If you've found your soulmate and you're thinking of having a small, intimate wedding in Houston, Texas, you're in luck! Houston is a fantastic city known for its southern charm, amazing food, and international vibe. In this blog post, I want to help you find the perfect venue for your special day and all the celebrations that come with it. So, let me share with you my top picks for small wedding venues in and around Houston.
First up, let's talk about restaurants. Many local restaurants offer private dining rooms or event spaces that are perfect for micro weddings. These spaces are often beautifully decorated and provide an intimate setting for you and your loved ones to celebrate. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight and indulging in a delicious meal prepared by talented chefs. It's a recipe for a truly memorable wedding!
If you're looking for something a bit more elegant, hotels are an excellent choice for your micro wedding. Houston boasts several luxurious hotels with stunning ballrooms and event spaces. Imagine dancing the night away under sparkling chandeliers, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the city. These venues exude romance and sophistication, setting the perfect backdrop for your special day.
For nature lovers, outdoor venues are a fantastic option. Houston is blessed with beautiful parks, gardens, and even vineyards that can host your micro wedding. Picture saying your vows surrounded by blooming flowers, lush greenery, or even rows of vines. The natural beauty of these venues creates a wonderfully intimate atmosphere that will leave you and your guests in awe.
No matter which venue you choose, a skilled photographer can capture the warmth, romance, and intimacy of your micro wedding. Their expertise lies in finding the perfect angles, lighting, and moments to create stunning photographs that tell the story of your special day. So, don't forget to find a photographer who understands and can beautifully capture the essence of your intimate celebration.
MCGOVERN CENTENNIAL GARDEN
McGovern Centennial Garden in Houston's vibrant Museum District is the epitome of modern luxury with the right amount of versatility to make all of your wedding dreams come true. No matter your personal aesthetic, you will love this place. MCG is a oasis in the middle of one of the largest cities, offering many options for a lovely ceremony, and it's the perfect way to set the mood for the magical moment when you and your partner say your vows and begin your new married lives together.
Hockzeit Hall
Located in the heart of Old Town Spring, Tx, Hochzeit Hall offers an affordable venue for hosting various events. As "Hochzeit" translates to wedding or marriage in German, rest assured that your special day will be celebrated in style. Our outdoor, covered chapel is undeniably the most popular choice at Hochzeit Hall, having successfully accommodated several hundred weddings. Its roof ensures both protection from rain showers and a comfortable shaded area for you and your guests. Keeping this in mind, we highly recommend our clients to consider the chapel as their venue of choice to create a truly memorable and worry-free event.
1910 HARRIS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The 1910 Harris County Courthouse is an ode to history, brimming with stories and details that harken back to previous generations. A six-story structure of neo-classical design topped by a prominent clerestory drum and dome, a prime example of Houston architecture of the 1900s and 19010s. It occupies an entire city block, called Courthouse Square, in the oldest section of downtown near Allen's Landing. If a courtroom is not available during your scheduled wedding date and time, there are numerous other options for the ceremony both inside and outside the Courthouse. If you are interested in using the courthouse for a meeting or an event, use the online reservation service or contact Customer Service 713.274.9796.
BUFFALO BAYOU WATERWORKS CISTERN
Buffalo Bayou Waterworks Cistern is a former drinking water reservoir built in 1926 for the City of Houston. BBP restored and repurposed the Cistern in 2010 into a magnificent public space to house an ambitious program of changing art installations. The beautiful vine-covered 'pergola' is perfect for a wedding. The covered structure is a great alternative for inclement weather. Ample street parking can be located in the Cistern lot at 105 Sabine St, as well as additional street parking. Proceed up the stairway to the left (south) of the cistern building and you will see the ‘pergola’ straight ahead, or the pavilion to the right. The net result is that is truly is a stunning location that feels unique. Permit required for a nominal fee.
Boathouse at Millican Reserve
Love, love, love the uniqueness of the Boathouse at Millican Reserve! It's a 1,000 square foot facility that sits on a hidden, private lake surrounded by nature in College Station, Tx. Maximum seated capacity is 60 inside, with tables and white garden chairs provided. The space flows very well utilizing the outdoors to gain seating if needed. Millican Reserve offers multiple outdoor venues as well and allows guests to experience nature.
MICRO WEDDINGS ARE IN!
Micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! Just because you're planning a small wedding doesn't mean it can't be as glamorous and extravagant as a larger affair. And don't worry, you don't have to sacrifice your dream of booking a stunning Houston wedding venue just because you're having a more intimate celebration. There are plenty of incredible options available to make your micro wedding unforgettable.
