Photography by Nikkels Photography

 
 

Event Spaces

Celebrate in Nature’s Embrace at Tar Creek Ranch

Tar Creek Ranch is a romantic, thoughtfully designed outdoor venue where guests celebrate amid rolling hills, ancient oaks, and starry skies. Our four distinct spaces flow effortlessly from “I do” to last dance, giving you a seamless experience and endless ways to bring your vision to life.

  • Four versatile areas, one unforgettable day: Each setting— the meadow, garden, historic barn backdrop with lantern-lit plaza, and Magnolia Pavilion—has its own charm, yet they connect naturally so guests always feel the magic of the ranch.

  • Freedom to customize: Whether you dream of rustic elegance, boho chic, or classic sophistication, every space adapts to your style, décor, and timeline.

  • Included in every package: All four spaces come standard with our event packages, so you have the full canvas of Tar Creek Ranch to design your perfect celebration.

 

The Barn & Plaza

Step into a piece of Central Coast history—our beautifully restored barn, originally constructed in the late 1920s, anchors the spirit of Tar Creek Ranch. Local lore tells of a lumber ship that wrecked off the coast of Oceano; resourceful farmers and ranchers salvaged its timber to build barns throughout the Huasna Valley. In our barn, you can still see the ship’s ribs soaring overhead, forming a striking cathedral-style ceiling that speaks to its unique origins. The barn is an impressive backdrop for all celebrations and thoughtfully updated with modern conveniences

Adjacent to the barn, our plaza offers scenic valley views and romantic bistro lighting, perfect for open-air dining or cocktail gatherings under the stars. This distinctive setting blends timeless craftsmanship with the relaxed elegance of ranch life, making it an unforgettable backdrop for weddings, celebrations, and private events.

Magnolia Pavillion

Magnolia Pavilion offers the perfect setting for reception dining, nestled amidst picturesque long grasses and wildflowers. Conveniently positioned directly across from the Cocktail Area and Barn, it ensures smooth guest flow and effortless transitions between spaces. The Pavilion is elegantly lit with bistro lighting and chandeliers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for any event.

  • 3300 square feet, ideal for receptions and dining.

  • Features an attached catering area discreetly tucked away from guests, complete with a pass-through for seamless service.

  • From October to April, the top is transformed into a stunning clear tent, perfect for cooler months.

  • Equipped with removable clear sides for versatile use.

The Garden

The Garden welcomes your guests with a beautifully landscaped path leading to a charming gathering area with fountains and a lush, manicured lawn. This versatile space is perfect for ceremonies, al fresco dining, or lawn games, creating an inviting atmosphere for your guests.

The area effortlessly connects to a cocktail space featuring barrel-topped tables with high-backed stools and a convenient pass-through window to the Barn’s bar, making it ideal for cocktail hour. After dinner, your guests can relax and mingle around one of two cozy gas fire pits, providing the perfect spot to unwind.

  • 3,400 square feet of manicured lawn

  • 8 barrel-topped cocktail tables with 20 high-backed stools included

  • Elegant bistro lighting

  • Event stage for ceremonies or entertainment

  • Additional Bar with pass-through access to the Barn

  • 2 gas fire pits with 10 Adirondack-style chairs

  • 4 outdoor heaters for added comfort

The Meadow

The Meadow is our newest event space. It provides a romantic backdrop for your ceremony surrounded by wildflowers, tall grasses, and a picturesque ridgeline that stays green all year long. This idyllic location is also perfect for photos, with golden hour casting a magical glow over the natural landscape, where deer often roam freely, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

The Ranch House serves as ideal on-site accommodations or a day-of wedding suite. For more details about the house, click here.