San Luis Obispo wedding venues
Posted by: Jen Rodriguez Photography | July 20th, 2011
View Photographer Profile
As a wedding photographer here on the central coast I get to view and photograph many gorgeous San Luis Obispo wedding venues. Throughout the last four years I have compiled a mental data base of so many beautiful spots that have become my personal favorites. Typically I just use this information for my own use… when I get an new inquiry from a bride and she has selected one of these fabulous locations I do a little happy dance and start daydreaming of all of the possibilities for gorgeous wedding day photography. But recently I have started getting more and more questions from brides who would love a little insight and some honest recommendations, which I am always happy to do. It did get me thinking though. I’m sure there are plenty of brides who would love to get a wedding obsessed photographers perspective on which locations rank the highest and why. So without further wait, my personal favorite San Luis Obispo wedding venues. I should mention I am very partial to barns + ranches… as you can tell by my top 5 picks. 
Holland Ranch
Holland Ranch is located at 2275 Carpenter Canyon Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401. You will find this hidden gem just outside of San Luis Obsipo. Holland Ranch boasts incredible mountain views, a beautiful ceremony lawn with wooden stage + arch and a rustic barn to party the night away. Also, bonus points for having a full size pond, horses roaming around the property and large open fields. There is a great apartment above the barn where the bride and her buddies can get ready. There is no place quite like Holland Ranch to hold your San Luis Obispo wedding. Also, the manager Jaime is seriously amazing! I love working with her and she is always on top of everything. She is available for day of coordinating which is important for a stress free day. For questions contact Jaime Strand at (805) 459-9222.
Flying Caballos Ranch
Flying Caballos Ranch is located at 1150 Farmhouse Lane San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The Flying Caballos Ranch is the most picturesque farmhouse you will find on the Central Coast and it also happens to be quickly becoming one of the most popular San Luis Obispo wedding venues. The original farmhouse was built in 1905 and in 1952 the guesthouse and studio were built. The property has been renovated completely, and turned it into a breathtaking vacation rental and special event venue. The Flying Caballos Ranch can be quickly identified by it’s beautiful yellow exterior and its comfy couch swing. The ranch is completely unique. There is no other place on the Central Coast that offers the wedding party a completely private setting where family and friends can not only have a ceremony and reception, but also includes several private overnight accommodations. For questions email - info@flyingcaballos.com or call (805) 704-9634.
Santa Margarita Ranch
Santa Margarita Ranch is located at 9000 Yerba Buena Avenue Santa Margarita, CA 93453, just outside of San Luis Obispo. The Santa Margarita Ranch is one of my favorite San Luis Obsipo wedding venues because of it’s historic barn, beautiful setting along 15,000 acres of open pastures, vineyards and gardens. I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding there years ago and it has been on my must return list for quite some time now. I am super excited to have booked a 2012 wedding here, yay! For questions call (805) 540-3214.
Spanish Oaks Ranch
Spanish Oaks Ranch is located at 19990 Via Spanish Oaks Santa Margarita, CA 93454. This is the only one of my venue selections that I have not yet photographed. So why you may ask is it on my favorite San Luis Obispo wedding venues list? Well, it is just an amazing venue. I couldn’t in good conscience not include it. It is an all around gorgeous property that offers a number of venues, from their outdoor patio overlooking the rolling hills, heart shaped pond, and an indoor reception area; they have different options for you to choose. Fingers crossed one day SOON I will get to photograph at the amazing Spanish Oaks Ranch. Questions? Contact (805) 423-7685.
Dana Powers Barn + Dana Powers House
The Dana Powers Barn + Dana Powers House are located at 535 Mehlschau Road Nipomo, CA 93444. While I completely understand this venue is a bit further away from San Luis Obispo than others mentioned in this post I have to exercise my right as creator of this list to allow this venue to slip in anyways. As you have probably realized by now I am in LOVE with barns. Wait… let me say this one more time, I am in L-O-V-E with barns. So once you step foot on this property you will quickly realize something oh so special about it. Not only does it have one of the most incredible barn wedding venues here on the central coast but on the same property sits the Dana Powers House. An amazingly beautiful home that is nestled among a garden like no other. Plus if you are an antique lover like me entering into the home will magically transport you. So just to recap this gorgeous wedding venue has a barn, orchard and garden setting. Oh and the owner Judy has just started offering vintage rentals to help snazz up your ceremony or reception space. Questions? Contact Judy at (805) 929-3939.
Dallidet Adobe and Gardens
Dallidet Adobe and Gardens is located at 1185 Pacific Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Tucked away in a quiet corner of San Luis Obispo is the Dallidet Adobe & Gardens and historic home and property surrounded by lush gardens. This is the perfect location if you would like to be in San Luis Obispo but feel transported to another location.
Cass House Inn
The Cass House Inn is located outside of San Luis Obispo at 222 North Ocean Avenue in Cayucos, CA. The Cass House is a luxury Inn and Restaurant. Built in 1867, the historic inn was lovingly restored in 2007. The Cass House Inn offers coastal views in a garden setting and is truly a special place. The Cass House Inn also offers a very impressive dining experience for the wedding guests. The Chef works closely with local farmers and foragers to ensure each meal represents the best of the current season. Yum! Contact (805) 995-3669.
8. Cliffs Resort
The Cliffs Resort is located at 2757 Shell Beach Road Pismo Beach, CA 93449. The Cliffs Resort is always a top choice among the coastal wedding venues due to it’s amazing location and scenery but also because of it’s top notch service from their friendly and efficient staff. Weddings are held on the lawn overlooking the beautiful coast line and receptions can be held in their reception room or in a tent outside while enjoying the sounds of the crashing waves. This spots also has a walk way down to the beach just steps from the hotel, perfect to get those beach shots of you and your groom! Questions? Call Anna (She is awesome to say the least) (805) 773-5000.
As I fall in love with new venues I will make sure to keep adding them to this list!
Contact Jen Rodriguez | www.jen-rodriguez.com | jen@jen-rodriguez.com | 805.598.1530
