Montana de Oro Elopement

Hidden away between Avila Beach and Morro Bay is one of the most beautiful areas on the Central Coast. A bit of a hidden gem, Montana de Oro combined both old growth eucalyptus trees, groves of wildflowers, mountain trails and ocean views for miles and miles. When I’m feeling that I need to get away for some nature time, I set my signs on a drive to Los Osos and Montana de Oro.

Last year, we started to offer Montana de Oro elopements and small weddings in this beautiful location. Our photographer was more on the modern beach boho side so many of the Montana de Oro elopement photos reflect that style. With the area and location, the beach boho vibe is ideal for a wedding ceremony in Montano de Oro. For weddings and elopements in Montana de Oro, the area requires a permit. Have Coastal California Weddings plan your small wedding or elopement so we can take care of the wedding permit paperwork. In the park, there’s a few different locations for your wedding ceremony and for pictures. I’d recommend the area for a small wedding of 15 guests are less because parking can be a bit tricky.

Exit from sunny San Luis Obispo onto Los Osos Valley Road and you are on your way to a special place called Los Osos. 

This sleepy town, with a small town vibe Is packed with beautiful beaches and a forest of eucalyptus and oak trees.

Montana de Ora State Park is the most special place Los Osos has to offer. About 8,000 acres of stunning ocean views each way you look. You are guided under a canopy of eucalyptus trees as you drive to the many turn offs where several trails begin and end. Known across the globe for its mountain bike trails as well as for horseback riding. There are many trails for every hiking level as well. You will have a view of the ocean and the always captivating canyon. If I were getting married on the Central Coast, I would have an intimate Montano de Oro elopement.

Venture around this small town of Los Osos and Baywood Park because it packs a lot of hidden gems inside, you just need to look. Los Osos offers a lot of places listed on Air B and B that are perfect for romantic getaways for two or a much larger group. 

The food scene has also expanded, there are many unique places here that are not to be missed. The garden cafe is the best breakfast and right next door to it is a beautiful plant nursery to visit with the hummingbirds and butterflies. No shortage of delicious Mexican food here! If you are planning on feeding a large party for a reception or even small wedding, there is a Mexican market that can cater to that!  Hazards has the best Italian food and right next to that you can find the best ramen as well. 

The famous High Street deli that originated in San Luis Obispo has opened a second location downtown Los Osos by the beautiful bay. The best Turkey pesto sandwich around. If you have your family in tow, ride bikes down to Beerwood, great outdoor and large deck for a fun outside vibe and room for kids to grab a slice of pizza while they run by! Enjoy a giant charcuterie plate and sunset walk down at the bay right after. If you want hamburgers, check out Sylvester’s. And for hands down the best Thai food to go, Noi’s is the place to go. 

From places to just sit have a sip of wine or go out til 2 am, it’s here! During summer time there is concert on the greens at the one and only golf course in town. Night life for adults includes the ever famous dive bar called the Merrimaker, lots of fun especially for karaoke. Sweet Springs Saloon is also a great place for late nights, you may be able to catch a live show or DJ.

If your having a small wedding ceremony and are looking for a bit more of a place to go after your wedding ceremony, consider staying in San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay. 

If you are looking for a location for your Montana de Oro elopement or small wedding, reception locations for smaller parties are available all over this stunning portion of the central coast. If your having a small reception 20 people max, look into Dorns Cafe, excellent food with a view that sits above the Embarcadero. The Embarcadero itself in Morro Bay has many restaurants that are right on the harbor and offer enough space to accommodate a large party reservation at The Flying Dutchman, Rosas Bar and Grill and Windows On The Water are just a few great local places you may call call to reserve space to celebrate. All offer great fresh seafood and an epic view of the famous Morro Bay Rock. 

For a unique and seaworthy wedding or reception look into the Chablis Cruise, you can get married and have your reception on this two story boat while you cruise around the Morro Bay Harbor. They accommodate up to 65 people and book up fast! However you decide to celebrate your special day, Morro Bay will not disappoint. 

A popular way to get hitched in Los Osos is to exchange your vows somewhere along the beach on Montana De Oro and head over to the Red Barn to meet your friends and family to celebrate. The Red Barn a great space for a larger reception where you can do it yourself with catering and entertainment. It is connected to a small park that is a skate park and playground so a great place to keep kids occupied and happy 

When you rent the Red Barn it includes, plenty of parking, large BBQs, picnic tables outside and tables and chairs for inside. Do you have a relative that is a BBQ master? Visit the local Morro Bay butcher and Deli for your food and put them to work! You could also hire a catering company, there is no shortage of them 15 minutes south in San Luis Obispo.

Thinking more of a easy Taco bar? Los Osos Mexican market can cater for up to 50 people, call ahead and create your menu. Tacos De Mexico in Morro Bay also does catering for large parties. Be sure to get the spicy salsa, it is the best for those who like it hot. 

In such unique places such and Los Osos and Morro Bay,  there is no doubt you will find a way to celebrate your day that will be special and full of memories to be remembered always. 

There are so many memories to be made here, a place where you will always feel welcomed back, you know what to expect and feel right at home. Get lost and find yourself in beautiful Los Osos!