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About this vendor

Maddie Holtkamp
Maddie Holtkamp
Event and Building Manager

9 years in business

We speak English

2 team members

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn is a charming wedding venue in Santa Cruz, California. It offers couples a beautiful, tranquil setting to swap their vows and say "I do," surrounded by their nearest and dearest. The barn at Cowell Ranch has stood since the 1860s, where it played an integral role in the Cowell Lime Works operation before being transformed into the stunning venue it is today.

Facilities and Capacity

Cowell Ranch Hay Barn looks like a typical, old-fashioned building from the outside before stepping in and being greeted by a modern timber-made wonderland. Strong vintage beams hold up the tall ceilings in this fully customizable space where couples can decide to hold their ceremony, reception, or both. With a capacity of up to 150 guests, the Cowell Ranch Barn can accommodate smaller, intimate gatherings and lavish affairs. The surrounding organic farm and deep blue waters of Monterey Bay offer couples the perfect backdrop for wedding photos with their closest friends and family. This scenic location is also ideal for an outdoor wedding ceremony or a relaxing cocktail hour celebration.

Services Offered

The friendly staff at Cowell Ranch Hay Barn will work hand in hand with its nearly-weds from the moment the ink is dry on their booking. They welcome all outside vendors to their venue and are happy to work alongside them to ensure the dream wedding day transpires. Cowell Ranch Hay Barn encourages couples to arrive early at the farm to allow for setup and design. This thoughtful gesture ensures everything is set and ready to go for the following day's big celebration.

Pricing information

$6,500 starting price $5,000 starting price
$7,300 average price $5,000 average price
Reception
$6,500 starting price
Ceremony
$800 starting price
These prices are available for the months of May through November.

Availability

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January

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= Full availability
= Limited availability

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Calendars fill up quickly, so make sure they are available for your special day.

Wedding couple

FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$6,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$5,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$800

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
Parking
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Barn
Beach
Historic Building

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Outside Vendors
Wifi

What event items are available?

Chairs
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
December

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Cowell Ranch Hay Barn

Weddingwire
5.0/5 1 reviews
Google
4.6/5 32 reviews
Jordan
Jordan Sent on 11/23/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect venue for my retro fall wedding

We hosted our 80-person wedding at the haybarn in late September 2024 and couldn't have been more thrilled with the venue. I looked at hundreds of venues in the Bay Area online, including many that were more expensive. We picked the haybarn due to its reasonable price, flexibility, location, and ideal size for our guest count. It ended up being stunning and perfect for our needs. We had a smooth experience working with Maddie throughout the planning process. She was responsive, provided clear instructions, and worked well with our planner. The space outside worked well for our bar and a mobile photo booth, and there was plenty of room for our guests to spread out and mingle. It was a foggy day and the expansive view from the ocean-view site looked amazing with the fog hanging in the distant treeline. The barn interior felt modern and had enough space for guest seating, buffet tables, dessert table, dancefloor, and a 6 person band. The warm wood interior went well with our colorful florals, and the space felt intimate. We got a ton of compliments on the venue and we're especially happy that our money goes towards the Center for Agroecology. We'd highly recommend the haybarn for your wedding!
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Team

Maddie Holtkamp
Maddie Holtkamp
Event and Building Manager

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