Straus Home Ranch Reviews
Reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
![WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner]()
5.0 out of 5 rating
46 Reviews
100% recommend it
Awards
-
Stephanie T. Sent on 12/28/2023
Best wedding experience ever!
Vivian and Michael are absolutely without a doubt some of the most amazing people we have ever met! They went above and beyond to make our day so special, and that it was. Extremely helpful, king, generous and wonderful to work with. The venue is literally a dream come true. It’s a dream house, dream barn, dream set up and a dream location! It seriously doesn’t get better. We had the most amazing two days at the ranch with our family and friends and you can feel the love that has blessed this land from all the magic shared here. We love Straus Home Ranch and Vivian and Michael ❤️❤️❤️ -
-
![Jennie]()
Jennie L. Sent on 12/21/2023Perfection from beginning to end!
The second we set foot on the property, we KNEW. This is the place. It's stunning and upscale, but also so, so relaxed and unfussy. They have thought through the details, but nothing feels formulaic. So many of the other venues feel like a "wedding factory." Straus feels like a luxe weekend at a family lake house. The owners are flexible, communicative, and kind. They have stellar relationships with all of the local vendors.
We felt our wedding was perfect, but to hear over and over again from our guests, "this is the BEST wedding we've ever been to" was just magic! -
-
![Michael]()
Michael L. Sent on 12/06/2023Wedding of our dreams, enveloped by nature
Straus Home Ranch came onto my radar via Airbnb, as I was searching for a fun place for a group stay. While that Airbnb group trip never happened, I tucked the venue away in the back of my mind when thinking of beautiful and interesting places for a wedding venue.
It was immediately obvious after our first visit that Straus Home Ranch was absolutely the perfect place for us to get married, and we would do whatever it took to make that happen, including waiting out the pandemic until things calmed down and putting a date in the sand many months later. Michael and Vivien were so hospitable, gracious, and immediately made us feel so at ease throughout the whole process, and we are so grateful to them for hosting us at their home.
We hosted a 100 person wedding in August, and could not have been happier celebrating our special day in such a gorgeous location - from our ceremony up at the top of the hill, to dancing the night away at the barn, we thoroughly relished every moment that we had, including staying a few nights before at the newly built Calf House! It felt so special to be surrounded by nature, with the cows in the distance and Tomales Bay across the way; this space is truly magical.
Straus Home Ranch will always hold a special place in our hearts. We look forward to heading up north so that we can enjoy the great outdoors, shuck some oysters, and say hello to our friends for life. -
![Naomi]()
Naomi A. Sent on 08/10/2023Magical place to have a wedding!
I recently helped a friend with her wedding planning (July 2023) at the Straus Home Ranch, and I was blown away by the venue! I have been working in the wedding industry for almost 20 years, and I can handily say that this was one of my best experiences "behind the scenes" with a venue in all of those years. The obvious wonderfulness of the venue is apparent when you see it: it is beautiful and has everything you need for a lovely indoor/outdoor wedding in a farm/barn/nature setting. What you might not see right away is that the people running the venue are the hidden gems: Vivian and Michael are so kind, thoughtful and hardworking. They are responsive and work tirelessly to provide whatever is needed for the event to be a great success. I was as blown away by THEM as I was by their stunning venue, which they have worked so hard to create and maintain. Rest assured that if the spot is right for your wedding, then every other aspect of this venue will be too. -
-
Christina Sent on 09/04/2023
Outstanding
Have you ever worked with a vendor who was so wonderful you instantly wanted to be friends with them? That’s Michael and Vivien Straus. They had our hearts within minutes of meeting them, and we quickly learned that their warmth was matched with deep event planning expertise, lightning fast responses to all manner of inquiries, and a general willingness to do absolutely everything within their power to make our wedding seamless.
We can’t say enough positive things about Vivien and Michael. We had heard planning a wedding would be stressful, but largely thanks to Vivien and Michael, we honestly never felt stressed.
They regularly welcomed us to the ranch ahead of our wedding, helping us build a special bond to the land and to their family. They worked so effectively as a team, helping us find lodging, answering questions on behalf of our other vendors, thoughtfully navigating asks related to honoring recently passed family members, and so much more.
