This is certainly a top pick for all of the Vixens.  One of those locations we may all choose to renew our vows or host our next reason to celebrate! River Highlands Ranch falls under a ‘destination wedding’ to many, but is only 15 minutes from downtown Grass Valley and just over an hour from Downtown Sacramento.  I love the idea of making it a destination location since Grass Valley and Nevada City have such charm and the property and town have plenty of accommodations and activities galore to keep guests occupied for an entire weekend.  River Highlands Ranch itself offers bridal party accommodations over the incredible “barn” for up to 9 guests, an onsite house arrangement  for up to 6 guests, and the absolute best bridal suite I’ve seen to date (it’s called Duck Pond!).  Picture a private pond with a small log cottage set next to it amongst the native oak trees and a sense of quiet and privacy rarely found.

Now for the best part…..the reception and event space is a barn!  Not a barn that just cleared its bats out and removed the hay.  A barn of any barn lover’s dreams: gorgeous, functional, cozy, and intimate.  The property has the feel of being on a farm in the country without the discomfort that is often associated with this type of site.  The large peeked barn is cream colored with green accents and an oversized barn door that begs to be opened on a hot summer night.  The interior is done in an all wood finish with open beams, posts, wall panels and a knotty pine slatted ceiling. Every corner of this space has been considered and offers the ability to create separate spaces (I happen to be a huge fan of this!) within the main barn for dinner and cocktails and dancing.

Optional onsite vineyard tables and benches are the perfect fit for this site and so much more convenient than renting, and the vineyard tables create the perfect look for your event. Outside patio tables and inside leather furniture are included and offer another level for space planning and creating areas for guests to enjoy.

The property itself  has a 360 degree view of oak tree studded rolling hills, pasture, vineyards, and manicured gardens at every turn. Guests can move around the property at random experiencing the ponds, patios, fire pit area, and grassy lawns.  The use of these spaces are endless.  A tiered ceremony site that doubles as an incredible location for concerts and live musicians is a bonus.

Picture your guests dancing under the stars (which you can actually see since you are just far enough out of town!) and roasting marshmallows over the fire pit.  Love, love, loving this property!

Note: The majority of these photos used were taken directly from their website… because they are so darn great!

~ Vixen Catrina

Exterior River Highlands Ranch