Engagement season, which runs from the Christmas holiday to Valentine's Day, is over and, now, many couples are in the serious wedding planning stage. Of course there are hundreds of options for the perfect wedding and reception, from downtown to the suburbs and everywhere in between.
Here are some of Houston's most exciting wedding venues:
The new JW Marriott has made a splash in the downtown arena with its very chic and modern hotel. The premier property boasts 14,500 square feet of event space, including two elegant ballrooms. The award-winning culinary team enhances this superb space.
The only drawback can be the parking, but with some forward thinking it can be worked out satisfactorily. When visiting don’t forget to peruse the amazing art in the ballrooms, which was carefully curated from local Houston artists.
Prohibition Supper Club & Bar is an imaginative space located just off Main street in downtown Houston. If you are looking for a themed wedding (or other type of themed event), this venue is perfect with all the glamor and excitement of the roaring 1920s and prohibition era.
The space can host events in a variety of seating options, including the dining room, theater and mezzanine overlooking the main stage. So get your flapper style ready to host a roaring good time.
Have your heart set on a destination wedding, but don't have ability to travel far? Then look no further than Agave Estates.
The architecture is Spanish Villa style so your destination wedding may be closer than you imagined.
Located in the heart of Katy, this place has a lot to offer, including catering and onsite event planners. Agave Estates features three exquisite all-inclusive venues: Agave Road, Agave Real and Agave Rio. The architecture is Spanish Villa style so your destination wedding may be closer than you imagined.
This venue, located in Montgomery, will provide a unique experience with structures built in the early 1900s, restored to their original look and feel, with a vintage touch. The buildings were initially used by oil companies as a “pumping station.”
The main facility, McCoy Station, can hold more than 500 people and you can bring in your own caterer, although you must use its liquor and beverage company. The high ceilings and built-in chandeliers complement any decor scheme.
The on-site Hunter's Place is a charming little cottage perfect for the bride and her party to get dressed in.
The Astorian
This highly anticipated new property has generated a lot of buzz. Discreetly situated in a landmark building as designated by The Houston Historical Society, The Astorian is an industrial chic private loft space and rooftop located in The Heights.
Andria Design attemped to replicate New York City’s Grand Central Station, which is a throwback to 1920s glamor and Art Deco design. The venue offers a contemporary, bi-level facility equipped with 14-foot ceilings, state-of-the-art smart technology, fully functional gourmet kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of downtown Houston.
There are removable walls and fixtures which allow for flexible configurations.
The Houstonian Hotel and Spa
When it comes to Houston hotels, there truly is nothing like The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa situated on 18-acre wooded oasis right in the heart of The Galleria area. The main house boasts a number of options for many sizes of weddings with a main ballroom that fits 400 people for a seated dinner.
There is also the option of hosting your ceremony on the gorgeous lawn which boasts century-old trees.
The Forest, Aspen and Juniper rooms are all special in their own right. The jewel of the property is the Manor House, which is great for small intimate receptions. There is also the option of hosting your ceremony on the gorgeous lawn which boasts century-old trees.
The sales and catering team is a joy to work with and many of them have been at the property for more than 10 years, a rarity in the business.
Station 3, located near downtown, is one of the city's historical landmarks. The original brick, wood floors, concrete beams and intricate hand-carved exterior stone work make it a true gem. In order to bring it into the 21st century, Station 3 has recently undergone a complete restoration.
Whether you are having a small, intimate wedding or a more extravagant wedding, the space can comfortably accommodate a maximum seating capacity of 150 guests. My suggestion is have the ceremony on the first floor and reception on the second for a truly all in one locale.
The Lyceum Of Galveston Island
Nestled in historic downtown Galveston, The Lyceum of Galveston Island provides an elegant chapel and event space for weddings. The ambiance is truly historic with a square tower with steeple and elegantly-restored double doors, hipped roofs, arched openings and stunning floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows.
With a total renovation and restoration, The Lyceum now takes its place as a new premier venue for weddings and events. Once seen it will be hard to resist its mid-19th century Victorian style and charm.
The Bell Tower, located near the Houston Heights, is a great space for a number of different reasons. Aside from its Italian villa and hacienda-inspired architecture, it boasts various spaces that can accommodate crowds ranging from 50 to 1,200. The wine cellar is warm and inviting and the chapel is ideal for a medium-sized wedding.
The gorgeous water wall is the perfect spot for the ceremony.
Located in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country, midway between Houston and Austin, The Inn at Dos Brisas offers a setting for special events for up to 300 guests. The award-winning food features a farm-to-table concept and the spa is a perfect retreat.
Pair that with spectacular settings and this is a great destination for a wedding.
Deborah Elias is president of Elias Events, an award-winning wedding event and production company, specializing in unique and fabulous designs.
If you have your heart set on a destination wedding but don't have ability to travel far, then look no further than Agave Estates in Katy.
