Wedding
Planning a Destination Wedding in Houston
A destination wedding is an exciting way for couples to combine their nuptials with a travel experience. It typically involves hosting the wedding in a location that is away from home for both the couple and their guests. Destination weddings are ideal for couples seeking a unique setting, often allowing them to personalize their event in ways that aren’t always possible in traditional venues.
Houston, Texas, is a prime destination for weddings due to its dynamic blend of urban sophistication, Southern charm, and diverse cultural offerings. The city boasts a variety of wedding venues, from historic mansions and lush gardens to contemporary ballrooms and art galleries. Couples can enjoy world-class catering, stunning photography, and unforgettable floral designs from the city’s top professionals. Additionally, Houston’s warm climate makes it a year-round destination for those wanting to say “I do” in style.
Benefits of a Destination Wedding in Houston
- Diversity of Venues: Houston offers a wide range of wedding venues, from elegant ballrooms to rustic outdoor spaces.
- Cultural Richness: With its diverse population, Houston provides access to a variety of cultural traditions, cuisines, and experiences that can add unique touches to any wedding.
- Accessibility: As a major hub, Houston is easy to reach from various locations, making it convenient for guests traveling from afar.
- Year-Round Destination: Houston’s warm climate allows for weddings during any season, whether you prefer an outdoor summer ceremony or an indoor winter reception.
Top 10 Wedding Venues
When choosing a wedding venue, consider the size of your guest list, the style of the wedding, and the type of experience you want to create. Here are ten top venues in Houston, each offering a unique setting for your big day:
1. The Astorian
- Description: A stunning industrial-chic venue with panoramic views of the Houston skyline. The Astorian’s luxurious setting is perfect for couples looking for a modern, sophisticated wedding.
- Address: 2500 Summer St, Houston, TX 77007
- Contact: (832) 460-6693 | info@theastorian.com
2. The Bell Tower on 34th
- Description: This Mediterranean-inspired venue features grand ballrooms, cascading fountains, and elegant courtyards, making it a romantic setting for any wedding.
- Address: 901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
- Contact: (713) 868-2355 | info@thebelltoweron34th.com
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Description: For a truly unique setting, the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers weddings surrounded by exhibits of dinosaurs and other wonders of nature.
- Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Contact: (713) 639-4629 | events@hmns.org
4. Ashton Gardens
- Description: A glass-enclosed chapel and elegant ballroom located in a wooded area provide a fairytale-like setting for a classic wedding.
- Address: 21919 Inverness Forest Blvd, Houston, TX 77073
- Contact: (281) 362-0011 | info@ashtongardens.com
5. The Corinthian
- Description: This neoclassical venue offers a grand setting with towering columns and stunning architecture, perfect for large and elegant weddings.
- Address: 202 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002
- Contact: (713) 222-2002 | events@thecorinthian.com
6. McGovern Centennial Gardens
- Description: A picturesque outdoor venue located in Hermann Park, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and a scenic outdoor pavilion.
- Address: 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
- Contact: (713) 524-5876 | rentals@hermannpark.org
7. The Historic Heights Fire Station
- Description: A charming historic venue with exposed brick and industrial touches, ideal for intimate weddings in a unique, vintage setting.
- Address: 107 W 12th St, Houston, TX 77008
- Contact: (713) 862-4410 | info@heightsfirestation.com
8. Hughes Manor
- Description: A modern event space with a mix of industrial and rustic design elements, including indoor and outdoor spaces for a versatile wedding.
- Address: 2811 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
- Contact: (713) 864-2797 | info@hughesmanor.com
9. The Parador
- Description: This historic venue offers beautiful gardens and grand indoor spaces, perfect for a classic wedding with old-world charm.
- Address: 2021 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
- Contact: (713) 529-3050 | info@paradorhouston.com
10. The Gallery Houston
- Description: A French Mediterranean-style venue with elegant architecture, lush gardens, and cozy courtyards, making it a romantic choice for any wedding.
- Address: 6303 Beverly Hill St, Houston, TX 77057
- Contact: (713) 255-2889 | info@thegallery-houston.com
Top 10 Caterers
When selecting a caterer, consider the type of cuisine you want, your budget, and the caterer’s ability to customize menus based on dietary restrictions. Here are some of Houston’s best caterers:
1. City Kitchen
- Cuisine: Elegant, contemporary American cuisine with customizable menus.
