If you’re dreaming of a Northern California wedding surrounded by rolling hills, towering pines, and sparkling bay views, let me introduce you to one of my favorite places in West Marin. A Lodge at Marconi wedding feels like a getaway for everyone you love. I recently planned a wedding here, and I’m still thinking about those views.
The Lodge at Marconi sits in Marshall, California, about an hour north of San Francisco and set above Tomales Bay. The property is a 62-acre state historic park, so your guests will feel miles away from city life, even though it’s an easy drive. The venue has a fascinating story, too. It was originally built in 1914 as a radio receiving station by Guglielmo Marconi, often credited as the “inventor of radio.” Today, it’s a peaceful coastal retreat where couples gather the people they love for a weekend to remember.
One of the best things about this venue is the variety. There are eight unique indoor and outdoor event spaces, so your day can flow from one beautiful setting to the next. The showstopper is Tower Hill, the park’s highest point, with sweeping views of Tomales Bay, Point Reyes, and Inverness Ridge. Saying “I do” up there is unforgettable. For a more relaxed, nature-filled ceremony, there’s also an outdoor amphitheater in a wooded grove and The Meadow overlooking Tomales Bay. When it’s time to celebrate, Buck Hall is Marconi’s largest event space, with high ceilings and big windows looking out on the bay and the park. McCargo Hall and a celebration tent give you even more options for dinner and dancing, rain or shine.
What makes this venue extra special is that your guests can stay right on site. There are 45 guest rooms that sleep up to 100 guests. At the wedding I planned, most guests stayed on the property, and it turned the whole weekend into one big celebration. Guests can also enjoy on-site dining at Mable’s Restaurant, hiking trails, and Tomales Bay water access, and the lodge even offers dog-friendly rooms for your four-legged family members.
At my recent Lodge at Marconi wedding, the day flowed beautifully across the property. First, the couple said their vows on Tower Hill. Then, guests headed down to the Buck Hall patio for cocktail hour. Next, everyone moved into the tent for dinner. Finally, the party continued with dancing in Buck Hall. Every part of the day had a different view and a different feeling, and guests loved it.
After planning a wedding here, I have a few tips. The grounds are hilly, especially the walk up to Tower Hill, so I recommend wedges or block heels for you and your guests. There’s also no electricity at the top of Tower Hill, so your musicians, DJ, and any lighting will need battery or generator power. Vendors can drive up the hill, which means you can arrange a shuttle or SUV for grandparents and anyone with mobility needs. Keep in mind that outdoor music ends at 10 PM, so if you want to keep dancing, plan to move the party indoors to Buck Hall. Because the property is so spread out, having a planning team that knows the grounds makes a big difference. And since your guests will be staying on site, it’s easy to add a rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or a morning-after brunch.
The Lodge at Marconi is perfect for couples who love nature, want a relaxed and romantic setting, and dream of spending a whole weekend with their favorite people. If that sounds like you, I’d love to help you plan your Lodge at Marconi wedding! [Let’s chat →]
All photos belong to the talented Selena De La Torre Photography Thank you for capturing this beautiful day!
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