YOU’VE SAID YES. NOW YOU MUST DECIDE WHERE.
It’s getting to be prime-time for wedding planning as excited couples prepare for their upcoming nuptials. We’ve been cultivating some useful guides to help with some of the many preparations leading up to the big day. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to check out our recommendations on great events and expos going on in the Houston-area over the next several months, as well as our list of amazing local designers.
To complete our three-part wedding planning series, we’ve also indexed a few of our favorite hidden gems and unique Houston wedding venues.
THE DUNLAVY
Restaurant by day and event venue by night, The Dunlavy is a beautiful space overlooking Buffalo Bayou and Lost Lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides of the building means guests will not miss out on the breathtaking views even while inside, and a large patio deck located on the back of the building overlooks the bayou. Between 80 to 110 guests can be seated indoors, with 50 to 75 guests on the outdoor patio. As an added bonus, since The Dunlavy is also a full-fledged restaurant, amenities include a full-service kitchen and bar—no need to hire a third-party caterer.
MARBELLA BANQUET HALL
Marbella is a Mediterranean-style venue with a chapel, two fully-equipped reception halls, beautiful courtyard and gardens located in historic East End. The small chapel provides an intimate setting for ceremonies and the Old Mexico accents of the venue make it an unforgettable place. The Wedding Package is completely customizable, but includes a majority of wedding staples, including seating and tables for 250 guests, linens, cleaning, staff, wedding planner, and even a traditional 3-tier cake.
COHEN HOUSE
The Robert and Agnes Cohen House at Rice University was built in 1927 and holds special value to faculty, staff, and alumni alike. The Cohen House has spacious outdoor areas with a beautiful fountain and large draping tree branches, both of which can be lit up at night—ceremonies can be held either outside or indoors. The reception hall has rustic wood-trimmed windows and beautifully tiled floors, with an elevated area perfect for a dance floor. For the reception, they offer three main wedding packages which provide a variety of inclusivity, and the venue can hold up to 300 guests.
NOUVEAU ANTIQUE ART BAR
A Fourth Ward gem, Nouveau Antique Art Bar is a 4,500 square foot venue located downtown. Every surface, including the ceiling and the Art Nouveau antique furniture, is decorated with hundreds of reproduction Tiffany lamps, which provide beautiful stain-glass lighting for the space. The Art Bar is available for fully private receptions Friday through Sunday and can accommodate both the ceremony and the reception for up to 200 guests. It offers a full-service bar, plenty of parking, and linens, staff, and clean-up are included in the affordable rental fee. The Nouveau style gives this venue a truly unique and romantic vibe.
STATION 3
Located close to downtown on Houston Ave. in the Sixth Ward, Station 3 is a 5,800 square foot two-story building with high ceilings and an open floor plan. What makes this venue so special? As its name might allude, it was once one of Houston’s original fire stations. Built in 1903, it is a historical landmark that still contains the original brick, wood floors, concrete beams and hand-carved exterior stonework. It underwent a full restoration in 2014, ensuring that the building has all of the modern conveniences. It is recommended that guest lists stay under 150 for maximum comfort. Parking, tables and chairs, and set-up are just some of the services included with venue rental.
JULIA IDESON LIBRARY
A part of the Houston Public Library, the Julia Ideson Building is a historic building constructed in 1926 with Spanish architecture. The gorgeous Spanish-brick floors, marble columns, grand staircase, and distinctive ceiling mural give the building a sense of grandeur. Combine this with the novelty of holding a reception in a library, this space is an excellent choice for a memorable wedding celebration. The space can accommodate upwards of 300 people and also features a stately outdoor courtyard and garden area.
We hope you enjoy checking out some of these unique Houston wedding venues. Did we help you find the perfect place for your special day? Let us know, we’d love to hear your story!