17 Breathtaking Central Coast Wedding Venues
Just North of Los Angeles and South of the San Francisco Bay Area lies a gorgeous stretch of breathtaking scenery known as the Central Coast. From the epic surf in Santa Cruz and the rocky shores of Monterey down to the rolling vineyards in Santa Barbara and Ventura's pristine beaches, these cozy communities are full of picturesque wedding venues. Whether you want to exchange vows with your toes in the sand, or at a secluded ranch nestled in a lush valley, you'll fall in love at first sight with some of Central California's finest here!
SANTA CRUZ
SANTA CRUZ
Seascape Beach Resort
Aptos, California
Venue Superpowers:
Epic Ocean Vistas
Destination Weddings
Al Fresco Affairs
Fab Features: bluff-top resort with sweeping ocean vistas • lawn ceremonies and beachfront receptions against a bay backdrop • luxe accommodations offer decks, patios, fireplaces, and ocean or forest views
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
Amaya Ridge
Soquel, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Redwood Romance
Exclusive Use
Weekend Wedding
Fab Features: gorgeous private estate and vineyard surrounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains • exchange vows in a grove of redwoods, on a sprawling meadow, or alongside the grapevines--such dreamy choices! • take over the property for the entire weekend for a festival-style event (and inquire about camping options!)
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $$ • $$$
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Santa Cruz, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Unobstructed Ocean Views
Native Coastal Landscaping
Interactive Exhibits
Fab Features: perched on a bluff overlooking the Santa Cruz coast and Monterey Bay • ceremonies surrounded by coastal prairie, wetlands, and wildlife like birds, sea lions, and whales • unique cocktail hour with interactive exhibits and access to the aquarium
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
MONTEREY/CARMEL
MONTEREY/CARMEL
The Sanctuary Beach Resort
Marina, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Exclusive Beachfront
Weekend Weddings
Savory Coastal Cuisine
Fab Features: luxurious seaside escape nestled between the hills of Carmel Valley and the Marina Dunes • ceremonies on the scenic beachfront deck are followed by a celebration overlooking the coast • gourmet cuisine delights your friends & family, and a star-filled evening sky creates a magical ambiance • be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves in a choice of plush cottages or villas
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
The Perry House
Monterey, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Garden Soirées
Backyard Vibes
Bay Views
Fab Features: Fab Features: eye-catching Queen Anne-style Victorian • garden ceremonies take place beneath a stately white pergola • exquisite stained-glass skylight in the adjoining lounge • romantic view of the Monterey Bay is best from the upstairs terrace
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Carmel, California
Venue Superpowers:
Cliffside Ceremonies
All-Inclusive
Upscale Elopements
Fab Features: historic hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the Big Sur Coastline • ceremonies on the open-air redwood deck with panoramic views of the Pacific • customized menus prepared with fresh and sustainable local fare by award-winning chefs
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
The Holly Farm
Carmel, California
Venue Superpowers:
Relaxed Retreat
Weekend Weddings
Comprehensive Packages
Fab Features: chic tropical hideaway • whimsical redwood bungalow comes with “island wild” décor and a wraparound redwood deck • a koi pond, sparkling waterfall, and majestic oak tree make a lovely backdrop for your celebration and photos
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
SAN LUIS OBISPO
SAN LUIS OBISPO
Avila Lighthouse Suites at Avila Beach
Avila Beach, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Beach Ceremonies
Elopements
Relaxed Resort
Fab Features: cozy beachfront hotel with first-class amenities • ceremonies on the beach or the expansive sun deck • all-inclusive wedding packages cover everything from elopements to grand events with custom cocktail hours—even farewell brunches!
Catering: Preferred list, BYOPrice: $ • $$
The Penny
San Luis Obispo, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Rustic-Chic
Unique Architecture
Central Location
Fab Features: fabulous venue boasting an industrial indoor space and airy courtyard in the heart of San Luis Obispo • original architectural details from the building's former life as a 1930s blacksmith shop remain • rental includes access to an extensive list of in-house rentals, including ceremony arches & florals, heaters, dining tables, photo booths, and more!
