PLANNING A SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING? HERE’S A GUIDE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR WEDDING DAY.

As a top San Luis Obispo wedding photographer for the last 15 years and a local to the area, I know all there is to know about getting married in San Luis Obispo County. I have gathered up my insider knowledge you need to planning your event and I have put it all right here to help engaged couples plan the perfect California destination wedding. Whether you are a local getting married in Paso Robles wine country or you are looking to host a destination wedding in California, or you’re a Cal Poly grad coming back to celebrate your wedding in a place dear to your heart, I have made this insider’s wedding planning guide to help you get off to an amazing start.

Here you will find so much essential information about getting married on the California Central Coast. You’ll get the honest knowledge and insight from an experienced photographer’s perspective- and who better than to give you great advice about wedding planning then someone who has seen it all and photographed nearly every wedding venue on the Central Coast, not to mention knows most of the wedding vendors in the area.

This guide includes the inside scoop on San Luis Obispo wedding venues, wedding vendors, locations for your engagement session, what to do in San Luis Obispo for your wedding weekend, and so much more. I’m going to help you by walking you through the steps I would take if I was getting married on the Central Coast- what I would do if I was planning my own wedding- from finding a venue to booking my vendors, and much more. I will help you shop for a wedding dress, know where to stay, and even what to do for fun on your wedding weekend.

As a highly experienced wedding photographer if there is one thing I have learned- planning is key. The more planning and organization you do from the start of your engagement and wedding planning, the better things are going to turn out. No one likes to waste time or money and hopefully I can also help you avoid some of the missteps that couples often make.

Having someone on your team who knows the ins and outs of wedding days and has been to hundreds of weddings and knows the area- its invaluable. Needless to say couple’s who with me are working with a photographer with so much inside knowledge and experience- if you love what you find here, image how much support my couples get! But to help out those who haven’t booked me (yet!) I have created this insider’s wedding planning resource.

Here You Will Find Every Bit of Information You Need For Getting Married in SLO

In helpful sections you will find each topic of information that an engaged couple will want when they start planning their slo wedding. Click on the links to go to the full articles.

Reasons Why San Luis Obispo is the Best Destination For a California Wedding

Congratulations on getting engaged! You’re about to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life – planning your dream wedding. While many couples flock to popular destinations, there’s a hidden gem on the California Central Coast that’s stealing the hearts of those in the know – San Luis Obispo.

Nestled between rolling hills and just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Ocean, San Luis Obispo (or SLO, as the locals lovingly call it) offers a charming and laid-back atmosphere that sets the perfect stage for a magical celebration of love. Its a medium sized small city, home to the prestigious Cal Poly University, and dubbed the “happiest place to live in California” by Opra- and she is right.

It’s part of the “five cities” meaning the area that encompasses Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Nipomo. You will often here me talk about venues in these other towns as they are part of the Central Coast and only about 20 minutes away form SLO in either direction. In South Slo we also have Edna Valley, which is wine country that lies between Slo and Arroyo Grande.

Read my full article about why San Luis Obispo is the best place in California for your wedding right HERE.

HOW DO WE FIND THE PERFECT SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING VENUE?

Many of my couples struggle to finds the perfect wedding venue that works with their budget. Central Coast wedding venues are often family owned and many don’t do the best job advertising. I have been a photographer here in Paso Robles for over 15 years so I have been to hundreds of wedding venues and know all the best ones. I can help you find a sublime luxury venue for your high end wedding or an affordable wedding venue for your low key event.

Finding the right wedding venue starts with a few basic questions.

How many people are we going to invite to our Slo wedding? How much is our wedding budget? Do we want an outdoor or indoor wedding? Do we want a wedding in a vineyard, on a ranch, in a garden setting, in a town, or on the beach? What will our wedding style be? What time of year will we get married?

After you know the answers to these questions you can start on your search for the best wedding venue on the Central Coast to suit your wedding day plan. The CA central coast offers a wide variety of venues to suit all kinds of wedding styles and budgets.

