Reviews

“This is by far the easiest 5 star review I have ever written. The venue is simply stunning, set among rolling hills and vineyards and far from the noise of the highway, it was the perfect place to celebrate our wedding. We toured a number of properties before deciding on the Highlands Estate, but none even came close. The handcrafted farm tables are gorgeous, with the Oak tree providing the perfect backdrop for our pictures and the barn an ideal venue for dancing. It was truly amazing to have our ceremony in such a picturesque setting followed by a wonderful dinner on the patio. But what makes the Highlands Estate special are Whitney and Gard. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by their warmth, kindness and sincerity, and felt very welcomed. Throughout the planning process, they were always supportive and extremely helpful in navigating all the decisions that needed to be made. Perhaps most telling is the fact that every single one of our vendors told us that their favorite place to work was the Highlands Estate. It’s not hard to understand why - we simply cannot imagine a more perfect venue and hosts for an incredibly memorable and wonderful day. We have no reservations in enthusiastically recommending the Highlands Estate!”

“Our experience at The Highlands Estate could not have been more perfect! My husband and I fell in love with the venue the second we toured it. The views were unbelievable with the rolling hills and the grounds were so well thought out. Whitney and Gard have thought of everything and were so kind and accomodating throughout our wedding planning process. Our guests couldn’t stop gushing about how gorgeous the ceremony site was. It really made for a magical ceremony day of the wedding. I also really appreciated their list of recommended vendors that had been pre-vetted and they had experience working with. That made our vendor search so much easier and made a huge task much more digestible.”

“You know those venues that look picture perfect on Instagram and sound too good to be true and then you get there and realize it was all filters and selective memory? The Highlands Estate is not one of those venues. Even the most talented photographer can’t do this place’s natural beauty justice, no review will ever fully capture how seamless a wedding at The Highlands Estate can be, and no venue owners will be more thoughtful and kind as Whitney and Gard! Every detail is thought through with weddings in mind - even down to the tables! Gard Made the tables extra wide so they could fit decor and place settings without crowding the table. And they’re just beautiful. The Highlands Estate is overflowing with natural beauty! Rolling hills with grape vines, vibrant plum trees, lavender bushes and more. I wanted as much of our day to be outside and these views cannot be topped. We chose the gazebo for our ceremony and it was so special. Getting to look at my husband AND rolling hills while we said our “I do’s?!” Priceless. The outdoor reception space was a fan favorite too. It was perfect for our intimate 60 person reception. We would have loved to dance under the stars but we still had an incredible time inside the barn on the dance floor. My only regret from the day is not booking the extra hour to stay and play in this beautiful space! My husband and I have already said we want to come back and do a vow renewal here to relive the best day of our lives. There’s something for every couple at the Highlands Estate. The photos aren’t too good to be true, they’re just scratching the surface. Thanks, Whitney and Gard, for helping make our wedding dreams come true! ”

“I wish I could give this venue more stars...We are so in love with it & our guests were too. This venue is GORGEOUS! Before booking, we visited a few venues because we wanted a barn & vineyards. This was the first venue we visited and we immediately fell in love. We looked at other venues after but we kept thinking about the Highlands Estate. Whitney & Gard: Thank you for letting us celebrate our love at your beautiful venue. We will forever be grateful to you both. You truly made our dreams come true. ”

“We could not recommend the Highlands Estate enough!! Whitney and Gard are the most caring, accommodating, and well organized couple and they truly made us feel like family. Not to mention the gorgeous estate, grounds, and thoughtful touches at the venue. Can’t thank them enough! We booked the Highlands Estate back in 2020 after having to cancel our original wedding 2 weeks before as a result of COVID. We had a really negative experience with our original venue and were very transparent with both Whitney and Gard about our experience and what we were looking for now that we had to reschedule. Not only were they so empathetic, understanding, and caring, but they also made sure to build in buffers for us due to the uncertainty of COVID to make us feel more comfortable. We ended up having to reschedule a few times again, but finally made it down the aisle last weekend. Gard and Whitney made the process of postponing so seamless and they were so supportive throughout the process. It was abundantly clear to us that they saw us as people first and not just a paycheck. They made sure that there was a human element involved and it wasn’t just business to them. As a result, we were able to have the most perfect day we could have ever imaged. Thank you Whitney and Gard for showing us your heart and taking care of us so well. Now about the venue itself
the Highlands Estate is beautiful!! Gard and Whitney have put so much thought, energy, and intention into the venue and it really shows. Even since we booked the venue back in 2020, they have been making upgrades every year, adding a groom’s suite, mics built into the ceremony arbor, built in barn speakers, etc. These special touches are just a few of the things that make the venue so unique and special. Finally
if you have the opportunity to book the Highlands Estate, really pay attention to the vendor recommendations. They truly know the best people and we feel so fortunate that they were able to share them with us on our special day. Thank you for the world class customer service, care, and love! We will cherish our day forever. ”

“Our wedding at The Highlands Estate, was an absolute dream come true. From the moment we discovered this enchanting venue, we were captivated by its beauty and overwhelmed by the exceptional care and support provided by Whitney and Gard throughout the entire planning process. The Highlands Estate is a true gem, nestled in a picturesque location that takes your breath away. The moment we set foot on the grounds, we were mesmerized by the stunning scenery of vineyards, oak trees, and twinkle lights. The venue offered the perfect blend of rustic elegance, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for our special day. What truly sets The Highlands Estate apart is the exceptional care and attentiveness of Whitney and Gard. From our very first meeting, they were there to guide us, listen to our vision, and offer invaluable advice. Their passion for weddings and commitment to making our day perfect was evident in every interaction. Throughout the planning process, Whitney and Gard were an unwavering source of support. They were readily available to answer our questions, provide recommendations, and help us navigate through various decisions. Their genuine warmth and kindness made us feel like cherished friends rather than clients. They took the time to get to know us as a couple, understanding our unique preferences and desires for our wedding day. The Highlands Estate is an exceptional wedding venue that goes above and beyond. From the breathtaking beauty of the location to the unwavering support throughout the planning process, they created an experience that surpassed all our expectations. If you are seeking a stunning venue run by a couple who will treat your wedding as if it were their own, we wholeheartedly recommend The Highlands Estate. Whitney and Gard’s dedication and passion will ensure that your special day is nothing short of extraordinary. ”

“We recently had our daughter’s wedding here. It is the most beautiful natural setting with the rolling hills, vineyards, and oak trees; it is the quintessential California landscape. Since the bride and groom live out of state we started the search to help them. We were given the wishlist of a rustic elegance, barn and vineyards. We looked at many locations but as we drove thru the main gate of The Highlands Estate and up the drive lined by flowering trees and vineyards we had a good feeling that this was it. We then met Whitney and Gard and knew this was the spot for our families to celebrate this very special moment in our lives. They felt like old friends, so warm and friendly. They truly embrace these weddings like a family member with genuine interest and concern for details. The wedding ceremony gazebo with breathtaking views, barn and farm tables, the view from the old oak tree, and the thoughtful lay out are simply perfect. All our guests were in awe of the setting and the ambiance for a beautiful dinner party. When the wedding photos started to come in they were breathtaking and took us back to our wonderful day. With a big event as this there are always a few challenges but working with Whitney and Gard troubleshooting it made it seamless. Without hesitation we can recommend this venue, and when you visit you will not want to leave. ”

“My wedding was May 15, 2021. You can imagine how stressful it is to plan a wedding at that time within the COVID world. Thankfully, we had Whitney and Gard there with us every step of the way to guide us through those additional challenges. Thanks to them, my wedding turned out even better than I could have ever imagined. The Highlands Estate is the most beautiful venue, Whitney and Gard’s hospitality is unparalleled, all my guests had nothing but fabulous compliments about everything, and they made all my wedding dreams come true! My husband and I are very grateful for how everything turned out for our wedding day. You won’t find better people to work with than Whitney and Gard or a more picturesque venue than the Highlands Estate. We recommend the Highlands Estate to the fullest degree possible. ”

“This was the first venue I visited, and my search was immediately complete. The most beautiful ceremony site with breathtaking views, the kindest and responsive venue owners, and a vendor list that are all 5 star high quality professionals. It was so nice having well-vetted vendors to choose from instead of blindly having to search the internet. My guests couldn’t stop gushing about the unique beauty of the venue, and I can’t imagine getting married at any other site. The website photos truly don’t do it justice. Please visit this venue for yourself! ”

“Highlands Estate is a beautiful venue in the hills north of Cloverdale. Everything about our experience working with Whitney and Gard (the owners) before and during our wedding helped make this a successfull, special day:
* First, Whitney and Gard are an overall pleasure to work with, and are warm, friendly, and kind-hearted people.
* Whitney was very responsive to our questions while planning and worked with us to put together a unique, personalized and custom celebration with vendors we were excited about.
* The venue itself has been thoughtfully designed in a way that makes it perfect for weddings, and all the outdoor space has amazing views of the surround hills, a fact that many of our guests noted.
* On the day of, Whitney and Gard went far above and beyond expectations, pitching in to help set up our dining area when our catering team showed up over three hours late.
I would highly recommend both the venue as well as working with Whitney and Gard and would definitely do it again (although hopefully don’t have to).”

“When my husband and I were venue hunting, we knew The Highlands Estate was our venue the second we arrived on the property. Pictures do not do it justice on how absolutely beautiful the grounds of The Highlands Estate is! There are many vineyards on the property, an old gigantic beautiful oak tree and mountains in the background. Our decision was doubly confirmed after we met the owners Gard and Whitney and felt their genuine excitement for our day and the pride they took on their exceptional property. ”

“We had the pleasure of having our wedding at the highlands estate! Not only is the venue is beautiful but Whitney and Gard make you feel like you’re home there. The entire environment is so welcoming and set the tone for a truly incredible experience. I cannot recommend it enough!! ”

“After researching venues with my now husband and looking at different venues, I saved The Highlands Estate for last knowing that this my was favorite out of all the venues. The moment I stepped foot at Highlands Estate I knew I would be getting married here! Words cannot describe how beautiful the estate is. Whitney and Gard are AMAZING! Seriously the nicest people I have ever met. They are so accommodating and wonderful to work with! They provided me with a list of the different vendors that they work with which was awesome since I had no idea what I was doing. Having been to other weddings and to see the bride stress so much on her big day, it made me nervous about everything, but our wedding day went by so smooth and stress free. I would recommend anyone that is getting married to check out The Highlands Estate...you won’t be disappointed. ”

“Gorgeous venue; perfect day! My husband and I got married here in August 2019 and loved every moment of our journey with Whitney, Gard, and their beautiful estate. As someone who was looking for a one-stop-shop wine country experience, The Highlands hit the nail on the head with their gorgeous ceremony lawn and arbor, their outdoor happy hour patio area with stunning views, and their rustic yet modern barn for dinner and dancing. Working with Whitney and Gard was a breeze, from visiting, booking, and planning -
they were extremely responsive and helpful every step of the way. So happy and grateful that The Highlands was where we got to spend our special day! ”

“The Highlands Estate is the perfect wedding venue in beautiful wine country. We managed to narrow our list down to rustic venues with a vineyard and a barn. That was my main criteria. We managed to narrow our list from 80+ venues to about 10. We thought we had found our venue in, but decided to continue our search by driving further north to Cloverdale. My husband went to go meet the venue owners while I was away on travel in London and when he met Whitney and Gard, that really was it. We were sold on everything: the property, the attention to detail and it had all of the above. Moreover, they were fantastic people and we really care about the people you are going to work with, as they will make or break your day. Whitney, is friendly and detail oriented. Her responsiveness and thoroughness to our every inquiry and question was amazing. Gard himself made the wooden farm-tables (without all those extra charges for every little thing...because they are fair and honest people) and he is incredible and thoughtful in his design and upkeep of the property. Everything was flawless on our wedding day. There is always hiccups that are unplanned for. Ours was rain for the first time in 5 years in September in Cloverdale and a power outage in the entire city. In fact, the entire area had an outage and we were the only venue with a generator so the show could go on. This is a once in a lifetime event, and very rarely does power go out, but we were prepared! Our 150-person, 15-person band, large catering group etc. still had lights/power etc. This just shows you how ready and attention to detail they are. Our family and friends are still raving how beautiful the wedding was, and what an incredible location we choose. Our entire family is from out of town, so taking them up somewhere like Cloverdale was special.
We thank Whitney and Gard for making our special day precious and joyous and a weekend at the estate we will never forget. We wouldn’t have it any other way! ”

“Fabulous Venue: At the Highland Estates, you immediately become family and are welcomed with hugs. The Cookson’s were so very patient with our numerous questions. The venue is absolutely beautiful with it’s privacy, vineyards, details, and not to mention the barn with handmade farm tables from Gard. We received so many compliments from our family and friends about the intimate and cozy setting for our day. ”

“Wow. This is it! This is the most beautiful new wedding property in wine country! My new husband and I fell in love with the Highlands Estate the very first time we came to view the property. And that resulted into the perfect wedding!! I know people say not to expect perfection from your wedding, but seriously, it was perfect. ”

“Fantastic experience, start to finish! We couldn’t be happier with every aspect of The Highlands Estate, from booking to execution. It was a beautiful and special venue for our wedding and all our guests raved. The facilities are pristine, well thought out, and tasteful and Gard and Whitney are a breeze to work with. The location is gorgeous, and totally worth the drive. We arranged shuttle transportation for all of our guests, which I highly recommend. Can’t recommend this slice of heaven more! ”

“The Highlands Estate was the perfect setting for our incredible wedding. It was rustic with BEAUTIFUL views, an air-conditioned barn and amazing farmhouse tables. The ceremony site was perfectly shaded for our guests and the alter is positioned for the gorgeous hill views. Whitney and Gard are so sweet.. they worked with us when we had way more guests than expected. We are so grateful we chose their venue to host the best day of our lives. ”

“We held our ceremony on their beautiful lawn, under a large Oak tree with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, giving us stunning photos. Just above the ceremony site is the patio for our cocktail hour, which is big enough for the large tent we had set up in case of rain. The best part of this venue is the beautiful barn where we hosted our reception. The barn is sophisticated with a touch of rustic charm and included handmade 8ft dining tables, market lights strung inside for perfect mood lighting, along with many other thoughtful details. I especially enjoyed the special hide away room for the bride to retouch makeup and keep personal items. The catering staff enjoyed the private catering room, outside prep area, and ease of moving staff and food around behind the scenes. Our guests loved the location and commented how special and unique it made our wedding. The space is open countryside but completely intimate at the same time. ”

“We fell in love with the venue the very first time we saw it. Whitney and Gard are amazing hosts and you can tell that they have put their heart and soul into the reconstruction of this amazing working vineyard. The grounds are well kept and the layout was perfect for what we wanted. ”

“To say this is the perfect venue is an understatement!!!

Rustic meets country chic! The Highlands Estate is the perfect spot for anyone looking for an elegant wedding with a country or rustic flair. The site offers everything from a beautiful grass ceremony site with large oak trees shading the area and a lovely arbor, to a magical hobbit garden, which sets the scene for enchanted pictures. Not your style, not to worry, because there are rolling hills of vineyards and a long pathway lined with plum trees which is a perfect setting for any photo opt. . The reception site can be held outside under the stars with beautiful bistro lights highlighting the dining and dancing area or you can have the reception inside in the barn which is both fully heated and air conditioned.”