Nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Foothills, just minutes from the historic charm of Nevada City and Grass Valley, Rough & Ready Vineyards has become one of the premier Northern California wedding venues for couples seeking an intimate, romantic celebration that feels both rustic and refined.
Why Couples Choose Rough & Ready Vineyards Over Other Northern California Wedding Venues
Your Wedding, Your Way: Complete Creative Freedom
Forget restrictive preferred vendor lists that limit your choices. At Rough & Ready Vineyards, you have complete freedom to choose every single vendor for your special day, from the caterer who’ll create your perfect menu to the photographer who’ll capture your love story. Want your cousin’s band to play? Your favorite food truck to cater? The florist you’ve been following on Instagram for years? Say yes to all of it.
What this means for you:
- No vendor fees or restrictions
- Bring your own wine and beer (zero corkage fees!)
- Work with our trusted preferred partners or bring your own dream team
- Mix and match vendors to create exactly the celebration you want
Five Stunning Ceremony Locations on One Property
Why limit yourself to one beautiful backdrop when you can have five? Your ceremony and reception can flow seamlessly across our diverse landscape, giving your photographer countless opportunities to capture picture-perfect moments.
The Italian Marble Gazebo: Exchange vows in our crown jewel—a romantic marble gazebo nestled in the upper meadow, framed by rolling hills and ancient oak trees.
The Vineyard Arch: Say “I do” under our handcrafted grapevine arch, surrounded by neat rows of vines that stretch toward the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Heritage Oak Grove: Let centuries-old oak trees witness your promises, their sprawling branches creating a natural cathedral of green.
The Meadow: For larger celebrations, our open meadow provides endless possibilities with mountain views as your backdrop.
The Bridge: Our quaint wrought-iron bridge spanning the seasonal creek provides an intimate setting for smaller ceremonies or offers stunning photo opportunities.
Reception Spaces That Flow Like a Dream
- Custom-built dance floor under twinkling market lights
- Hand-built pergola in the vineyard for cocktail hour
- Multiple lawn areas for different party sizes and styles
- Seamless transitions between ceremony and reception—no venue changes required
The 3,000 Square Foot Barn-Style Guesthouse
Your wedding celebration doesn’t have to end when the last song plays. Our stunning guesthouse transforms your wedding into an unforgettable wedding weekend retreat for you and your closest loved ones.
Sleep 16 of Your Favorite People:
Get Ready in Style:
- On-site beauty salon for hair and makeup preparation
- Massage table available for pre-wedding relaxation
- Two porches with gorgeous views for morning coffee and wedding prep photos
- Open-concept kitchen and living space perfect for the morning-after brunch
Special rates are available for the guesthouse when booked in conjunction with a wedding. Here’s what a few of our recent guests have had to say:
Stress-Free Planning That Actually Delivers
Planning a wedding shouldn’t feel like a second job. Our experienced team handles the logistics and details, allowing you to focus on the enjoyable aspects of planning, such as selecting your flowers and tasting cakes.
Included in Every Wedding:
- Set up and breakdown of ceremony and reception areas
- All the tables, chairs, and farm tables you need
- Extensive décor collection from our Something Borrowed Barn
- Market lighting for reception ambiance
- Sound system and microphone for ceremony
- Golf cart transportation for guests who need assistance
- Complimentary Wi-Fi for live streaming and social sharing
Your Day, From Dawn to Starlight
- Early access starting at 8 am when you book the guesthouse
- Dedicated day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly
- Professional setup team who knows exactly how to make our space shine
- Flexible timeline that works around your celebration style
A Destination Worth the Journey
Unlike many Northern California wedding venues that offer just a ceremony site, your guests will thank you for choosing a location that offers more than just a pretty backdrop. Nevada County provides the perfect setting for a wedding weekend that becomes a mini-vacation for everyone you love.
For the Outdoor Enthusiasts:
- Hiking trails through the Sierra Nevada Foothills
- Lake Tahoe just a scenic drive away
- Seasonal activities from skiing to wildflower walks
For the Culture Lovers:
- Historic Nevada City with charming Victorian architecture
- Local wineries and craft breweries for pre-wedding tastings
- Unique shops and galleries in downtown Grass Valley
For Everyone:
- Farm-to-table restaurants showcasing local ingredients
- Cozy bed & breakfasts for out-of-town guests
- Museums and historical sites throughout the region
Every Season Tells a Different Love Story
Spring: New Beginnings in Full Bloom
April and May
Wildflowers carpet the meadows while heritage oaks burst into fresh green. Perfect for couples who love soft pastels and natural beauty.
Summer: Golden Hour Magic
June to August
Long, warm days with golden California light that photographers dream about. Ideal for outdoor receptions under the stars.
Fall: Rich, Romantic Colors
September to November
The vineyard transforms into warm amber and deep red hues. Perfect for couples wanting that classic wine country aesthetic.
Ready to Fall in Love With Your Wedding Venue?
Your perfect day is waiting among our vines. Whether you’ve been dreaming of an intimate gathering of 50 or a celebration of 125, whether you envision a rustic chic affair or an elegant garden party, Rough & Ready Vineyards provides the canvas for your love story.
Schedule your private tour to see the magic in person and envision your special day. Meet our team and discover how we’ll bring your wedding vision to life. Check availability and secure your dream date—our most popular dates book 12 to 18 months in advance, so don’t wait to begin planning your perfect celebration.
Located in the heart of Nevada County, Rough & Ready Vineyards is easily accessible from Sacramento, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe. We’re more than a wedding venue—we’re the beginning of your happily ever after.
Ready to begin your wedding journey with us? Contact us today and let’s start planning the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 2, 2021, and has since been updated.
Mardie has been a successful businesswoman since 1981. The Rough & Ready Vineyards was created out of Mardie’s desire to contribute to the community. Mardie's vision to serve the community is rooted in her love of Nevada County, and it provided her with the opportunity to revitalize an old Ranch property into a breathtaking wedding venue.
Her innovative mind and commitment to environmental accountability contribute in a positive way to our community and the surrounding area. With the Rough & Ready Vineyards, Mardie seeks to create the best wedding experience for our clients and their guests, creating memories that will last for generations.
0 Comments