FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers!
General Questions
What is the rental fee and what does it include?
For full details on our current pricing and included items, please visit our venue pricing page.
Do you have an indoor space option?
We are an all-outdoor venue on 16 acres. We do allow couples to rent tents (from outside vendors) if they wish to provide a fully covered space. Our reception area is well-shaded.
What months can I get married at Rough & Ready Vineyards?
Our most popular wedding months are May through October. You may book a wedding any month – just know that inclement weather plans may need to be a consideration.
What dates are available?
We keep our available dates updated on our website here.
Do I need to schedule a tour, or can I just stop by?
We ask that you please schedule a tour on our online tour calendar. If you don’t see a date that works for you, call or text us and we will find a day that works for us both!
Is there a deposit? When are the additional payments due? Do you offer a payment plan?
When you reserve your wedding date and sign your contract holding the date, we ask for an initial payment of 25%. Three additional payments of 25% are distributed equally between date of signing and 60 days prior to the event date. If you prefer, you may enroll in monthly auto-pay.
How do I reserve a date?
When you sign the contract and make your initial payment, your date is all yours!
What form of payment does Rough & Ready Vineyards accept?
We accept cash, check, or bank transfer.
What is the average budget of a couple getting married at Rough & Ready Vineyards?
We have helped couples with both very large and very small budgets! The average couple is spending $15,000-$25,000 on their wedding and reception.
Will there be another wedding the same day?
No, we only host one wedding per day so our team can ensure all your details are set and your needs are met.
Do you have parking onsite?
Yes, we have parking onsite, as well as space for your vendors, ADA parking and overnight guest parking if staying in the Guesthouse.
Will we have good cell service? Do you have Wi-Fi?
We have good, reliable cell service, and our free Wi-Fi is available to your guests and vendors.
Do you have power outdoors? What if the power goes out due to a PG&E outage?
Yes, we have power locations around the property. We are also equipped with an automatic back-up generator, so your party can continue even if there is a power outage.
When is the next open house?
Our scheduled open house dates are listed, and we request that you RSVP to attend. These events are designed for couples who have already had a private tour.
Planning Your Event
Do you provide tables and chairs?
Yes, we include all your tables and white folding chairs or mahogany padded Chiavari chairs.
Do you offer straight tables instead of round?
We are happy to offer 60” round tables, 8’ banquet tables as well as a variety of farm tables and other wood accent tables to enhance your event.
Do you provide table linens, plates, glassware, silverware, etc.?
These items are not included in our package, but we would be happy to add them on if you choose. We have a wide variety of table linens (including runners), glassware, silverware, and dishes. You can also bring your own linens or rent from your chosen vendor if you wish.
What happens in case of rain?
We are an all-outdoor venue that has an amazing canopy of heritage oak trees where most couples enjoy celebrating with their guests. All your vendors should come prepared with tents/canopies, and we always recommend having a handful of umbrellas at your welcome table for your guests.
If you would like to also have a rain backup of renting a full-size reception tent, we have vendors that would be happy to assist.
We plan to have our ceremony offsite or are already married and want a reception only. Does your fee change?
No. Our fee structure is the same because we only host one event per day, whether you are having a ceremony, reception, or both.
Do you allow dogs onsite to play a part in our wedding day?
We are pet friendly and welcome your furry friends if they are part of your ceremony! Dogs must be always on leash and should be kenneled after their role is complete. Please coordinate the details of your pet’s role in your event with our team.
What time will I have access to the venue to decorate?
Venue access on the day of your event will begin at 8:00am.
Do you include a “wedding day coordinator?”
As you compare venues, it is good to understand what each venue includes. Our Venue Host and team members are working for you prior to your wedding day. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, they will coordinate with your chosen vendors, create a vendor timeline and logistics plan, create a floorplan, and ensure the venue is set up to your agreed upon specifications. Our team will also be onsite on your day to answer questions, direct vendors, provide golf cart transportation for photos and guests who need it, turn on the lights, stock the bathrooms, check vendors in and out, take care of trash and event tear down, and be available to assist with any venue needs. Our goal is to be a beautiful backdrop as you celebrate and party the night away!
A Wedding Day Coordinator is something we are happy to add on if you wish. This is someone who will also create your full timeline and keep your event on schedule, help with getting your wedding party lined up and where they need to be (including a wedding rehearsal), hold several planning sessions with you, help with décor set up and tear down, and ensure that your entire day progresses as you desire.
How do I know if I need a “wedding day coordinator?”
If you are hiring a wedding planner or wedding day coordinator, you will be well cared for.
If you have a friend or family member who has coordinated several weddings and will be coordinating yours, you are probably fine.
