The Central Coast has quickly become "THE" spot for couples to get hitched and It comes to no surprise at all. This place literally has everything going on here! Whether you are looking for a luxurious venue that is sure to compete with the likes of many celebrity weddings, or something a bit more simple, elegant, rustic, outdoorsy and adventurous, we have it all... seriously.
As a Wedding Photographer & Videographer, I am constantly giving recommendations and advice to couples for venues here on the Central Coast. My insider knowledge has allowed me to truly understand what couples are looking for in a venue and why. The inspiration behind this blog is to help guide YOU, yes you, in the process of selecting your dream venue here on the Central Coast. I will be breaking down and taking into account a few different things to ensure you make the best decision possible.
Please keep in mind that I love all of these venues equally and that they would not be on this list if I didn't. Ultimately your choice in venue is going to come down to you and what your needs are, I can not do that for you. However what I can do is sift through the +1000 wedding venues on the central coast and narrow that down to the top 10 venues on the central coast. These venues are at the top of their game on all levels. Please understand also that, there is no "ONE PERFECT" that outshines the rest, that's absurd. This blog, as stated previously, was written to aid YOU, yes you, in becoming aware of the best venues on the Central Coast coming from a Wedding Photographer & Filmmakers' perspective.
1. Location: 19019 Highway 1 Ragged Point, CA 93452
2. Style: Historic Building, Rustic Hotel, Restaurant, Indoor, Uncovered Outdoor, Scenic Views
3. Guest Capacity: 20 - 250
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, Bar Services, Cake, Catering Services, Clean Up, Event Planner, Liability Insurance, Outside Vendors, Pet Friendly, Wifi.
5. Minimum Starting Price: $2,000
Overlooking the Big Sur Coast, this rustic hotel on Highway 1 is a 20-minute drive from Hearst Castle. Warmly decorated rooms with wood accents offer satellite TV and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and private decks or balconies with ocean views. The on-site restaurant features seasonal cuisine made with local ingredients. There's also a wine and espresso bar, an ice cream shop and a sandwich stand. Additional perks include a seasonal concert series and BBQs.
Ragged Point is perfect for those couples seeking something a bit more encompassed in nature. Big Sur is one of the most scenic places in California known for its overhanging cliffs and oceanic views making it a very unique venue
1. Location: 1150 Farmhouse Lane San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
2. Style of the Venue: Private Estate, Barn/Farm/Ranch, Vintage/Rustic, Outdoor
3. Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 250 guests
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, Clean Up, Event Planner, Get Ready Rooms, Lighting / Sound, Pet Friendly, Set Up, Wifi
5. Minimum Starting Price: 15,000 off peak season - 18,000 during peak season
Once owned by the Madonna family, this turn of the century farmhouse and 100 acre ranch combines old world artistry with modern amenities. The Flying Caballos Ranch is located in the rolling hills of Edna Valley, minutes from wine country and downtown San Luis Obispo.
The Flying Caballos Ranch is located in the rolling hills of Edna Valley, just five minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo. We offer a very unique property that has several wedding ceremony and reception sites for 250+ guests as well as four historic rental homes that can accommodate up to 24 overnight guests.
1. Location: 4450 San Simeon Creek Road, Cambria, CA 93428
2. Style of the Venue: Barn, Farm/Ranch, Inn/B&B, Indoor, Covered Outdoor, Uncovered Outdoor, Scenic Views
3. Guest Capacity: 20 - 100
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, Event Rentals, Get Ready Rooms, Lighting / Sound, Outside Vendors, Pet Friendly, Wifi.
5. Minimum Starting Price: $3,500
Stepladder Ranch is a luxury private estate and wedding venue in the heart of the Central Coast in Cambria, California. The ranch is a perfect destination for your weekend wedding retreat, offering exceptional overnight accommodations for you and your guests and a scenic backdrop for your wedding celebrations. Stepladder Ranch offers the luxury of privacy, while being in close proximity to Main Street in the enchanting town of Cambria, Hearst Castle and wineries along the Central California Coast.
