Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can the space hold? Is that number seated or standing?
We have room for a maximum of 250 people. That is for seated and standing.
What is the fee for renting the space?
The rental fee is $4,275.00 for a Friday or Sunday wedding & $5,345.00 for a Saturday wedding.
What exactly does this fee include?
Your rental fee includes:
- A professional Wedding Director & wedding day coordinator
- Three planning meetings
- A one hour wedding rehearsal
- A bridal dressing area
- A groom’s Room
- Expansive 25 acre grounds for your wedding photography
- Complimentary guest parking
- All set up, break down, and cleanup of facility items
- Ceremony and reception chairs
- 60” round tables for your reception (8-10 guests per table)
- Glassware, china, and stainless steel flatware for dinner
- Tables and linens for your guest book, gifts, and dessert tables
- A customizable reception area layout
- Space in the reception area for your band or DJ
- Courteous, uniformed service staff including a bartender
What is excluded from the rental fee? How many hours does the rental rate include?
The rental fee does not cover food and beverage, taxes, and service charges. But these items will be included later in your final bill. Depending on the day of your wedding, your rental period is for either 6 or 6.5 hours.
How much is an additional hour?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the facility with other events taking place during the day, we cannot allow for extended rental times. Your rental time is from 4:30-11:00pm for Fridays and Sundays & 5:00PM-11:00PM on Saturdays. We are also happy to host day weddings on Sundays from 10:00am-4:30pm.
*Note: If any contracted parties and/or their guests are on The Ranch at Little Hills property for any amount of time beyond designated event time, a $250 fee (in one hour increments) will be charged up to $500.
How many parking spots are available for guests?
We have 120 parking spaces available in our main lot. You will have no need to rent extra parking.
Can I use any vendor or do you have a list of preferred vendors?
We do have a list of preferred vendors who are vetted, insured, and do quality work! They come recommended because we like them and we know you will, too. But you may choose to bring in your own if you would like. We do require all vendors to be licensed and insured and will need to review and sign our vendor policy form.
You can find a list of our preferred vendors here: http://littlehillsweddings.com/your-wedding/vendors/
Do you do all set up and tear down of the items you provide?
Yes, we handle all set up, break down, and cleanup of facility items.
When can I begin set up on my wedding day?
You contracted rental time is includes your set-up time. That is when your vendors, family, bridal party, etc. may enter the venue and begin setting up. Our staff will have all facility items for your wedding setup before your arrival for a smooth décor and vendor setup process. Please note all vehicles are only allowed in the venue the first and last 30 minutes of your contracted rental time.
If we have an outdoor element, do you provide a back-up location if the weather is bad?
There are no indoor facilities available should it rain. However, if rain is predicted at least 96 hours (4 days) in advance, you can rent tenting for an additional cost to you based on availability. We keep a close eye on the 10 day weather forecast and will make the best recommendations possible. This additional rental cost is up to you though.
Are there any restrictions on use of the space? (eg. no open flame candles, etc)
Yes, the following are a list of restrictions we have at The Ranch at Little Hills:
Motor Vehicle Restrictions:
- No vehicles of any kind are allowed to drive into the park between the hours of 10:00am and 4:30pm.
- Only vehicles owned by DJs, band members, florists, bakers/dessert vendors, photographers, photo booth technicians, officiants, and other vendors may drive in to drop off equipment, flowers, cake, etc. prior to set up. Written, advance consent is required for all vehicles driving into the park before 4:30pm. Please note all vehicles must be out of the park by no later than 30 minutes after the beginning of your contracted rental time.
- All vehicles owned by bridal party, family members, and guests must park in the front parking lot and are not allowed to park inside the park. *Note: Exceptions can be made for vehicles being used to transport disabled persons to your ceremony location.
Music and Amplified Music Restrictions:
Because we are an outdoor venue, we have certain restrictions on music. Amplified music is allowed but it cannot be so loud that it can be heard by our surrounding neighbors. If it is too loud, we will request that it be turned down to a level that is acceptable in the below guidelines. We reserve the right to terminate your music without notice if it continues to be too loud.
