Choosing a destination wedding venue is about more than finding a beautiful view. The best destinations include an amazing climate, easy travel, guest comfort, and amenities that turn weddings into lifetime memories. San Luis Obispo County is a top choice for destination weddings. The team at Willow and Oak Estate, an exclusive property hosting weddings since 2005, is committed to helping couples feel confident and informed as they choose a venue to set the tone for their entire celebration. The estate’s team shares the top considerations for choosing a destination wedding venue on California’s Central Coast.
- A year-round temperate climate, especially during the spring to fall wedding season.
- Easy travel and access from major highways and airports.
- A vacation-worthy setting that is ideal for the honeymoon and for guests who wish to combine a vacation with the wedding.
- Stress-free amenities and comfort.
- Experience with planning and hosting weddings. In partnership with its award-winning sister company, All About Events, the Willow and Oak Estate team has more than 20 years of wedding experience.
Start with the climate
San Luis Obispo County, on California’s Central Coast, is one of the most popular regions for destination weddings. The consistent sunshine, clear blue skies, and dependable warm weather are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Add in the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that are visible throughout the region; it’s easy to see why couples choose the county for destination weddings.
Easy travel
Located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the region is easily accessed from Highway 101. The local San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is a quick drive to wedding venues, lodging, world-class restaurants, wineries, and activities. Wedding guests are more likely to travel when a major airport is located less than an hour from the venue, and a major highway makes for a pleasurable road trip.
A vacation-worthy setting
Destination wedding guests can enjoy San Luis Obispo County’s year-round vacation setting. The region is known for wineries, farm-to-table dining, sightseeing, and outdoor activities ranging from hiking and exploring tide pools to whale watching and zip-lining.
The Willow and Oak Estate wedding venue is, itself, an immersive experience. The wedding party has exclusive use of the 65-acre estate for the entire weekend, including rowing or fishing on the pond, relaxing, entertaining before the wedding, hosting the reception, and more. With overnight lodging for up to 22 guests, kitchen and barbecue facilities, and on-site support, it’s not unusual for the wedding party to stay on the property for the entire weekend.
Stress-free amenities and comfort
Every bride’s dream wedding begins with pulling up to the venue and getting out of the car. What happens after that can be mildly annoying, headache-worthy stressful, or relaxing and enjoyable. Willow and Oak makes San Luis Obispo destination weddings relaxing and enjoyable.
You have exclusive use of the 65-acre estate, all the lodging, kitchen and barbecue facilities, and entertainment venues for the entire weekend. No standing in line to register for rooms. No sharing the swimming pool with hundreds of hotel guests you don’t know. No need to retreat to your room for some quiet because there is a choice of patios and outdoor spaces.
The estate accommodates up to 200 wedding guests, including overnight accommodations for 22 guests. From morning coffee on a private patio to late-night laughter under the stars, Willow and Oak Estate offers the comfort of home with the elegance of a private retreat.
The lodgings, all included in your weekend package, are the 4-bedroom, 2-and-a-half-bath main house, a cozy 3-bedroom, 2-bath guest house, and the rustic-chic Barn Apartment. The main house has a Glam Room where the bride and her attendants can prepare for the ceremony.
Every space is designed for comfort, connection, and lasting memories. Along with the chef’s kitchen in the main house, there are built-in bars and an outdoor kitchen.
Other amenities include:
- Room for dancing to live music or a DJ.
- Plentiful lighting for after-dark celebrating.
- Plentiful parking, restrooms, and trash disposal for the comfort and convenience of guests.
- Wedding and event rentals through a partnership with the award-winning Central Coast favorite, All About Events.
- Recommendations for wedding professionals such as caterers, wedding planners, photographers, and more.
- Event setup and breakdown.
- On-site venue support for your event.
Take a virtual tour of Willow and Oak Estates, then call (805) 835-9455 and make an appointment for a personal tour. While on the website, be sure to check out Real Weddings and the FAQs.
