A Fairytale Wedding at San Luis Obispo’s Best Garden Wedding Venue | Hartley Farms Wedding
Once upon a time in the charming hills of San Luis Obispo, a free-spirited couple named Spencer and Rachelle brought their whimsical garden wedding dreams to life at one of California’s most enchanting venues—Hartley Farms. As a SLO wedding photographer who specializes in romantic, fairytale-inspired weddings, I was overjoyed when they asked me to capture their day. And let me tell you, it was pure magic.
A Wedding Venue That Feels Like a Secret Garden
Tucked away in San Miguel, just north of Paso Robles, Hartley Farms is a lush, 37-acre private estate and botanical wedding venue designed for romance and celebration. Known for its old-growth oak trees, serene ponds, organic gardens, and vineyard views, it offers one of the most picturesque backdrops for weddings on the Central Coast. The venue is truly a hidden gem—offering privacy, rustic elegance, and a fairytale atmosphere all in one place.
Guests are treated to a journey as they move from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, all thoughtfully connected across the grounds. Whether you’re dreaming of a woodland ceremony, a garden reception, or golden hour portraits among the vines, Hartley Farms has it all.
A Joyful and Romantic Celebration Begins
Spencer and Rachelle’s love story is full of laughter, dance, and deep connection. Their personalities lit up every corner of Hartley Farms, and their wedding day was a beautiful reflection of their love. Rachelle, a performer and singer, radiates joy, and Spencer is the perfect match—thoughtful, supportive, and kind.
They were joined by a large, lively wedding party—bridesmaids in mauve gowns and groomsmen in navy suits—set against a backdrop of florals bursting with pink and purple peonies and delicate ranunculus. Every moment was steeped in warmth, love, and intentional beauty.
Whimsical Details and Picture-Perfect Flat Lays
One of my favorite parts of the day was styling and capturing Rachelle’s wedding day details. From custom invitations to vintage perfume bottles and heirloom jewelry, her flat lays were filled with character and charm. Whimsy really was the word of the day, and every element, from the paper cranes to the pastel tones, told the story of Spencer and Rachelle’s shared creativity and joy.
A Fairytale Ceremony Beneath the Oaks
The couple exchanged vows beneath one of Hartley Farms’ signature oak trees, in a beautifully built-in ceremony space surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant gardens. The ceremony site feels like a hidden forest glade, with natural shade and curated landscaping that adds both intimacy and grandeur. As they said “I do,” butterflies fluttered, and love truly filled the air.
A Reception to Remember: Gardens, Cranes, and Dancing
The reception space at Hartley Farms is one of the most beautiful outdoor garden venues in San Luis Obispo. Long wooden tables were set with blue crystal goblets and centerpieces brimming with pastel blooms. Twinkling market lights created a cozy glow overhead, and hundreds of delicate paper cranes hung behind the sweetheart table in honor of Rachelle’s Japanese heritage.
They cut into a fresh-baked pie instead of a traditional wedding cake, and guests were also treated to lavender donuts—a sweet and personal touch that perfectly fit the garden theme. As a surprise, Rachelle’s mom even coordinated a live performance and choreographed dance during toasts, bringing even more heartfelt joy to the celebration.
Dancing Beneath the Stars
As the sun dipped below the hills and stars began to shine, the dance floor came alive. Rachelle and Spencer’s first dance was filled with emotion and grace, and it quickly turned into an all-out celebration. The outdoor dance floor nestled beneath the canopy of trees created a magical space where everyone joined in, laughing and twirling beneath the lights.
From start to finish, their wedding was a testament to love, creativity, and the joy of bringing two vibrant souls together. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen to reflect who they are and the people they love. Hartley Farms, with its blend of rustic elegance and garden beauty, was the perfect venue to bring their fairytale wedding to life.
Why Hartley Farms Is One of the Best Garden Wedding Venues in California
- Private 37-acre estate in San Miguel, CA
- Lush botanical gardens and scenic oak groves
- Organic fruit trees and sprawling vineyards
- Built-in ceremony space and al fresco reception area
- Secluded, peaceful atmosphere with photo opportunities at every turn
If you’re dreaming of a romantic, garden-style wedding that feels like a fairytale come to life, Hartley Farms is a must-see venue on the Central Coast.
Happily Ever After
Spencer and Rachelle’s wedding was one of the most heartfelt, colorful, and joy-filled celebrations I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. Their love is radiant, their energy infectious, and their wedding day was nothing short of magical.
As the stars sparkled overhead and the last song played, they danced into the night surrounded by their people—and I can’t think of a more perfect ending to this chapter of their story.
