San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographers – Central Coast’s Best 2023

If you are thinking about planning a destination wedding in San Luis Obispo there is a lot you need to know. Like what are the best barn wedding venues in SLO, or when is the best time of year to get married on the California Central Coast? So before you put down the deposit on the first vineyard in Edna Valley Wine Country you visit, or buy that wedding dress (okay you can totally buy the dress!), let me provide some helpful information about getting married in San Luis Obispo. But first, let me introduce myself! My name is Ryan, and I am one of the many talented San Luis Obispo wedding photographers who offer services on the California Central Coast. 

Since 2011, I have photographed 400+ weddings, focusing on capturing moments that are candid, authentic, and un-posed. The goal of my San Luis Obispo wedding photography is to blend emotion and photojournalism while capturing all the cool shit that epitomizes the modern, rustic, SLO barn weddings.

I invite you to click through my photo journal (blog) and view the galleries of recent destination weddings I captured throughout the California Central Coast. If you like my style and are interested in booking me to be your San Luis Obispo wedding photographer please do not hesitate to contact me. Say hello by using the contact form, shoot me a text message at 951-704-9503, or fill out the wedding form below so I can hear more about your SLO wedding and your vision for the day! Cheers! – Ryan

San Luis Obispo Elopement Photographer

Thinking of an intimate elopement on the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo? You’re not alone. Many adventurous couples like you are choosing this route. But why elope in San Luis Obispo? Well, the first reason is simple: eloping lets you save money, sidestep wedding planning stress, and fully savor every moment of your special day.

Now, let’s talk about locations. San Luis Obispo offers awesome spots like the Victorian-style Point San Luis Lighthouse, the sandy shores of Pismo Beach, or the breathtaking Paso Robles wineries. The options are abundant.

Next, it’s time to capture those memories. Finding a San Luis Obispo elopement photographer is key. They’ll document everything from the romantic vows to the celebratory champagne toasts. The best part? A local photographer can guide you to the most Instagrammable places in the area, such as the Madonna Inn. This ensures that your wedding photos are uniquely yours and truly unforgettable.

Are you and your fiancée thinking of considering a San Luis Obispo elopement? Then take a moment to check out my free San Luis Obispo elopement wedding guide! The SLO elopement guide details everything a couple should know about eloping in San Luis Obispo!

San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer Cost

The cost for a San Luis Obispo wedding photographer starts at $900 an hour for elopements. For 8-10 hours of coverage, the average cost is around $6,800. Additional add-ons like engagement sessions, multiple shooters, or wedding albums can increase the price by $1,000-$2,500. Of course, you might find cheaper photographers and videographers on Yelp or Craigslist, but do you really want to risk your wedding photos with an amateur with limited experience shooting weddings? The answer is no, no you don’t!

San Luis Obispo Wedding Venues – Best On The Central Coast

From the coastal beaches on the Pacific Ocean to the barn venues around the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, there truly are few places as magical as San Luis Obispo to get married. What is so special about SLO is that the Central Coast has a little bit of everything for couples looking for the perfect wedding venue in San Luis Obispo. So if you are considering a destination wedding in SLO, below are some of the best venues on the central coast!

Madonna Inn

If you ever dreamed about having an epic wedding where the theme was pink then check out this iconic San Luis Obispo wedding venue. Honestly, the Madonna Inn is one of the most unique places anywhere so even if you don’t get married there at least stop by for some cold cocktails and cake! With a reputation for timeless elegance and whimsical charm, this unique venue is ready to host your special day. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement with a strict 18 max guest count or a grand celebration, Madonna Inn offers something for every bride.

• Price Range: From $5k for elopements to $7k-$9k for 100 guests.
• Woman-Owned Business: Support a local, female-led venture.
• Venues: Select from elegant ballrooms, outdoor meadows, and enchanting gardens.

