Best Places to Get Married on the Beach in San Luis Obispo County
There’s something magical about saying “I do” with the sun, sand, crashing waves and sea breeze surrounding you. If you’ve always dreamed of a beach wedding, then the three best places to start your search for the perfect location and venue are Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and Cambria. All of these amazing little beach towns offer opportunities to make all of your beach wedding dreams come true!
Pismo Beach, California – Wide Beaches, White Sand and Beach Town Vibes
Pismo Beach is one of the most popular beach towns on the Central Coast. It’s filled with incredible restaurants, amazing hotels and has all the “beachy vibes”! There’s also an amazing pier and boardwalk for easy access to pretty much everything you can imagine. If you’re looking for a quintessential “Beach Town Wedding”, this is the place for you!
Sea Venture Hotel – Toes in the Sand
The Sea Venture is located right on the sand in Pismo Beach, which means you can quite literally say “I Do” with bare feet and then run across the sand and splash around in the waves if you wanted to! They will set everything up for you, including chairs on the sand, and any décor you may want to add. When your ceremony is over, they have an incredible reception room that overlooks the ocean where you can get incredible food and amazing drinks all with an incredible view of the ocean.
Tip: Make sure once your ceremony is over, you set aside enough time for Bride and Groom Portraits on the Beach, the Boardwalk and you can even take a short walk down to the Pier!
The Dinosaur Caves Park – Bluff Views
If you’re looking for something that has a little bit more of a “Do it Yourself” vibe, this is the place for you. The location couldn’t be any more perfect – you’ll be saying your vows on an incredible cliff overlooking the ocean with an absolutely beautiful ocean-view park nearby. This option is quite affordable – you just need to contact the city and rent the outdoor amphitheater.
Tip: Don’t forget to take time for those amazing photographs on the bluffs – the sweeping views go all the way to the Pismo Beach Pier and beyond and are truly magical! If there’s time, it’s a quick 5 minute drive to Pismo Beach if you want photos directly on the sand!
The Shore Cliff – Gazebo on the Cliff’s Edge
This venue is a local favorite. The gazebo on the cliffs is an iconic landmark, and the hotel offers a beautiful grassy lawn to set up your ceremony. Once you’ve said your vows, you can head over to the Ventana Grill’s Pacific Room for an amazing Wedding Reception!
Tip: There are a few beautiful areas for photographs, including your ceremony space, the gazebo and a beautiful boardwalk that overlooks Pismo Beach Pier.
Avila Beach, California – Secluded Beachside Beauty
Avila Beach is truly a hidden gem on the Central Coast. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and freeway, and you’ll be surrounded by mountains, cliffs and the incredible ocean. Pro Tip – Avila is far less windy than a lot of the other beachside areas because it’s protected so well by the mountains.
Avila Lighthouse Suites – Say Your Vows on the Sand
This venue is right on the beach in Avila, and a short walk to the cute little downtown area. You can get married on the sand and then head back to the hotel for a beautiful reception. They have outdoor and indoor options that are both absolutely gorgeous!
Tip: Make sure you head a couple blocks down to the pier for some amazing wedding photographs!
Avila Beach Golf Resort – Secluded Location with Beach Views
The Avila Bay Golf Resort offers a gorgeous location for weddings. They have a dedicated “Ready Room” and also a place for your “other half” to get ready where you won’t see each other before the ceremony. You can get married in several different grassy overlooks with views of the golf course or the beach. They also have a great outdoor reception space with plenty of room for a dance floor and lots of tables!
Tip: Make sure you’re ready to get a little adventurous to get those amazing wedding photographs and head down to the “back bay” area and also over to the golf course.
Cambria, California – Wild and Windswept Coast
If you’re looking for a location that’s a little “off the beaten path” with incredible views and a little more of a “wild coastline” this is the place for you! Also, the little town of Cambria is amazing – tons of artisanal shops, a beautiful downtown, and so many gorgeous hotels that are both beautiful and a little more intimate than someplace like Pismo Beach.
Oceanpoint Ranch – Beachside Elegance
Located on the famed Moonstone Beach, this venue offers you all inclusive options. You can get room blocks at the hotel, they have several beautiful areas where you can say your vows with the most stunning views of the ocean and beach, and you can also have your reception right there on property.
Tip: You’ll already have stunning photographs on Moonstone, but you’re only a few minutes away from the gorgeous town of Cambria, so hop in the car and have your photographer get some amazing photographs on the main drag in town!
Ragged Point Inn – Worth the Drive
So, Ragged Point is about a 30-minute drive North of Cambria at the mouth of Big Sur. It’s secluded and absolutely wildly gorgeous with trees, cliffs and beaches with literally no one else on them. If you want something that’s out of the way and truly unique, this is the place for you!
Tip: Get those amazing cliff-side photographs, but take the extra time to have your photographer drive down the road with you about 10 minutes to get photos off you on an absolutely wild and breathtaking beach!
Your Dream Beach Wedding Awaits
When you’re planning a beachside wedding in San Luis Obispo County, there are SO many options. The “best” really just comes down to what you want for your vision. Whatever you choose, your guests are going to have an experience they’ll never forget. The whole vibe of a beach wedding is, by nature, more relaxed, laid back and absolutely “Californian all the way”. Make sure you start early in planning, as all of these locations do book up quickly – so many people dream of getting married on the beach – and don’t forget to book your other vendors early as well! If you’re considering booking your wedding photographer, be sure to check out the rest of my website (I’ve photographed weddings at all of these venues)!