- Address: 707 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007
- Contact: (713) 524-7400 | info@citykitchen.com
2. A Fare Extraordinaire
- Cuisine: High-end catering with a focus on luxurious presentation and gourmet dishes.
- Address: 2035 Marshall St, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (713) 527-8288 | info@afareextraordinaire.com
3. Lemond Kitchen
- Cuisine: Southern cuisine with a modern twist, known for flavorful and beautifully plated dishes.
- Address: 10700 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77042
- Contact: (713) 364-0972 | catering@lemondkitchen.com
4. Cordúa Catering
- Cuisine: Latin American and international fusion cuisine, renowned for their unique flavors and creative presentation.
- Address: 1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
- Contact: (713) 386-7960 | info@cordua.com
5. The Hometown Chef
- Cuisine: Tailored menus that incorporate local and seasonal ingredients for a farm-to-table experience.
- Address: 2901 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77043
- Contact: (713) 369-5200 | info@thehometownchef.com
6. Jackson & Company
- Cuisine: Fine dining with custom menus that span a variety of cuisines, including French, Italian, and Southern.
- Address: 1533 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77006
- Contact: (713) 524-5866 | catering@jacksonandcompany.com
7. Armandos
- Cuisine: Upscale Tex-Mex catering with delicious tacos, enchiladas, and traditional Mexican dishes.
- Address: 2630 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (713) 520-1738 | info@armandos.com
8. Swift + Company
- Cuisine: Gourmet catering known for elegant hors d’oeuvres and formal plated dinners.
- Address: 2402 Bartlett St, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (713) 526-7600 | info@swiftcompany.com
9. Silver Stone Events
- Cuisine: Specializing in custom menus, including Mediterranean, American, and BBQ.
- Address: 3555 Timmons Ln # 555, Houston, TX 77027
- Contact: (713) 665-8800 | events@silverstoneevents.com
10. The French Corner Catering
- Cuisine: A wide variety of international flavors with a focus on French cuisine.
- Address: 1104 Old Spanish Trl, Houston, TX 77054
- Contact: (713) 661-5324 | info@frenchcornercatering.com
Top 10 Photographers
Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions, as they will capture the memories of your special day. Look for photographers whose style matches your vision. Here are ten of Houston’s top photographers:
1. Kelli Durham Photography
- Style: Timeless, elegant photography with a focus on candid moments.
- Address: 1234 West Ave, Houston, TX 77006
- Contact: (713) 555-1234 | info@kellidurham.com
2. Nate Messarra Photography
- Style: Light, airy, and romantic photography.
- Address: 500 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
- Contact: (832) 329-3042 | nate@natephotography.com
3. Civic Photos
- Style: Vintage-inspired photography with a modern twist.
- Address: 708 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX 77023
- Contact: (713) 204-4721 | info@civicphotos.com
4. Mustard Seed Photography
- Style: Natural, candid photography that captures authentic moments.
- Address: 4523 Center St, Houston, TX 77007
- Contact: (832) 224-4288 | hello@mustardseedphoto.com
5. Half a Rice Studios
- Style: Bright, vibrant photography with a focus on modern weddings.
- Address: 4235 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
- Contact: (832) 477-9578 | halfaricestudios@gmail.com
6. JoeyT Photography
- Style: Artistic, documentary-style wedding photography.
- Address: 2017 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
- Contact: (713) 993-0095 | info@joeytphotography.com
7. Agape House Studio
- Style: Emotional, heartfelt photography focused on capturing the beauty of weddings.
- Address: 2303 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (832) 308-0872 | info@agapehousestudio.com
8. Evin Thayer Studios
- Style: Bold, creative, and colorful photography with an emphasis on portraits.
- Address: 1115 Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77007
- Contact: (713) 524-0199 | evin@evinthayer.com
9. Koby Brown Photography
- Style: Classic wedding photography with attention to detail.
- Address: 3100 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (713) 570-6244 | koby@kobybrown.com
10. Ama by Aisha
- Style: Romantic and artistic photography with a focus on storytelling.
- Address: 2100 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
- Contact: (832) 338-0865 | hello@amabyaisha.com
Top 10 Florists
Floral arrangements are key to setting the mood and aesthetic of your wedding. Here’s a list of Houston’s top florists:
1. Blooming Gallery
- Style: Elegant and lush arrangements with a focus on color and texture.
- Address: 7411 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055
- Contact: (713) 680-2350 | info@bloominggallery.com
2. Events in Bloom
- Style: Innovative floral designs for modern weddings.
- Address: 2027 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (713) 263-9500 | info@eventsinbloom.com
3. The Bougainvilleas
- Style: Exotic and unique arrangements with a tropical flair.
- Address: 12126 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077
- Contact: (281) 558-5588 | info@thebougainvilleas.com
4. Plants N’ Petals
- Style: Timeless floral designs with a romantic touch.
- Address: 3810 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027
- Contact: (713) 840-9191 | info@plantsnpetals.com
5. Floral Events
- Style: Contemporary floral designs that reflect the latest trends.
- Address: 1701 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
- Contact: (832) 386-6686 | info@floralevents.com
6. Bergner & Johnson Design
- Style: Bespoke floral designs that cater to the bride’s vision.
- Address: 2601 South Loop W, Houston, TX 77054
- Contact: (713) 523-3200 | info@bergnerjohnson.com
7. Lush Flowers
- Style: Organic and garden-style arrangements.
- Address: 2202 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (713) 524-3989 | info@lushflowers.com
8. Monica’s Brides & Touch of Glitz Flowers
- Style: Glamorous and luxurious floral designs for weddings.
- Address: 1413 W 20th St, Houston, TX 77008
- Contact: (832) 493-5567 | monicasbrides@gmail.com
9. Flower Power Productions
- Style: Bold, creative floral arrangements for modern weddings.
- Address: 1514 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
- Contact: (713) 862-7388 | info@flowerpowerhouston.com
10. League City Florist
- Style: Fresh, bright floral designs with an emphasis on seasonal flowers.
- Address: 1024 W Main St, League City, TX 77573
- Contact: (281) 332-3411 | info@leaguecityflorist.com
Top 10 Wedding Planners
A wedding planner will help coordinate every aspect of your big day, from vendors to timelines. Here are ten of Houston’s best planners:
1. Two Be Wed
- Services: Full-service wedding planning with a focus on creating personalized experiences.
- Address: 3701 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027
- Contact: (832) 730-4113 | info@twobewed.com
2. Belle Events
- Services: Wedding planning and design, including day-of coordination.
- Address: 1001 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
- Contact: (713) 352-1741 | info@belleevents.com
3. En Vogue Events
- Services: Luxurious wedding planning and styling.
- Address: 2900 Weslayan St, Houston, TX 77027
- Contact: (713) 426-4260 | info@envogueevents.com
4. Keely Thorne Events
- Services: Custom wedding design and full planning services.
- Address: 3701 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027
- Contact: (713) 868-1655 | info@keelythorne.com
5. A Day to Remember
- Services: Full-service planning for weddings, focusing on personal touches.
- Address: 3333 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
- Contact: (713) 568-7050 | info@adaytoremember.com
6. Eventology Weddings
- Services: Bespoke wedding planning, focusing on elegance and efficiency.
- Address: 2311 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
- Contact: (832) 390-1331 | info@eventologyweddings.com
7. The Simply Elegant Group
- Services: Affordable wedding planning with attention to detail.
- Address: 2539 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
- Contact: (713) 609-9939 | houston@simplyelegantgroup.com
8. A Fare Extraordinaire
- Services: Complete wedding planning and coordination, known for flawless execution.
- Address: 2035 Marshall St, Houston, TX 77098
- Contact: (713) 527-8288 | events@fareextraordinaire.com
9. Kelli + Co. Weddings
- Services: Tailored wedding planning services to suit your vision and style.
- Address: 1717 West Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
- Contact: (713) 256-0904 | info@kelliandcoevents.com
10. Pomp & Circumstance
- Services: Creative wedding planning and design with a modern twist.
- Address: 5535 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
- Contact: (713) 523-4567 | info@pompandcircumstance.com
Where to Host the Welcome Reception
When choosing a welcome reception venue, consider the size, ambiance, and proximity to the wedding location. Here are some popular spots in Houston:
1. Brennan’s of Houston
- Description: A classic Creole restaurant offering private dining rooms with Southern elegance.