1. Location: 2121 Hwy 154 Santa Ynez, CA 93460
2. Style of the Venue: Winery/Vineyard, Private Estate, Barn/Farm/Ranch, Outdoor
3. Guest Capacity: Max Indoor capacity: 300 Max Outdoor capacity: 400
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, Bar Services, Catering Services, Clean Up, Event Planner, Get Ready Rooms, Outside Vendors, Set Up, Wifi
5. Minimum Starting Price: $7,350
Nestled on 25 picturesque acres in Santa Ynez, California, Royal Oaks Ranch is the perfect place to bring your dream wedding to life. This gorgeous, private, equestrian ranch boasts many spectacular features, including sprawling lawns dotted with massive trees, a luxurious 6,600-square-foot estate house with five deluxe bedrooms and several stylish entertaining spaces, and a spacious barn. Your outdoor ceremony will be nothing short of magical on the Grand Lawn, a perfectly manicured lawn shaded by towering California live oaks. Once you’ve made your love official, the stunning stone terrace offers a breathtaking backdrop for an elegant seated dinner followed by an unforgettable evening of dancing with all your loved ones beneath the exposed beams in the rustic chic barn. The estate house also sleeps up to 10 people. Royal Oaks Ranch can accommodate intimate celebrations or parties for up to 300 guests, making it an unrivaled venue for weddings of all sizes!
1. Location: 3805 Santa Claus Lane Carpinteria, CA 93013
2. Style of the Venue: Event Center, Private Club, Ocean/Waterfront View, Beach, Outdoor, Modern
3. Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 300 guests
4. Services Offered: Bar Services, Cake, Catering Services, Clean Up, Event Planner, Event Rentals, Get Ready Rooms, Liability Insurance, Lighting / Sound, Outside Vendors, SetUp, Wifi
5. Minimum Starting Price: $4,200.00 during off season, $6,200.00 during peak season.
Sunny Santa Barbara won’t disappoint with a wedding by the seashore. Events by Rincon offers the private Rincon Beach Club as a beautiful backdrop, where you can say “I do,” as waves lap the sand. From romantic, laid-back events; to bohemian and black tie, the beach fits all tastes and styles. But whatever you do, kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. After tying the knot, capture some sweet memories on camera as you take a long, serene stroll down the beach and jump in the waves. Not a beach gal, but love the weather and the sound of the ocean? There’s also a garden so you can have both. Rincon Beach Club also offers wedding planning and coordination services, taking care of all the details so you can focus on friends, family, and fun. With no venue curfew, you can dance the night away as the sun sinks below the horizon.
1. Location: 300 Greengate Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
2. Style of the Venue: Winery/Vineyard, Event Center, Private Estate, Barn/Farm/Ranch, Vintage/Rustic, Outdoor
3. Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 1200 guests
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, All Inclusive Packages, Event Rentals, Get Ready Rooms, Liability Insurance, Lighting / Sound, Outside Vendors, Pet Friendly, Wifi
5. Minimum Starting Price: $26,200.00 during off season, $29,900.00 during peak season.
Located in the heart of Edna Valley Wine Country on California’s Central Coast, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard is 140 acres, combining recreation areas and lush rolling hills of world acclaimed vineyards. Once a working horse ranch, our property features three incredible vacation rental homes with 12 bedrooms, horse stables barn, a vintage wood barn, courtyard and multiple grand lawns offering an uncommon venue for recreation, retreat, and celebration. The pool and recreational area, recently finished, completes our guest amenities and event offerings. Our Wedding Weekend offerings provide an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family at our beautiful California Wedding Venue situated on a rustic ranch surrounded by vineyards - a perfect rustic elegant backdrop.
1. Location: 7900 Orcutt Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
2. Style of the Venue: Winery/Vineyard, Event Center, Private Estate, Barn/Farm/Ranch, Vintage/Rustic, Outdoor
3. Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 200 guests
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, Event Rentals, Get Ready Rooms, Lighting / Sound, Outside Vendors, Pet Friendly.
