What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
You will have access to the venue at 11:00 am on Friday, Saturday & Sunday and 1 pm on Mon-Thurs. You can add early access hours to enter the barn & suite at 9 am on Friday/ Saturday for an additional fee of $500 30 days prior to your event.

Will there be another wedding the same day?
We only host one wedding each day to ensure your event is special and receives our full attention.

Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Yes! Most weddings in the Sierra Foothills are destination weddings. We’re less than 20 minutes from the darling towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City with plenty of hotels, wineries, restaurants, and things for your guests to do. You can view our vendor page HERE for more details. There are also plenty of airbnb’s just down the road in Penn Valley.

Do you have a limit on “event hours”
While many venues offer limited “event hours”, we don’t put a limit on your event. You have complete use of our space during the designated rental and can start your ceremony as early as you wish.

Can we have a fire in the fire pit?
Almost all our couples can enjoy our year-round fire pit. Our staff will take care of lighting, maintaining and putting out the fire. Please note that if there is a red flag warning, high fire risk day, or active local wildfires- we will NOT light the fire for safety reasons.

Can we bring additional lighting?
You can, however, we have ample lighting in the outdoor and indoor space.

Are candles allowed?
Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a non-flammable candle holder. Any wax drippings on wood furniture or floor will incur an additional cleaning fee.

Are we limited on where we can take photos?
You 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 if you wish, just ask.

How’s cell service at The Ranch?
Cell service is spotty at The Ranch. We do have very limited WIFI (upstairs) and a landline that you can use if needed.

Is there outdoor power?
Yes, we have plenty of power locations outside and around the Ranch.

Do you allow dogs to play a part in our wedding day?
We are pet-friendly, with some stipulations. ALL pets must be approved in writing 30 days prior to the 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.

Is there an ice maker on-site?
No, normally your caterer or bartender will take care of providing ice. We do have a freezer where ice can be stored.

Where is the nearest store?
The nearest store is Dollar General less than 2 miles away.

Can we have fireworks on the property?

Fireworks and sparklers are not permitted- this is California where wildfires are rampant. We do recommend bubbles or LED lights in lieu of sparklers.

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

Where is your parking area?
We have a main parking lot 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. Please advise your guests of this policy. We’re a working farm, so the gates remain locked before and after your event to keep the cows in and the deer out! We appreciate your understanding.

Is there a shuttle service available for our guests?
Yes, we have several shuttle companies available on our preferred vendor page HERE.

Where are the nearest airports?
We’re just 50 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, and 2 hours from Reno.

Do I need to schedule a tour or can I just stop by?
We’re a working Ranch and gates are locked unless we’re onsite for an event or appointment. You can view our virtual tourHEREat any time to get a great idea of what it’s like to get married at the Ranch. All in-person tours are by appointment only.

When is the next open house?
We have 2 types of open houses:

• Our Wedding Open House events are open to all. You can meet with some of our preferred vendors and show friends & family the Ranch. If you have NOT had a tour, you can set up a time to meet with us so we can show you around and answer questions. Click HERE to sign up for our next open house.

• Our Planning Open House days are designed for couples who are already BOOKED or have had a private tour of The Ranch. You’re welcome to attend up to 3 planning open events to bring friends, family, vendors, and plan decor! Open house dates and the RSVP form can be found here.

**We require that couples choose from our curated list of professional caterers, bartenders, wedding planners, and DJ’s

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.

Your Ranch Host & team members have a VERY different job than your wedding coordinator. We will be here before you arrive onsite and stay with you throughout the duration of your big day. Your Ranch Host is there to help however they can - be an extra set of hands, drive you around the ranch on our golf cart to take photos, shuttle guests to and from the parking area, open the barn doors, check vendors in & out, answer questions from your vendors and direct them as necessary, set up and tear down ceremony seating, take care of indoor/ outdoor lighting, take care of a/c & heaters, and will light and tend the fire. Our goal is to do everything possible to ensure your day is as stress-free and fun!

What are your catering options?
After several years of having a variety of caterers on-site at our venue, we have selected our favorite to work with exclusively. These caterers include: , Antonio Ayesteran Custom Catering, Circa 53, Jackson Catering, Acoustic Events, A Family Affair, and World Faire Catering and more. Please see the Vendor Page for more information.

Does RHR handle the catering orders for these caterers, or do I work with the caterer directly?
You will work directly with your caterer. Simply book your big day with RHR and reach out to the caterers of your choice to schedule a tasting and get the ball rolling! Contact info for each caterer can be found HERE

What is your alcohol policy?
You may bring your own 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.

Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?
No. Many venues have minimums because they make a commission from the caterer based on how much you spend. We choose NOT to make a commission because we want our food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows.

What happens with garbage?
Your caterers & bartenders will be responsible for emptying regular garbage and recycling in our dumpster throughout the event.

Do you provide table linens, cups, silverware, etc?
No. River Highlands Ranch provides an awesome venue, amazing staff, beautiful farm tables, wedding chairs, draping, lighting, and cocktail tables, and more for the allotted amount of time. 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.