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Summer Weddings: NorCal’s Best-Kept Secret

Father walking daughter down aisle at summer wedding
Author - Tiffany Tullgren
January 30, 2025

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When you think of a Northern California wedding, fall may come to mind as the most popular season, and for good reason. The crisp air, golden leaves, and mild weather make it a dream setting, especially here in Nevada County. But don’t sleep on summer! While fall often steals the spotlight, summer weddings in Northern California offer unique perks that deserve some serious love. At Rough and Ready Vineyards, we’re here to spill the tea on why summer might just be the ultimate season for your big day.
 
Before you think, “But it’s too hot for an outdoor wedding in summer,” remember this…Just outside of Grass Valley, we are typically ten degrees cooler than Sacramento. And, the nights definitely get cooler! We love summer weddings, and couples from surrounding areas like Yuba City and Chico love our foothill wedding venue, especially in summer!
 

1. More Vendor Availability

Fall is the ultimate wedding rush in Northern California, meaning venues, photographers, caterers, and florists are often booked solid months in advance. But summer? It’s your golden ticket to flexibility. With fewer weddings happening, you’ll have your pick of the vendor dream team—no compromise necessary.
 
One of our absolute favorite vendors? A local company with delicious ice cream sandwiches kept cold in their cart that’s guaranteed to be a hit with your guests. Picture it: handcrafted ice cream sandwiches on a sunny day. Need we say more? Plus, summer’s slower pace means your vendors will have more time and energy to focus on making your wedding unforgettable.
 

2. Potential Cost Savings

Let’s face it: weddings are a big investment. But summer weddings often come with perks for your wallet. Many venues and vendors offer discounts to encourage bookings during the season. At Rough and Ready Vineyards, we’re sweetening the deal with a $500 discount for summer weddings. Yep, $500 that you can put toward personalized details, like upgraded florals or a killer DJ.
 
And don’t forget the food! Summer is perfect for laid-back vibes, so think barbeque catering with fresh, cool salads. It’s delicious, crowd-pleasing, and totally fits the chill, summery aesthetic.
 

3. Stunning Outdoor Settings

Northern California in summer is basically a Pinterest board in real life. From sun-drenched vineyards to golden hills and brilliant blue skies, the backdrops practically photograph themselves.
 
At Rough and Ready Vineyards, our summer weddings shine. Imagine saying “I do” under the shade of oak trees and dancing the night away under the bistro lights. Bonus: longer daylight hours mean more time for golden-hour selfies and magical moments.
 
And let’s talk about your wedding style. Summer calls for breezy, chic attire. Flowing dresses, linen suits, and wide-brimmed hats are not just practical but also Instagram gold. Encourage your guests to bring their stylish hats, and you’ll have a crowd that looks straight out of a summer wedding editorial.
 

4. Fun and Creative Ways to Keep Cool

Worried about the potential for heat? No sweat! With a little creativity, you can keep everyone cool and happy while adding some personality to your celebration. Here are a few ideas we love:
 

  • Ice Cream Cart:
    Remember that adorable ice cream sandwich cart we mentioned? It’s a perfect way to refresh your guests and add a playful vibe.
  • Hydration Stations:
    Offer chilled water, lemonade, or iced tea infused with fruit and herbs for a refreshing, stylish touch.
  • Hand Fans:
    Stylish hand fans are a fun favor that doubles as a practical way to beat the heat.
  • Misting Fans:
    Rent misting fans for outdoor areas to create a cooling breeze.
  • Shade Options:
    At Rough and Ready Vineyards, our heritage oaks provide plenty of natural shade!
  • Ice Cold Drinks:
    Our kegerator holds up to four kegs of beer, wine, seltzer, mead, whatever you’d like! Best of all, it keeps it perfectly chilled!

Pair these cooling hacks with light, seasonal menus—think fresh summer salads, grilled veggies, and ice cold drinks—and you’ve got a wedding that’s as cool as it is unforgettable.

5. A Laid-Back Atmosphere

Summer weddings just hit differently. The season sets the tone for a relaxed, carefree vibe that invites everyone to let loose and enjoy the moment. Think sundresses, linen pants, and sandals—effortlessly chic and comfy. Encourage your guests to dress light and bring their best wide-brimmed hats, and you’ll have a wedding that’s stylish and fun.

Summer also opens the door to playful additions like lawn games, acoustic music, or a late-night bonfire with s’mores. With warm evenings and starry skies, your celebration will feel like a magical summer night.

Bonus: Flexibility for Honeymoon Plans

Planning your honeymoon is a breeze when your wedding’s in summer. Whether you dream of sun-soaked beaches, exploring iconic cities, or hiking in the mountains, summer offers perfect weather for any adventure. Plus, traveling right after your wedding is more doable when it’s aligned with peak vacation season.

Why Rough and Ready Vineyards Is Your Perfect Summer Venue

At Rough and Ready Vineyards, we know how to make summer weddings shine. From our open-air ceremony areas to our shaded reception sites, every corner of our venue is designed to embrace the beauty of the season. Add in perks like our $500 summer wedding discount, and you’ve got the ultimate backdrop for your big day.

Whether you’re planning a cozy celebration or a big bash, our team is here to help bring your vision to life. From barbeque feasts to ice cream sandwiches and everything in between, we’ll help you create a wedding that’s uniquely you.

Ready to Make Your Summer Wedding Dreams a Reality?

Summer weddings are where it’s at. With abundant vendor options, cost-saving perks, stunning outdoor settings, and a laid-back vibe, there’s no better time to tie the knot.

We’d love to show you everything Rough and Ready Vineyards has to offer. Schedule a tour today to see why summer is the perfect season for your big day. Let’s make it unforgettable—together!

Bride and groom on bridge at summer wedding

Rough and Ready Vineyards is proud to be a locally owned and operated business. We aim to inspire couples to recognize the significance of supporting local businesses when selecting their wedding venue and vendors. Choosing local often means experiencing exceptional hospitality, stronger communication, and a dedicated effort to make your wedding unforgettable. We’re also excited to celebrate venue owners nationwide by featuring them in our weekly blog shout-out.

Oaks of Devonaire
Eden Farms Weddings
Bluestone Estate

Written by Tiffany Tullgren

As Venue Manager for the Rough & Ready Vineyards, Tiffany has a genuine love and passion for planning and organizing weddings. She shares, "Being able to create memories that will last a lifetime for you and your guests is so rewarding. I enjoy making your dream wedding day come true!" Tiffany specializes in personalizing wedding services for each client and handling stressful event situations with grace.

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