5. Minimum Starting Price: $7,000.00 during off season, $7,000.00 during peak season.
Nestled in the vast, rolling hills of Edna Valley, Spreafico Farms offers the ideal backdrop for any bride’s rustic wedding dreams. No matter the season, bring a simple, earthy feel to your big day by exchanging your vows amidst the golden fields and wild flowers on this working cattle ranch. Trickle down the hill with your guests into the spacious, wood paneled barn with high ceilings to dine and dance the night away in a classic country setting, and take advantage of the beautifully bowed trees. The traditional barbecue pit and decorative antiques will complement the ceremony, celebration, and every photo! With such stunning landscape, there’s no doubt that your wedding will fulfill every bit of your rustic barn wedding expectations. Thanks to the Spreafico Farms’ central location in San Luis Obispo County, out-of-town guests can enjoy a short drive to downtown San Luis Obispo. For a longer stay beyond the wedding, you and your guests can appreciate all that the region has to offer—local farmers markets, Edna Valley wine tasting, and beautiful Pismo Beach.
1. Location: 8910 Adelaida Road Paso Robles, CA, 93446
2. Style of the Venue: Barn, Farm/Ranch, Garden, Historic Building, Winery
3. Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 250 guests
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, Get Ready Rooms, Liability Insurance, Outside Vendors, Pet Friendly, Set Up, Wifi 5. Minimum Starting Price: $11,000 during off season, $11,000 during peak season.
Definitely on of my all time favorites! Located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, the fusion of old and new makes Halter Ranch the perfect location to bring to life your special day. With multiple elegant and rustic event spaces to choose from throughout our picturesque historic barnyard, you will discover the ideal setting to celebrate the happiest day of your lives.
Halter Ranch offers both covered and uncovered outdoor and indoor options for your wedding. Whether you are looking for an intimate celebration or a big barn bash, our stunning ranch and vineyard property can accommodate and fulfill your grand vision.
1. Location: 3600 Cabezone Circle Oxnard, CA 93035
2. Style of the Venue: Boat/Yacht, Marina, Waterfront
3. Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 150 guests
4. Services Offered: All Inclusive Packages, Bar Services, Cake, Catering Services, Clean Up, Event Planner, Event Rentals, Get Ready Rooms, Liability Insurance, Lighting / Sound, Outside Vendors, Set Up, Wifi 5. Minimum Starting Price: $11,988
How about a romantic wedding with stunning sunset views on the water? The Scarlett Belle Riverboat is so much more than an ordinary boat. The first deck is fully enclosed with ample room for seating on black carpet, where huge windows show off amazing views through arched French trim. The black stone granite bar is great for cocktail hour and entertaining guests through reception, and the crystal chandeliers with the coffered ceilings add a sprinkle of class and style. This elegant space is definitely suited for an occasion as special as a wedding, especially at reception. After the sun falls below the horizon, the first deck transforms into a chic nightclub with a killer sound system, colored lights, white dance floor and all the works for an awesome party. And don’t rule them out for a ceremony because the second deck is made for a beautiful beach setting. Say “I do” in the harbor cove with the shining sun at your backs and the tranquil water splashing against the Scarlett Belle Riverboat. What more could you want on your wedding day?
1. Location: 299 South Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
2. Style of the Venue: Barn, Farm/Ranch, Garden, Historic Building, Winery
3. Guest Capacity: Accommodates up to 400 guests
4. Services Offered: Accommodations, Get Ready Rooms, Liability Insurance, Outside Vendors, Pet Friendly, Set Up, Wifi
5. Minimum Starting Price: $1,500.00 during off season, $1,500.00 during peak season.
Los Robles Greens is a premier venue with picturesque surroundings and impeccable service. Located in the scenic town of Thousand Oaks, Los Robles Greens epitomizes the charm and beauty of Southern California with stunning mountain views, delightful coastal breezes and a small-town charm. Whether you are hosting an intimate gathering for a select few loved ones or gala size affair Los Robles Greens can accommodate your wedding celebration from ceremony to reception. The enchanting setting boasts a beautiful wrought iron gate, a paved pathway with wooden pergolas, and lush green grass. After making your way down the aisle speckled with flowers publicly declare you love and share your first kiss in the crowning moments of your romantic ceremony. The garden area can easily be flipped from ceremony site to a magical, alfresco reception area. You and your guests can enjoy a delicious meal and then dance the night away under the vast sky. Los Robles Greens' Sunset Ballroom also provides an elegant alternative to an outdoor reception. The professional staff is happy to assist you in planning all the details of your special day so that it flows seamlessly – a day to be cherished forever.
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