During the wedding weekend, Michael bent over backwards to make sure everything ran smoothly, always beaming with a huge smile. His soft serve ice cream was such a big hit! It was always such a relief to see Michael, because we knew he was fixing something we didn’t have to worry about, or making something work better, or just thinking 10 steps ahead to make a future moment run smoothly. He is exactly who you want at your wedding!!
We had the wedding of our dreams and we can’t imagine a better place or better hosts for this special moment in our lives. We plan to visit Straus Home Ranch regularly and will loudly sing the praises of Michael and Vivien everywhere we go, because we’re convinced there is no better place on the planet to host a wedding. -
-
![Ceanna]()
Ceanna S. Sent on 08/10/2023Phenomenal venue in the heart of Tomales Bay
I had the pleasure of acting as an event planner for a couple who got married at Straus Ranch. Not only was the barn gorgeous, the grounds, ceremony location and farm house were all impeccably kept. The entire ambience of this venue created such a warm, mellow and relaxing vibe to the whole wedding weekend. Michael and Viven were hospitible hosts and provide invaluable event support and experience. I love this place and will be back to visit again! -
-
![Diana]()
Diana B. Sent on 08/17/2023Wedding without a hitch at dreamy Straus
When my partner and I first stumbled upon Straus Home Ranch, we were immediately struck not just by the natural beauty of this coastal farm but by how warm, welcoming, and hands-on the Straus family is. We knew right away that this venue would provide the perfect ambiance for a day celebrating love. SHR provides multiple events spaces so that the rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner and dancing are spread across distinctly different parts of the farm, which (in my opinion) gave our guests the opportunity to explore and kept our wedding feeling dynamic and flexible. We loved having the cows in the background, the bay behind us as we said our vows, and the warm and cozy barn when the sun went down. Michael and Vivien, the venue’s hosts, were so attentive, friendly, and down-to-earth. I knew that if something went wrong, they’d be there to step in and help fix it. Fortunately, our special day went perfectly. I don’t have a single complaint or regret. This venue is for soulful, authentic people who love nature… and who love to party. Can’t recommend SHR enough! -
![Emily]()
Emily W. Sent on 02/22/2024Absolutely The Best
Overlooking Tomales Bay, atop eucalyptus wreathed hills, Straus Home Ranch is a hidden treasure. While I have a lot to say about the pleasures of working with Michael and Vivien, who are among the most generous, thoughtful, and accommodating hosts a couple could hope for, let’s start with the venue.
The main house and surrounding garden is a beautifully maintained and decorated hundred year old home with three bedrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, a generous kitchen, and two bathrooms. This was the perfect place for our wedding party to stay on site and made a warm, welcoming staging area for makeup, hair, and dressing. The surrounding lawn and garden are beautifully maintained, and sheltered by the trees that surround it, it makes a comfortable area to receive guests, play games, and celebrate no matter the weather.
Its ceremony area is among the most extraordinary little gems in the area. Sheltered by trees, you cannot see the road, but the Bay and the hills beyond feel close. You are hidden away high atop the hill, behind the house, where Vivien and Michael will stage benches and an arch for your use. A small road allows you to drive some of your less mobile guests easily to the top of the hill. The cows grazing in the neighboring fields add to an already picturesque scene.
It was perfect for us.
Logistically, there’s a lot to appreciate about Straus Home Ranch. Parking is generous, allowing thirty cars to comfortably find a space. Rental toilets are already present and Michael keeps a number of heat lamps, blankets, and lawn games on hand. If, like us, you wanted a little privacy for your wedding night, there is even a beautifully decorated studio off of the main house.
Finally, the converted barn is an amazing place to host a party! It was a cold and blustery evening after our wedding, but because of its heated floors, the inside couldn’t have been more comfortable. There was room for dancing, dinner, a bar, a DJ, our caterers working behind curtains, and still there was room to spare.
There are a lot of people in the wedding business that can make what should be one of the happiest moments in your life into a bit of a nightmare, but Vivien and Michael are the real treasure of this place.
