The Old Homestead in Crockett, CA: A Perfect Wedding Venue

September 19, 2024

The Old Homestead, nestled in Crockett, CA, offers couples a beautiful and intimate venue for their wedding. This historic property, originally built in 1860, features large redwoods, a charming garden, and rustic architecture that create an idyllic setting for your special day. As a preferred wedding photographer who has captured multiple weddings at The Old Homestead, I can attest to its incredible beauty and the diverse photo opportunities it provides.

Venue Features

The Old Homestead is known for its large redwood trees and lush garden, providing a perfect backdrop for both ceremonies and photos.

The venue’s outdoor space includes a beautiful lawn, garden with seasonal flowers, and string lighting for evening celebrations.

The main house, with its vintage charm, offers interior space for smaller gatherings or as a preparation area for the bridal party.

The venue offers a kitchen. However, the stove and oven are provided to reheat food, as cooking inside The Old Homestead is not permitted due to fire regulations. In addition, the venue also has a designated BBQ area which is large enough for a mobile kitchen, taco cart, mobile wood fired pizza cart or to park a food truck! You or your preferred caterer could utilize this space for cooking at The Old Homestead.

For those seeking more unique shots, the nearby C&H sugar factory and rail tracks offer a stunning industrial contrast to the natural beauty of the Homestead"s gardens. These locations give a timeless, edgy vibe to wedding portraits, perfect for couples looking to mix modern elements with classic wedding photography.

Making a Reservation

Booking a wedding at The Old Homestead is straightforward, but it is recommended that couples reserve their date as early as possible—especially if they are looking to secure a weekend date during the prime wedding season (April through November). The venue offers a detailed tour for interested couples, allowing them to see firsthand the layout and various amenities available for their special day. The event coordinator is available for assistance, guiding couples through the planning process from start to finish.

Wedding Packages

The Old Homestead offers several packages to suit different needs and budgets. For example, the Diamond Package is the most popular option, providing full use of the facility for 10 hours on weekends and holidays. This package accommodates up to 200 guests and includes outdoor furnishings, string lighting, and full access to the property, including a warming kitchen and designated bar area.

For couples planning a smaller, weekday event, the Ruby Package offers a more cost-effective solution while still granting access to the property’s stunning gardens and amenities. This package includes eight hours of use and is perfect for more intimate ceremonies and receptions.

Photography Opportunities

As a wedding photographer, I’ve found The Old Homestead to be an incredibly versatile location. The towering redwoods are perfect for capturing romantic, ethereal portraits, and the expansive garden provides a lush, colorful background for group photos. The property"s multiple levels and outdoor spaces allow for dynamic shots from different angles, ensuring no two weddings look exactly the same.

In addition to the natural beauty of the grounds, the C&H sugar factory and nearby railroad tracks provide dramatic, industrial backdrops that contrast beautifully with wedding attire. These spots offer a unique twist on traditional wedding photography, and they’re a favorite among couples who want something a little different.

Tips for Photographers

Photographing at The Old Homestead presents some unique challenges and opportunities. Here are a few tips:

1. Lighting: The towering redwoods can create dramatic light and shadow. It’s essential to adjust your camera settings and use reflectors or off-camera flash to balance the light for even exposure.

2. Wide-Angle Shots: The vast garden and redwoods call for wide-angle shots to capture the scale of the venue. A 24-70mm lens is perfect for switching between wide angles and intimate portraits.

3. Golden Hour: The open garden area is perfect for golden hour photography. The warm sunlight filtering through the redwoods creates magical lighting for portrait sessions, so plan your timeline to take advantage of this.

4. Industrial Shots: Don’t be afraid to mix in the gritty, industrial aesthetic of the sugar factory and train tracks with softer, romantic poses. This juxtaposition creates a unique visual narrative for your wedding album.

Booking Timeline

To secure your preferred date, it’s advisable to book at least 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if you"re planning a spring or summer wedding. The venue’s popularity, combined with the limited number of prime dates available, means that weekends during peak wedding season fill up quickly. Be proactive and flexible with your dates to ensure you can celebrate your wedding at this stunning location.

Experience as a Photographer

My experiences photographing weddings at The Old Homestead have been nothing short of remarkable. Each wedding I"ve shot here has been a unique blend of natural beauty and personal touches from the couple. From capturing intimate moments under the redwoods to creative portraits along the rail tracks, the venue offers endless opportunities for creativity.

One of my favorite memories was a wedding where the bride and groom had a sunset ceremony in the garden. As the sun dipped behind the redwoods, the entire space was bathed in a golden glow, creating the perfect light for capturing emotional, candid shots. The reception that followed, complete with string lights twinkling overhead, provided a cozy, romantic atmosphere for the couple and their guests.

Conclusion

The Old Homestead is truly a hidden gem in the Bay Area wedding scene. Its mix of natural beauty, historical charm, and modern amenities make it an ideal venue for couples looking for something unique. From the towering redwoods and picturesque gardens to the industrial-chic photo spots by the C&H sugar factory, this venue offers something for every couple—and every photographer.

If you’re considering The Old Homestead for your wedding, be sure to book early, explore the various package options, and take advantage of the stunning photography opportunities this venue offers. It’s a place where your love story can unfold in a setting as timeless as your wedding day memories. As a preferred vendor for the venue, I know the location in and out and can help you plan the perfect pictures for your special day. Do not hesitate to send me a text or an email to discuss further.

Discuss your photography plans