Christine & Julian’s Madonna Inn elopement was a classic celebration of love. One that borrowed a heavy dose of inspiration from the glam scene of the 1970s. But, most of all, Christine & Julian’s Madonna Inn elopement was a day of togetherness. If you’re wondering who that dapper (tiny) gentleman in the suit is, that would be Christine & Julian’s 10-week-old son. He has the best hair in the game and he came to the wedding with the tiniest little boutonniere attached to his suit to celebrate his parents.
History of Madonna Inn
The Madonna Inn is “technically’ a motel in San Luis Obispo, but in reality, it’s so much more than that. The Madonna Inn officially opened its doors in 1958 and if you’ve ever stepped inside, you’ll agree that the space feels as if it hasn’t changed much since. It almost resembles a hotel you’d find in Vegas during the 60’s heydays. However, it’s become an Instagrammable spot and that is largely due in part to its eccentric, vintage decor as well as the bold in-your-face colors that are mixed with heaps of gold and drapery.
Today, the Madonna Inn hosts elopements and weddings, and yes, you can still book a room! Fun fact, when the Madonna Inn first opened its doors, the average rental rate was just $7 per night. While that rate is long gone, the Madonna Inn is here to stay. Since opening its doors in the 50s, the Madonna Inn has survived a fire, rebuilt, and been featured in countless TV shows and music videos. The unique decor is still going strong and local couples actively seek out their iconic pink champagne cake for their wedding day.
Madonna Inn Elopement
The Madonna Inn hosts elopements as well as full-service wedding days. Allowing couples to plan their best day ever, in a way that feels right to them. Christine and Julian’s Madonna Inn elopement was a family affair. They kept the guest list intentional, and the details impactful. So how do you make an elopement-style wedding day a vibe of its own? Details. Christine and Julian focused on attire, florals, and stylized elements to add a hint of retro charm to their wedding day.
Christine looked amazing in a short and sweet bridal dress that mimicked the 70s ‘mod’ style. To accessorize her dress she selected a sparkly white beaded clutch and a pair of chunky block-heel shoes for her walk down the aisle. Her hair was partially pulled back with loose flowing curls to create a look that was elevated but also whimsical. Julian wore a classic suit in a fun shade of green, leaning into the boldly colored statement-making fashion of the 70s, but also pairing perfectly with Christine’s fun and flirty wedding day look.
Planning Your Madonna Inn Elopement
Christine & Julian said I do with a wedding ceremony at Madonna Inn’s secret garden. This enchanting outdoor space is filled with whimsy. It is nestled among a canopy of trees for ample shading and features a white pergola for reciting your vows. This space also offers hidden pathways to explore for wedding photos, once you’ve tied the knot. One sunny fall afternoon, Christine & Julian were joined in marriage at the Madonna Inn, with their friends and family looking on, and you can see all the details in the photos below.
Planning a Madonna Inn Elopement or Wedding? Let’s celebrate & document your moment, together.
Take the first step by contacting us, here.
While you’re here, you can check out more amazing couples who have tied the knot with a Madonna Inn elopement or wedding through the links below.
- Caitlyn & Alex’s Madonna Inn Festival Wedding
- Alex & Rikki’s Vintage Wedding at the Madonna Inn
- Lauren & Kevin’s Monday Wedding at the Madonna Inn
- Andrea & Sergio’s Enchanting Madonna Inn Wedding
- Katey & Atlas’s Festive Winter Wedding at the Madonna Inn
- Ashley & Steven’s Madonna Inn Elopement
- Matt & Brontë’s Summer Wedding at the Madonna Inn

















Vendors
Photography: SLOtography
Venue: The Madonna Inn
Entertainment: Kramer Events