When it comes to planning your big day, choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. After all, the location you choose will impact the overall vibe of your wedding day and is the backdrop for the majority of your wedding photos.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable place to say your “I Do’s,” you’re in luck. There are plenty of stunning Houston wedding venues to choose from. When it comes to lighting, versatility, uniqueness, and memorability, a few locations stand out from the crowd. Following are the top ten spots you’ll definitely want to consider.
Hotel Zaza Museum District
Located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, Hotel Zaza has everything you need to create a truly magical wedding experience. This ultra-hip venue offers brides and grooms the perfect blend of classic and cool. The 6,600 square-foot semi-circular Phantom Ballroom features moody lighting, chandeliers, and red and gold décor that makes it ideal for a trendy black-tie wedding. The ballroom has the capacity to seat 450 guests and offers gorgeous views of Hermann Park and Mecom Fountain.
To ensure your wedding day is as smooth as it is chic, the creative professional planners at Hotel Zaza will help arrange a custom-tailored celebration that’s as unique as you are. Even more, this venue provides you everything you need in one convenient location. From the luxurious ZaSpa where the bride, groom, and wedding party can indulge in some pre and post-wedding pampering to the concept suites that are perfect for wedding day preparations, Hotel Zaza has got you covered every step of the way. Out-of-town guests will love the hotel’s accommodation options, including luxury suites, bungalows, and balcony rooms.
Click here to view a wedding at Hotel Zaza!
The Houstonian
If you’re looking for a charming and sophisticated wedding venue with a unique ambiance, you can’t go wrong with The Houstonian. Featuring over 27 acres of wooded land, a giant oak tree encased in twinkling lights, and four different ballrooms with indoor and outdoor seating, this venue gives you the ultimate in flexibility.
Choose from the exquisite Grande Ballroom with its sparkling chandeliers, the traditional and elegant Forest Ballroom, or the Aspen or Juniper rooms with their beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. You also have the option of planning an outdoor celebration in The Meadow. Similarly, you can enjoy the cozy dining area and breathtaking botanical room in the Manor House.
Whether you’re planning a 500-guest wedding or a small, intimate affair, the wedding professionals at The Houstonian will make sure your event is perfect in every way. This venue has excellent lighting and sound and top-notch chefs. With a huge variety of gorgeous backdrops for your wedding photos and luxury accommodations your out-of-town guests, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in one convenient location.
Click here to view a wedding at The Houstonian!
The Cohen House
The Rice University Faculty Club at the Cohen House is an architectural gem. It was built in 1927 and is one of the most popular Houston wedding venues. The carved wooden tables, grand fireplace, and Oriental carpets create a warm and inviting ambiance. Similarly, the floor to ceiling windows and the gorgeous fountain view are sure to wow your guests. The Cohen House also offers a stunning location for creating photographic opportunities.
The Cohen House is also an excellent location for simplified wedding planning. The facility rental includes use of the living room, main dining room, indoor terrace and garden. Even more, you get access to their certified event coordination team. You’re welcome to choose from their selection of pre-designed wedding packages or bring in your own vendors, giving you plenty of flexibility to design the wedding reception of your dreams.
Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel
The 1913 historic Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel is one of the most unique Houston wedding venues. Located in the heart of downtown, this historic landmark was once the capital of the Republic of Texas. The ballroom has maintained the original 1913 design and features an elegant lobby with crystal chandeliers, full wrap-around balcony, covered terrace, and a private dressing room. There’s also a full stage, dance floor, and seating for up to 400 guests.
The ballroom is 5,000 square feet and also has a 1,500 square-foot parlor. The 35-foot ceilings, silk drapes, hand-painted murals, and arched mahogany doors give the ballroom a rich and opulent feel your guests will remember for years to come. The event planning staff is top-notch and will ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch.
Click here to view a wedding at Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel!
The Petroleum Club
Located on the 35th floor and overlooking Houston’s downtown skyline, The Petroleum Club of Houston offers a romantic setting. Most importantly, the breathtaking view is something your guests won’t soon forget. This venue has a capacity of 100 to 180 for a wedding ceremony with the reception immediately following.
With floor to ceiling windows and a neutral color scheme, this location gives couples a classy and sophisticated wedding vibe.
The Petroleum Club offers catering and bar services with menu selections ranging from traditional to opulent. Similarly, they have plenty of unique beverage selections. The experienced staff and carefully-crafted vendor list will all help ensure that your reception is nothing short of perfect.
Click here to view a wedding at The Petroleum Club!
The Parador
An extremely popular choice among Houston Wedding Venues, The Parador is a historical landmark located in the heart of the museum district. This magnificent building was built in 1928 and features stunning craftsmanship, intimate spaces, and a timeless beauty that many brides immediately fall in love with.
The 35-foot dome offers incredible lighting indoors and the gardens are ideal for an outdoor wedding. The building consists of two adjoining spaces, each with its own courtyard, that can be rented out separately or together for larger events. The entire venue is a photographer’s dream
The slightly elevated seating design in the main room, called The Duomo, creates a setting where every guest can easily view the stage and dance floor, which is a major plus that you won’t find in most reception halls. Best of all, the bride’s ready room is a completely separate building, giving you a pampered experience from the moment you set foot on the property. This venue is ideal for couples looking for old-world charm along with all the appointments of a five-star hotel.
Click here to view a wedding at The Parador!
The Dunlavy
Often referred to as a “glass treehouse,” The Dunlavy offers a truly unique wedding experience. This bright open space features over 40 glistening chandeliers and offers stunning views of the Lost Lake and the banks of Buffalo Bayou. This venue has a seating capacity of 80 to 110 guests indoors and 50 guests on the outdoor patio.
The Dunlavy’s full-service event staff and the extremely capable Clark Cooper Concepts’ culinary team will work with you to ensure your wedding is both gorgeous and memorable. Note that as of January 2020, this space will no longer be open for private events. Booking the space for your 2019 wedding means you’ll have an experience that future brides can only dream of.
Click here to view a wedding at The Dunlavy!
Chateau Polonez
One of the most unique and breathtaking Houston wedding venues, Chateau Polonez is the ideal venue for couples who want to make a bold statement. This exquisite venue is tucked away in the forests of Northwest Houston. It is perfect for both small, intimate weddings and grand affairs.
The European-style building has vaulted ceilings and a grand ballroom equipped with balconies and a bar and lounge area. The grand foyer features a dramatic double staircase, artistically painted domed ceiling, and a stunning chandelier.
Outdoors, you’ll find beautiful fountains, pristine landscaping, and a terrace with a fireplace alter. The variety of settings gives you almost unlimited possibilities for your wedding photos. You can design your entire wedding in a way that’s ideal for your unique personality. The chateau’s gated entry and private parking will give your event an upscale ambiance from the moment your guests arrive on the property.
Click here to view a wedding at Chateau Polonez!
Chateau Cocomar
If a truly luxurious and distinguished wedding is your goal, consider holding your ceremony and reception at Chateau Cocomar. With an impressive 37,000 square feet of space, this is one of the largest Houston wedding venues. Similarly, it’s undoubtedly one of the most stunning! It has the capacity for up to 999 guests and features opulent accents like crystal chandeliers, wood-paneled walls, a Tiffany skylight, ornate ceiling molding, Venetian-inspired murals, hand-painted gold leaf walls, and marble floors.
The secluded location of this grand mansion adds exclusive ambiance and elegance of your big day. Furthermore, Chateau Cocomar offers many different spaces for your wedding events. Certainly the lush European gardens will create the perfect backdrop for gorgeous wedding photos. With a variety of event planning packages and a carefully crafted vendor list, the professionals at Chateau Cocomar will ensure that you have everything you need for the perfect fairytale wedding.
Bell Tower on 34th
As you’re exploring Houston wedding venues, you’re sure to hear about the Bell Tower on 34th. This glamorous venue will draw you and your guests in with its high ceilings, stone archways, and wonderful Italian-inspired architecture. From the dramatic staircases to the cascading waterfall and lush gardens, this venue is nothing short of magical. As as result, it’s so beautiful, that you’ll hardly have to decorate at all.
With the capacity to seat up to 1,200 guests, the Bell Tower on 34th is perfect for small, intimate weddings or a grand affair. The venue includes an on-site coordinator, bridal suite, and a top-notch culinary team that are sure to exceed even the highest of standards.
Click here to view a wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th!
Confused About Exploring Houston Wedding Venues? I Can Help!
For many couples, sorting through a number of Houston wedding venues can feel overwhelming. If you want to ensure the best possible wedding photos, consider using a photographer’s feedback to help you make your final decision.
As a seasoned Houston wedding photographer, I have first-hand experience in many of the most popular Houston wedding venues. I’m happy to help you explore your options and choose the venue that’s ideal for your unique personality. To schedule a consultation and learn more about my wedding photography services, please give me a call at 713-858-7634. Or you can complete my convenient online contact form to request more information.
