Love is in the air and undoubtedly this month there will be a whole host of new brides, as Valentine's Day is a great day to propose. Once the ring is on your finger and the date is set, next up will be picking the perfect location.
Houston has a huge array of options with many wonderful choices for the excited new brides- and-grooms-to-be.
Rooms with a View
Located in the Galleria, the Westin has two properties, and boasts four room options with spectacular views of the city. Each room has a restroom and a bar, and can accommodate anywhere from 95 to 115 people. Perfect for small and intimate weddings and modest budgets.
Surrounded by Houston's Downtown skyline, the Petroleum Club provides an atmosphere of unsurpassed elegance and style. The Discovery Room is a great option for the ceremony and the Petroleum Room is beyond perfect for a gorgeous reception for up to 300 guests. The views from each room are unsurpassed in the Houston area.
This is an amazing and interesting venue option. While the views are of the bayou, they are still quite pretty views. With a very rustic feel (if you don’t mind mounted deer on the walls), this venue is perfect for the outdoorsy bride.
Restaurant buyout options are available — otherwise the Hunt and Creek rooms are great for up to 32 guests each or 70 to 80 combined.
Out of the Ordinary
For the ultimate music lover, this is a great option. The music hall an accommodate 300 for a seated dinner. Ideally, this is my perfect event scenario for this space: Cocktails in Peacock Room, dinner and reception in Music Hall and an after-hours lounge in Foundation Room.
Now don’t get me wrong, this will be pricey, but absolutely fabulous. All spaces have a built-in ambiance with an Indian design feel so you won't have to spend a lot on decor
This 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 50 to 1,200. The wine cellar is warm and inviting and the chapel is ideal for a medium-sized wedding.
This property is new to Houston and I can’t say enough about the uniqueness of this venue option. Guests will love the exhibits and the beautiful water garden that flows on the second floor.
Rental prices are very reasonable, but of course you will have some restrictions since protection of the art is a major concern.
Historical Flair
Designated as a Texas Historical Landmark, the Parador is a great venue with a Spanish feel. I LOVE this space especially since it offers two large adjoining spaces, each with its own courtyard or garden (and the gardens are perfectly manicured). This is a venue where you have the option of bringing in your own caterer.
The Union Station Lobby is a great location with the historical architecture — it was an original train station for Houston built in 1911. Not only are the Corinthian-style columns and original marble a sophisticated setting, but also for the sporty bride and groom the novelty of being at Minute Maid Park will be a great feature guests will enjoy.
Catering is provided by Aramark and they really do a fantastic job.
Think French Countryside! This event has it all: Stunning architecture, gardens, excellent service and incredible views with hand-painted gold-leafed walls, Venetian inspired murals, crystal chandeliers and marble floors. Need I say more . . .
Well one more thing, I love you can bring in your own caterer!
Yonder Down the Road
I have written a whole article about this resort in the past, but some things bear repeating. This is a great destination wedding option that is only a couple hours away. Yet it makes you feel as if you are in a whole other state.
Love the many options for ceremony and reception sites and with a full service hotel this is great for a larger destination wedding.
Located in the foothills of Texas Hill Country, midway between Houston and Austin, The Inn at Dos Brisas offers a setting for special events of up to 300 guests. The food is amazing with 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.
Located in Conroe, this space has a gorgeous 10,000 square foot courtyard and the fireplace backdrop for an outdoor wedding is gorgeous. It also has comprehensive ceremony and reception packages to make planning your wedding a relative breeze.
Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP, is president of Elias Events, an award-winning event production company.
Aside from its Italian villa and hacienda-inspired architecture, The Bell Tower on 34th Street boasts various spaces that can accommodate 50 to 1200.
The Marlene Inn wine garden. Photo by Studio Rivera 