Everything you need
to know

Stone House is a historic event venue in Nevada City offering indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and celebrations. Our spaces include the Lounge, Dining Room, Courtyard, Cave, Great Hall, and additional rooms (Show Room, Cavern & Parlour) included with Full Building hire. You can rent a single room, a curated Partial Building package, or the Full Building for the full experience.

Capacity depends on your package: Single Room up to 100 guests; Partial Building (Lounge, Showroom, Courtyard & Cavern) up to 150; Full Building (all seven spaces) up to 300. For events over 150 guests, contact bookings@stonehouse.io for a custom quote. Stated capacities are absolute maximums including children and vendors (fire safety).

We recommend booking as early as possible — ideally 12–18 months ahead for peak Saturdays. Shoulder and off-peak dates often have more flexibility. A holding enquiry can reserve a provisional date for up to 14 days while you decide.

Pricing depends on day of week, spaces selected, and season. We use three seasons: Off-Peak (Jan–Feb), Shoulder (Mar–Apr, Nov), and Peak (May–Oct, Dec). Options include hourly (3-hour minimum) for Single Room and Partial Building, or 12-hour blocks (about 40% savings vs equivalent hourly). Peak wedding-season Saturdays are 12-hour block rental only. Full Building is always a 12-hour block. See the PDF for full rate cards or use our Package Builder.

Exclusive use of your booked spaces for the contracted time; tables, chairs, and standard linen; indoor restrooms; venue staff coordination; setup of venue-owned furniture; and on-site preparation areas. Catering, bar, florals, entertainment, and photography are quoted separately.

Hourly rentals are available Mon–Sun, with a 3-hour minimum for Single Room and Partial Building — except Saturdays during peak wedding season. Twelve-hour blocks save roughly 40% vs hourly and are the only option on those peak Saturdays. Full Building is always booked as a 12-hour block.

A non-refundable 50% booking retainer of estimated venue hire secures your date, due within 7 days of signing. The final 50% is due 30 days before the event. Any additions or remaining payments are due on the day of the event. Final catering numbers and last-minute adds must be confirmed in writing 14 days before the wedding (guaranteed minimum for billing).

Cancellations must be in writing. More than 12 months out: loss of 50% retainer only. 6–12 months: 50% of total contracted value. 3–6 months: 75%. Under 3 months: 100%. We recommend wedding cancellation insurance. Force majeure is reviewed case by case.

Bank transfer (EFT), Visa, and Mastercard. A 1.5% surcharge applies to cards. The contracted balance is due 30 days before the event; additions or remaining payments may be settled on the day of.

Yes — in-house catering is our preferred option. Outside caterers are allowed for a flat fee; they need a current food handler licence, $5M public liability insurance, and documentation submitted at least 30 days before the event. Ask bookings for current outside-caterer terms.

Our kitchen emphasises high-quality fats — butter, olive oil, avocado oil, tallow, and coconut oil — not industrial seed oils. Ask our catering manager for the current menu and how we handle specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies — see below).

Choose 1 or 2 proteins; packages include salad plus rentals, plates, and flatware. With two proteins for plated service, all guests are charged the higher protein rate. Service styles: Buffet (included), Family Style, and Plated (premium upgrades available). Passed appetisers, extra sides, and dessert can be added. A 25% service fee applies to all food & beverage (not a gratuity). Ask for a custom catering proposal with current rates.

Guaranteed minimum must be confirmed in writing 14 days before the wedding. After that, counts can only go up. You are charged for the guaranteed number or actual attendance, whichever is greater.

0–2 years: no catering charge (still count toward capacity/seating). 3–5: 25% of adult price. 6–12: 50%. 13–17: 75% (full adult menu; excluded from alcohol bar package — soft drinks available). 18+: full adult price including bar package. The 25% service fee applies to children's catering too. High chairs available — advise count with final numbers.

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free/coeliac, dairy-free, nut allergies (including severe), Halal (30 days' notice), low-sodium/diabetic-friendly, and more, at no extra charge when notified at least 14 days before (Halal: 30 days). Collect dietary info on RSVPs and send a full breakdown with final guest count. For life-threatening allergies we use separate prep protocols and labelling; cross-contamination cannot be 100% guaranteed in large-scale catering — guests should speak with the catering manager on the day.

All include professional bartenders; 25% service fee applies. Beer & Wine $40/person (4 hr). Premium $50/person (4 hr, full liquor). Top Shelf $60/person (5 hr). Soft drinks are included with catering. Minimum bar spend $1,000 on all weddings — met automatically with a full per-person package; otherwise the minimum is charged (minimum is subject to the service fee). You may not supply spirits or draught beer; wine corkage may be arranged. No unlicensed service. Bartenders may refuse service to intoxicated guests.

On-site venue manager is included with the Full Building 12-hour block; for other packages, add $750 (venue logistics — not full planning). Floral tiers through our partner from $1,500 to $10,000 (tax-exempt). Photography $3,800 (8 hr, 2 photographers, 500+ images). Basic Wedding Planner $2,500. DJ $2,500 (5 hr). You may bring your own vendors; insurance and licences due 30 days prior.

Yes — vendors working 5+ continuous hours should receive a meal (photo, video, coordinator, DJ/band, etc.). Vendor meals are discounted vs guest pricing, include main + NA beverages only (no alcohol), and the 25% service fee applies. Served during the first course; dedicated vendor area provided.

Nevada County area sales tax is about 8.875% (slight variation by location). Taxable: food, beverage, and the service fee on F&B. Tax-exempt: venue rental, florals, DJ, photography, planning, On-site venue manager. The service fee covers staffing and operations — not a tip.

Allowed: enclosed candles, florals, draping/fairy lights (no nails/staples), signage, centrepieces, battery/LED lighting — approve with your coordinator. Not allowed: nails/tape on surfaces, loose confetti/glitter indoors, fireworks/sparklers, open flames outside glass, fog machines, balloons on structures. Your caterer/styling team handles third-party décor; venue staff sets venue furniture. Remove everything within hire period or storage/disposal fees may apply.

Insurance: one-day general liability $1M minimum including host liquor liability — proof 30 days prior (typically $100–$175). Smoking/vaping prohibited inside and within 10m of entrances; designated outdoor area. Noise: Courtyard music ends by 10:00 PM; indoor may run until 30 minutes before contracted end; we monitor volume. Parking: on-site, free; accessible spaces near entrance; overnight OK until 10:00 AM next day. Lost property held 14 days then donated.

Use the online Package Builder or email bookings@stonehouse.io — we aim to respond within 24 hours.