If you don’t have either, please consider adding on our wedding day coordination services. We do not require you do so, however we do recommend that you have someone in this very important role.
Are there different areas to choose from for our ceremony?
Yes, we have a few options to choose from. A white Italian marble gazebo, a grapevine arch with the red barn in the background and an oak tree background. If you are hosting an intimate wedding ceremony with less than 25 guests, we have a custom pergola in our vineyards to say your “I Do’s”.
Can we take photos anywhere on the property?
Yes, our entire 16 acres is available for you, your photographer, and videographer. As the sun begins to set, the light provides a beautiful “golden hour” that is ideal for your most romantic shots. Some favorite photography areas include the vineyard, under the heritage oaks, on the bridge, out in the pasture, and even on our retired red tractor! A member of our team is happy to shuttle you to different locations on our golf cart.
Do you have an ice maker?
No. We will chill your beer and wine (if using our bartender). The only ice you may need is for non-alcoholic beverages, which typically your caterer will provide. If you wish to bring ice, we do have some freezer space available.
Can we have sparklers at our wedding?
We are in a high fire danger area, so sparklers, fireworks, and open flames are not permitted, with the exception of a unity candle. We welcome bubbles and LED lights instead of sparklers.
What about garbage?
Our staff will empty the garbage and recycle bins, with your normal trash (such as single use plates/cups, bottles/cans, etc.) Your caterers are responsible for trash generated from their service items. We request that you or your vendors remove large floral pieces or boxes used to transport items that exceed our limitations.
Is there a specific time we must start our ceremony?
No. We recommend starting somewhere between 4:00 and 5:00pm.
How will you set up the tables and chairs?
We will work with you to design a custom floorplan for your wedding.
What time does music need to end?
All amplified music must end at 10:00pm, per county ordinance. We allow another hour after that for you and your vendors to have plenty of time to gather your belongings.
We are renting items from an outside rental company. Can they be dropped off or picked up outside of our venue rental time?
Yes, we are happy to coordinate with your rental company.
When do you need our final headcount?
Two weeks before your wedding.
How do we get a marriage license?
If you are getting your license in Nevada County, the instructions and forms are online. You can apply up to 90 days prior to your wedding date. Be sure to bring it to your wedding so your officiant can sign it.
What is the event clean-up process?
Our team will handle all the standard clean-up, such as trash removal and event break down of tables and chairs.
Can we nail decorations to the trees or hang things from the market lights?
No, our heritage oak trees are protected and monitored by the county, in order to preserve them for future generations. The market lights cannot bear any additional weight. We are happy to help find solutions to your décor needs.
Catering, Bar & Vendors
Is there a food and beverage, or guest count minimum?
We do not require any minimums. You have the choice of choosing your own caterer as well as providing all beverages yourself.
Do we have to hire a caterer from your list?
No, you may choose your own caterer.
Do we have to utilize your bar service?
We provide bartending service for your event, and you supply the beverages (champagne, beer, and wine) to be served. If you wish to serve hard alcohol, we do require that you hire a mobile bar service or arrange for bartending from your caterer.
Do we have to purchase your wine?
You do not have to purchase our wine; however two cases of our wine are included with all weddings – you may serve it or use it as gifts for your attendants. You may bring all your own alcohol.
Do you have vendor recommendations?
We frequently update our list of favorite vendors. You are free to choose any vendors you wish. We will coordinate with each of your vendors and share information about our venue as well as our vendor guidelines.
Travel & Lodging
Are there overnight accommodations nearby?
Most couples reserve our onsite guesthouse to enjoy our estate for their wedding weekend. This guesthouse accommodates up to 16 of your guests. We do have many local hotels and vacation rentals to choose from as well. We are happy to provide a special lodging rate for booked couples.
Where are you located, are there attractions nearby for guests to enjoy??
We are in located in Nevada County, just a quick ten-minute drive from Grass Valley. We are also an hour north of Sacramento and about an hour and a half away from Reno.
Hiking abounds here in the Gold Country, as does golf, disc golf, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, camping, and water sports. The treasured South Yuba River is only 15 minutes away with a popular swimming beach.
And for those looking for more tame activities, our quaint shopping districts, wineries, breweries, and restaurants rival any Northern California offerings.
Are there stores nearby?
Holiday Market near Lake Wildwood is 5 minutes away, as is Dollar General in Penn Valley. For larger grocery stores, Grass Valley is a quick 10 minutes up Highway 20.
Is there a shuttle service for guests?
Yes, we have several shuttle services on our vendor listings.
What’s the nearest airport?
Sacramento International Airport is just an hour away. Reno is an hour and a half away; Oakland and San Francisco airports are about three hours.