If you have the pleasure of working with them, you will find them attentive, kind, and full of good ideas and recommendations with connections to some of the better caterers, florists, and planners in the area. Michael was there the day of the wedding, working in the background to bring heat lamps where they were needed, to make sure the fire pit was all set up for s'mores, and checking in to make sure everything was working perfectly.
My partner and I truly cannot recommend Straus Home Ranch enough.
(Photo Credit: Molly Kate Photography) -
-
![Austin]()
Austin B. Sent on 08/17/2023An Amazing Venue
When we first stepped onto Straus Home Ranch and met with Michael, it was clear this was a very special place. Michael and Vivien have so much love for their property, and so will you after you spend a weekend on the shores of Tomales Bay. I could talk forever about the wonderful house, the magical barn, and how I teared up after walking down the aisle overlooking the setting sun over the bay. But truly the selling point of this venue is the people, and how helpful Michael was during the whole event. As you go throughout the evening, Michael is the most helpful host, helping with the set up, tear down, and everything in between.
I still remember walking up to the venue at sunset and thinking "this is such a magical place." If you choose to host you wedding here, I'm sure you'll feel that too! -
-
![Jimmy]()
Jimmy H. Sent on 11/25/2022Incredible and no regrets
Had friends and family fly in from across the world. Everyone was blown away by the peaceful, rustic, and authentic feel given off by Michael and Vivien's Straus Home Ranch.
The venue was beautiful. Their on-site home housed the wedding party. Nearby Airbnb, VRBO, and Bed/Breakfasts accommodated our closest friends and family. A friendly chicken ran between peoples' legs as we mingled on the lawn during cocktail hour.
What you're getting here is a priceless experience and memories you'll take with you for the rest of your life. We're often reminded by friends and family of how beautiful and fun our wedding was months after our venue, and Straus Home Ranch made this all possible. No regrets! -
![Jenny]()
Jenny B. Sent on 08/08/2023The best decision of our lives
There are truly no words to describe Straus Home Ranch. When we came upon the wedding wire listing we immediately had a feeling in our stomachs that this could be our wedding venue. The second we stepped foot on the grounds for our tour with Vivien, we both had goosebumps covering our whole bodies. Straus is a slice of heaven that makes you feel right at home. There are wildflowers growing everywhere you look, cows roaming the field above the ranch, twinkle lights in the trees, a beautiful white house that your whole family can stay in, a eucalyptus grove for the ceremony that truly doesn't even need wedding flowers because the backdrop will take your breath away, a HUGE red barn for the best wedding dance party of your lives, and lastly the most INCREDIBLE brother-sister duo (Michael and Vivien) to guide you through the wedding planning process. Michael and Vivien are two of the kindest, warmest, and most charismatic people we have ever met. They have created this beautiful oasis for others and they welcome each couple in with open arms. They are both responsive and highly professional when communicating about logistics. They made us feel heard, taken care of, and completely at ease with each decision for our wedding day. We cannot wait to come back and visit the ranch just to hang out with them!!! THANK YOU MICHAEL AND VIVIEN FOR THE BEST DAY OF OUR LIVES!!! -
![Danvu]()
Danvu N. Sent on 12/07/2022The Perfect Wedding at the Most Perfect Venue
Straus Home Ranch was truly the venue of our dreams - the location, atmosphere and amenities were absolutely perfect. We were looking for a wedding venue back in 2020 and when we reached out to Straus Home Ranch, we were welcomed with open arms by both the hosts, Vivien and Michael Straus. When we arrived to tour around their property, Judy and I knew that we needed to have our wedding here. The venue is perfectly situated right off of beautiful Highway 1 by Tomales Bay and the climate is perfect for a wedding throughout the summer season. There were many areas throughout the property that made for a perfect wedding day. The family house [of which Vivien and Michael grew up in :')] is gorgeous and comfortable for guests to stay in through the weekend. The ceremony area on the hilltop overlooks the beautiful and serene bay. The newly restored red barn was magical and was great way to end the night for reception. There are also dairy cows roaming in the field and Marcia the Chicken who's not afraid to steal your food to add to the ambience. Throughout our planning process and several postponements (COVID), Vivien and Michael were always responsive, supportive, and extremely accommodating. During the week of our wedding (of which is always the most stressful), everything ran smoothly and we constantly saw Michael running around behind the scenes to make sure any requests that we had were met and he always did it with a huge smile on his face. We always felt like an extension of their family and we would not hesitate to recommend this venue to other couples that plan on having their wedding here or even staying a few nights. Thank you Vivien and Michael for being such great hosts, and don't forget to try their soft serve- it's amazing! -
-
Lawrence D. Sent on 11/13/2022
Amazing Owners, Beautiful Venue, Magical Wedding💕
Straus Home Ranch was everything we could have wanted in a venue and more! Michael and Vivien were extremely accommodating and professional every step of the way, especially with their communication and response time. The venue was spectacular with beautiful views and pristine landscaping. The cottage had EVERYTHING we needed! Everything from pots, pans, rice cooker to even spices were all made available. The final thing that made our wedding weekend special was Michael's presence. He was there for anything we needed and even drove our mobility impaired family members up to the ceremony site! We cannot thank them enough for making our wedding the most amazing experience of our life! -
-
![Milani]()
Milani B. Sent on 11/27/2022Straus Home Ranch MAGIC!