Houston, Texas and its surrounding areas are filled with picturesque venues that are perfect for intimate weddings. Whether you prefer the cozy atmosphere of a restaurant, the sophistication of a hotel, or the natural beauty of an outdoor space, there is a venue to suit every taste.
THE OAK ATELIER
I love the ambience of The Willow at Oak Atelier! This ceremony spot at the Oak Atelier with it’s 17ft ceilings, huge 9ft doors which salvaged from antiquated mansions, polished concrete floors and exposed brick this glass greenhouse has so much character. It's set against a whimsical forest background lit up by dappled sunlight coming through the trees just outside. Worthy of a magazine cover indeed! The Oak Atelier is located in Conroe, TX, just North of Houston and only 40 minutes from downtown.
7F Lodge
It would be hard to beat this combination of elegance and rustic charm. The little chapel tucked away in the trees at 7F Lodge is just spectacular! The sunlight beaming through the windows makes for some pretty remarkable images. 7F Lodge is a full-service wedding venue and a bed & breakfast, steeped in history. You and your guests can enjoy a full weekend of events, with accommodations on-site, all uniquely themed and decorated. 7F Lodge is located in College Station, TX, northwest of Houston.
MAGNOLIA GREEN
Magnolia Green Tx Venue is one of the most unique micro wedding venues, hidden in Magnolia, Texas only about 40 minutes north of Houston. It is an expansive 5-acre property with tons of greenery and gardens. The key feature that sets this venue apart is its large event barn with fancy chandeliers and roll-up garage doors on the front and back. It's the perfect space for a reception. The lush acreage makes for the loveliest ceremony backdrop, and the natural beauty of the place is basically built-in wedding decor. Not to mention there's also a 4 bedroom, 2 bath beautifully furnished cabin with high-end linens so you and your family can enjoy one another all weekend. Magnolia Green will make any elopement or micro wedding absolutely magical!
LYNN'S RANCH
Conveniently nestled on 2.7 acres in Montgomery, TX, Lynn's Ranch is something special! The beautifully appointed 3800 sq. ft. gambrel barn is ideal for intimate family gatherings, showers and micro weddings up to 100 guests. Accommodations include full day access to venue with indoor or outdoor ceremony sites, two queen size sofa beds, two beautifully decorated seating areas, two oversized bathrooms both with showers. You may choose from one of their all-inclusive packages or you have the freedom to DIY your event.
THE SUNSET COFFEE BUILDING
The Sunset Coffee Building is located at 1019 Commerce Street, Houston, TX at the intersection of Main Street and Buffalo Bayou next to Allen’s Landing, the “Plymouth Rock” of the City of Houston. Built in 1910, the Sunset Coffee Building was originally a coffee roasting company. In the late 60’s it was home to the Love Street Light Circus, a psychedelic music club featuring many local bands. In 2003, the building was purchased by Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) as part of the organization’s master plan to revitalize Buffalo Bayou. The Sunset Coffee Building offers Houstonians an active space on Buffalo Bayou where Houston’s past merges with its future. The Sunset Coffee Building offers three rentable spaces for special events: The Rooftop Terrace looks out over the intersection of Buffalo and White Oak Bayous, the original site of the Port of Houston. The Café is an enclosed industrial style space with a balcony overlooking the bayous. The Plaza, located between the building and Commerce Street, is a perfect space for small concerts, festivals and receptions.
MEMORIAL PARK HINES LAKE
Memorial Park Clay Family Eastern Glades provides numerous wonderful areas with natural backdrops to feature in your outdoor wedding, including beautiful vistas surrounding Hine Lake. The park also features 3 pavilions that can be reserved for larger parties. For more information contact reservations@memorial parkconservancy.org
FOREVER 5 EVENTS
Forever 5 Events is a classic wedding venue that actually has a gorgeous setup for a micro wedding! You and your guests can enjoy 16 wooded acres of privacy and peacefulness. It’s lush trees and open-air ceremony area provide a romantic, secluded atmosphere for your intimate wedding. There's also the main indoors modern space, with floor to ceiling windows, that can host the reception. There are great affordable packages with freedom on catering and bar options. Forever 5 for modern elegance in the woods!
HEIGHTS FIRE STATION
Historic Heights Fire Station, decommissioned in 1987, is a hidden gem in the heart of Houston. Built in 1914, from outside of the venue, you immediately notice the vintage carriage-style doors. Once you walk in, you’re greeted with old hardwoods and a beautiful tin ceiling. Part of what's so special about the space is that it's smack-dab in the middle of Houston's most bustling Heights district, and the city's vibrancy and energy seem to permeate the very walls of the building. If you host your micro wedding at Heights Fire Station, you are sure to have a gorgeous, intimate wedding day!
