The Ultimate Guide to Dallas Wedding Venues: Uncovering Hidden Gems and Stunning Locations
Say "I do" to the perfect wedding venue in Dallas. If you're planning your big day in the heart of Texas, the options are endless. From grand ballrooms to rustic barns, Dallas is home to a variety of stunning venues that will make your special day truly unforgettable. But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the hidden gems among them?
In this ultimate guide to Dallas wedding venues, we take you on a journey to discover the most captivating and unique locations in the city. Whether you're dreaming of a modern and sleek affair or a charmingly rustic celebration, we've got you covered. Get ready to uncover the hidden gems that Dallas has to offer and find the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.
From picturesque gardens to elegant estates, we'll reveal the most enchanting and versatile venues in and around Dallas. Plus, we'll provide valuable tips and insights to help you make the best decision for your wedding day.
Having photographed and filmed over 100 weddings, I have seen it all when it comes to Dallas wedding venues. Before I give you my list of my top choices, let me tell you why I chose these venues.
Some of the top things I look for are:
1) A Bride and Groom Suite: This might be the number one thing to look for in a venue. Being able to get ready with your wedding party in one convenient location is HUGE. Having separate Bride and Groom suites can really reduce stress on your wedding day by reducing the need to travel between getting ready and your ceremony. There are several venues that have just a bridal suite and while that is helpful, I highly recommend finding a venue with both.
2) Great Natural Light: Experienced photographers can shoot in any light, however venues with natural light (aka: windows!) will produce beautiful images that you will absolutely love. Having natural light in the Bride and Groom suites is especially important for creating those perfect getting ready photos. Check out my guide to the perfect getting ready photos here!
3) Beautiful Scenery Around the Venue: There are some venues that are beautiful inside, but the outside leaves something to be desired. This makes getting your ideal wedding party and bride and groom portraits a lot tougher. I personally recommend doing your portraits outside, so finding a venue that is beautiful both inside and out is imperative.
Don't settle for a cookie-cutter wedding venue. It's time to explore the hidden gems and stunning locations that Dallas has to offer. Let's make your dream wedding a reality.
Popular Wedding Venues in Dallas and Beyond
Brighton Abbey | Aubrey, Tx
We start in no particular order with Brighton Abbey. Nestled in Aubrey, Tx lies Brighton Abbey, an elegant estate wedding venue that resembles a gorgeous castle. Complete with a beautiful reception space with soaring chandeliers, dreamy bride and groom suites, and a stunning event lawn for outdoor wedding events. Its European influence brings together a timeless fusion of nature and architecture to create an unforgettable experience. Check out more on their website.
The French Farmhouse | Collinsville, Tx
According to their website, “The French Farmhouse Venue is an elegant estate that opened in September 2020. Nestled on 56-acres featuring beautiful oak trees, a covered bridge and a 3-acre lake in the Mountain Springs Community on the edge of Lake Ray Roberts! Located one hour north of Dallas and thirty minutes north of Denton. With our love of design, antiques and everything French we have designed and built the venue with the antiques we have found from all over the world.” I’m sure you can see why I love this Venue just from the photo. It is absolutely gorgeous! Pair that with the spacious bride and groom suites and stunning chapel and you truly have a perfect venue.
The Windsor at Hebron Park | Carrolton, Tx
Looking for an elegant venue with ample space for up to 300 guests? Look no further than The Windsor at Hebron Park. Per their website, it is nestled in a tree-lined backdrop and let me tell you, the pictures here always turn out absolutely beautiful. They have a traditional chapel for your ceremony, and a beautiful ballroom for your reception. The icing on the cake is definitely the open air patio. My personal favorite part about this venue (and you’ll hear me highlight this a lot in venues) is their bridal suite. Its truly big enough for even your largest bridal party, and the neutral walls and ample amount of natural light will make your getting ready portraits a breeze! They also have a space for the guys which is a MUST in my opinion. You truly will have everything you need with this venue.
Check out a Windsor at Hebron Park wedding gallery here.
