pines
by Wade Snider
Sierraville, California
Sierraville, near Truckee, CADANCING PINES
WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHER
Dancing Pines is a private twenty-acre property on the banks of the Little Truckee River in Sierraville, about 30 minutes from Truckee. It sits in a category of its own- no hotel ballroom, no winery tasting room, no manicured resort lawn. Just tall Sierra pines, a river, open sky, and up to 150 guests. Simple by design. Extraordinary by location.
I have photographed weddings here multiple times. The light in the late afternoon under the pines is some of the best natural light I work with anywhere. The riverside ceremony site is beautiful and the flow through the day. From the ceremony to cocktails on the patio to dinner and dancing on the lawn, the venue makes itself easy to photograph without ever feeling rushed.
If you are getting married at Dancing Pines and want a photographer who has been on the property and knows where to be, get in touch.
DANCING PINES
SAMPLE GALLERIES
SIERRAVILLE
CALIFORNIA
DANCING PINES
PHOTOGRAPHER'S TAKE
The riverbank edge where the pines frame you on both sides is where I take almost every couple for portraits. It photographs clean every time. Totally private, river sound behind it, and the light that comes through the canopy in the late afternoon is as good as it gets in the Sierra.
There is also a spot just off the property with sweeping Sierra views — worth building into the timeline for a few wide portraits before dropping back to the river. The open shade under the trees gives you a long usable window before golden hour with no harsh shadows.
The venue flow is easy. Ceremony to cocktails to dinner to dancing — all natural transitions, no awkward gaps, no guests standing around waiting. It makes the whole day feel relaxed and that shows in the photographs.
DANCING PINES WEDDING FAQ
IS DANCING PINES A LAKE TAHOE WEDDING VENUE?
Yes. Dancing Pines is 30 minutes from Truckee and sits in the greater Truckee Tahoe wedding venue market. It is listed under Lake Tahoe / Northern Sierras on most venue directories. The setting, tall Sierra pines, a river, total privacy, is the same landscape couples come to Tahoe for, just without the resort crowds.
HOW MANY GUESTS DOES DANCING PINES HOLD?
Up to 150 guests. The property has a riverside ceremony site, cocktail patio, fire pit lounge, and 7,000 square feet of lawn for dinner and dancing. It works for both intimate weddings and full celebrations.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST FOR A DANCING PINES WEDDING?
Dancing Pines runs mid-June through mid-September. Late summer is peak. The light in August under the pines is exceptional and the weather is reliable. Late June can still be cold in the evenings at elevation.
DOES DANCING PINES HAVE IN-HOUSE CATERING?
No. Dancing Pines is a BYO venue. You bring your own caterer, florist, band, and other vendors. There are no service charges or hidden fees. Packages are all-inclusive of taxes. A full-service wedding coordinator is required and must be booked separately.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR DANCING PINES?
Summer Saturdays in Truckee Tahoe book 12 to 18 months out. If you have a date confirmed at Dancing Pines, reach out as soon as possible. Peak August weekends go fast.
DO YOU DO ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS AT DANCING PINES?
Yes. The property and surrounding Sierra terrain make for great engagement shoot locations. Get in touch and we can plan timing around the best light on the river.
If you are getting married at Dancing Pines, hiring a photographer who has been on the property makes a real difference. I know where the light lands at every hour, where to take you for portraits, and how to move through the day so nothing gets missed.
Planning a Dancing Pines wedding?LET’S TALK
I have photographed this venue multiple times and know exactly where the light lands and when. Get in touch with your date and I will let you know if I am available.