I have created venue guides to the top wedding venues in San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas to help you find a perfect wedding venue once you know what type you are looking for.

THE INSIDERS GUIDE TO THE BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO AND CENTRAL COAST WEDDING VENUES

The Best Vineyard Wedding Venues in San Luis Obispo

The Best Garden Wedding Venues in San Luis Obispo

IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I BOOK MY WEDDING VENDORS?

Knowing what order to book your wedding vendors in is key. The first step is to write down your vendors in order of how important these things are to you. Start with your wedding venue (you can’t even book your other vendors until you know for sure when and where you are getting married) and then create a list in order of importance. For some couples a photographer will be super important, whole for others it may be the caterer and still others will want the focus to be on music. Start by figuring out what is most important for you because all couples are different in this respect.

That done, then look at how in demand the things that are important to you may be. Photographer’s and wedding planner’s can get booked out super early for prime wedding dates and they can only take one wedding per day. Other vendors will have a lot of availability because they are able to serve more than one wedding a day- like a florist for instance.

My personal recommendation just knowing how early different vendors get booked up, I would book my vendors in this order:

Wedding Venue

Wedding Planner (if you are having one)

Wedding Photographer (and videographer)

DJ + Live Music

Caterer, Cake and Desserts

Florist

Hair and Make-up

Rentals, Transportation, Photo booth, Security, Signage, etc.

HOW DO I FIND THE BEST WEDDING VENDORS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO AND HOW DO I KNOW IF THEY ARE SOMEONE I CAN TRUST?

Researching Wedding Vendors in San Luis Obispo

When it comes to planning your dream wedding in San Luis Obispo (SLO), finding the best vendors can make all the difference. With its stunning landscapes and welcoming community, SLO offers a plethora of options for couples seeking top-notch wedding services. However, navigating through the abundance of vendors can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect wedding vendors in SLO and ensure they are trustworthy.

Understanding the SLO Wedding Community

SLO boasts a vibrant wedding community renowned for its down-to-earth vibe and genuine care for couples. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, SLO retains its small-town charm, fostering an environment where vendors prioritize personal connections and quality service over extravagant displays. This community-driven approach sets SLO apart as an ideal destination for couples seeking authentic wedding experiences.

Navigating Through Different Vendor Price Ranges

How much do wedding vendors in San Luis Obispo cost? With the growing popularity of SLO as a wedding destination, the number of vendors has also increased. While this provides couples with a diverse range of choices, it can also pose challenges in identifying reputable vendors. Many SLO vendors rely on word-of-mouth referrals rather than extensive advertising, making them somewhat elusive to find for newcomers.

Having an amazing team is what is is ALL about- your day will be so much smoother and your planning experience so much better if every member of your team is on board. And this doesn’t mean you have to hire the most expensive vendors to have a great wedding team- there are wonderful vendors for both high and lower end budgets here in slo- that said you do tend to get what you pay for so being smart about who you invest in does matter.

Overcoming Challenges in Vendor Search

One common challenge couples encounter when searching for wedding vendors in SLO is the perceived slow pace of communication. Due to the relaxed atmosphere of the Central Coast, vendors may take longer than expected to respond to inquiries, leading to frustration for couples accustomed to faster response times. Additionally, the lack of advertising from some vendors adds to the difficulty of discovering hidden gems within the SLO wedding scene.

A rule of thumb for me is pay attention to how someone communicates. There are many vendors who have entered the wedding industry in the last few years as a side hustle- and while these vendors do mean well and some of them are great, a lot of them don’t really prioritize what they do the same way as they would a full time career and their couples pay the price.

