Rancho Nicasio 1 Old Rancheria Road • Nicasio • CA 94946

In the Broadway play Brigadoon, an enchanted village appears on the Scottish moors for a single day each century, then disappears for another 100 years. In the geographic center of Marin County, the little town of Nicasio must look like a Brigadoon to the frazzled city dwellers who often happen upon it during rambling weekend drives. Fortunately, Nicasio, set in a secluded valley and surrounded by grassy hills, woods and placidly grazing ranch animals, never fades from view (except, perhaps, on the rare foggy day). Although travelers who discover it leave reluctantly, they’re consoled by the thought that this little country retreat is only half an hour away from the clamor of Highway 101.

Often they come back to get married, heading straight for Rancho Nicasio, the town’s heart and soul. You can’t miss it: Set at the north side of Nicasio’s New England-style town square, Rancho Nicasio is the busiest and most important building in town. That’s because it’s the area’s all-in-one post office, general store, bar, restaurant and social center. Even without the hubbub surrounding it, Rancho Nicasio’s Spanish-style white stucco façade, red trim, sloping tile roof and long porch (where locals invariably gather to schmooze) set it apart from its Victorian neighbors.

Two settings create Rancho Nicasio’s appeal for weddings. Indoors, the Rancho Room, with its beautiful wooden ceiling trusses, brass-trimmed fixtures and permanent oak dance floor, has a built-in stage equipped with professional lighting and sound (Rancho Nicasio is West Marin’s main live music venue). Curtains on the north wall open to a view of a deep green lawn, a vine-festooned gazebo, a shady grove of pines, and distant pastures, farm buildings and soft-shouldered knolls. There’s a touch of whimsy, too: The moose head above the fireplace wears different hats throughout the year.

Just outside the Rancho Room, an open-air deck looks out over Rancho Nicasio’s grand lawn, which has been the memorable venue for many a wedding. Remember, Marin has one of the best climates in the world, and Nicasio sits at its sunny center. Couples love exchanging vows outdoors—usually in front of the gazebo—while musicians play across the way on a small stage. Afterwards, guests socialize by the full-service al fresco bar on the lawn’s east side, or enjoy the aroma of food cooking on the two big grills next to it. A professional chef provides on-site catering.

Besides the lawn and the Rancho Room, Rancho Nicasio also boasts Marin’s quintessential western barroom. There are lots of animal heads on the walls, wagon wheel chandeliers, a long oak bar with glass mirrors, a brick fireplace, dark wood trusses and knotty pine paneling. The bar adjoins the Western Room, which has its own private, oak-sheltered deck—a splendid rehearsal dinner location. (There’s even a cottage tucked away at the far end of the green that’s ideal for the wedding party. It has a tub and shower, full-length mirror, living room and bedroom.)

Locals brag that Rancho Nicasio “is 25 minutes from everywhere.” The couples who come here from “everywhere” leave with lifelong memories. They look back on having pledged their love under a canopy of warm country light, enveloped by happy friends and great music. It’s just the kind of experience you’d expect to have at Marin’s own Brigadoon.