The Bryan Museum
The Bryan Museum in Galveston is one of the most elegant wedding venues in Texas. As a wedding photographer, The Bryan Museum is one of my favorite venues. Maybe its the history of the building itself, a timeless gothic revival building built in 1894 that was destroyed by the 1900 storm then restored again as an orphanage; or maybe its the property’s lush manicured grounds that remind me of gardens and romance. Whether you choose the Conservatory, the Grand Lobby, the Sculpture Garden or the Gazebo, I guarantee that the pictures are going to be extraordinarily beautiful!
houston botanic garden
The Houston Botanic Garden is part living museum part serene oasis, offering itself as one of the more unique micro wedding venues in the Houston area. If you have your micro wedding here, you get to choose from an awesome selection of ceremony and reception areas, indoors or outdoors. However, the Woodland Glade is most ideal for a ceremony, and the adjacent Global Collection Garden Tent is well suited for a reception. One of our favorite areas of the garden is called the “Global Collection Garden” which houses themed gardens from arid to subtropical or tropical. Want to feel like you are in Sedona? No problem! From classic archways to native coastal prairies to arid rock landscapes, we can’t wait to capture more portraits there in the future! You can’t go wrong with having your wedding at any of these locations! Any wedding at Houston Botanic Garden is sure to be classy, fabulous, and so fun. Plus, we love that you and your wedding guests can stay at the hotel, making your micro wedding even more stress-free.
5226 Elm
Named for it's address, 5226 Elm in Bellaire, is a modern venue that boasts a hip and stylish vibe while also being unique and budget-friendly. In fact, 5226 Elm was named one of the Top 10 wedding venues in Houston by Culture Map. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides great views of the inner-courtyard garden with its stunning rose-covered walkway, koi pond, and paths that meander through the grounds — all enclosed by a spectacular 20 ft bamboo surround. 5226 offers a unique combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. It is one of the most interesting wedding venues in Houston.
ronin art house
Ronin is the micro wedding venue that has it all: industrial features, a modern arch patio and sweet city views. What more could you want? This modern venue pairs natural light, concrete floors and white walls, so your wedding photography will be well lit! Plus, the airy patio area overlooks the streets of downtown Houston. It’s the ultimate "industrial chic" setting for a celebration of your new marriage!
the meekermark
Under the trees and beneath the stars is the most unique outdoor, open-air wedding space, with floating windows and soaring white vaulted beams resembling a chapel in the forest. Then, have your reception indoors within the modern vintage-decorated reclaimed wood barn! For an intimate elopement or micro wedding, you won’t regret choosing The Meekermark in Magnolia, TX, just 30 minutes north of Houston.
mercer arboretum & botanic gardens
You're right, Mercer is not a wedding venue, but it does indeed lend itself to a great photography opportunity after you've said your I do's at the local courthouse. Mercer Arboretum is not only known for its stunning collection of native and cultivated plants but also offers a picturesque backdrop for photoshoots. Among the many highlights are native Dogwood trees, vibrant pink camellias, rare camphor daisies and orchid trees.
OUISIE'S TABLE
As a host of an event at Ouisie's Table, I would highly recommend considering this renowned establishment. Since 1973, Ouisie's Table has been a beloved spot in Rice Village, known for its culinary excellence. Whether you are planning a romantic wedding reception or ceremony, Ouisie's Table offers various spaces, each with its distinct ambiance and character. I had the pleasure of photographing a garden wedding in their beautifully manicured outdoor area, and the enchanting atmosphere created by the water features and abundant natural herbs was truly whimsical. Trust me, you will be more than satisfied with what Ouisie's Table has to offer!
RIVER OAKS GARDEN CLUB
It’s hard to believe this magical garden forum is in the middle of the nation’s fourth largest city. River Oaks Garden Club’s Forum of Civics is an idyllic Houston wedding venue exploding in greenery, from the ivy-covered archways that welcome guests to neat garden canopied by Live Oak trees. Located on Westheimer, the Forum was established in 1910 and has long served as a botanical inspiration for Houstonians, including being the site of a World War II Victory Garden, which encouraged locals to plant their own veggies to support the war effort. The Forum can host a variety of events up to 175 people.
In conclusion, micro weddings are a wonderful choice for couples seeking a warm, romantic, and intimate celebration. You don't need a large wedding to experience the magic of booking an iconic Houston wedding venue. From restaurants to hotels, to outdoor spaces, there is an array of venues that will make your micro wedding unforgettable. And with a skilled photographer by your side, every precious moment will be captured and treasured for a lifetime.
If you have any questions about these micro wedding venues or photographing your intimate micro wedding, please don’t hesitate to contact me.