Marin Blog · The Best in Marin Collection

Top picks for Marin Wedding Locations

Posted in Blogging Marin on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 by MCVB Staff

A wedding is a significant and memorable life event that starts with thorough planning and choosing the right location. With its breathtaking landscapes, Marin is a great choice for celebrating the incredible moments of the day you and your loved ones’ lives intertwine.

A lot goes into ensuring your wedding goes smoothly and becomes one of your most cherished memories. One aspect of this is accommodating your guests and picking an outstanding venue. When planning your wedding, you need to look not only into where you will have the event take place but also where your guests can stay. Luckily, Marin has you covered:

Popular Hotels for Wedding Guests

As wedding hosts, you probably want to make sure all your guests feel welcome and have the most comfortable experience possible while they share your happy moments with you. Let’s take a closer look at some popular hotel accommodations:

Courtyard by Marriott—Larkspur

This hotel features contemporary rooms and suites where your guests will experience the luxury of plush bedding and high-speed Wi-Fi. They will never feel hungry with access to the hotel’s restaurant, the Bistro, which offers nourishing breakfast and dinner options.

AC Hotel San Rafael

If you are looking for a hotel to compliment your wedding’s classic style, AC Hotel San Rafael should be your top choice. With its minimalist design, it nevertheless has everything your guests may need, from HDTVs to mini-fridges and deluxe bedding.

Embassy Suites

This option lets you accommodate your guests in spacious two-room suites that come with free made-to-order breakfasts and complimentary evening reception. If your guests are planning to bring their pets along, the good news is that the suites are pet-friendly.

 

Popular Wedding Locations with Accommodations

Need a way to solve two problems at once? In West Marin, the hotels offering both a venue and guest accommodations are Straus Home Ranch and their Barn, Nick's Cove, and the Lodge at Marconi.

Straus Home Ranch

What could be more romantic than a wedding on a farm with an inspiring history? The Straus Home Ranch was founded by Ellen and Bill, who were refugees from Nazi Germany and dedicated their lives to protecting West Marin from unsustainable projects.

With the capacity to accommodate a group of up to 10 guests, this ranch is renowned for being a destination for weddings. Since there is no light pollution, you and your guests can spend several pleasant nights around the bonfire, admiring the Milky Way.

 

 

Nick's Cove

Nick's Cove, nestled on the shores of Tomales Bay, is a remarkable wedding destination. With the flexibility to host up to 120 people, Nick's is a great choice for a large celebration. With a dedicated service from the event team, Nick's Cove will allow your guests to immerse themselves in the pristine natural beauty of the location.

Whether you envision exchanging vows in the picturesque garden overlooking the bay, celebrating at the iconic BoatHouse, or hosting a grand soirée in the indoor-outdoor spaces, Nick's Cove provides an uninterrupted and magical setting for your event.

 

 

Lodge at Marconi

Nestled in the serene hills overlooking Tomales Bay, this secluded coastal retreat boasts 45 rooms. The Lodge at Marconi perfectly combines historical significance with a natural oasis within a sprawling 62-acre California State Historic Park.

Embracing the essence of disconnecting from electronic distractions, your guests will be encouraged to explore the lush, tree-lined trails or bask in the beauty of Tomales Bay.

 

Unique Wedding Venues

If you are looking for a unique backdrop for your wedding, we want to share some excellent locations that will help you remember your wedding for years to come:

 

The Haven in Tomales

The Haven at Tomales stands out as the perfect wedding destination, offering an unparalleled backdrop of rolling hills and majestic forests that rank among the most scenic locations in the entire Bay Area.

Seclusion and undeniable charm, combined with a distinctive "Elegance in Nature" ambiance, make The Haven a truly unique setting for your special day.

 


 

Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross

This idyllic wedding venue, a private park open to all, embodies the quintessential charm of Marin County. This timeless location boasts breathtaking gardens framed by venerable trees, expanses of rolling lawns, a captivating butterfly habitat, and a native plant garden.

Against this natural canvas, a classic Victorian gazebo takes center stage, providing an enchanting backdrop for exchanging matrimonial vows. With its harmonious blend of natural beauty and historic elegance, the Marin Art and Garden Center offers couples the perfect setting for a wedding that's both picturesque and meaningful.

 

 

University of Redlands

With its majestic castles and charming chapels nestled on 14 acres of pristine grounds, the University of Redlands offers an exceptional setting for weddings. Perched atop a hill overlooking the breathtaking Ross Valley and iconic Mt. Tamalpais, this venue is nothing short of extraordinary.

The university's rich history dates back to its founding in 1871 as Presbyterian City College in San Francisco. This historic seminary, within walking distance of downtown San Anselmo, boasts a remarkable collection of historical buildings, chapels, Victorian residences, and the iconic "castles on the hill."

Located just 15 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the University of Redlands offers a picturesque and culturally rich backdrop that will make your wedding day unforgettable.

 

 


The Schooner Freda B

For couples seeking an elegant and nautical wedding experience, the schooner Freda B is the perfect choice. Whether it's weddings at sea, commitment ceremonies, elopements, vow renewals, receptions, or rehearsal dinners, Freda B offers a captivating backdrop for some of the most cherished life moments.

 

What makes marrying aboard the Freda B exceptional is the ever-changing, awe-inspiring views of San Francisco Bay. Whether you exchange vows dockside or in a tranquil cove on the bay, your wedding photos will be framed by the spectacular beauty of the surroundings. On the Freda B, you even have the option of having one of their licensed captains officiate the ceremony!

 

Helpful Resources for Your Wedding

Apart from the venue and accommodations, there are plenty of other things to take care of in preparation for your wedding. Fortunately, we've got a network of trusted business partners ready to provide essential services to turn your wedding dreams into reality. From audio-visual equipment rentals courtesy of Corporate Media Systems to catering options like Il Davide Catering and Piazza D'Angelo Catering, our partners will ensure your guests are treated to a delightful culinary experience. Whether you're planning a traditional or unique ceremony, Marin Coast Weddings and My SF Wedding have experienced wedding officiants ready.

For creating the perfect ambiance, Marin Event Lighting offers top-notch lighting and decor services. When it comes to capturing those precious moments, you can rely on Desire to Inspire Studios Foundation and My SF Wedding for exceptional photography options. For seamless transportation arrangements, Five Emerald Limousine, Tours, and Transportation have you covered.