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    New Wedding Venues

    Seven new area wedding venues guaranteed to exceed every couple's wedding day dreams

    Deborah Elias
    Feb 12, 2016 | 2:30 pm

    The question is popped, the answer leads to excitement and the hard work begins — finding the perfect venue for the perfect wedding.

    In previous stories (Houston's 10 Best Wedding Venues: A cheat sheet for smart brides and grooms and 18 hot and happening event venues: The best places to party special in Houston) we have discussed great wedding venues in the Houston area. Here are some exciting new options for hosting your wedding or special event:

    The Dunlavy

    The revitalization of Buffalo Bayou has delighted many and now there's more to love with the installation of the first venue/restaurant space along Houston's main body of water. The Dunlavy, which sits on the banks of the bayou in an area called Lost Lake, is a stunningly simple space with an impressive collection of crystal chandeliers that flicker off the windows and water. With the Clark Cooper Concepts team at the helm of the culinary experience, this space is surely going to be a force to be reckoned with.

    Houston Oaks

    Houston Oaks, located in Hockley about 35 miles from downtown Houston, is one of the most beautiful places in the area to have a wedding and reception in one place. The owners have installed a sweet little chapel on the property for the ceremony. There are many places to hold the reception but I love the idea of a clear span tent strategically situated under a gorgeous oak tree.

    Citadel on Kirby

    The Citadel on Kirby is a phenomenal new space. Gathering its inspiration from 17th century Scottish castles, it is both elegant and grand. Not only it is perfect for an indoor event, with its 26-foot-high ceilings, but the 30-foot indoor water wall and more than six acres of lush landscaped gardens, fountains, gazebos, and outdoor patios make it the perfect locale for an outdoor event. If you have dreamed of getting married in a castle, this is your space.

    Sylvan Beach Pavilion

    Sylvan Beach Pavilion is a landmark venue located in La Porte on Galveston Bay. Even though it is a historic property, it underwent a $15 million renovation in 2013 that creates a more modern feeling, with large windows and a teakwood deck space. Its most celebrated feature is the 10,000-square-foot glass-walled ballroom with a 3,600-foot circular dance floor. The is a special space that offers couples of all budget ranges a variety of robust packages.

    Waters Edge

    Waters Edge is waterfront venue located on two and a half acres facing the shores of Clear Lake. Guests can enjoy scenic views while sitting on the 2,500-square-foot patio that includes a fire pit to enjoy the spectacular view. The property also features a lighted pier and gazebo located over the water for those wishing to have a truly unique and romantic ceremony. The venue is decorated with modern touches, which makes a unique canvas for any event. One of the best features is the ability to launch a fireworks extravaganza, a rarity inside the Houston city limits.

    The Overlook

    Built on a secluded 22 acres with American Craftsman architectural elements, this charming space is located in Atascocita. The main building overlooks six acres of ponds in the woods near the Lake Houston area and has a lot of southern charm. Executive chef Julio Avila and wife Tiffany Avila of The Hometown Chef Catering Co. are sure to please the palate with their food and beverage selections.With a variety of ceremony and reception spaces to choose from and the ability to have a D.I.Y wedding or choose from all-inclusive packages, this venue can meet all budget ranges.

    The Bougainvilleas

    Located 20 minutes west of the Galleria area and only five minutes west of the Beltway, The Bougainvilleas is a true delight — featuring two ballrooms, a chapel, a wine room, a bridal suite, and a groom's room. The stunning floral entrance will surely captivate your guests' attention. The grand ballroom can seat up to 350 and with several package options to choose from with the basics including linens, cake, nonalcoholic beverages, and some decor elements, this is perfect for the budget-conscious couple.

    CultureMap contributor Deborah Elias is the founder of Elias Events.

    The Dunlavy, which sits on the banks of the bayou in an area called Lost Lake, is a stunningly simple space with an impressive collection of crystal chandeliers that flicker off the windows and water.

    News, Equinox Opening Dinner, Dec. 2015, The Dunlavy
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    The Dunlavy, which sits on the banks of the bayou in an area called Lost Lake, is a stunningly simple space with an impressive collection of crystal chandeliers that flicker off the windows and water.
    event-planner
    news/city-life
    series/wedding-planner-houston

    festive cities

    Houston dazzles among top 10 most festive cities in America for 2025

    Amber Heckler
    Nov 26, 2025 | 12:30 pm
    Pedestrian bridge to River Oaks
    River Oaks Christmas Lights in Houston TX/Facebook
    The River Oaks Christmas Lights are a fun place to take families.

    Houston has once again landed a coveted spot on Thumbtack's annual ranking of the most festive American cities in 2025.

    Home services platform Thumbtack analyzed holiday light installation requests from customers from October 2024 to 2025 to determine the most festive U.S. cities. Rankings were based on the "relative frequency" of requests after being adjusted for the population of each state and metro area.

    Houston ranked as the 6th most festive U.S. city this year, dropping two spots from its former No. 4 rank in 2024.

    Locals searching for inspiration for their homes can find it at the many twinkly displays illuminating Houston for the holidays, from the iconic City Lights to the rustic Dewberry Farm light show. And the holiday season is beginning earlier with every passing year, according to Thumbtack.

    "Homeowners are layering their look from October through December, swapping out pumpkins for pine boughs and adding sparkle as the season unfolds," the report said.

    Other festive holiday events happening around Houston include cheery pop-up bars, holiday markets, and much more. CultureMap readers can also keep up with all of Houston's holiday happenings in our special editorial series.

    Other big Texas cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio also all landed top-10 spots in the report, proving the Lone Star State is much more festive than the rest of the country.

    "From Texas to Florida, the South is setting the standard for holiday spirit, and in true Texas fashion, bigger is definitely brighter," the report said. "Mild winters and a strong sense of community keep the Lone Star State shining at the top."

    Thumbtack's top 10 most festive U.S. cities in 2024 are:

    • No. 1 – Austin, Texas
    • No. 2 – Dallas, Texas
    • No. 3 – Seattle, Washington
    • No. 4 – Las Vegas, Nevada
    • No. 5 – Sacramento, California
    • No. 6 – Houston, Texas
    • No. 7 – San Francisco, California
    • No. 8 – Charlotte, North Carolina
    • No. 9 – San Antonio, Texas
    • No. 10 – Atlanta, Georgia
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    news/city-life
    series/wedding-planner-houston
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