Catering: In-house, BYOPrice: $ • $$
SANTA BARBARA
SANTA BARBARA
Montecito Club
Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Panoramic Ocean Views
European Vibes
Elegant Events
Fab Features: century-old private golf and social club nestled in the hills of Montecito • the clubhouse impresses with Spanish architecture and incorporates beautiful Andalusian design elements and Moroccan influences • impressive menus paired with vintages from a curated wine list with the help of the club’s sommelier
Catering: In-housePrice: $$ • $$$
Santa Ynez Ranch Events
Santa Ynez, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Relaxed Retreat
Weekend Weddings
Picturesque Setting
Fab Features: Luxe Wine Country retreat set on a 105-acre organic farm • gorgeous upscale event barn with a chic lounge hosts exquisite celebrations, while the picturesque garden courtyard and patio are delightful for outdoor dining • unique overnight stays for privileged event guests include a Country Cottage, a deluxe Casita, glamping tents and the charming Horse Cabana
Catering: Preferred listPrice: $$$
Alisal Ranch
Solvang, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Enchanted Setting
Mountain Views
All-Inclusive
Fab Features: luxurious working ranch nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley • exchange vows towering oaks, overlooking the lake, or on the serene river terrace with an epic mountain backdrop • cozy receptions inside the Cottonwood room designed rustic accents and a unique Navajo-style painted ceiling
Catering: In-housePrice: $$$
Rincon Beach Club
Carpinteria | Santa Barbara, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Beach Ceremonies
Affordable Elegance
Handcrafted Menus
Fab Features: private club located in the seaside community of Carpinteria just south of Santa Barbara • choice of ceremony locations: a white-sand beach or a leafy courtyard enclosed by 10-foot-high walls of flowering vines and roses • enchanting open-air garden receptions beneath a starry sky
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
VENTURA
VENTURA
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel
Ventura, California
Venue Superpowers:
Panoramic Views
Ceremonies on the Beach
On-Site Accommodations
Fab Features: beachfront hotel with coastal-chic style • intimate beach wedding package with ceremonies on the sand while the waves break in the background • variety of reception spaces from the oceanview Lanai Patio to the 12th-story Harbor ballroom with unobstructed panoramic views
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
The Fillmore on Central
Fillmore, CA
Venue Superpowers:
Old World Charm
Garden Celebrations
All-Inclusive Packages
Fab Features: the historic Sanctuary of this former church boasts a dramatic hand-painted exposed beam ceiling, a 20-foot stained glass medallion, and tasteful Mission-inspired details • outdoor gatherings unfold in a garden courtyard ringed with lavender, pepper trees and mountain views • 88below, a private lounge that's perfect for after-parties or chic get-togethers, has framed mirrors, modern pendant lamps, and a cool vibe
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Camarillo Ranch
Camarillo, California
Venue Superpowers:
Rustic Romance
Glam Barn
Flexible Packages
Fab Features: turn-of-the-century Queen Anne-style estate • outdoor ceremonies on a manicured lawn surrounded by trees and lush foliage • rustic-chic receptions in the restored Red Barn
Catering: In-housePrice: $$
Pacific View Tower by Wedgewood Weddings
Oxnard | Ventura, California
Venue Superpowers:
Beach Ceremonies
Posh Penthouse
All-Inclusive
Fab Features: a luxe venue with prestigious interior styling on the exclusive top floor penthouse • hold your ceremony in the treelined garden plaza complete with stone-fronted stage, or on the white sands of a nearby Ventura beach • celebrate with your guests in the glamorous club, which includes a snazzy bar and lounge outfitted with white-leather furnishings and elegant reception space with stunning panoramic views
Catering: In-housePrice: $ • $$
Filed under Wedding Venues / Locations, Northern California, Southern California, Monterey and Carmel, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo and Central Coast Beach Area, Ventura County
Are we friends yet? Join MyGuide for more goodness!
Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor