Frequently Asked
Questions

The Highlands Estate is a versatile venue that can host weddings, corporate events, family gatherings, and more. Our picturesque outdoor settings and elegant indoor spaces are perfect for any occasion.

The Highlands Estate can accommodate wedding parties of up to 200 guests at the Four Seasons Barn location. The dining capacity inside the Four Seasons Barn is 133 guests; outside the barn up to 200. The Oak Tree ceremony location can accommodate up to 125 guests.

Yes.

Our venue is private and is yours for the day, with only your wedding taking place on that day.

Yes, we're a working vineyard with acres of Syrah vines providing a multitude of photo opportunities.

We have multiple fully automated generators that are hard-wired into our facilities and connected to our propane supply so they will run for days on end.

The Four Seasons Barn is an excellent option to hold your ceremony in case of rain. After the ceremony, the space is converted for dinner and dancing, while guests relax on the breezeway. For larger parties, the Terrace can be tented, providing a significant amount of weather-protected space.

Yes, as long as someone is dedicated to caring for and picking up after it. The dog must be on a leash before and after the ceremony. Unless ADA certified, guests may not bring their dogs (or any other animals) onto the property.

Yes, candles are allowed as long as the flame is completely contained in a votive. Tapered candles are only allowed with a glass dome cover for safety reasons.

Fireworks and sparklers are not permitted. We don't want to scare the neighbors and we want to keep the fire department happy!

Yes, however artificial flower petals — silk or otherwise — are not allowed and all petals must be removed by the end of the evening.

We allow smoking and vaping in designated areas.

We have an enterprise Wi-Fi system that covers most of our property. Depending on your provider, cell service can be spotty — however with our Wi-Fi, simply turn on Wi-Fi calling on your phone and you should be all set.

Yes. We have handicap parking right at the Four Seasons Barn, ADA bathrooms, and our wheelchair accessible golf cart, "Kermit."

April — bud break, green shoots 10-12" by month end. May — vines fully green. June–July — full and lush, green grapes appear in July. August — grapes go through veraison, changing from green to dark purple. September — leaves begin fall colors, harvest may begin. October — continued fall colors, harvest complete. November — beautiful fall colors. December–March — vines have no leaves.

We welcome a wide range of professional caterers and are happy to provide a curated list of recommended teams who are familiar with our property. Caterers who have not previously worked at the venue must receive approval in advance based on professional experience, staffing practices, insurance, and the ability to follow venue guidelines.

Not at all! We like to keep things flexible and fun around here. We don't require any bar packages, and there are no corkage fees — so you have the freedom to bring in your own drinks and design a totally personalized bar experience. Many couples find this can be a much more cost-effective option. Cheers to celebrating your day, your way!

Yes, you will provide all the alcohol for your guests — beer, wine, and mixed hard alcohol drinks are all permitted. All alcohol must be served by a licensed bartending service, which is usually part of the catering company. Guests may not bring in their own alcohol.

While we are a working vineyard growing Syrah grapes, we sell them to a wine maker. There is no corkage fee.

No. While we grow grapes for winemaking, we do not make or sell wine, so there is nothing to purchase from us. You are free to purchase alcohol wherever you want.

You will purchase the alcohol, however it must be served by a licensed bartending service (usually part of the catering company).

These would be rented through a local rental company or the caterer.

Our wedding packages include access to the venue for the ceremony and reception, use of the two dressing rooms, tables and chairs, market lights, a dedicated venue manager for the day, and so much more! Check our Amenities page for more details.

Yes, we include seating for both dining and ceremony for up to 150 guests, with 150 wood folding chairs, 12 custom-made farm tables, 5 round tables, and 22 benches at the Arbor ceremony site.

Yes, we have fully ADA compliant men's and women's restrooms with multiple stalls. No need to rent porta-potties.

Yes, we have two separate dressing rooms, accessible at 10:00AM for up to ten people and at 1PM for the wedding party on the day of your wedding, providing plenty of time for photos before guest arrival.

Yes, we've had many bands play in the Four Seasons Barn.