Built on over 1,000 acres with construction materials sourced from the surroundings, the Madonna Inn is a part of Central Coast’s history. Marvel at unique details like the leaded glasswork, hand-carved marble, custom-made brass, and copper items. Honestly, you won’t find any venue on the Central Coast of California more unique than the Madonna Inn!

Address: 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

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Higuera Ranch

Located in the romantic vineyards of San Luis Obispo, CA, Higuera Ranch is one of the best SLO wedding venues in the heart of Central Coast. It’s more than a venue; it’s a destination filled with rustic elegance, where up to 24 guests can stay for three luxurious nights.

You can bask in the warm California sun by the heated pool, explore the two-mile hiking loop, or play bocce ball on the patio. Higuera Ranch offers not only breathtaking views but also an array of amenities for your special day. Imagine celebrating with up to 200 friends inside a rustic barn, complete with a sunken bar and loft. The Olive Grove provides an idyllic setting for an outdoor ceremony.

This venue’s location, only three hours from L.A. and 3.5 from San Francisco, making it super accessible for your guests. San Luis Obispo weddings have been hosted here for years, and Higuera Ranch stands as one of the most popular wedding venues.

• Event Spaces: Rustic Barn (capacity 200), Red Tasting Room, Main House, Olive Grove & Higuera tree spots for various celebrations.
• Accommodations: Two beautifully decorated homes and a honeymoon suite.
• Recreational Activities: Heated spa, outdoor pool with waterslide, bocce ball, and hiking trails.
• Additional Amenities: Tables, chairs, wine barrels, shade structures, arches, assorted décor, and much more.

In a setting designed to make you feel comfortable, photographers in San Luis Obispo can capture your unique wedding days. Here, you can find your perfect wedding planner and avail additional hours for rehearsal dinner, Sunday brunch, and other events.

With its rustic flair and luxurious amenities, this venue exemplifies the best of what the Central Coast of California has to offer for your special day!

Higuera Ranch: 525 El Camino Real • San Luis Obispo • CA 93401

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Spreafico Farms

Nestled amidst vineyards and rolling hills, Spreafico Farms awaits you in the heart of San Luis Obispo, CA. This family-owned cattle and vegetable ranch, rich in history, provides a 360-degree view of the stunning SLO mountains. Once you step onto the ranch, you’ll find the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Here, tradition meets comfort as you celebrate your special day. Honestly, I really love this barn wedding venue, and the family that manages the property are very cool people.

• Hilltop Area: Offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, creating an ideal ceremony backdrop.
• Historical Barn: Seating up to 180, finished with smooth concrete floors, infused with rustic elegance.
• Outdoor Spaces: A barn back patio, finished with decomposed granite, accommodates up to 130 additional guests.
• Lodging: A modern cottage for two, equipped with vanity and private restroom.
• Bars: Indoor wooden barn bar and charming built-in outdoor bar.
• Amenities: Natural wood chairs, 8′ rectangular tables, string/market lights, heaters, and restrooms.
• Catering Area: Equipped with an outdoor prep sink and grill, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
• Parking: Ample space available.

With a rental fee starting at $9,000 per event, Spreafico Farms makes sure you have access to everything you need. From the historic barn to the hilltop ceremony site with rustic pews, your wedding can be as intimate or grand as you desire. Even elopements can be accommodated at a special hourly rate.

Experience the legacy of one of the oldest milking barns in the county and make your wedding a part of Spreafico Farms’ rich tradition. 

 Spreafico Farms: 7900 Orcutt Road • San Luis Obispo • CA 93401

VISIT WEDDING WEBSITE!

See Canyon Fruit Ranch

Discover See Canyon Fruit Ranch, a gem of a wedding venue located in San Luis Obispo, CA. Just five minutes from the beach, this family-run farm offers a picturesque and secluded setting for your special day. With a 4.7-star rating from over 125 Google reviews, you can trust that your wedding on the Central Coast of California will be unforgettable here.

• Indoor/Outdoor Sites: Say your vows in the tranquil, lush lawn near a charming gazebo, or enjoy a rustic barn reception.
• Romantic Ambiance: Romantic bistro lights add to the idyllic ambiance in both indoor and outdoor areas.
• Space for Celebration: Ample room to socialize, dine, and dance the night away, with comfortable spots to prepare.
• Stunning Photo Opportunities: The property’s gardens and barn guarantee unique and beautiful wedding photos.
• Customized Services: Event planning, rentals, lighting/sound, outside vendors, parking, setup/cleanup, and more.

Investing $7k to $8k for 100 guests, you’re not just choosing a venue; you’re selecting an experience with See Canyon Fruit Ranch. Whether you’re based in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, your wedding day will capture your unique love story. Oh, and between September and November, you can embrace the autumn season at See Canyon Fruit Ranch’s apple stand for family-friendly fun. You can indulge in an on-site picnic with a variety of fresh organic produce. Explore local delights including apples, apple cider, honey, eggs, pears, veggies, and more. Beyond produce, the Ranch also showcases unique local products like jams, apple butter, art pieces, enhancing the charm of your visit.

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Greengate Ranch & Vineyard

For the most epic SLO weddings, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard offers a towering wood barn dating back to the 1800s, stunning views of the winery, and the ability to host 700 guests. Expensive, yet one of the best wedding venues in San Luis Obispo, this locale is perfect for the bride who desires a romantic, elegant, and vintage SLO wedding.

• The Vintage Barn & Courtyard: Ideal for up to 600 guests, complete with bistro string lighting and on-site catering space.
• The Grand Lawn: Naturally beautiful, accented with a large walnut tree, close to the vintage barn for combined space.
• The Pond: Willow Pond offers a peaceful and private setting, accommodating a large guest list.
• The Ranch House & Terrace Lawn: Perfect for socializing or ceremonies with 50-180 guests, backed by vines and leisure courts.

Your special day doesn’t have to end with the ceremony and reception. At Greengate Ranch & Vineyard, you can host multiple gatherings with family and friends, or even venture beyond the venue. Explore the coastal wine country, engaging in activities like wine-tasting tours, yoga, paddle boarding, surfing, golf, and more. Treat yourself to massages or indulge in personal chef services, adding unique touches to your unforgettable wedding experience on the Central Coast.

Greengate Ranch & Vineyard: 300 Green Gate Rd, San Luis Obispo, California 93401 

 VISIT WEDDING WEBSITE!

Flying Caballos Ranch

For a Central Coast wedding steeped in history and elegance, Flying Caballos Ranch provides the perfect setting. Mere minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, this venue offers old-world charm with the luxuries of modern accommodations. Combining the grandeur of a 1905 dairy farm with contemporary amenities, it crafts a uniquely intimate and memorable experience.

• Historic Beauty: The property’s 1905 origins shine through its preserved farmhouse, guesthouse, and cottage.
• Sleeping Arrangements: With room for up to 24 guests across various accommodations, your loved ones can stay on-site.
• Picturesque Scenery: Unobstructed views of Edna Valley and Islay Hill, coupled with horse and cattle grazing, create a serene environment.
• Versatility: Ideal not only for weddings but also family reunions, graduation parties, and corporate events.
• Investment: Ceremony and reception rental fees range from $12,000 to $18,000.

Flying Caballos Ranch extends an invitation to explore its 100 acres, replete with a year-round creek and echoes of a garden, vineyard, and orchard. With its mix of tradition and luxury, this venue is ready to host your unforgettable Central Coast wedding.

Flying Caballos Ranch Address: 1150 Farmhouse Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 

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7 Best Barn Wedding Venues In San Luis Obispo

One of the best reasons to get married on the Central California Coast is that there are so many unique outdoor San Luis Obispo wedding venues to choose from. In fact, some of the coolest barn wedding venues can be found in San Luis Obispo County! So, if want to say your wedding vows in a more rustic scene, here is our list of the 7 best barn wedding in San Luis Obispo!

1. Spreafico Farms. Embrace rural beauty at Spreafico Farms, a working cattle ranch with authentic barn charm for your unforgettable wedding celebration.
2. The White Barn Edna Valley. Discover elegance at The White Barn in Edna Valley, an iconic white-washed barn set among vineyards for a refined affair.
3. Greengate Ranch San Luis Obispo. Revel in sophistication at Greengate Ranch, offering grand lawns, a pool arena, and vintage barns for a luxurious wedding.
4. Holland Ranch. Connect with nature at Holland Ranch, a family-owned venue with oak trees and expansive views, offering a serene wedding backdrop.
5. Higuera Ranch. Celebrate at Higuera Ranch, where a 100-year-old barn and stunning vineyard landscapes create a perfect blend of history and romance.
6. Flying Caballos Ranch San Luis Obispo. Experience history at Flying Caballos Ranch, a century-old farmhouse and ranch with unobstructed Edna Valley views for a breathtaking wedding.
7. La Cuesta Ranch. Feel the magic at La Cuesta Ranch, with its 2,500-acre outdoor oasis that features rolling hills and aged oak trees.

Best Time of Year To Get Married In San Luis Obispo

The California Central Coast is one of the most stunning locations for a wedding, and with a temperate climate nearly all year long, there are so many great times of the year to get married in San Luis Obispo! The typical “wedding season” in San Luis Obispo stretches from April-October. This is widely recognized as the best time of year to get married in San Luis Obispo as Spring through Fall daytime temperatures range from 60F-100F. The more inland locations around SLO and Paso Robles will experience warmer temperatures in the Summer months, whereas the San Luis Obispo beach wedding venues will provide cooler temperatures. The good news is that even in the warmer months, inland SLO still has gorgeous evenings that are cool so brides can dance, shout, and drink the night away!

Affordable wedding venues in San Luis Obispo are hard to find so if you are trying to save some money then consider planning a wedding in the shoulder months from November-February. Not only do wedding venues and vendors such as San Luis Obispo wedding photographers sometimes offer reduced rates, but this time of year is also outside tourist season so it will be easier and more affordable for wedding guests to find accommodations!

10 Best California Central Coast Wedding Photographers

Serving San Luis Obispo wedding clients for nearly a decade, I can say the California Central Coast is one of the most beautiful locations for a stunning wedding. My hope is that you get the most kick-ass images for your beach wedding or barn wedding. Therefore, if I am already booked on your wedding date, here are some California Central Coast wedding photographers I would encourage you to check out!

1. Ryan Horban Photography 
2. Austyn Elizabeth Photography
3. Caili Wilk Photography
4. Bluephoto Wedding Photography
5. Alyssa Ruby Photography
6. Mirrors Edge Photography
7. Michael Stephens Photography
8. Nikkels Photography
9. Dylan Kyle Photography
10. Sierra West Photo

San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer Frequently Asked Questions

How did you become a San Luis Obispo wedding photographer?

A few years ago, an engaged couple discovered my wedding photography through my Instagram profile and booked me for their Spreafico Farms wedding. This was my first time shooting at one of the barn wedding venues in San Luis Obispo county or any venue for that matter. The entire experience from shooting the SLO wedding to having cocktails at the Madonna Inn was incredible. From that moment, I fell in love with the Central California Coast and decided to provide San Luis Obispo wedding photographer services to couples seeking SLO weddings.

What is your favorite San Luis Obispo wedding venue?

The best part about getting married in SLO is that there are so many rad San Luis Obispo wedding venues. For couples seeking barn wedding venues in San Luis Obispo, I always encourage them to check out Spreafico Farms because of the stunning views of the wedding ceremony site that overlooks the family cattle and vegetable ranch. For couples seeking rustic, outdoor wedding venues San Luis Obispo, Greengate Ranch & Vineyard is the perfect setting. However, my personal favorite wedding venue in SLO is the Madonna Inn. This iconic location is so colorful and fun that it is easy for any San Luis Obispo wedding photographer to crush it.