Amplified sound/music used at the Wedding Lawn during wedding ceremonies is restricted to a distance of 75 feet.
Amplified music used at the Oak Knoll reception area is restricted to a distance of 200 feet.
Decoration/Miscellaneous Restrictions:
To maintain our organic and wildlife preserve status of The Ranch at Little Hills, we ask the following of our guests:
Please do not use any tape, tacks, nails, staples, or wire while fastening flower arrangements or other decor onto any wood surface within the park.
Please do not walk on our through the flowerbeds while taking photographs. We try to keep our grounds clean and taken care of for all guests.
You may not use rice, birdseed, seeds, or release birds or butterflies into the park.
Due to the fire danger of our outdoor venue, we do not allow tiki torches, sparklers, fireworks, or open flamed candles (enclosed candles such as tealights in votives and *Unity candles are allowed)
*Unity candles are not allowed at Wildcat Canyon Ceremony Site
No weapons (e.g. knives, guns, swords, or sabers, etc.) are allowed in the park.
We do allow dogs to participate in your ceremony only and then they must be placed in our doggie day care which will be located on-site. Your four legged friend will be fed and cared for throughout the rest of your event.
Are there restrictions on photography or videography?
We do require that photographers, videographers & DJ’s provide proof of liability insurance with coverage for $1 million.
Liability Insurance certificate in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate naming Urban Park Concessionaires and East Bay Regional Park District as additional insureds.
Must be named on certificate plus endorsement attached
Urban Parks Concessionaires
The California Parks Company
2150 Main Street, Suite 5
Red Bluff, CA 96080
***
East Bay Regional Parks
18012 Bollinger Canyon Road
San Ramon, Ca 94583
Your vendors can get temporary vendor insurance from VendorInsureNow.com
Do I need to get any permits or insurance for the wedding?
We have all the necessary permits that are required for your wedding, however, you are welcome to purchase event insurance for your special day.
You can find that here! http://theeventhelper.com.
Is there a bridal room and a groom’s suite?
Yes! We have a lovely bridal suite complete with two closets for storage and a groom’s room that comes with a linen rack, mirror and much more we affectionately refer to as The Man Cave for your use. We recommend coming with hair and make-up done, changing in to your wedding attire here and storing your belongings here. These locations can be locked upon request and are open to you for the duration of your rental time.
How much is the deposit?
The deposit is your site rental fee, $4,275.00 for a Friday and Sunday wedding or $5,345.00 for a Saturday wedding. This is due two weeks after your contract is sent. There is a $50 service charge on returned checks.
When is the balance due?
The remaining balance for catering, beverages, and any other upgrade items are due two weeks before the wedding. If payment is not received one full week prior to your event, The Ranch at Little Hills reserves the right to cancel your event. If there are any additional fees or expenses incurred during your event, full payment will be due 15 days following your event.
What forms of payment do you take?
We take cashier’s check, money order, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Please make checks payable to Urban Park Concessionaires.
What is your cancellation policy?
If cancellation occurs prior to 90 days in advance of the event, the liquidated damages would be 50% of the TOTAL Facility Use Fee. If cancellation occurs within 90 days of the event, liquidated damages would be 100% of the TOTAL Facility Use Fee. Cancellation policy applies to any/all date changes.
How does the pricing structure work?
The pricing structure is as follows:
First Billing: Due two weeks after contract is sent.
Site Booking Fee/Deposit: $4275.00 for a Friday or Sunday and $5345.00 for a Saturday to secure your wedding date.
Second Billing: This is due two weeks prior to event following your three-week planning meeting. This is based on your food and beverage selections, any upgrade items selected, 20% service charge applied to facility rental, food and beverage, and 8.5% sales tax.
Final Bill: If there are any additional fees or expenses (e.g. property damage or space heaters needed) incurred during your event you will be billed promptly following your event and full payment will be due 15 days following your event.
Are there sample menus we can look at and how do their menu tasting sessions work?
Yes! Ask one of your Event Coordinators during your tour and we’d be happy to show you our sample menu.
We have a Bridal Faire each spring and offer tastings of our hors d’oeuvres. All couples that have reserved The Ranch at Little Hills for their special day are invited to a separate private tasting early spring so they can taste the menu offerings before deciding on their menu selections.
Is there plenty of natural light or will dark conditions make it tricky for our photographer? Will we need to hire in any extra lighting?
We always start your ceremony at a time when natural lighting won’t be a concern for your photographer. During the darker hours of your event, we have a well-lit reception area with lamps on each post of the surrounding fence, bistro lights lining the tent, two spot lights highlighted from each corner, and pre-lit oak trees surrounding the fence. This creates an intimate and romantic candle lit ambiance. While we feel, this is plenty of lighting and works well for photographers, if you feel this will not be enough light, we can provide a list of recommended vendors that can be contracted to bring in extra lighting to your taste.
What chairs and tableware will we use?
Included in your site booking fee is use of our ceremony and reception chairs, 60” round tables for your reception (up to 10 guests per table), tables and linens for your guest book, gift, and dessert tables.
How many other weddings are likely to take place on the same day/weekend as ours, if any?
As a picnic and special events venue, we do hold multiple events each do. However, there will never be another wedding or event taking place at the same time as yours. When you book with us, the venue is exclusively yours during your contracted rental time.
What are the staff numbers for service on the day?
Depending on the size of the wedding, we are fully staffed between 8-12 persons.
What are our bar options and can we see a bar price list?
Based on the beverage package you select, we provide a fully staffed soft-serve bar stocked with wine, beer (of your selected choice from our provided list) and champagne. Beverage service will begin when your ceremony ends. Alcoholic beverage service will end one hour before the end of your rental period.
Below is a sample of some of our current offerings:
House Red
House White
House Champagne
Anchor Steam
Coors Light Beer
Guests who appear to be under the age of 35 will be asked for identification when ordering. Each person may order 2 beverages per visit to the bar
Can we supply our own beverages and will there be a corkage charge?
All alcoholic beverages must be purchased through The Ranch at Little Hills. We are happy to work with a licensed distributor to bring in your preferred beverage of choice.
Any other alcoholic items brought into The Ranch at Little Hills will be confiscated. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SERVICE REGULATIONS ARE STRICTLY ENFORECED.
When can we get in and out of the venue to give access to our suppliers on the day?
Vendors are allowed entry to the venue at the beginning of your contracted rental time.
Are there any particular restrictions such as the use of confetti or candles?
We do not allow confetti. We allow candles with an enclosed flame with the exception of a Unity Candle.
What is the last possible date that we can make changes?
Aside from changes made due to inclement weather (must be made 96 hours prior to event), all changes must be made no later than 21 days prior to your event date.
Is there room for a band or dancing?
Yes, we have ample space for a 3 to 5 member band our reception site has plenty of dance floor space. If you are hiring a band which requires excessive use, we do require additional power be provided (whisper generators will do just fine!) at an additional fee to you.
Does the venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers, or will that need to be rented?
We do not. You will need to arrange with your DJ or band to have that provided.
Is the venue ADA accessible?
Yes, all of our facilities are up to ADA standards and we provide a golf cart to chauffeur our guests with limited mobility around our venue.
Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the decor and when will it be completed?
Our wedding staff ensures that all facility items are set up and taken down for your event. You can select the decorating service at an additional fee through The Ranch at Little Hills and we will take care of your decor. We ask that you provide clear instructions for set-up of your decor when you bring them to us at your wedding rehearsal. If the decorating service is not selected, you are responsible to set up your decor. We recommend designating at least 3-5 friends and family to arrive at the beginning of your contracted rental time and be responsible for this task.
Can we make adjustments to your menus?
Our menus can be customized to your desires, within our kitchen and service capacity. Additional fees may apply.
What about rehearsals for the ceremony?
Your rehearsal is included in the facility use fee and will be scheduled for the Thursday before your wedding day. They are scheduled for 1 hour.
Can I take any leftover food or beverages?
Local Health Department rulings regarding proper refrigeration and sanitation prohibit you from taking any food or beverage from The Ranch at Little Hills, with the exception of your wedding cake.