Photography at Stone House
A historic venue like Stone House is a dream for photographers: stone walls, timber beams, courtyards, caverns, and a full music venue all in one place. But getting the most out of it takes a bit of planning.
Whether you’re shooting a wedding, brand event, or styled session, here’s a guide to using Stone House’s spaces as your visual playground.
1. Scout the Six Core Spaces
According to Stone House’s spaces overview, the property includes: Stone House+2Stone House+2
Parlour: Downstairs bar with a mesmerizing feel and cocktails—great for moody, cinematic shots.
Lounge: Plush leather seating and rich wood, perfect for portraits and detail shots.
Great Hall: Stone walls and timber beams; classic ceremony, dinner, and wide‑angle room shots.
Courtyard: Brick, stone, and open sky—ideal for group photos, first looks, and sunset frames.
Cavern: Original late‑1800s brewery space; intimate, textured, and dramatic.
Showroom: Stage, lights, and wood dance floor; reception, performance, and party energy.
Spend time walking the building with your photographer to mark favorite angles.
2. Use Stone & Timber as a Natural Backdrop
The goal is to work with the building, not against it.
Keep palettes simple and let the textures (rock, wood, brick) do some of the visual work.
For portraits, position couples or subjects a few feet from the wall to separate them from the background while still using the texture.
Use doorways, arches, and staircases to frame shots and add depth.
WeddingWire notes the venue’s “rugged refinement,” with styling that echoes sand, rock, and forest—your photographer can lean into that language visually. WeddingWire
3. Chase the Light in the Courtyard & Patio
The Courtyard is a natural choice for:
First looks
Wedding party photos
Family portraits
Golden‑hour candids before dinner
Because you’re in the foothills, light changes fast; work with your photographer to pick a ceremony time that gives you post‑ceremony light in the courtyard or nearby streets.
4. Don’t Sleep on the Cavern & Lounge
For depth and variety in your gallery, plan:
A short portrait session in the Cavern—think candles, warm tones, and close framing. Stone House+1
Couple or brand portraits in the Lounge, using leather, wood, and any interesting art or decor as props.
These spaces also work for quiet moments: signing the marriage license, private champagne toasts, or pre‑event nerves.
5. Embrace the Showroom After Dark
The Showroom is built as a music venue: stage, lights, and sound. Stone House+2WeddingWire+2
For photography, that means:
Epic wide shots of first dances and performances
Candid crowd images with real concert energy
Creative use of stage lighting for silhouettes and motion blur
Let your photographer know if you’re comfortable with more experimental shots (slow shutter speeds, lights in motion) during dancing.
6. Use Downtown Nevada City as Your Extended Set
Stone House sits in the heart of Nevada City’s historic district, surrounded by brick storefronts, alleys, staircases, and overhead string lights. Stone House+2WeddingWire+2
Build time into your timeline for:
A quick walk down the street at golden hour
Portraits on nearby stairways or in front of iconic facades
Night shots under streetlights or on quiet corners once the party is underway
It makes your gallery feel bigger than a single building while staying rooted in the same story.
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If photography is a priority for your wedding or event, ask the Stone House team to share their favorite corners, lighting tips, and sample galleries. They’ve seen the building through hundreds of lenses and can help you and your photographer make the most of it.