When to Book Stone House
One of the first questions couples and planners ask is:
“How far in advance do we need to book Stone House (or any Nevada City venue)?”
There’s no single answer—but there are patterns. Stone House sits in a historic district, offers a 10,000-square-foot restaurant and venue with six event spaces, and hosts everything from weddings to holiday parties to public gatherings.
That means prime dates go quickly.
Here’s a general timeline to help you think ahead.
12–18 Months Out: Prime Saturday Wedding Dates
If you’re aiming for:
A Saturday wedding in spring or fall (Nevada City’s most popular seasons), or
A full-venue takeover using multiple rooms,
…then 12–18 months is a smart window to inquire and secure your date.
During this phase:
Reach out through Stone House’s private events page.
Share your ideal month, approximate guest count, and any must-have elements (on-site ceremony, live band, specific spaces).
Schedule a tour to experience the flow of the rooms and the feel of the building.
9–12 Months Out: Flexible Weddings, Nonprofits & Corporate Events
If you’re:
Open to Fridays, Sundays, or weekday weddings
Planning a nonprofit fundraiser, retreat, or corporate event
Hosting holiday parties outside peak December dates
…then 9–12 months is often enough to find a good fit, especially if you’re flexible.
Use this time to:
Confirm your event format (cocktail, seated, or hybrid).
Sketch a draft run-of-show with the help of Stone House’s events team.
Lock in spaces within the venue using the spaces overview so other bookings don’t conflict.
6–9 Months Out: Smaller Events & Off-Peak Dates
For:
Micro-weddings and elopements
Rehearsal dinners in the Cavern or Lounge
Milestone birthdays and anniversaries
Smaller corporate meetings and trainings
…a 6–9 month runway is usually enough, especially for weekday or shoulder-season dates.
At this stage, you’ll:
Finalize guest counts and menu direction with the Stone House restaurant team.
Decide which combination of spaces you’ll use (Courtyard + Dining Room, Parlour + Showroom, etc.), referencing the venue layout as you plan.
2–6 Months Out: Short-Lead Opportunities
If you’re working with a shorter timeline:
Focus on smaller events like rehearsal dinners, showers, or intimate celebrations.
Be open to weekday or Sunday bookings, which are more likely to be available.
Ask about dates near existing events or gatherings highlighted on Stone House’s blog that your celebration could align with.
Even on a shorter timeline, the advantage of a venue with its own restaurant, bar, and event spaces is that much of the infrastructure is already in place.
0–2 Months Out: Last-Minute & Off-Night Bookings
If you’re within a couple of months:
Think weekday corporate dinners, team celebrations, or small social events.
Ask about existing holds that might release as other clients finalize plans.
Be ready to move quickly and stay flexible on date and space selection.
Why Booking Earlier Helps You More Than the Venue
Yes, early booking helps Stone House’s calendar—but it helps you even more:
You’ll have more options for custom menus built around seasonal ingredients through the Stone House kitchen.
You can coordinate with planners, bands, and photographers who already know the building.
You’ll have room to design a guest experience that truly uses the venue’s layout instead of just fitting into what’s left.
Stone House
If you have a date—or even just a season—in mind for a Nevada City event, this is your nudge to reach out. Stone House’s events team can tell you what’s available, what’s realistic for your timeline, and how to make the most of the spaces—whether you’re 18 months out or two.