NorCal Farm/Ranch Venue Help Needed

rjs521

Hi All, I'm new... and newly engaged. We'd like to do a farm/ranch style wedding. Nothing too crazy. Most likely around 120 people in late April or May of 2010 (I know... not a lot of time) in NorCal (open to suggestions). Anyway - I haven't found anything that great so far. We want rustic but not square-dance-y if that makes sense. And we're on a bit of a budget (who isn't) are hoping to keep site fees under 3K if possible (if necessary we'll stretch, I guess...). Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions.Ideally, the ceremony would be outside and maybe the reception but we'd love to have the option of an indoor barn or other type of venue for bad weather. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions you can provide!

jackelbride

http://thecondorsnestranch.com/default.htmlhttp://www.taberranch.com/http://www.herecomestheguide.com/location/detail/vignette-vintage-ranch-weddings/

sm23

The two that come to mind for me are:-Sand Rock Farm in Aptos-French Garden Restaurant in Sebastapol (page amyfelice on the norcal Nest board - she got married there last fall)I would also recommend checking out herecomestheguide.com - you can search for "farm/ranch" type venues and punch in number of guests, what part of the Bay Area you want, etc. It's a good place to start your research.

carefer

I know of:Bear Flag Farm - located in Winters, VERY pricey, but gorgeousTaber Ranch - Not sure about their pricing, but from what I've seen, middle-of-the-road. You may want to ask Karena (Mutley) for her farm location. I know it's in Woodland, and I've talked to her about it, but don't know what it's called. She said it's inexpensive.

**Mutley**

You have PLENTY of time.  (We got engaged in April and are getting married this October.)  As Carrie said, our reception venue is a farm.  I have some pictures in my bio (and will have more in 2 weeks.)  It is the Farm on Putah Creek at the Center for Land-Based Learning.  http://www.landbasedlearning.org/putah.phpThey recently raised their prices, but I think they are still under your budget of $3K.  Plus you can bring your own alcohol.  You do need to bring in your own tables, chairs, etc.    FYI, Bear Flag Farms is around $8K. 

**Mutley**

I realized I have more picture than those in my bio.  I have some from inside the barn as well.  Email me at farmrusticwedding@gmail.com  if you want to see them.

carefer

FYI Bear Flag Farm around $8k JUST for site fees. From what I remember when I talked to them, you still have to use their catering and everything else. Their pacakge is $40k for 100 people.

**Mutley**

Yup, just for the site.  It is ridiculous in my opinion.  Gorgeous! But way too expensive.  Our venue is right down the road for 1/8th of the cost.   

anglyn

Try the Old Sugar Mill. Its a little more reasonable.My venue was a vineyard but they had a blue barn on the site. You can see pictures in my bio.

californiaborn

Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma is the first place that comes to mind, although it's not really ranchy. I know I have a few places that would fit your discription in my married bio under helpful odds 'n ends. There is a whole list of sites in the north bay. Barndiva? Ooh, Kenwood Farms and Gardens!? Anyway, check out the list....good luck!

dwpro

Try Newcastle Wedding Gardens, They have a gorgeous Red Barn for reception. Very reasonable. Also, try Chateau Rodin in Placerville. Monte Verde Inn in Foresthill. Not a barn or a farm but very pretty and very reasonable. 14K for everything, food, flowers, linens, venue, drinks, etc.Bear Flag Farm is beautiful but yes, very pricey. You have to use only their vendors, and you also have to bring in the dance floor and port-a-potties. Nice port-a-potties, but port-a-potties nonetheless.

MJones6787

I was looking for the same thing in the Sacramento so I am hoping that I can help a little. 1)Crawford's barnit was in a pretty rough area and there was no parking or fence that was all it took for us and we walked away2) Inn at lockehouse (Lodi area)Lovely but had to be outdoors I am too much of a wimp to trust the rain so we moved on 3) Old Sugar Mill  (Clarksburg)We were in love and had the contract in hand BUT the contract sent to us had an incorrect site rental fee (about 1,000 too high) and when we called to check on things about a month later when we were back in town someone we had never even talked too was now coordinating weddings and we were never informed. VERY bad customer service.4) Grace Vineyards (Galt)Newish venue but the owner has been catering for quite some time under the name Fresh and Quick. Very kind owner, beautiful location, affordable, helpful, and quick to respond plus the food was amazing.  (there is also quite a considerable discount on the site rental if you book by October.) I hope this helps you find what you are looking for! Melissa