What time will I have access to the venue to decorate? We have different access times based on the day of the week. Please speak to our team to confirm. Early access can be arranged and staffed for Friday, Saturday or Sunday’s at 9:00AM or Weekdays at 11:00AM for an additional $500 fee paid in advance of your event.

Are we the only wedding on the day we book the venue? Yes! We only host one wedding each day to ensure your event is special and receives our full attention.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby? Yes! We’re less than 20 minutes from Grass Valley and Nevada City with plenty of hotels, wineries, restaurants, and things for your guests to do. There’s also plenty of Airbnb’s just down the road in Penn Valley.

Is there specific hours allowed for a booked event? Yes! You will have exclusive use of The Ranch for the date of your event with allowed hours outlined in your contract. Early access can be paid for in advance. Everyone is required follow standard municipal and county sound ordinances. These are accommodated via the hours outlined in your contract for respective days of the week and/or public holidays.

Can we have a fire in the fire pit?
Yes! Enjoy our year-round fire pit. Your event will have staff to take care of lighting, maintaining and putting out the fire. Please note that in the event that i) the country Fire Marshall or ii) CalFire issue a “Red Flag” weather warning, on-site fires or open-air combustable fuels are prohibited.

Can we bring additional lighting?
Yes! Note, we have ample lighting in the outdoor and indoor space as well.

Are candles allowed? Yes! Candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a non-flammable candle holder. Note: significant wax drippings on venue furniture or floors will incur an additional cleaning fee.

Do we have the full property to use for photos? Yes! You’ll have complete access to the 20 fenced acres surrounding the barn. We have a ton of beautiful spots for photos, and the light is gorgeous in the evening. Your Ranch Host will also happily shuttle you around the property for photos.

How’s cell service at The Ranch?
Wireless connectivity meets minimum rural-county standards. Given our rural location, this means that at-times cell service can be spotty. We have onsite WiFi and a old-school landline available.

Is there outdoor power? Yes! We have plenty of power locations outside and around The Ranch. As well as a number of backup generators in the event of a power outage, which very rarely occurs.

Do you allow dogs to play a part in our wedding day? Yes! All pets can be approved in writing 30 days prior to your event. Approved pets will only be allowed during the ceremony and for family photos at the times and locations outlined in the written document referenced above. For safety and health reasons, pets will not be allowed to remain at The Ranch during the reception or other events. The person designated in the written document above will be responsible for ensuring that the pet is removed from The Ranch and receiving proper care. Registered Service Animals are always welcome.

Is there an ice maker on-site?
No. Your caterer or bartender is responsible for providing ice. There is access to an onsite freezer for it to be stored throughout the event.

Can we have fireworks on the property? No. Fireworks and sparklers are not permitted. This is a regulation set by the state of California where wildfires are common, and increasing every year. Amazon has some great alternative LED options for a similar vibe.

How many cars will your parking lot accommodate? We have parking for up to 250 guests.

Where is your parking area? Our main parking lot is behind the pond, that can fit 200 cars. When your guests arrive, they can drop passengers off at the front of the barn before parking. Your Ranch Host will shuttle your guests between the parking lot and Barn.

Can cars be left overnight? No vehicles can be left overnight without explicit permission. Please advise your guests of this policy! We don’t want anyone drinking and driving, in the event of an emergency please speak in-charge onsite staff for any exceptions. The Ranch gates remain locked before and after your event to keep wildlife and neighboring livestock off the property. We appreciate your understanding.

Is there a shuttle service available for our guests from in-town to 8600 Big Oak Valley Rd? Yes! There are several shuttle companies available that offer affordable options if you’d like to coordinate a central pick up and drop off route between The Ranch and an in-town hotel.

Where are the nearest airports? River Highlands Ranch is about a 50 minute drive from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 2 hours from Reno-Tahoe Municipal Airport (RNO) and 2.5 hours from either Oakland (OAK) or San Francisco (SFO) International Airports.

Do I need to schedule a tour to visit The Ranch? Yes! We’re a working Ranch. We host events all days of the week, and when events are not schedule the front gates are locked to the general public.

You can view our virtual tour HERE at any time. All in-person tours can easily be booked HERE.

When is the next open house? We schedule free Open House events showcasing our Wedding Venue to newly engaged couples throughout the year. Visit our Upcoming Events page for the latest dates.

Are Wedding Open House events are open to everyone? Yes! This is a great opportunity to meet with some of our preferred vendors and show friends & family the Ranch.

Can I visit the property before my wedding if I have booked a date?Yes! For couples who have booked River Highlands Ranch, and have paid their first deposit, we open our doors for Planning Days by appointment only. You’re welcome to attend up to 3 planning onsite dates to bring friends, family, vendors, and plan decor.

PLEASE NOTE: We require that couples choose from our curated list of professional caterers, bartenders, wedding planners.

For other vendors (florist, photographer, makeup, etc) we have a preferred vendor list of trusted professionals to help make your day seamless. You may select vendors not on our list, however, all vendors must be licensed, insured and pre-approved to work at the Ranch 90 days prior to the event.

Do you include a "wedding day coordinator? We require that couples hire one of our preferred wedding coordinators. The onsite Ranch Host team members do different jobs than that of a wedding coordinator. The onsite team is available throughout the duration of your event to assist with hands-on tasks exclusive to the property itself i.e. parking shuttle, fire pit, opening barn doors, movement of chairs, tables and lighting.

Ranch Hosts vs. Wedding Coordinator? Your wedding coordinate is hired to assist with more detailed vendor manegement throughout the day i.e. photography requests as well as 100s of guests. They’re critical for keeping everyone on track for your days activities - ceremony, bar opening announcements, serving of tasters while wedding party takes photos, group toasts & speeches, multiple dinner courses, cake cutting, gift table, answering your many guests questions etc.

What are your catering options?
After several years of having a variety of caterers on-site at our venue, we have worked with a number of vetted and trusted caterers. Please see the Vendor Page for the latest available options and information.

Does RHR handle event food and drinks catering? No. All couples will need to work directly with their selected catering vendors. Note, we require the use of a preferred vendors for both your and RHR’s benefit. These are all trusted and reliable vendors within the serviceable area of the venue. If you have another cater you’d like to use in the area, please speak to our team ASAP to review and approve.

What is your alcohol policy?
Couples can coordinate to provide directly purchased alcohol with no corkage fees. We allow beer, wine, champagne, and 2 pre-approved signature cocktails. Alcohol must be served by one of our preferred bartenders or caterers to insure safety and responsible serving.

Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum? No. This is one of the main reasons River Highlands Ranch is affordable for most couples. We do not earn any commissions off your catering and bar. You can serve as little or much as you like and it doesn’t change your venue fee.

What happens with garbage?
Your caterers and bartenders will be responsible for emptying garbage and recycling throughout the event. Our staff will show them our main refuse area.

Do you provide table linens, cups, silverware, etc? No. Linens are not included in the rental fee. You are welcome to bring your own linens, but most caterers will take care of this for you.