San Luis Obispo is a picturesque city nestled on the central coast of California, known for its charming downtown area, beautiful beaches, and rolling hills. It’s no surprise that this idyllic location has become a popular destination for couples seeking the perfect wedding venue. Whether you’re looking for a venue with breathtaking ocean views, a rustic barn setting, or a grand ballroom, San Luis Obispo has something for everyone. As local wedding photographers, who have documented weddings at hundreds of locations over the years, we have put together a list of what we believe to be the Top 5 wedding venues in San Luis Obispo County.
All of these San Luis Obispo wedding venues are sure to make your special day unforgettable. From intimate outdoor ceremonies to grand receptions, these venues offer everything you need to create the perfect celebration. So if you’re dreaming of a wedding on the Central Coast, be sure to check out these top five venues:
1) Greengate Ranch & Vineyard Wedding Venue
Greengate Ranch & Vineyard is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue that truly has it all. The property is located on a beautiful piece of land in San Luis Obispo, surrounded by lush vineyards and stunning mountain views. When you choose this venue, you’ll have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to hold your ceremony and reception.
One of the standout features of Greengate Ranch & Vineyard is the picturesque barn that’s perfect for a full bar and dance floor. The barn is impeccably maintained and has a rustic charm that adds to the ambiance of the event. For indoor receptions, there’s a spacious all-white room that’s flooded with natural light. It’s a beautiful and elegant space that can be dressed up or down depending on your style and preferences.
In addition to the ceremony and reception spaces, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard also offers on-site accommodations for up to 26 guests. There are multiple charming farmhouses and cottages available for your guests to stay in, making it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Overall, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard is a unique and gorgeous venue that’s sure to impress. With its breathtaking views, variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, and on-site accommodations, it has everything you need to host a dream wedding. You can see why it made the number one spot on our list of Top 5 San Luis Obispo Wedding Venues.
View Chris & Ali’s wedding at Greengate Ranch & Vineyard by Ashley Rae Studio. This wedding was documented in the fall (October to be specific), so the vineyards at this time showcased lush autumn colors, and the weather was absolute perfection, allowing for an al fresco reception dinner on the lawn next to the barn where guests found themselves dancing the night away!
2) La Lomita Ranch Wedding Venue
La Lomita Ranch is a picturesque wedding venue located in the heart of San Luis Obispo, California. The ranch sits on a sprawling property, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, providing a stunning backdrop for your special day.
One of the highlights of the venue is the outdoor ceremony site, featuring a beautiful tile walkway leading up to a charming fountain. Palm trees provide a lush, tropical touch, creating a sense of romance and tranquility. This property can accommodate up to 400 guests, making it a perfect choice for larger weddings.
In addition to the ceremony site, La Lomita Ranch also offers overnight accommodations for up to 24 people, allowing you and your closest family and friends to stay on the property during your wedding celebration. The ranch also features a large pavilion that can be enclosed or opened up to include a spacious outdoor terrace with breathtaking views of the San Luis Obispo mountains.
Whether you envision a grand outdoor wedding or a more intimate indoor celebration, La Lomita Ranch has something to offer. The venue’s Spanish-style architecture, combined with its picturesque surroundings, make it a one-of-a-kind setting for your special day. With its ample space, stunning views, and flexible event options, La Lomita Ranch is sure to provide a memorable and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
The venue’s diverse spaces and elegant decor make it a perfect choice for any style of wedding. With its stunning outdoor views, spacious indoor options, and luxurious amenities, La Lomita Ranch is sure to provide a beautiful and memorable experience for you and your guests.
View Colby & Amanda’s Wedding at La Lomita Ranch by Ashley Rae Studio. This wedding was documented in the fall (September to be specific), so the weather was incredible (mid 70’s), and the dried rolling hills created the perfect golden backdrop for the bride and groom’s sunset portraits!
3) Villa Loriana Wedding Venue
Located in San Luis Obispo, Villa Loriana is the perfect venue for a romantic and elegant wedding. The stunning outdoor ceremony site features a pergola surrounded by lush gardens and waterfalls, providing the perfect backdrop for exchanging vows. The grand reception ballroom boasts grandiose ceilings, chandeliers, and large luxurious windows that allow golden sunset light to flood in, creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere for celebrating with friends and family.
