Top Houston Wedding Venues

By Devorah Isenberg , Thursday, July 05, 2012 5:09 AM

Congratulations! He popped the question (and hopefully presented you with the engagement ring of your dreams) and you said yes. Now you’re engaged, and as soon as the hubbub of the congratulations and engagement festivities dies down, it’s time to start planning the party of your lifetime: the wedding. The very first step in wedding planning, besides basics like picking a date and setting a budget, is the search for the perfect wedding venue. If you live in Houston, wedding venue searching can be difficult not because there are so few great options, but because there are so many. If you are looking for the perfect place to have your wedding in Houston, check out this roundup of the top Houston wedding venues in several important categories:

Best High Capacity: While some couples are looking for a small, intimate Houston wedding venue for a small wedding, you are looking for a wedding hall that can handle your extensive social circle, large family, and all your childhood friends! Your best bet is the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa, the best-rated high-capacity wedding venue in Houston. Although the receptioon halls (of which there are four) can easily accommodate as many as 500 guests, the remote location in the middle of a beautiful forest gives the Houstonian a private, romantic feel. Plus, the hall never feels too large or corporate--small touches like fireplaces, a grand staircase, and a formal garden help make every moment feel personal and unique.

Best B&B: If you are having many friends and family fly in from out of town for your big day, do them a favor and set your wedding at a charming bed and breakfast where out-of-town guests can stay before or after the wedding. One fantastic Houston wedding venue that also hosts overnight guests is Heather’s Glen, in Conroe, Texas. The historic site has classic Texan architecture throughout its guest rooms and main ballroom, making the whole experience feel like a real getaway. Beautiful modern touches like a spacious, airy indoor chapel and a gleaming ballroom that can seat 400 make this the perfect small bed and breakfast that can also host a fairy tale wedding.

Best Houston Venue: Many Houston brides aren’t just looking for a wedding hall; they are looking for a Houston wedding hall that emphasizes the unique characteristics of the local culture. Sengellman Hall is exactly that. Built in 1894, this saloon-turned-wedding-hall has authentic Texan charm to spare. A 115-year-old dance floor will be the perfect place for your guests to get their cowboy boots stomping to the bluegrass music, and the outdoor authentic beer garden is the perfect place for a romantic ceremony or a festive reception dinner.

Best Modern: If you would rather stay away from the traditional elegance of a typical wedding reception hall, and are looking for something more urban and modern to match the chic vibe of your nuptials, consider The Gallery. Perfect for parties of anywhere from 20-300 people, the Gallery is an open-plan, loft-like space that can be configured literally any way you want. Exposed brick walls, sleek chandeliers, and a dark wooden floor form a simple backdrop to your chosen style of decor. Since The Gallery is not a full-service wedding venue, you can bring in the outside vendors of your choice.

Best Budget Friendly:  If you want to have a gorgeous, memorable Houston wedding, but don’t have the budget for some of the more well-known Houston wedding venues, have no fear. Las Brisas Farm Country Weddings has been in business for years and can help you have the wedding of your dreams--without the credit card bills of your nightmares. 40acres of gorgeous lawns and gardens, incredible vistas, and beautiful courtyards will make for such beautiful photos that you can save thousands of dollars on flowers and other decor. The rustic-elegant ballroom seats up to 200, and overnight stays are available for your out-of-town guests.