First dances can be outside on the Terrace, with the rest of the dancing inside the Four Seasons Barn. By having the dancing inside the barn, you enjoy the benefits of our acoustically tuned sound system, the nightclub feel generated by controlled lighting, and the air conditioning or heating as necessary.

Yes. Please check our Amenities page for more details.

They are always welcome to walk, however a 14-person Electric Shuttle (driver included) is included with all packages except the Intimate/Hourly and Petite Day Packages or if busing is required. The Electric Shuttle is only available April 15- November 15. If guests are bused, the buses will drop off and pick up right at the ceremony site.

We include many items with the rental of our venue — from farm tables and seating for up to 150 guests, ceremony benches, sound systems, market lights, umbrellas, fire pit, etc. (Check our Amenities page for details.) You will need to hire a planner, caterer, DJ or band, florist, photographer and any other vendors you might need for your event.

You can make a reservation by booking one of the Weekend Wedding Packages.

On-site lodging means accommodations are located directly on The Highlands Estate property and reserved exclusively for your group. This offers guaranteed availability, privacy, and a shared experience throughout the weekend. Nearby accommodations — while convenient — are independently operated and may involve separate bookings, public access, or transportation.

Yes. When lodging is reserved on property for a weekend wedding, couples receive access to the venue beyond the wedding day itself. This allows for gatherings the night before, preparation time, and post-wedding moments together — without the need to pack up, drive elsewhere, or compress everything into a single day.

Besides our on-site lodging, there is lodging minutes from our property and plenty of lodging (motels, B&B and Airbnb) about 15 minutes away in the town of Cloverdale.

No vehicles can be left overnight, except for those staying at the Estate. Please advise your guests of this policy. The gates will be locked at the end of your event.

Three-Day Celebration: Access from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning, with Friday and Saturday night lodging. Two-Day Celebration: Access from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, with Friday night lodging. Luxe Day Package: Exclusive access from Friday at 3PM–9PM, then 10AM dressing suite access Saturday, 1PM barn access, 3PM guest arrival, 4PM–10PM standard event time. Classic Day Package: One-hour rehearsal, 10AM dressing suite, 1PM barn access, 3PM guests, 4PM–10PM event. Petite: 3PM barn access, 4PM guests, 5PM–10PM event.

8:00am on day of your event.

The standard time is 10:00pm, however up to two hours of extended time, with music, may be purchased. When additional hours are booked, all guests must be bused to and from the venue.

Yes, we provide one hour for the rehearsal at a mutually agreeable time, typically the day before.

Yes, we have ample guest parking out-of-sight near the entry of our property. Many couples wish to bus their guests, and we can accommodate buses up to 40 feet in length. They can remain on-site and out of view of guests, if desired.

While this may be possible, with the limited availability of ride-sharing drivers in the area, this may not be a reliable option and you could be stranded at the end of the evening.

Simply send us an email with the date you wish to reserve, and we will send you our contract. The contract signing process is similar to DocuSign and can be done on a computer or smart phone. At the time of signing, an initial 50% payment is due to reserve your date.

At the time of signing, an initial 50% payment is due to reserve your date, and the balance is due no later than four months prior to your wedding date. For the final 50% booking fee, you can notify us if you would like to break the payment into smaller increments.

No, there are no taxes or additional service fees added to our venue prices.

Yes — couples can purchase basic liability insurance for a nominal cost. We do suggest, but not require, additional insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances. All vendors are required to have insurance as well.

Due to the activities and events on the property, our tours are scheduled and by appointment only. Please request a tour here.

To ensure a smooth experience for you and all vendors on site, we require one of our professional planners or basic coordinators (day-of is not allowed) who are experienced with our venue to be hired.

All celebrations over 40 guests must be supported by a professional wedding planner hired from our curated vendor collection — because a dedicated planner is the single best investment a couple can make, and we've seen the difference firsthand. Most planners in our collection start at about $2,800.

Many of our couples are from all over the United States and internationally. For that reason, we created the Vendor Collection, which, besides our required planners, offers suggestions for everything from caterers and florists to photographers and rehearsal dinner ideas.

We welcome DJs and live bands at The Highlands Estate.

We are located about 1.5 hours north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) is conveniently located about 40 minutes from our location and is served by American, Alaska, and Avelo Airlines.