Tips for Finding Trustworthy Vendors

Despite these challenges, several strategies can help couples find trustworthy vendors for their SLO wedding:

1. Tap into Local Networks: Reach out to recently married friends or acquaintances who tied the knot in SLO. They can provide valuable recommendations based on their firsthand experiences with vendors.
2. Utilize Online Platforms: Websites and social media platforms dedicated to wedding planning often feature reviews and testimonials from couples who have worked with SLO vendors. Reading through these reviews can provide insights into vendors’ professionalism and customer satisfaction. Sites like Wedding Wire and The Knot, the Venue Report, Style me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes, and other publications can be a great way to begin.
3. Ask for References: Don’t hesitate to check out reviews of your vendors, especially if you’re considering booking services for critical aspects of your wedding, such as catering or photography. Seeing testimonials from past clients can offer valuable insights into vendors’ reliability and performance. Many of my couples find me on The Knot due to my huge amount of great reviews, and that is always a great thing to look for in your vendors.
4. Hire a wedding planner and have them help you find great vendors that they love working with. You can also ask your venue for a list of preferred vendors, as well as your photographer. Because photographers are often one of the first vendors booked, and it matters so much to us how well your day goes since our photos hinge upon that, many of the best wedding photographers in SLO will have their own vendors lists for you to use.
5. Schedule Consultations: Once you’ve shortlisted potential vendors, schedule consultations to discuss your wedding vision, budget, and specific requirements. Pay attention to vendors’ responsiveness, communication style, and willingness to accommodate your needs during these meetings.

By leveraging these strategies and actively engaging with the SLO wedding community, couples can find trustworthy vendors who align with their vision and values, ensuring a memorable and seamless wedding experience in this picturesque Central Coast destination.

To help you even further, here is a list of some of the best wedding vendors I love working with in San Luis Obispo, divided up by category. If I am vouching for a vendor it means that I have worked with them, had a great experience in my ease of communicating with them, seen dedication from them in making my couples day amazing, and I believe in their whole hearted dedication to their craft or service.

LIST OF THE BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING VENDORS (THE INSIDERS GUIDE!)

BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING PLANNERS

Casey Nance: Blush and Twine Events

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. 

Sandcastle Celebrations

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.

Candice Renner

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

Muana Florist

Lori Boe

SAN LUIS OBISPO WEDDING DJS AND MUSICIANS

Dj Cali West

Kramer Events

WEDDING RENTALS IN SLO

All About Events

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 just filled to the brim with beautiful locations to take the engagement photos of your dreams. From beaches as far as the eye see to warm vineyards filled with summer light, to smooth sand dunes and magical forests that are the stuff of dreams- you can find literally any setting here on the Central Coast for your photo session.

Taking engagement photos is one of my absolute favorite things and I’ve searched far and wide for the best spots in San Luis Obispo to take these pictures- photos that will be with you the rest of your lives and also be an incredible experience during your wedding planning year for you to look back on together.

My couples are always surprised how much fun they have- even the ones that are camera shy. Partly because the Central Coast is just such a beautiful place and it’s easy to have a magical experience as the sun is setting over the Pacific Ocean or you’re drinking wine In a vineyard together. Think of your engagement session as a really fun date together where you just have a third wheel with a camera. I guarantee it’ll be one of the most fun experiences of your entire wedding year.

Many of my brides hit up the cute boutiques in downtown slo to shop for their engagement session wardrobe. They try and book their hair and make-up trial for the same day, or make an appt to get their hair styled and nails done at one of the many luxury salons we have here.

Below are some of my favorite sessions and bits of advice that I’ve gathered over the 15 years. I’ve been doing engagement photography here in San Luis Obispo.

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 beautiful wedding destinations in all of California and the decision to get married here as one, you will never regret. We have some of the most beautiful venues with the most gorgeous scenery, and all of California and in the entire country and our wedding industry is second to none. Many of our venues are family, owned and very down to earth and you’ll never go anywhere or you’ll meet so many wedding vendors who are deeply invested in making sure you have the most amazing day of your dreams. You can expect personalized service and to be treated like you are the only Wedding that is on their radar. The area isn’t overcrowded, and it is still definitely affordable in terms of keeping Wedding cost down.

Your family and friends will love spending their weekend in the vineyards and at the beach and there are so many places on the Central Coast for them to explore. Every time you come here you will fall in love with it a little bit more and I can guarantee that it will be an absolute highlight of your lives.

I would love to talk to you more about your wedding and am available for tips and guidance and of course incredible wedding photography. 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.