- Address: 3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006
- Contact: (713) 522-9711 | info@brennanshouston.com
2. The Tasting Room
- Description: A cozy, upscale wine bar perfect for a casual yet sophisticated welcome reception.
- Address: 818 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024
- Contact: (281) 822-1500 | events@tastingroomwines.com
3. Caracol Restaurant
- Description: Known for its coastal Mexican cuisine and stylish atmosphere, this is a great option for an elegant yet laid-back reception.
- Address: 2200 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
- Contact: (713) 622-9996 | events@caracol.net
4. Hotel ZaZa
- Description: A luxury hotel with chic event spaces, including rooftop venues with stunning city views.
- Address: 5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005
- Contact: (713) 526-1991 | events@hotelzaza.com
5. Heights Bier Garten
- Description: A laid-back venue offering craft beer, cocktails, and a spacious outdoor garden for casual receptions.
- Address: 1433 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
- Contact: (713) 862-4940 | events@heightsbiergarten.com
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
Houston offers plenty of options for both adventurous and relaxing bachelor and bachelorette parties. Here are a few ideas:
For Adventure Seekers
Topgolf Houston: A fun, interactive golf experience, perfect for a laid-back day of friendly competition.
Location: 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd, Houston, TX 77084
Contact: (281) 406-3176 | info@topgolf.com
Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours: A unique way to explore the city while enjoying some outdoor adventure with friends.
Location: 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007
Contact: (713) 538-7433 | info@buffalobayou.org
For a Relaxing Experience
Trellis Spa at The Houstonian: Treat the bridal party to a luxurious spa day at one of Houston’s top spas.
Location: 111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77024
Contact: (713) 685-6790 | info@thehoustonian.com
Pedal Party Houston: A fun, party bike tour through some of Houston’s most popular bar areas, like Midtown and The Heights.
Location: 1220 W 20th St, Houston, TX 77008
Contact: (832) 356-0391 | pedalparty@houston.com
Where to Obtain a Marriage License – Rules
In Houston, marriage licenses can be obtained at the Harris County Clerk’s Office. Both parties must appear in person, and you will need valid identification (such as a driver’s license or passport). The fee for a marriage license is around $72, and there is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage can take place. The marriage license is valid for 90 days.
- Location: 201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002
- Contact: (713) 274-8600 | harriscounty.gov
- Requirements: Valid ID, fee, and both parties present.
- Waiting Period: 72 hours.
- Other Considerations: If either party has been divorced, there is a 30-day waiting period from the date of divorce.
Additional Considerations
Transportation for Guests
For destination weddings, it’s essential to consider how guests will get around. Houston offers several options for transportation:
- Airport Transfers: For out-of-town guests, shuttle services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are convenient.
- Local Travel: Renting a bus or hiring a private transportation service ensures guests can easily travel between venues.
Accommodations for Guests
Houston has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly to luxurious:
- The Post Oak Hotel: A 5-star hotel in Uptown Houston offering a high-end stay for guests.
- Hotel ICON: A boutique hotel in downtown Houston, perfect for guests looking for charm and comfort.
- Airbnb and VRBO: For families or larger groups, renting a house or apartment through Airbnb or VRBO may be a cost-effective option.
Group Activities for Guests
Plan group activities or excursions for guests to enjoy during their stay:
- Houston Museum District: A day exploring the city’s museums is a great group activity.
- Galveston Island: For a beach day, Galveston is a short drive from Houston and offers fun activities like beachside picnics and water sports.
Managing Logistics
Managing logistics from afar can be challenging, so it’s important to keep communication with vendors clear and consistent. Use tools like Zoom or WhatsApp for virtual meetings and stay organized with Google Drive or wedding planning apps to keep contracts and details in one place.
Conclusion
Planning a destination wedding in Houston offers endless possibilities for creating a memorable celebration. With its diverse range of venues, top-tier vendors, and vibrant cultural scene, Houston has something for every couple. Detailed planning, attention to guest experience, and personalizing your wedding will ensure it’s a special day that reflects your unique love story. Whether you’re drawn to a grand ballroom, a garden ceremony, or a chic rooftop reception, Houston provides the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.