The Red Barn – A Picturesque Wedding Venue in Los Molinos

The hay is in the barn” and for this generation of Patricks that means The Red Barn is primed and ready to host a full season of weddings. Ryan Patrick and his fiancé, Danielle Dusina, have worked tirelessly since 2018 to transform The Red Barn from a walnut processing facility into a picturesque wedding venue.

No stranger to change, The Red Barn, located on the edge of Highway 99 in Los Molinos, has been an important landmark  in Tehama County since 1904. The historic building was first known as “The Hay Barn” of the area, frequented by ranchers and farmers for nearly a hundred years. Ryan’s father purchased the barn in 1997, first using it for his work as an alfalfa farmer, and then switching to walnut farming as he saw the increased demand.

A new orchard and a new couple put down roots

Ryan Patrick, a third generation walnut farmer, told me that Tehama County was long known for its prunes and alfalfa, but over the last 35 years, has transformed into primarily nut production. The lifespan of walnut trees is about three decades and Ryan is currently getting ready for a new orchard on part of the family’s 125 acres. This new orchard will be putting down roots at about the same time that he and Danielle officially put down their own roots when say their vows on June 5 at The Red Barn, in its new life as a wedding venue.

Ryan and Danielle’s commitment to each other and the property has only strengthened during the recent years of hard work and challenges. Danielle fondly recalls meeting Ryan when he would stop by North Valley Ag Services in Chico where she now works as the Regulatory & Outreach Coordinator.

She says she thought that surely this nice, cute farmer must already be married. Then, she was pleasantly surprised to learn that he was unattached and thrilled when he took her on their first date about a year later. Their talents and interests have complemented each other ever since. Danielle has business skills and vision for the venue and Ryan loves fabrication and building. Danielle lightened Ryan’s load by finding one ready-made treasure that will serve as the centerpiece for their wedding venue.

A handcrafted arbor adds to precious memories

Danielle knew Darrel Parsley, a Butte County walnut farmer, through work and learned of the unique arbor he had built for his daughter’s wedding. Darrel had handcrafted a 12 foot tall, 11 foot wide and 10 foot deep arbor from the hardwood of the old Chico State gymnasium. Ryan and Danielle were fortunate to be able to buy the arbor from Parsley and now, after 76 years of athletes pounding the floor, it will be graced by the soft footfall of many wedding couples to come. The arbor is actually large enough to fit the whole wedding party.

Ryan and Danielle had everything ready for weddings at The Red Barn before the pandemic hit but then had to push pause on gatherings. This didn’t stop their labors, however, and the place has only improved over the last year. Along with the large, handcrafted arbor, The Red Barn features an elaborate chandelier to light up the first dance while a band plays a romantic melody from the vintage truck stage. With 15,000 square feet of lawn for the ceremony and a covered area for dining, the red farm buildings and mature trees make for stunning images and precious memories as new couples embark on marriage. The rich history of The Red Barn and the Patrick family are ready to embrace those precious beginnings.

To learn more, contact Ryan and Danielle and schedule an appointment (530) 518-9292 or visit them The Red Barn online.