Honker Bay Ranch

I just attended a wedding at Honker Bay Ranch and thought everything was so wonderful that I wanted to write a review myself. This place is off the beaten path just outside of Oroville, California and although I live in Chico, just 25 miles away, I had never heard of it before attending this wedding. The wedding was held in the late afternoon in October and as we drove to the site, I wondered what we would find. As we drove down the gravel road, I saw a beautiful pond with ducks swimming and some llamas grazing on the bank. Pretty pastoral — so far so good! As we approached the site a smiling man beckoned us forward and waved as he gave us a signal as to where to park our car. We parked and walked up a short gravel walkway past the side of a large ranch house (private residence of the owners) which then opened on to a beautiful green lawn that gently sloped down to the large pond. Chairs were set up in front of the gazebo that was situated just a few feet from the water’s edge. Trees shaded much of the area and as we looked to our left we saw a small vineyard that was just beginning to turn the colors of autumn. The wedding itself was beautiful and the venue perfectly suited to the couple who chose Honker Bay as the place for their special day. The ambiance was beautiful in a warm and friendly way. Some couples choose to be married in a country club or high end hotel. That’s great, but Honker Bay Ranch is just so perfect for an elegant wedding in the country that fits so well for the northern California lifestyle we have in the Sacramento Valley. Children ran over the lawn, folks visited on the lawn and ate dinner on the tables that were situated overlooking the pond and vineyard. After dinner we danced on a small dance floor and didn’t have to worry about bothering any neighbors. The hosts very discretely came out near the end of the reception and were very engaging. I can’t personally comment on the price but previous reviewers have commented on its affordability. As a guest, I felt completely at home and was able to focus on the beautiful event that celebrated the love of two very special people. Honker Bay Ranch is a hidden gem and I hope more couples check it out for their special day. I think it would also be wonderful for a milestone anniversary celebration or birthday party, a family reunion, or other event that calls for a venue where everyone can be comfortable enjoying themselves with friends and loved ones.

I called THREE times to verify the date we wanted was available before we drove 2+ hours the the venue! I called the day before and the day OF or drive to make sure. Each time, jack said, «Yes it is!» I was ecstatic. So, my family and my fiancés family drove up to see the venue and book it! Upon our arrival, the front of the venue/​home seemed a little messy and cluttered, but the back was nicely manicured and kept together. The pond was very scenic and beautiful, but we found out the their pump had been broken and collecting algae. They said they «hoped» to fix it but it was not guaranteed. They only have one brides suite with a bathroom. No grooms room. That bathroom was only to be used by the bride and her bridesmaids, NOBODY else. It would be locked throughout the entire event and we would have to get someone to open and unlock it if we needed. All guests, friends, grandparents, other family and groom/​groomsmen would have to use the remaining 2 PORTAPOTTIES. I found that a little crazy. If I’m spending $ 4000 to book a venue for my wedding, I would hope the groom and his men could have somewhere nicer than a portable potty to use. Despite that, my fiancé and I really liked the venue and we were going to book it. It was a $ 500 deposit. Cash or check only and you have to deposit it in person. We went to the bank and were coming back, jack called to verify our date and that is when we were told that the day we wanted had already been booked. I was pissed! I called 3 times to verify it was available and was told it was! I had to drive over 2 hours for them to lie to us and miraculously have it already booked. When I confronted them about them telling us it was free and available for the past 3 days, they said, «oh I forgot. Someone must have booked it the night before.» They proceeded to tell us that they have every single weekend available but they original day we wanted and that all of September was open, when I told them no that will not work, the literally LAUGHED. Are you kidding me? They are so unprofessional. If someone would have booked it, why would you repeatedly tell me it was open? Also, if someone had booked it, you would have remembered them bringing you a deposit and setting the day because they only allow cash or check which would require someone to physically bring it to them! I am so pissed at the cluttered, unorganized mess they created. We drove 2+ hours for a joke. I would not recommend this venue! You can find similar, nicer venues with actual restrooms for the same cost!

I got married at honker bay in June. It was amazing. The grounds are beautiful. They were pretty easy going and made us feel welcome. They had a wonderful place for the bride to get ready and a lovely place for catering to set up. The price was affordable. My pictures turned out beautiful because of the natural scenery. They also have a built in bar and dance floor so that also saves on rental costs. They also provide tables and chairs according to how many guests you have. It was nice to have a day to set up and a day to clean up also.
Their staff made themselves a little more comfortable than I would have prefered. My deposit check returned later than they had agreed. They are strict with some of their rules however I feel that it was appropriate. I wouldn’t change anything about our special day honker bay is a gem.