It's official: The wedding planning has begun!
Over the next few weeks, I'll be showcasing a different venue that I've visited in the hunt for our perfect wedding location. Most of these places are not popular venues that you'd find in your typical wedding research. Some may be a little non-traditional. And all of them are perfect for the budget-conscious.
One thing I noticed while looking at venues online is that most websites don't show the details of the space. I.e. the light fixtures, windows, flooring, etc. And they always show the space when it's fully decked out in someone else's wedding decor. Hopefully, the shots I've taken will give you a better idea of the what each venue looks like as a "blank slate."
Like a venue? Give me your input! (
If you already know which venue we've chosen, don't spill the beans, please!)
CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO
Located three hours north of Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo is considered part of California's "wine country." Since I don't know too much about the factual history of this exact venue, I'll just give you the quick info I was able to learn in my research. It's a military base that's pretty much out of commission and only used nowadays for training purposes. Most of the buildings on base are dilapidated and it felt like a ghost town. With that said, it's a GREAT location if you want to be surrounded by nature.
Camp San Luis Obispo (CLSO) is located right off Highway 1 and it's very easy to get to. You don't need to have military clearance to get to this venue. However, you do need to have an appointment with the coordinator, so make sure you arrange this ahead of time. This venue offers both a ceremony location (chapel) and a reception location (Officer's Club).
Chapel - front
Chapel - side
Inside chapel - view from the balcony
Main aisle of the chapel
Chapel seating
View from the alter, looking towards the back of the chapel
Balcony seating
Light fixtures in the chapel
Exterior of chapel
Gazebo in front of chapel
Sign in front of chapel
Officer's Club - exterior
Officer's Club - exterior
The Lounge: This space is great for older guests to sit and relax, as well as for children to watch TV.
The Fireplace Room: This space is great for cocktail hour. The French doors on the far side lead to the bridal dressing room.
Wood beams in the Fireplace Room.
The Library is ideal as a bridal dressing room. There's plenty of space for several girls to get ready. There are also tables, comfortable chairs, and lots of natural lighting.
The Ballroom
Stage area. This could be used for the DJ setup, cake display, or even the wedding party.
Linoleum flooring - no need to rent a dance floor.
Cool architecture
Door leading from the library, goes out to a spacious lawn area. This area would also be great for an outdoor ceremony.
Surrounded by nature
Sign outside of the Officer's Club
The rental fee for this venue is $2,400 and includes the following:
-Full use of Chapel
-Full use of Lounge
-Full use of Fireplace Room
-Full use of Library
-Full use of Ballroom (accommodates 300)
-Full use of on-site kitchen (includes refrigerator, industrial size gas stove, coffee maker, ice maker, sinks, microwave)
-All tables and chairs
-Dance floor
Note:
This venue offers TONS for its price. They only book one wedding per weekend, so you're guaranteed to have full use of all of the above mentioned spaces for your wedding alone.
The coordinator has her own linen rental company, so it's easy to coordinate between vendors. Also, she's super friendly and helpful.
The venue is seriously just surrounded with green hills and old trees. If you're looking for one of those old barn type locations, but are willing to sacrifice on the barn itself, check this place out.
This site has a list of caterers (approximately 15) that it works with.
For more information, contact Taffy at (805) 541-6168 or CampSanLuisObispoClubs@hotmail.com.
