In a city like Houston, with its lush gardens and very brief winters, this option is particularly attractive. For brides who are planning an outdoor wedding in the Houston area, there are many “dedicated wedding providers”, a term that refers to companies offering complete wedding packages that include outdoor venues, catering, decorations, and more. For those who prefer one-stop wedding planning, these dedicated wedding providers can be easily found online. However, for brides who would rather have more choices in terms of numbers of guests, food, or reception times, there are many location possibilities that are perhaps not as well known, but that offer unique and memorable wedding venues. Some of these permit only the ceremony to be outdoors, with indoor areas for receptions; some permit only receptions to be outdoors; some have rainy-weather options, such as tenting, and some don’t. Despite their differences, all of these sites offer the beauty that only the warm sun, fresh breezes, and cooling leaves of nature can bring, and all are in central Houston.
Here are links to seven of the most beautiful and most imaginative outdoor wedding locations in Houston.
Take a quarter-mile stroll through the woods, and arrive at a beautiful, private wooden deck overlooking a small lake, complete with rustling leaves and birdsong. Approximately forty people can be seated on the deck, and the reception can be hosted at the Arboretum’s Visitor Center, which is also a back-up plan for the ceremony in case of inclement weather.
Hermann Park has a beautiful Chinese gazebo surrounded by an expanse of lush green lawn, perfect for an outdoor ceremony under a pagoda roof. The gazebo is next to the rose gardens and close to the fountains, offering many photo opportunities, and is also close to the Garden Center which would make a great indoor reception venue.
The tall, white gazebo surrounded by trees at Marmion Park is a lovely backdrop for a simple, outdoor wedding. The park is located in the center of Houston’s historic district known as the Houston Heights, and is one of the most budget-friendly locations on this list. It is also just down the road from the historic Houston Heights Firehouse, a popular venue for wedding receptions.
The famous gardens and dazzling azalea blooms surrounding the Bayou Bend Museum make a stunning backdrop for a wedding reception. Only receptions are permitted here, meaning that the ceremony would have to take place elsewhere, and a tent rental is a likely necessity, as there is no covering over the lawn.
It might not seem like an obvious choice, but the Houston Zoo offers creative couples a chance to get married outdoors beside the large Reflection Pool, complete with fountains, under the cover of massive spreading oak trees. For brides who want to get closer to the animals, indoor receptions can take place in the Aquarium or the Natural Encounters building.
With a long tradition of beautiful flowers, the River Oaks Garden Club offers charming garden backdrops for outdoor weddings. Receptions can be held outdoors as well, or in the historic Forum building.
Sam Houston Park, Connally Plaza
For couples who are worried about rain or about excessive summer heat, but still want to get married outdoors, the Connally Plaza is a perfect compromise. A large, fully covered plaza that seats up to 250 guests, the Connally Plaza is located in the historic downtown Sam Houston Park, and is surrounded by gardens and other museum structures.
Janice Fehlauer - I live my life in pursuit of many interests - music, travel, gardening, enjoying the great outdoors, and of course cooking. I was born ...
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