Texas Wedding Venues:
Everything You Need to Know
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that rings true for planning a wedding in the Lone Star State. There are endless venues and vendors available to help make your celebration fit you and your spouse-to-be’s vision. While this means you can make your event totally unique to you, it can also make the planning process feel a bit overwhelming—there are so many different options to choose from, after all.
Working with an experienced wedding planner can help you with all aspects of your celebration, from obtaining a Texas wedding license to finding the right venues for your ceremony or reception. If you are currently in the process of planning your Texas wedding, our directory above can also be a helpful resource for you and your partner in finding the right Texas wedding venues, vendors, and other services you need to create your ideal event.
And while there are plenty of large venues in this large state, you can find plenty of small Texas wedding venues that will work for more intimate weddings in the area. Barns, backyards, and gardens are all popular options for Texas wedding venues, for instance. Beyond smaller locales, our directory showcases some of the best Houston Texas wedding venues overall, as well as great spots in other areas of Texas.
Below, check out our lineup of Texas weddings and venues that can help you find the ideal options for you and your partner, as well as helpful advice for planning your celebration.
What's the best time of year for a Texas wedding?
Choosing a date for your Texas wedding can be easier with a little research. According to experts, some of the best times of year to visit Texas are during the spring and fall—mainly October and March. Winters can sometimes be surprisingly cold, especially in the mountains and the northern part of the Lone Star State. Summers are usually hot in Texas, with temperatures venturing into the triple digits in some areas. If you have your heart set on a summer wedding, however, looking for indoor Texas wedding venues can ensure greater comfort for your guests and improved temperature control for your ceremony and reception.
Ultimately, there’s no bad time of year for a Texas celebration—rather, keep in mind what the weather may be like and figure out the most comfortable options from there.
What are the different types of Texas wedding venues?
When selecting your wedding venues in Texas, your choices range far and wide—anything from urban locales to rustic country venues are fair game. Several small Texas wedding venues are located in areas less well-traveled, which can allow you to avoid the long waits sometimes required to reserve Dallas Texas wedding venues, as well as those in big cities like Houston and Austin.
Outdoor options are a popular choice among couples who marry in spring or fall. Be sure to check out the prevailing climate and the overall weather trends before deciding on an outdoor-only celebration at many Texas wedding venues, however. High temperatures and inclement weather could mar your special day if you and your partner don’t have a backup plan.
Here are some of the best styles of wedding venues in Texas to consider for your bash:
- Ranches and farms are among the most popular options for Texas wedding venues. Checking out some of the ranch wedding venues in Texas can help you locate the most beautiful central Texas and west Texas wedding venues (or anywhere in the state!) for your own unique celebration.
- Vineyards are popular central Texas wedding venues and are primarily located in the Panhandle Plains and Hill Country regions of the Lone Star State. These bucolic venues can provide the perfect backdrop for your Texas wedding photographers. What’s more, just imagine how dreamy the serene surroundings would be to enjoy with your partner in these central Texas wedding venues.
- Mountains dominate the western part of the state and offer stunning vistas in natural surroundings. Many of the most beautiful West Texas wedding venues are designed for mountain weddings and offer indoor-outdoor options to ensure that your wedding goes smoothly and according to plan.
- Estates may offer both big and small Texas wedding venues. Many of these options are available as nearby Austin or Dallas Texas wedding venues, or in other historic areas of the Lone Star State.
- Hotels and resorts can be found across the state, but many are clustered along the Gulf Coast or in major metropolitan areas. If you are looking for Austin, Dallas or Houston Texas wedding venues with the built-in convenience of several amenities, or need enough room for all the guests on your list, hotel venues can usually accommodate your event with room to spare.
- Museums may offer big or small Texas wedding venues that can accommodate intimate weddings or big bashes alike in modern environments. Of course, be sure to check in advance to determine whether your chosen Texas wedding venue can accommodate the size of your wedding plans.
- Libraries may also act as small Texas wedding venues that can provide an elegant, memorable backdrop for weddings.
- Private clubs and country clubs often offer Texas wedding venue options that will suit weddings of all sizes. If you’re hoping for the flexibility and built-in amenities that these locations typically offer, a private club could be the ideal venue for your Texas wedding plans.
- Ballrooms can often be rented and used as wedding venues in Texas. You will need to check with the managers of these facilities, however, to make sure that the necessary gear you want are in place at these Texas wedding venues. (In some cases, for instance, you may need to rent things like chairs and tables.)
- Gardens are an idyllic background perfect for a Texas wedding, and make for an especially great choice if you’re hoping to say “I do” outdoors. (Make sure to check for a rain plan option in the case of inclement weather on your big day.)
- Parks are often a more affordable alternative to many of the larger, more formal wedding venues in Texas. If you want to avoid the higher cost of Austin Texas wedding venues, for instance, you can opt for one of the parks in the area that can accommodate weddings or private parties. Check with the park administration, however, to make sure bathrooms, running water, and electricity are available for your guests and your vendors.
- Courthouse weddings are other affordable options for Texas weddings. A small fee and a Texas wedding license are usually all you and your partner will need for your ceremony. Texas wedding officiants and witnesses are usually provided by the courthouse as well.
- Restaurants can combine catering and a venue into one easy-to-manage package. If you are looking for Texas wedding venues that focus on food and elegant surroundings, your favorite restaurant could be the perfect location for your celebration.
- Religious institutions are traditional sites for Texas weddings. Whether you are planning a small religious ceremony or a large wedding with all the bells and whistles, a church, synagogue, or other religious institution could be a meaningful Texas wedding venue for you and your partner.
- Wedding chapels are a smaller and less formal alternative to church weddings. Typically located in larger metropolitan areas and cities that welcome tourists, these Texas wedding venues can provide no-fuss ceremonies for you and your closest friends. You can also elope to a wedding chapel to eliminate the expense of Houston Texas wedding venues and other more costly options in your area.
- Private residences are another option that can save you money on the cost of your wedding while allowing you to enjoy the comforts of home. By opting for your home or the residence of someone close to you as the placeholder for your soiree, you can create your wedding from the ground up to make sure every element of the celebration is precisely right for you.
What are the different areas of Texas?
There are seven major regions of the Lone Star State, each with its own unique vibe and attractions. Whether you are looking for unique Montgomery Texas wedding venues or outdoor areas that you and your partner can transform for your wedding day, understanding the various regions of Texas can help you make the most appropriate plans for your upcoming nuptials.
Here’s a quick look at the major regions in the state to consider:
- Big Bend Country in West Texas is characterized by remote mountainous regions, sand dunes, beautiful wilderness, and the national parks that dominate this area. West Texas wedding venues may include the Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe National Park (or spaces nearby) for couples with a love of the outdoors. For even more adventurous wedding plans, you and your partner can opt for West Texas wedding venues near the Chisos Mountains, located within Big Bend National Park. El Paso and Midland are also great options for West Texas wedding venues in more urban environments.
- Hill Country is a popular option for central Texas wedding venues thanks to the gorgeous scenery and the presence of Austin in this region of the state. If you are planning an outdoor wedding in the spring or fall, the central Texas wedding venues in Hill Country could be the perfect option for you and your partner. (The area’s beautiful wildflower season blooms in April!) Be sure to check out some of the smaller towns for central Texas wedding venues that may offer rustic appeal for your upcoming celebration. If you want to get hitched in the big city, however, Austin Texas wedding venues offer elegance and refinement in an urban environment. For couples who love the creative atmosphere of Austin Texas wedding venues, this unique city could be a great solution for planning an unforgettable Texas wedding.
- The South Texas Plains goes from Hill Country into regions near the Lower Rio Grande valley, according to Texas Parks & Wildlife. Also known as Brush Country, this flat area of the Lone Star State features San Antonio in the north and Laredo to the west. The historical significance of this area (which is home to the Alamo and Mission Trail in San Antonio) has made it a popular option for Texas wedding celebrations.
- Panhandle Plains are home to many vineyards and offer a serene setting for your wedding day. Amarillo and Lubbock Texas wedding venues combine the appeal of down-home hospitality with the amenities of larger cities in the Lone Star State. If you are looking for Lubbock Texas wedding venues that suit your style and your budget, Carats & Cake can often provide you with an inside look at some of the best options for you. Our directory of photos and information on Lubbock Texas wedding venues and vendors can help make the planning process simpler and inspire your big-day vision.
- The Gulf Coast features beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and is the location for many popular Houston Texas wedding venues. If you are looking for a beachfront wedding, however, you may need to venture further east or south to spot the wide vistas of the open water. Houston Texas wedding venues include historical sites and other options that can complement your wedding theme and your overall plan for your wedding day.
- Piney Woods is the northeastern part of Texas and, as its name suggests, is dominated by pine trees, meadows, and forested areas. Situated to the north of Houston, Montgomery Texas wedding venues are typically within easy reach of this large region. With both Cedar Brake Park and Fernland Historical Park close by, Montgomery Texas wedding venues can provide a look at the beauty of nature and history in a serene, nature-filled area of the state.
- Prairies & Lakes encompasses Dallas, Forth Worth, Arlington, Waco, Plano, and Frisco, as well as many more beautiful cities situated in the Lone Star State has to offer. Frisco Texas wedding venues range from small and intimate to expansive outdoor options. Dallas Texas wedding venues in particular are easy for guests to travel in and out of, and offer an array of nearby attractions to explore (more on that later!).
How much does a wedding cost in Texas?
Some research from 2020 found the average cost of Texas weddings to be about $19,000, with prices increasing for celebrations in metros, such as Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston. Of course, the price of Texas weddings varies by where you’re hosting your event, the size of your guestlist, and more.
For instance, if you opt to book Austin Texas wedding venues, your venue cost will likely be more expensive than that of a smaller town in the Lone Star State. By considering some lesser known Plano Texas wedding venues or venues in smaller towns, you may be able to reduce your overall spend. Similarly, Houston Texas wedding venues may cost more to book than comparably sized Montgomery Texas wedding venues. This can add up to greater savings for you and your partner when planning your upcoming celebration.
Beyond the city you choose for your soiree, your venue and catering costs heavily influence your overall spend. By reducing the number of guests you plan to invite to your ceremony and wedding reception, you may be able to choose small Texas wedding venues that will cost less as well.
One item that will not put as huge of a dent to your wedding budget is the cost of your Texas wedding license, which is $60. The fees for your Texas wedding license, however, will be waived if you complete a premarital education course with your partner.
How do you find the best Texas wedding vendors?
Selecting the vendor team to put your ideas into action is a key part of planning your wedding. The right vendors can make a big difference in the overall look and success of your celebration.
Here are some of the most important vendors to consider when making plans to marry in the state of Texas:
- A Texas wedding planner can provide you with guidance and information throughout the planning process. Your Texas wedding planner can provide insights into anything from the most affordable Dallas Texas wedding venues to the right Austin Texas wedding venues for you. They can also walk you through how to obtain a Texas wedding license and all the other logistical details that come with a walk down the aisle.
- Texas wedding photographers capture all the moments you and your partner will want to remember about this special day. Your planner may be able to recommend Texas wedding photographers that they’ve worked successfully with before. If you have a specific Texas wedding photographer who you want to work with, you can also reach out to these individuals on your own, of course. Our directory can also assist you in finding the right Texas wedding photographer by allowing you to see galleries of photos taken by these professionals for other couples. This can help you find the right Texas wedding photographer for your special day.
- Texas wedding videographers are responsible for taking footage of your celebration and editing it into a viewable, tangible clip that helps you relive your special day for years to come. Texas wedding videographers work alongside your photographer to capture video of your ceremony and reception. By choosing the right Texas wedding videographers, you can cherish the special moments made during your big day.
- Texas florists can create stunning floral arrangements that enhance the decor of your venue and complement your wedding's color palette. By working with an experienced Texas wedding planner, you can often find the best Texas florists for your upcoming celebration. They may be able to recommend Texas florists who have had success working with similar wedding themes or visions.
- Texas wedding officiants may be provided by the venue you choose. This is generally the case for courthouse weddings and celebrations at religious institutions. If you want to choose your own Texas wedding officiants, however, you can check out Carats & Cake to find qualified officiants who will make your Texas wedding ceremony beautiful while aligning with your vision for the day. The right Texas wedding officiants can make your affair an even more special event for you, your partner, your wedding party, and your guests.
- Texas wedding dress shops specialize in providing wedding wear for your celebrations. Opting for a rustic Texas wedding dress can set the tone for the entire wedding. In a similar way, an elegant Texas wedding dress can make any occasion much more formal. Working with your designer or boutique to make sure that the look is right for you and your tastes can allow you to feel more confident on your special day.
What are some things for guests to do in Texas?
Letting your guests know about fun things to do in Texas before or after attending your Texas wedding can make a big impact on their experience in the Lone Star State. Your wedding website is a perfect place to post this information. By letting your guests know about accommodations, transportation, and attractions that are located close to your Texas wedding venues, you can ensure that the best possible time is had by all your loved ones making the trip. Here are some of the most popular attractions in the Lone Star State:
- Big Bend National Park offers opportunities for nature hikes and taking in the beauty of this unbelievable area. Guests can explore the beautiful trails, admire the natural floral and fauna, and learn from park rangers.
- One of the most popular roadside attractions in the Amarillo, Texas area, the Cadillac Ranch consists of 10 Cadillacs buried nose-down in the sand, gracing the side of Route 66. For art fans and those with an interest in pop culture, this Instagram-worthy attraction is definitely not to be missed.
- The Alamo is an iconic part of Texas history. Located in San Antonio, this historical monument is within an easy drive of many of the most popular Austin Texas wedding venues.
- The Texas State Capitol is located in Austin and is a must-see attraction for political buffs.
- The Dallas Museum of Art and the Crow Collection of Asian Art are popular attractions for art lovers staying near Dallas Texas wedding venues. History buffs may want to visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which commemorates the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. It’s another attraction close to some popular Dallas Texas wedding venues.
- Those with an interest in ranching can check out the Fort Worth Stockyards, which features twice-daily cattle drives that showcase the history of the Texas ranching industry.
- Marfa is a small town brimming with art and culture. (You might recognize the name as being home to the iconic Prada Marfa art installation.) Located just off Route 90, Marfa is a great side trip for guests attending Texas weddings in the area.
- Animal lovers will delight in the chance to visit the Texas Wolfdog Project, which features the opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close. Located close to many of the best Montgomery Texas wedding venues, this rescue organization is one of the many attractions available to guests attending celebrations near the area.
- The Buddy Holly Center celebrates the life and musical achievements of this legendary artist. For musically inclined guests planning to attend festivities at one of the many Lubbock Texas wedding venues, this is a must-see attraction.
- Frisco Texas wedding venues also offer an array of nearby attractions, including the National Videogame Museum and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center. The Frisco Commons Park is close to some of the best Frisco Texas wedding venues (and not to mention, is an ideal place for kiddos to release any excess energy before the wedding begins!).
- Plano is located close to Dallas but has a much more suburban feel. Guests who plan to attend Plano Texas wedding venues can choose from a variety of attractions to explore before the celebration, including walking tours, the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, the Interurban Railway Museum, and the Crayola Experience. These attractions are close to top Plano Texas wedding venues and can provide hours of enjoyment for guests to Texas weddings.
Letting your guests know about the best attractions close to your Texas wedding venue can make their trips even more enjoyable. Your wedding website can provide information about your wedding venues in Texas, transportation, and accommodations, as well as things to do and see while in the area.
Where do celebrities get married in Texas?
Choosing the right Texas wedding venues can allow you and your partner to feel like A-listers and enjoy star treatment for your big day. In fact, some of the most popular Texas wedding venue options were home to several celebrities’ celebrations. Get inspired by these celebrity wedding venues in Texas while trying to decide on your own Texas wedding venues:
- Ranches: Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton chose a local ranch to exchange their vows, where they said “I do.” A-lister or not, there’s plenty to enjoy about the rustic charms of ranch wedding venues in Texas.
- Family homes: Jenna Bush Hager chose her family's ranch in Crawford, Texas, as the location for her big day. Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves also elected to marry at their home. Checking to see if your family or friends have any properties that can serve as Texas wedding venues can allow you to experience the celebrity treatment without the huge price tag.
- Religious sites: Actress Debby Ryan and Twenty One Pilots’ Joshua Dun married in a church in the greater Austin area, another popular option for Texas wedding venues.
Planning Texas weddings can be challenging. At Carats & Cake, we can provide you with access to behind-the-scenes information about some of the most beautiful and elegant Texas weddings to help you make your own plans even more special.
How do you get to Texas?
If most of your invited guests already live in Texas, car, bus, or train travel may be a viable option to get to your celebration. Those coming in from out of town, however, will usually opt for air travel to reach wedding venues in Texas in a timely way. Here are some of the airports to consider for loved ones traveling to Texas wedding venues:
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering 193 domestic and 67 international nonstop destinations to customers. With more than 73 million passengers traveling through DFW each year, this airport is a great choice for guests on the way to Texas wedding venues.
- El Paso International Airport (ELP) serves millions of passengers each year and provides access to West Texas, as well as Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico. For those attending Texas weddings in this area, ELP can make it easy for guests to travel to and fro.
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is located just 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, and is home to 27 passenger airlines. This conveniently located airport is a great option for guests flying in from overseas and offers easy access to the Houston metropolitan area.
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is located close to some of the top wedding venues Texas has to offer, making it an ideal travel hub for Austin-based celebrations.
Including this information on your wedding website can allow your guests to plan more easily to attend your wedding in Texas. This way, you can help guests navigate any questions or concerns related to transportation and accommodations for your big weekend.
To find the inspiration you need or to begin planning your wedding today, explore our gallery above to check out our collection of photos from real-life Texas weddings to inspire your own big day.