The Springs Event Venue
The beauty of The Springs Event Venue is that they have so many locations and package options, you truly can’t go wrong. With locations in Denton, McKinney, Rockwall, and more you have so many options to choose from. Farmhouse, Chateau, Tuscan, the styles are endless. All of their venues have bride and groom suites, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of room for you to party the night away. Whether your guest list is big or small, The Springs will have something for you.
See a The Springs Event Venue gallery here!
Aristide | Flower Mound, Tx
This intimate venue is just minutes from the DFW airport, making it extremely convenient for out of town guests. Aristide is another venue that has it all. Bride and Groom suites, a beautiful chapel, and a spacious reception space. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a small wedding venue in Dallas. Aristide, Flower Mound holds 160 guests and is perfect for your more intimate wedding. You may notice that Aristide and The Chapel at Ana Villa are both Walter’s Wedding Estates venues and they have many more to offer in the DFW area. They are always such a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend any of these venues.
Check out one of my Aristide, Flower Mound wedding galleries, here.
One Preston Events | Gunter, Tx
Let’s venture out a bit farther north to One Preston Events. This venue has several options, The Carriage House, The Country Chapel, and The Victorian. Looking for an outdoor wedding venue in Dallas? Well, the great news is, there are also two outdoor ceremony spaces available as well. This is truly one of my favorite venues because of its diversity, beautiful landscape, and… you guessed it, the bridal suite! lol. One Preston is remote and private and though its a little further out, it is still very easy to get to. In my opinion it is one of the best wedding venues near Dallas.
Check out one of my One Preston Events wedding galleries here.
Chapel Creek Ranch | Denton, Tx
Chapel Creek Ranch is a hidden gem located in the beautiful meadows of Denton County. They have options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and a gorgeous reception space complete with vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The white chapel was the original farm house on the property and was beautifully renovated. When it comes to portraits, this Dallas wedding venue pulls out all the stops! A pond with a fountain, a rolling creek, and a beautiful bridge gives so many options for your wedding party and bride and groom portraits.
You can view a Chapel Creek Ranch gallery here.
D’vine Grace Vineyard | Mckinney, Tx
Let’s travel a bit further north to McKinney, Tx. D’Vine Grace Vineyard is a stunning Tuscan inspired wedding venue with a 20 acres that include a pond, water feature, and you guessed it, a vineyard! D’Vine Grace is a full service wedding venue in-house catering, beverage service, rental supply, wedding coordination, staffing and MORE, per their website. This means even less stress for you, and you probably know by now that I’m all about that. They offer both indoor and outdoor options with 4 fully customizable event spaces. This place is the whole package!
View a D’Vine Grace Vineyard gallery here!
The RoseMary | Mckinney, Tx
The RoseMary is also conveniently located in McKinney, Tx. As it states on the website, The RoseMary is an 8300 sqft beautiful all white, modern event and wedding venue that is conveniently located 5 miles from the Historic Downtown Mckinney and Hotels. The interior walls and ceilings are built with gorgeous white shiplap. The Venue offers a stunning large bridal suite complete with h/m stations, cable tv+mini fridge, a masculine grooms cabin with cable tv/hook ups for a gaming center+mini fridge, a large outdoor ceremony space covered with a canopy of mature trees, and a large covered porch for cocktail hour. They have on site lodging as well as a smaller venue for your rehearsal dinner.
See a RoseMary gallery here!
Hillwood Manor | Denison, Tx
Get out of the big city and join me in Denison, Tx. This 1880’s era manor is fully restored with 4 bedrooms and room to sleep up to sixteen. The upstairs in the manor makes the perfect bridal suite. The1880’s era chapel has been completely restored and updated to create an amazing venue for weddings and receptions. There is indoor seating available for 70, indoor reception for 150, and outdoor space for thousands. Set on 17 acres with mature trees and land, it’s absolutely perfect for portraits. I highly recommend Hillwood Manor!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue
Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the wedding planning process. To help you make an informed choice, here are some key factors to consider:
1. Capacity: Determine how many guests you plan to invite and ensure that the venue can comfortably accommodate them.
2. Location: Consider the accessibility of the venue for both you and your guests. Is it centrally located or easily accessible from major highways and airports?
3. Style: Think about the style and ambiance you envision for your wedding. Do you want a traditional ballroom, a rustic barn, or a modern and sleek space?
4. Budget: Set a realistic budget for your wedding venue and consider all associated costs, including catering, rentals, and decor.
5. Services and Amenities: Find out what services and amenities the venue offers. Do they provide in-house catering, event planning assistance, or rental items?
6. Availability: Check the availability of the venue on your desired wedding date and make sure to book well in advance to secure your spot.
7. Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from previous couples and seek recommendations from friends and family who have recently planned weddings.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue in Dallas
1. Start Early: Begin your search for a wedding venue as early as possible. Popular venues often book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season.
2. Research Online: Utilize online resources such as wedding venue directories, websites, and social media platforms to discover a wide range of options.
3. Visit in Person: Schedule visits to your shortlisted venues to get a feel for the space, meet the venue coordinator, and ask any questions you may have.
4. Consider Your Wedding Theme: Choose a venue that aligns with your wedding theme and vision. If you're planning a rustic wedding, for example, look for venues with barns or outdoor spaces.
5. Ask about Restrictions: Inquire about any restrictions or limitations that the venue may have, such as noise restrictions, vendor policies, or decor limitations.
6. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a venue that feels right for you and your partner. It's important to feel a connection with the space and envision your wedding day there.
Questions to Ask When Visiting Wedding Venues
During your visits to potential wedding venues, it's essential to ask the right questions to gather all the necessary information. Here are some questions to consider:
1. What is the venue's maximum capacity?
2. What is included in the venue rental fee?
3. What is the backup plan for inclement weather?
4. Are there any noise restrictions or curfews?
5. Is there onsite parking available for guests?
6. What is the venue's cancellation and refund policy?
7. Are there any additional fees or charges to consider?
8. Can the venue accommodate special requests or customizations?
9. What is the timeline for setup and breakdown on the day of the wedding?
Budgeting for a Wedding Venue in Dallas
Creating a budget for your wedding venue is crucial to ensure that you stay within your financial means. Here are some key considerations when budgeting for a wedding venue in Dallas:
1. Venue Rental Fee: The cost of renting the venue itself is typically the largest portion of your budget. Prices can vary greatly depending on the location, popularity, and amenities of the venue.
2. Catering and Bar Services: If the venue provides in-house catering and bar services, make sure to factor in these costs. If not, you'll need to allocate a portion of your budget for hiring an outside caterer.
3. Additional Services and Rentals: Consider any additional services or rentals you may need, such as furniture, linens, lighting, or audiovisual equipment. These costs should be included in your budget.
4. Decor and Floral Arrangements: Allocate a portion of your budget for decor and floral arrangements to transform the venue into your dream wedding setting.
5. Gratuities and Taxes: Don't forget to factor in gratuities and taxes, as these can add up and impact your overall budget.
6. Miscellaneous Expenses: Set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses or last-minute additions to your wedding venue plans.
By carefully considering these factors and allocating your budget accordingly, you can ensure that your wedding venue expenses are well-planned and manageable.
Conclusion: Finding Your Dream Wedding Venue in Dallas
With its wide range of options, from popular venues to hidden gems, Dallas offers an abundance of choices for couples planning their dream wedding. By considering factors such as capacity, style, location, and budget, and asking the right questions during venue visits, you can find the perfect wedding venue that aligns with your vision.
Whether you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony surrounded by nature or an indoor celebration in an elegant ballroom, Dallas has a venue to suit every couple's taste and style. So don't settle for a cookie-cutter wedding venue – explore the hidden gems and stunning locations that Dallas has to offer and make your dream wedding a reality. Say "I do" to the perfect wedding venue in Dallas.