photo by Abbott Photo + Film
Weddings
From the Desert to the Coast: Central California’s Best Wedding Venues
California’s wedding venues are legendary, bringing forth visions of seaside celebrations, golden rolling hills, and charming wineries. San Diego is a fan favorite for laid back beachy bashes, the Los Angeles area draws both...
photo by Abbott Photo + Film
California’s wedding venues are legendary, bringing forth visions of seaside celebrations, golden rolling hills, and charming wineries. San Diego is a fan favorite for laid back beachy bashes, the Los Angeles area draws both the glam and trendsetting crowds, and the Bay Area is a go-to for elegant affairs in natural settings. But what about the 400 miles in between northern and southern California?
Central California is home to a wealth of wedding venues ranging from wineries in Paso Robles to oceanfront hotels in Big Sur to hidden amphitheaters in the Santa Cruz mountains. Today we’re exploring everything in between the west coast’s biggest cities, so come along as we uncover central California’s most beautiful wedding venues.
Reporter: Heather Ash
About 15 minutes from the coast lies a welcoming retreat surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and landscaped grounds. Carmel Valley Ranch is a 500 acre, luxurious yet casual resort and wedding venue that everyone will be excited to RSVP “yes” to. The all-suite resort provides the perfect staycation for guests while fun onsite activities like wine tasting are designed to bring everyone together in a playful way.
When you think of a coastal barn wedding, Higuera Ranch is the venue that comes to mind. The restored 1800s barn now includes a sunken bar and loft area accented by soft lighting. Outside, find olive groves perfect for exchanging vows in as well as the ancient Higuera tree surrounded by views of the SLO hills. Bonus: the property can accommodate 24 guests, perfect for the wedding party and family.
Hidden in the Santa Cruz mountains is a camp-style wedding venue that gives off major Westworld vibes. The old western town turned venue is now an immersive experience: take a train ride to the circular redwood forest ceremony site, host your reception in the massive barn with vaulted ceilings, and finish the night with dancing on the schoolhouse lawn just outside.
Perfect for free-spirited couples looking to host a laid back weekend of celebration need to know about Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama – where the mountains meet the desert. The minimalistically designed glampsite features cabin-like raised tents (or hut dwellings) and refurbished ARCO facilities for the permanent structures. Weddings here are all about fireside chats, live music, and gathering together under the stars.
A rustic barn venue on a functioning farm in the middle of California, say it ain’t so! Westwood Barns is a working dairy farm and wedding venue surrounded by fields, cows, and towering trees in Tulare, about 45 minutes south of Fresno. Able the accommodate over 600 guests, the barn is made of reclaimed wood and galvanized steel for a rustic yet adaptable look that allows for each wedding here to be completely personalized.
Sitting between golden fields and vineyards lies a wedding venue on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch called Oyster Ridge. Choose from a covered patio, oak tree veranda, or the rustic-modern barn for your celebration stations where you can create an experiential event that flows from one space to another. Inside tip: send your guests home with a bottle of the property’s wine from Ancient Peaks Winery.
Santa Ynez is a historic little town just a quick drive east of Solvang in Santa Barbara County that appreciates wine as much as hospitality (is there a difference?). Santa Ynez Inn is such a place that embodies the best of its namesake locale along with 5 star service in a Spanish-meets-Victorian setting. Weddings of 150 will love the charming property, handcrafted food and drinks, and local wineries.
Paso Robles’ Vintage Ranch sits on a 100 year old farm surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and oak trees, all topped off with a big red barn. Events here have access to the entire property to allow for maximum creativity across the indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside tip: let their certified sommelier guide you through wedding day wine selections.
The most urban option on this list, The Penny sits in downtown SLO and features brick walls, an exposed beam ceiling, brass pendants, and a terrazzo adorned bathroom. The perfect blend of old and new, your 125 person wedding will love the charming downtown location of The Penny and the equally industrial yet cozy vibe of the space.
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La Lomita Ranch is a Spanish style property in the foothills of SLO. Located at the edge of the Edna Valley wine region, the sprawling ranch can accommodate up to 400 person weddings across several venues including a terrace, courtyard, covered pavilion, and plaza. Architectural details like arches and beautiful tiles have the decor sorted, so you can just show up and enjoy.
So you want your wedding to feel like a summer camp for adults – look no further than Amphitheatre of the Redwoods. Surrounded by forest, say your I-do’s amongst the redwoods in the “fairy ring,” then take it to the meadow or celebration lawn for your reception in a clearing of trees. As the fog rolls in at dusk, the venue transforms into a magical, cool weather retreat.
Fun fact: Bob Dylan and Tom Petty have both stayed at this historic property that now reflects that Mid Century style they knew. Open as a wedding venue since 2018, The Windwood Ranch not only has a beautifully designed, Mid Century Modern Ranch House (plus other accommodations like airstreams), but also an industrial-rustic barn that combines modern amenities with Paso Robles’ wine country charm.
Situated on the southern tip of San Luis Obispo at Avila Beach, Point San Luis Historic Lighthouse is an oceanfront wedding venue surrounded by nothing but thousands of acres of protected land. Perfect for couples looking for a private yet coastal setting, host your ceremony on the bluffs above the Pacific and your reception at the outdoor venue with ocean and lighthouse views.
Located in the beautiful Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, Loriana is a grand estate surrounded by massive oak trees complete with a stone-clad Italian villa. Couples who want their wedding to be an escape from all things “California” will love the private yet grandiose feeling of this European style venue. Oh, and the picturesque waterfall and balconies don’t hurt either.
Just when you think you’ve seen all of Presqu'ile Winery, you haven’t: the massive property is, of course, home to a winery as well as several indoor spaces, an amphitheater, and a terrace. Clean lines and modern architecture complement the natural surrounds, creating a peaceful and harmonious setting for all weddings hosted here. With room for 300 people over 200 acres, your guests will appreciate the space as much as the pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc created onsite.
Big Sur is a bucket list destination in itself but to get married here is a dream come true. Ventana Big Sur sits high in the hills overlooking the ocean and is surrounded by forest. Choose from redwoods or ocean vistas for your ceremony and an oceanfront glass cabin or woodsy loft for you reception – perfect for discerning couples who want nothing but the best for their intimate coastal wedding, Big Little Lies theme song included.
In the heart of Paso Robles wine country lies Opolo, a vineyard and venue marked by modern architecture, oak trees, and rolling hills covered in grapevines – idyllic to say the least. Plan to say your vows on the hilltop overlooking the westside of the property (aka golden hour perfection) followed by your reception under the stars or inside the barrel room.
New to the scene as of 2018, Fallen Oaks Estate is another stunning Paso Robles venue overlooking vineyards, grassy hills, and historic trees. Home to an equestrian stable able to accommodate 40 (perfect for rehearsal dinners or intimate receptions) as well as sprawling fields able to accommodate up to 250, the possibilities here are endless. Inside tip: ask the team about setting up their glamping tents for guests!
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