SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING DJS AND MUSICIANS
Kramer Events
WEDDING RENTALS IN SLO
Avenue 12
To get my entire list of THE BEST wedding vendors in San Luis Obispo, simply shoot me an email right here and I will have that to you in a jiffy!
Planning Your Engagement Session in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is one of the most picturesque and diverse places in California to plan your engagement session. Whether you’re dreaming of windswept beaches, sun-drenched vineyards, rolling hills, golden sand dunes, or enchanting oak forests, the Central Coast has it all. It’s truly a photographer’s paradise—and an incredible place to create engagement photos that will feel timeless, romantic, and totally you.
As a San Luis Obispo engagement photographer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve explored the area from top to bottom to find the absolute best and most magical spots for your engagement session. Whether you want a cozy, laid-back vibe or an elegant, styled look, there’s a location here to suit every couple’s personality and vision.
Why Your Engagement Session Is So Important
Engagement photos aren’t just about documenting this special season—they’re also a chance to take a break from the busyness of wedding planning and enjoy a meaningful, joy-filled experience together. It’s one of the only moments where you’ll slow down, be present, and just have fun as a couple—while making memories you’ll treasure forever.
Some of my couples are nervous at first—especially if they’ve never been in front of a professional camera. But by the end of the session, nearly everyone tells me how fun and surprisingly relaxed it felt. Think of it like a really fun date with your favorite person… and me tagging along as your third wheel with a camera! 😉
Whether you’re popping champagne on a cliffside, strolling through the vineyards, or twirling barefoot on the beach at sunset, this session will be a highlight of your wedding year.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Session in SLO
A lot of brides love to make a day out of it—shopping for outfits at local boutiques in downtown SLO (like Ambiance, Blackwater, or H&G), scheduling their hair and makeup trial for the same day, or getting a fresh mani/pedi at one of the area’s luxury salons.
Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to play with different looks—romantic, boho, chic, classic, casual, or dreamy and whimsical. Bring 1–2 outfits that reflect your personal style and complement your chosen location. I’m happy to help you style your looks to make sure they photograph beautifully together.
My Top Locations for Engagement Sessions on the Central Coast
Here are a few of my go-to spots that never fail to deliver stunning results:
- Montaña de Oro State Park – dramatic cliffs, peaceful beaches, and golden light
- Los Osos Oaks Reserve – a fairytale forest with ancient oaks and twisted tree limbs
- Edna Valley vineyards – golden hour among the vines with wine country charm
- Pismo Beach dunes – soft, sweeping dunes that look like something out of a dream
- Downtown San Luis Obispo – urban charm with murals, coffee shops, and history
- Avila Beach + Bluff Trails – ocean views, palm trees, and golden cliffs
Every location offers a different look and vibe, and we can even plan a two-location shoot if you want a mix of settings (like vineyard + beach or forest + urban).
Tips to Make the Most of Your Engagement Session
- Schedule it for sunset or sunrise for the dreamiest light
- Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable
- Bring props that mean something to you (like a bottle of champagne, a guitar, or a cozy blanket)
- Consider doing your session around a meaningful date (anniversary, proposal spot, etc.)
Bonus Perk: Practice for Your Wedding Day Photos
Your engagement session also gives us a chance to build a connection so that on your wedding day, being in front of the camera feels totally natural. I’ll guide you through posing and movement so you feel relaxed and confident. Most couples say this session made them way more excited about their wedding day photos!
Planning an engagement session in San Luis Obispo? I’d love to help you find the perfect location, outfits, and vibe to tell your story. Let’s plan a session that’s beautiful, personal, and totally YOU.
Ready to book your SLO engagement session? Reach out today and I’ll send you my free engagement session guide packed with tips, inspiration, and local favorites.
THE 5 BEST ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
HOW TO HAVE THE CUTEST ENGAGEMENT SESSION EVER
ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT FLYING CABALLOS RANCH
HERE IS WHY MONTANA DE ORO STATE PARK IS THE BEST SPOT FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
This Engagement Session Will Set Your Heart On Fire
MORE ADVICE AND TIPS FOR COUPLES PLANNING THEIR SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING
HOW TO GET LEGALLY MARRIED IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
SEVEN EXPERT TIPS TO GET YOUR GUESTS TO RSVP
PROS AND CONS ABOUT WEDDING DAY “FIRST LOOKS”
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHOOSING YOUR PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Get My Extended Wedding Planning Guide
San Luis Obispo is one of the most stunning and sought-after wedding destinations in all of California. If you’re planning a wedding here, you’ve made an incredible choice—one that you and your guests will never forget.
From rolling vineyards to scenic beaches, and charming historic towns to luxurious estates, SLO County offers a truly magical setting for your wedding day. Not only are the venues here breathtaking, but the Central Coast wedding community is one of the most welcoming and service-oriented you’ll find anywhere in the state.
Many venues are family-owned and offer a warm, down-to-earth experience—you’ll feel like the only couple on their calendar. The wedding vendors here take deep pride in their work and go above and beyond to make sure every detail of your day is as perfect as it can be.
Compared to larger cities, San Luis Obispo weddings are often more affordable without sacrificing quality. From full wedding weekends in wine country to intimate coastal ceremonies, there are incredible options here for every budget and style.
Your family and friends will fall in love with the area—whether they’re sipping wine in Paso Robles, enjoying a beach day in Pismo, hiking scenic trails, or exploring charming downtowns. Every visit to the Central Coast is memorable, and your wedding will be a highlight in the lives of everyone who attends.
Let’s Make Your Dream Day a Reality
I’ve created an extended San Luis Obispo Wedding Planning Guide to help you navigate everything from venues and timelines to vendor selection and engagement session ideas. It’s full of expert tips, local insights, and everything I’ve learned over the last 15+ years photographing weddings across SLO County.
And if you’re still looking for a wedding photographer who knows the area inside and out, I’d love to chat. I’m here to help guide you through the planning process and, of course, to create stunning, timeless images of your big day.
Need advice or want to book your wedding photography? Reach out and let’s start planning something beautiful together. Feel free to reach out to me right here and I can give you my full guide to all the best wedding vendors on the coast, and so much more.