In addition to the spacious ballroom, Villa Loriana offers a range of accommodation options to suit the needs of every couple. The elegant Italian villa bridal suite provides the perfect retreat for the bride and her bridesmaids to get ready on the big day. The cozy groom’s cabin, nestled among the property’s tree line, is the perfect place for the groom and his groomsmen to relax and get ready for the ceremony.
The property’s stunning grounds and romantic atmosphere make Villa Loriana the perfect venue for a fairytale wedding. The attentive and professional staff are dedicated to helping couples plan and execute their dream wedding, ensuring that every detail is taken care of. From the beautiful outdoor ceremony site to the grand reception ballroom, Villa Loriana provides the perfect setting for a truly unforgettable wedding celebration.
View Sam + Andy’s Wedding at Villa Loriana by Ashley Rae Studio. This wedding was captured during Spring time in San Luis Obispo (April, to be specific). The sun was shining perfectly during the ceremony, and the cocktail hour space was comfortable, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding oaks and Italian-inspired architecture before heading into the reception ballroom for dinner.
4) Rava Winery Wedding Venue
Rava Winery is a breathtaking wedding venue located in the heart of California’s Central Coast wine country. The venue boasts endless outdoor ceremony options, including beautiful lawns with a picturesque pond and vineyard views, an olive tree-lined lawn, a charming gazebo surrounded by gardens, and a stone-paved courtyard leading up to a spacious reception area.
The venue also features a luxurious three-bedroom bridal suite, which is perfect for getting ready on your big day and is available for overnight accommodations. The bridal suite features comfortable and stylish furnishings, a spacious bathroom with a spa tub, and a private balcony with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
As you plan your dream wedding at Rava Winery, let your imagination run wild. The venue’s recommended event planners and coordinators will be there to help you bring your vision to life and ensure that every detail of your special day is perfect.
In addition to its stunning outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, Rava Winery also offers a large indoor space for wedding receptions with up to 500 guests.
As you celebrate your love and commitment to one another at Rava Winery, you and your guests will also have the opportunity to sample some of the finest wines from the Central Coast region. The winery’s talented winemakers have crafted a variety of award-winning wines that are sure to impress your guests and add an extra touch of sophistication to your wedding.
Overall, Rava Winery is a truly unique and breathtaking wedding venue that offers something for every couple. From its stunning outdoor ceremony spaces and luxurious bridal suite, to its variety of indoor spaces and delicious wines, this venue has everything you need to create the wedding of your dreams.
View Mark + Taylor’s Wedding at Rava Winery and their Rehearsal Dinner documented by Ashley Rae Studio. This November wedding created the most magical colors in the surrounding vineyards during sunset, which lit up the sprawling property with golden, majestic sunbeams during the couple’s portrait hour.
5) The White Barn Wedding Venue
If you are planning a wedding in the San Luis Obispo area, the White Barn Wedding Venue is definitely worth considering. Located on a sprawling property with breathtaking views of the Santa Lucia Hills and SLO vineyards, this venue has everything you need to make your special day perfect.
The outdoor ceremony site at the White Barn is a true showstopper. The immaculately maintained white barn is surrounded by lush gardens, providing a stunning backdrop for your vows. The property itself has plenty of space to accommodate up to 500 guests, so you can invite all of your family and friends to share in your special day. In addition to the ceremony site, the White Barn also has an outdoor courtyard that is perfect for those picturesque spring and summer days.
The beauty of the White Barn Wedding Venue isn’t limited to the outdoors. The inside of the white barn has been carefully maintained to provide a spacious and elegant indoor reception area. The high ceilings and rustic beams give the space a warm and inviting feel, while the modern amenities ensure that your event runs smoothly.
One of the standout features of the White Barn Wedding Venue is the exceptional catering. The venue has a list of preferred caterers who are experienced in providing high-quality meals for weddings. Whether you want a formal sit-down dinner or a more laid-back cocktail-style reception, the catering team can accommodate your needs. They offer a variety of menu options and can even accommodate dietary restrictions. Plus, the White Barn allows you to bring your own alcohol as long as it is served by someone on their list of preferred bars and caterers.
All Photography by ASHLEY RAE STUDIO
Feeling inspired?
Inspired by the best San Luis Obispo Wedding Venues? Well, these are just a few Central Coast Locations that you should tour when planning your special day!
Check out some of our other top favorite venues in the area:
