One of our favorite parts of wedding planning is getting to know other vendors, including the beautiful wedding venues across Austin + beyond. The more we see & learn about each venue, the more we're able to recommend the right venue to fit each couple we plan for - and being able to do so is something we truly enjoy & take pride in. We've taken our instagram followers with us on several virtual venue tours this year, and now we're recapping our favorite parts about each venue that we've gotten the chance to know better this year....While this isn't an extensive list of the venues we love and recommend, it is a list of the ones we've spent one on one time with in 2023 - from Austin to Houston to Denver. So - in alphabetical order because we can't possibly pick a favorite - here's a Year in Review of Venue Tours to help you find a venue that's right for you!
**And in case you missed the last two years of tours, here's the blogs for our 2021 venue tours & 2022 venue tours! **
BELLA OAKS - AUSTIN, TX
"Bella Oaks Venue is the ultimate event venue with a complete Austin outdoor, garden venue feel. The venue is set up to hold both small intimate garden ceremonies, as well as large events in the spacious Towering Oaks area." - Bella Oaks
Our Favorite Part: The Twinkle Lights The Oak Lawn - where most couples say their vows - holds gorgeous oak trees covered with twinkly lights to brighten up all the moments that happen, and create a magical space for nighttime as well. **See more photos here on our past wedding blogs!
THE FARMHOUSE - HOUSTON, TX
"The Farmhouse is conveniently located a short distance from Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, Brenham, and College Station. The 45 acres of rolling hills, private lake, and adjacent equestrian center will provide countless backdrops for photos with family and friends. With only one event per day, you and your guests will be able savor the celebration down to the last dance!" - The Farmhouse
Our Favorite Part: The Private Lake
This venue is full of natural light and white backdrops, so there's plenty of places for beautiful photos, A private lake is something that all venues definitely don't have though, and it's perfect for your newlywed portraits (especially with a gorgeous Texas sunset!)
GRUENE ESTATE - NEW BRAUNFELS, TX
"The original Gruene Family Farm of Ernst & Antoinette Gruene spreads over 17 secluded acres between Historic Gruene and New Braunfels, Texas. Since 1852, this home has been a sincere labor of love. Our family continues the Gruene family tradition by preserving the history and adding beauty with modern elegance to our venue. The original open-air chapel is stunning and intimate, surrounded by nature. The modern farmhouse covered pavilion embodies all the beauty of the venue, adding fun and everlasting memories." - Gruene Estate
Our Favorite Part: The Open Air PavillionsBoth the ceremony space and the reception hall are open-air, and let in all the beauty of natural light and hill country views! Plus, the open air chapel has gorgeous archways and stain glass windows that add to the unique beauty of this natural New Braunfels venue.
HILL COUNTRY BLISS - BERTRAM, TX
"Hill Country Bliss Wedding & Event Venue is designed for premier events. With an elegant layout that captures the charm of Texas Hill Country and a modern design, Hill Country Bliss Wedding & Event Venue is proud to promise that any event taking place here makes for an unforgettable experience." - Hill Country Bliss
Our Favorite Part: The Open-Air Chapel The open air chapel lets in so much beautiful natural light for photos, and the prettiest backdrop views of the hill country! Not much decor is needed to make this a stunning ceremony spot.
HOTEL ZAZA - AUSTIN, TX
"Bring your dream wedding to life in the heart of Austin’s vibrant downtown at Hotel ZaZa. Our collection of elegant Austin wedding venues offer an ideal setting for celebrations of all sizes, from small ceremonies to blowout receptions. Planning your big day is a breeze at Hotel ZaZa. Our team of experienced wedding planners will help you every step of the way as you get ready to say “I do.” From choosing the venue and reserving group room blocks to customizing the catering menu, your wedding day is sure to go off without a hitch." - Hotel Zaza
Our Favorite Part: Group TherapyWhile the entire hotel is full of beautiful, eclectic spots, the rooftop bar Group Therapy is a favorite for us because it has the coolest ambiance (perfect for a welcome party, or artistic wedding portraits with your favorite cocktails!). Plus the bar leads out to the rooftop pool, with incredible views of our favorite city!
INN CAHOOTS - AUSTIN, TX
"Inn Cahoots is a four-story boutique hotel and event venue on East 6th Street that features five spacious & versatile condo-style suites, a sprawling rooftop deck overlooking Downtown Austin, and more than 36,000 sq. ft of indoor/outdoor event space." - Inn Cahoots
Our Favorite Part: The Rooftop BarThis whole venue feels like a cool speakeasy, but the rooftop bar has views overlooking downtown, so we love it even more! The unique lounge furniture and stage would make for the best party after dinner.
LAGUNA GLORIA - AUSTIN, TX
"Walking through the gates of The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria you feel like you’ve been transported far from the bustle of the city—although you are only five miles from downtown. Venture through the grounds to discover art by contemporary artists from around the world, from awe-inspiring monumental sculptures to quiet moments with art in nature along meditative wooded pathways. Laguna Gloria is home to the Driscoll Villa built in 1916, one of the most beloved venues for weddings and other private events in Austin. - Laguna Gloria
Our Favorite Part: Driscoll VillaDriscoll Villa is one of the prettiest buildings in Austin, and we still can't believe this is minutes from downtown (and not in Italy!). It makes for gorgeous portraits, inside and out - with the unique tile floor and green arches inside, and the vintage Italian villa vibes of the exterior.
**See more photos here on our past wedding blogs!
MOSS - DENVER, CO
"Moss's unique venue and expert team ensure that the magic keeps flowing, and your guests stay caught up in the moment. They are able to do this by changing scenes and hiding surprises behind our massive wooden doors. All unbeknownst to your guests, similar to a Broadway show. All of the work, space transformation, and “secrets” happen behind the scenes throughout the evening. You and your guests will be immersed in mystery and excitement." - Moss Denver
Our Favorite Part: The Secret Doors The large moss panels are used as a unique ceremony backdrop, but they also can be flipped around to be a simpler wooden backdrop. However - not so simple about them - they double as secret doors, which lead to a second "getting ready" space, that could be used for another function throughout the night. One couple is having a "Speakeasy" behind it, so a secret code will get them behind the moss and to the late night burritos!
OLDE DOBBIN STATION - HOUSTON, TX
"Olde Dobbin Station provides a unique experience for its clients through the use of old structures built in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s, restored to their original look and feel, while adding a vintage touch. The buildings were initially used by oil companies as a “pumping station” and later became a famous place of fellowship for those in the community due to its Artesian Water Well. Every building on the Olde Dobbin Station wedding venue property is an original structure from the 1900s. It is truly unique and you won’t find anything like it in the Houston, Texas area." - Olde Dobbin Station
Our Favorite Part: The Ivy Covered WallsThis venue is so uniquely gorgeous, we love all of the little things that give it character and old-time charm. The ivy covered walls add a fairytale element, so if you dream of being a princess on your wedding day - this backdrop would be perfect for you!
PECAN SPRINGS RANCH - AUSTIN, TX
"If you’re looking for a fun and fantastic city-meets-starry-nights Austin wedding venue just 10 minutes west of downtown Austin, here it is. Where Texas hill country charm meets uptown style! Pecan Springs Ranch is perfect for weddings and corporate events, you’ll have nothing but gracious warm smiles from your guests. Surrounded by stunning pecan and oak trees, the Austin wedding venue also features a creek, fresh springs, and a pond." - Pecan Springs Ranch
Our Favorite Part: The SpacePecan Springs Ranch truly has so many beautiful spots to utilize for a wedding day, the options feel endless. Depending on weather and your personal style, you can choose where you want to have your ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner. Spread the party out, or keep it intimate - the choice is yours!
**See more photos here on our past wedding blogs!
RAMBLING ROSE RANCH - AUSTIN, TX
"This stunning ranch wedding venue right outside of Austin (15 minutes right from downtown!) is the brainchild of artist & designer, Morgan Daily Jackson. Her cohort and partner, Sandy, has been an integral part of building this incredible wedding venue in Austin. Together, they have spent many weary days (and nights), spending literal blood, sweat, and tears to build this incredibly affordable wedding venue. One of the gorgeous highlights is the open-air dance floor, a roofless structure covered in stunning vines and flowers. Don’t worry! There is a covered arena nearby for a rain plan. No need to possibly spend last-minute funds you don’t have on a tent—you have your rain plan right there! This boutique ranch-style wedding venue is everything an outdoors lover could want." - Rambling Rose Ranch
Our Favorite Part: The Indoor/Outdoor Feel This venue feels like getting married in a secret garden, so we love that the structures on property keep things feeling like you're still outside enjoying the natural hill country beauty.
REALM - DENVER, CO
"Intentionally designed for malleability, refined through relentless editing and attention to detail, and held with a human touch to enable curiosity — our space is a backdrop to bring your vision alive. Amidst venues that are dull and dark, Realm is a refreshing take on a dynamic event and wedding venue. " - Realm Denver
