Straus Home Ranch is one of the most distinctive wedding venues on the Northern California coast. Located about an hour north of San Francisco, along the shores of Tomales Bay in Marin County, the historic ranch features a beautifully restored barn, coastal gardens, and sweeping views that make it an unforgettable setting for weddings.
We at Anaviv have worked on our share of barn weddings, and one of the venues that we love partnering with most is Straus Home Ranch, which has an airy 160-year old, lovingly restored historic barn from the Civil War era. If you're planning a barn wedding in the Bay Area, we've got some great information about Straus Home Ranch below that can help you with your plans.
If you’re planning a wedding at Straus Home Ranch, our Bay Area wedding catering team works closely with couples to design seasonal menus tailored to the venue.
Photo courtesy of Straus Home Ranch
Wedding Spaces at Straus Home Ranch
The historic barn isn't the only special place at Straus Home Ranch where couples can celebrate. In fact, the farm has other equally gorgeous spaces that offer flexible options. These spaces can also be decorated according to your vision, from dreamy and whimsical to casual and fun.
Eucalyptus grove and garden
Photo courtesy of Straus Home Ranch
Towering eucalyptus and coastal cypress trees surround a serene knoll overlooking Tomales Bay, creating a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for tying the knot. Couples can also choose to hold their ceremony in the gardens by the heritage farmhouse, surrounded by flowers and a stunning view of the bay, or host a cocktail reception there.
Historic farmhouse
Photo courtesy of Straus Home Ranch
The beautifully restored 1864-built farmhouse sits just a 30-second walk from the beach, which means that guests can sit on either of the wraparound porches (yes, the house has two, one upper and one lower!) in the morning or at sunset to enjoy drinks and a view of Tomales Bay. The farmhouse also comes with four spacious bedrooms and a modern gourmet kitchen for guests who plan to stay over.
Heritage barn
Photo courtesy of Straus Home Ranch
Straus Home Ranch's barn has been thoughtfully renovated to preserve its quaint charm while providing modern amenities, such as radiant floor heating so you don't have to worry about cold feet at all. Filled with bright, natural light during the day and soft and romantic lighting at night, the barn can accommodate up to 160 guests. There's a separate catering and dessert lounge area where Straus can set up a soft-serve machine featuring their very own organic ice cream.
Outside the barn, there's a cocktail area with a Bluetooth speaker and where the staff can help you build a bonfire on colder nights. There's lots of room to set up a live band for dancing inside; however, noise restrictions mean that music has to be over by 1030 pm and amplifiers have to be shut by 1230 am. However, guests can stay until 1 am at the barn.
Parking and Guest Logistics at Straus Home Ranch
There's 50 spots in the parking area near the farm, although the farm recommends using shuttles. Onsite, there's a comfortable three-stall restroom trailer, and the farm is family friendly and kids are welcome (with supervision).
With a high season spanning mid-April to mid-November, couples looking to celebrate within that period should contact Straus Home Ranch once you've decided on your barn wedding.
Planning a Straus Home Ranch wedding? Our team has catered many barn and coastal weddings throughout Northern California. Learn more about our wedding catering services or contact us to discuss your event.