From the moment I met Michael and Vivien I knew that Straus would be the place for our wedding. The warmth and genuine kindness they exude is matched perfectly by the extreme magic of the venue they steward so beautifully. This is a pace for the feeling of real magic and abundant love to pour out and over onto everyone involved. Our wedding was a truly life changing experience here. I haven't spoken to one guest who didn't say is was the most wonderful wedding they had ever attended. That's having to do with every little detail that Michael and Vivien put in to making this place so magical. It's the hillsides and the eucalyptus, the ocean, the red barn, the big white house, but it's also the incredible love and goodness that is invested in this place year after year. I could cry just thinking about going back...tears of joy. I'm endlessly grateful we found this place. A piece of my heart is definitely here forever. -
-
Sue L. Sent on 11/15/2022
The Perfect Wedding Venue
This is the most perfect setting for an outdoor venue overlooking Tomales Bay. The Ranch is amazing, the family home is elegantly decorated, The hosts, Viven and Michael are more than helpful. Our daughters wedding was made in heaven here. Would love to do it all again. -
-
Claire L. Sent on 11/11/2022
Straus Home Ranch: A dream come true
Getting married at Straus Home Ranch was the best decision we made and was a dream of ours for several years - the reality of getting married there surpased everything we hoped for. It was an absolute dream come true for us and an unforgettable experience for our family and friends. Vivien and Michael feel like family and ensured we and all of our guests were so well taken care of. This venue is absolutely stunning and truly provides the perfect location for a Northern California Coastal Wedding. I cannot reccomend it enough. -
-
![Victoria]()
Victoria Sent on 11/19/2022Dream Wedding at Straus Home Ranch
Everything about SHR was perfect! Michael and Vivien are a dream to work with. It was the first and only venue we toured because we knew instantly we had to get married here! Being able to stay onsite at the farmhouse was beyond convenient and so much fun for us and our bridal party. The location is breathtaking. The farmhouse, the barn, the fields, the bay views - just stunning. I feel really at peace there - so good for the soul. I highly recommend SHR, you definitely will not be disappointed! -
-
![Sharaine]()
Sharaine B. Sent on 11/14/2022Magical Venue & Perfect Hosts
To achieve ultimate wedded bliss, you need the help of incredibly capable and kind people. With hearts as big as their smiles, Michael and Vivien Straus are those people. Not only for us but in support of every vendor and their process in the months leading to our multi-day event. Their warmth, flexibility, and lightning-fast response times made planning a breeze and our actual wedding weekend nothing short of magical. The breathtakingly gorgeous setting of Tomales Bay, combined with the rustic elegance of the exquisitely well-appointed 160-year-old farmhouse and barn, created the perfect backdrop for every moment that will forever be etched in our memories. There are not enough superlatives to describe the overall experience. We are honored to be a thread in the tapestry of the glorious historic Straus Home Ranch. (Photo credit: Alena Evteeva Photography) -
Are you interested?
Send a message
Are you interested?
Send a message