You’re driving down Shoreline Highway, the salt air from the Pacific hitting your face, and suddenly the hills just... open up. It’s that neon-green, rolling-hill vibe that makes West Marin feel like a different planet. Tucked into this landscape is Stemple Creek Ranch organic ranch wedding & event venue, a place that’s somehow both a high-end destination and a gritty, working cattle operation. Honestly, if you’re looking for a "cookie-cutter" wedding factory, this isn't it.
People often think "organic ranch" means just a barn and some grass. It’s way more complex. We're talking about a fourth-generation family legacy that’s literally reinventing how we treat the earth. Loren and Lisa Poncia, the couple behind the current operation, aren't just renting out a field; they’re inviting you into a carbon-farming experiment that happens to be stunningly beautiful.
Why Stemple Creek Ranch Organic Ranch Wedding & Event Venue Is Actually Different
Most venues give you a 12-hour window and a list of "preferred" caterers who charge $200 a head for rubbery chicken. Stemple Creek is... different. For one, it’s a "blank slate" venue. That's a fancy way of saying you have to bring in basically everything, but it also means you aren't trapped in a pre-packaged wedding box.
The Layout of the Land
You've got options here, which is great but also a bit overwhelming if you're indecisive.
- The Eucalyptus Grove: It’s a hilltop stand of trees where the wind whistles through the leaves. It feels like a cathedral made of bark and light.
- The Big Red Barn: This is the heart of the party. It’s rustic, yeah, but it’s got that "country elegance" that doesn't feel forced. It can fit about 200 people inside, but if you're pushing the guest list, the outdoor capacity jumps to 300 or more.
- The Redwood Tree: A massive, singular redwood that serves as a backdrop for smaller, more intimate ceremonies.
The "wow factor" is real. I’ve seen guests just stop and stare at the hills for ten minutes straight. It’s the kind of place where the silence is actually loud, if that makes sense.
The "Organic" Part Isn't Just a Buzzword
Let's get real about the "organic ranch" title. This isn't just marketing fluff. The ranch is a leader in regenerative agriculture. They’ve planted over 10,000 trees and protected miles of creek beds to bring back native species. When you get married here, you’re standing on land that is actively sequestering carbon.
There’s a caveat, though. It’s a working ranch.
Kinda means there might be a "country smell" depending on where the cattle are that day. Some people find it charming and authentic; others might be surprised if they’re expecting a manicured country club. Also, flies. If it’s a hot day in late summer, the flies can be a thing. It’s nature, you know? You’re in their house.
The Meat Requirement
Here is a detail that catches some folks off guard: if you're staying in the onsite cottages or hosting an event, you’re usually expected to use Stemple Creek Ranch meats. Honestly, why wouldn't you? Their grass-fed beef and lamb are legendary in the Bay Area. It’s farm-to-table in the most literal sense possible. The cows were probably grazing on the very hills your guests are photographing two weeks before the wedding.
Logistics: The Not-So-Glamorous Details
I’m going to be straight with you: planning a wedding here takes work. It’s about five miles from the coast and about an hour and a half from San Francisco.
Lodging is a bit of a puzzle. On-site, they have a few cool spots:
- The Schoolhouse: Sleeps about six. Loren actually went to preschool here!
- The Cabin (aka The Love Shack): A refurbished bunkhouse that’s super cozy.
- The Writer’s Cottage: Tiny, cute, and has an outdoor shower that people obsess over.
Total onsite sleeping capacity is around 22 people. For everyone else? You’re looking at hotels in Petaluma (about 20-30 minutes away) or vacation rentals in Tomales and Dillon Beach. Shuttles are basically mandatory. The roads are narrow, windy, and dark at night. Don't let your cousin from the city try to navigate those hills after four glasses of wine.
Pricing and What You're Buying
As of 2026, the base site fee for a peak-season wedding usually starts around $14,900. That sounds like a lot, but remember: you’re getting the run of the place. Unlike some venues that host three weddings a weekend, Stemple Creek usually sticks to one. You have time to breathe.
You’re paying for the privacy. You’re paying for the fact that there isn't another soul for miles. You're paying for the 2025 Leopold Conservation Award-winning soil beneath your feet.
Misconceptions to Clear Up
- "It’s always sunny in California": Not in Tomales. The fog rolls in fast. July can be 60 degrees and windy. Tell your guests to bring layers.
- "It’s a turnkey venue": Nope. You need a planner. You need to rent tables, chairs (if you have over 150 guests), and silverware.
- "Accessibility is easy": They’ve made huge strides—new bathrooms, ADA parking—but it’s still a ranch with uneven dirt paths. If you have guests with mobility issues, you’ll need to coordinate some "ranch transport" (golf carts are a lifesaver here).
How to Actually Pull This Off
If you’re leaning towards booking, start by visiting. Don’t just look at Instagram. You need to feel the wind in the grove and see if the "vibe" matches your tolerance for a little dirt on your shoes.
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Step 1: Check the wind. No, seriously. If you're doing a hilltop ceremony, your veil might become a kite.
Step 2: Source local. Since you’re in West Marin, use the local bakeries and florists. They know the terrain.
Step 3: Lean into the ranch theme. Don't try to make it a ballroom. It’s a barn. It’s beautiful because it’s a barn.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're serious about a wedding at Stemple Creek Ranch, your first move isn't a deposit. It's a site tour. Contact their events team at hello@stemplecreek.com to see the calendar—Saturdays in the summer often book out 12 to 18 months in advance. While you're at it, order one of their sample meat boxes online. If you don't love the steak, you probably shouldn't get married on the farm that produces it.
The most successful events here are the ones that embrace the "wildness" of the location. Wear the boots. Serve the grass-fed burgers. Let the fog roll in. It’s not just a venue; it’s a piece of California history that’s still being written.