{"id":21712,"date":"2017-07-10T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2017-07-10T14:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weddingsinhouston.com\/blog\/?p=21712"},"modified":"2019-04-10T10:56:14","modified_gmt":"2019-04-10T15:56:14","slug":"10-historic-houston-venues-for-weddings-with-timeless-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weddingsinhouston.com\/blog\/10-historic-houston-venues-for-weddings-with-timeless-style\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Historic Houston Venues for Weddings with Timeless Style"},"content":{"rendered":"

Writer: Laura Mericas<\/p>\n

With their modern tech, high-end amenities and lavish\u00a0interiors, Houston\u2019s historic venues might look vintage, but they definitely\u00a0feel brand new. Scroll with us, as\u00a0we uncover their storied pasts, and show you\u00a0how you can make your own<\/em> history<\/a> with a wedding at\u00a0one of the city\u2019s landmark wedding venues<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Crystal Ballroom at The Rice <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Crystal-Ballroom-at-The-Rice\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Ama Photography & Cinema<\/a><\/p>\n

History buffs will love that their first dance, first kiss and first forays into married life take place in a century-old venue that was home to so many firsts for their city and state.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur history is one of the big draws of our venue,\u201d says Paula Foreman, director of sales for the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice<\/a>. \u201cIt was the first public room in Houston with air conditioning, it had the first escalator, it was the original site of the Texas capitol…anything and everything that has happened in Houston has happened at The Rice!\u201d<\/p>\n

The repeating arched windows, 35-foot-high ceilings, and beautifully restored murals from 1913 truly take guests back to the turn of the 20th<\/sup> century. One can immediately imagine an opulent Art Deco-themed celebration<\/a> or a classically elegant ceremony<\/a> at this one-of-a-kind venue.<\/p>\n

The Corinthian<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The-Corinthian\"<\/p>\n

Photo: J. Cogliandro Photography<\/p>\n

A few blocks away, on the corner of Main and Franklin streets in downtown Houston, sits yet another historic gem: The Corinthian<\/a>. The venue has taken on quite a different role from when it was originally built more than 100 years ago, then serving as the home of First National Bank, and standing as one of the tallest buildings in the state\u2014a skyscraper of its day!<\/p>\n

Today the neoclassical venue is known for its original colonnade of 24 Corinthian columns, which have framed some of the most elaborate events the city has ever hosted. \u201cThe stunning and timeless architecture allows florists and decorators to suspend exquisite chandeliers, floral accents and draping to highlight the original plaster ceiling in the Grand Hall,\u201d says general manager Boyd Bryan. \u201cSet in the rear wall, a towering Palladian window, often-times flanked with oversized floral creations, makes for a breathtaking and dramatic backdrop to the wedding ceremony.\u201d You can see The Corinthian’s glory on display in countless weddings we’ve featured over the years, including Allie and Kyle’s ultra-decadent bash<\/a>, Asmita and Rishab’s vibrant Indian celebration<\/a>, and Kailey\u00a0and Michael’s classic affair<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Astorian <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The-Astorian\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Ama Photography & Cinema<\/a><\/p>\n

One of Houston\u2019s newest takes on historic ambiance aims to take brides and grooms not only to another era, but to a different place entirely. The Astorian<\/a>, inspired by New York City\u2019s Grand Central Station, with domed ceilings, handcrafted black-and-gold mosaics, soaring arched windows and a massive gilded clock, transports wedding couples and guests to the artistic edginess of Manhattan in the roaring 20\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Art is part of the venue\u2019s origins, as it first served as an enormous paint factory when built in the late 40\u2019s and then was home to famous Texas artist David Adickes\u2019 sculptures of The Beatles and the U.S. presidents. It was named a city landmark in 2012 and three years later was transformed into one of the most distinctive venues in Houston by partners Romain Kapadia, Joe Pachioli and Juan Chao.<\/p>\n

In the two years since the space\u2019s restoration, the team at The Astorian has hosted off-the-charts celebrations for the likes of the Houston Texans\u2019 football team and to-be-weds who relish high-glam revelry, along with gorgeous photo shoots, like this fabulous Weddings in Houston exclusive<\/a>. \u201cCouples love how the place has a festive feel to it,\u201d Pachioli says. \u201cIt\u2019s not a blank space. It has a vibe to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Historic Magnolia Ballroom<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Historic-Magnolia-Ballroom\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Ama Photography & Cinema<\/a><\/p>\n

Wedding couples who prefer color \u201cpops\u201d and the taste of hops, will appreciate all that is and was at the Historic Magnolia Ballroom<\/a>. Built in the late 1800\u2019s, and the site of elaborate weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons and more for the past 30 years, the Historic Magnolia Ballroom once served as the executive suites for Houston\u2019s Magnolia Brewery, where Downtown workers would gather for five-cent beers and sandwiches, and where the elite would enjoy exclusive beer tastings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are so many wonderful venues opening up everywhere all the time, but you can\u2019t give a place history,\u201d venue manager Renee Pool says of the venue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<\/p>\n

The venue\u2019s colorful cypress-and-leaded-glass windows, paired with its on-trend bright wallpaper, and vaulted mural ceilings, create a joyous yet elegant setting for the most timeless of nuptials.<\/p>\n

The Lyceum of Galveston Island<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The-Lyceum\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Rising Tide New Media<\/p>\n

Standing originally as one of Texas\u2019 oldest Lutheran churches, The Lyceum of Galveston Island<\/a> today captures the Old World charm and culture of its coastal surroundings.<\/p>\n

The venue\u2019s square tower with its steeple, hipped roof, arched openings and beautifully restored double doors, sets the stage for an intimate spiritual ceremony and\/or a lively reception.<\/p>\n

The original floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows, which date back to the1850\u2019s, leave guests and couples in awe, and create a colorful display of natural light throughout the space, which executive director Cynthia McEldowney says is a favorite element among wedding couples. \u201cThe Lyceum<\/a> is adjacent to a present-day sanctuary, separated only by a beautifully landscaped courtyard featuring wrought-iron gates,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n

Heather\u2019s Glen <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Heather's-Glen\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Jessica Pledger Photography<\/p>\n

Victorian elegance and Southern hospitality blend together beautifully at Heather\u2019s Glen<\/a> in Conroe. The venue, originally built in 1900, was formerly known as the Wahrenberger mansion, and was the center of Conroe\u2019s social scene at the time.<\/p>\n

That influence hasn\u2019t changed much in the last century. Since the venue\u2019s complete restoration in the early 90\u2019s, wedding couples like Kaylin and Michael\u00a0<\/a>have sought out Heather\u2019s Glen for their storybook nuptials.<\/p>\n

The Antebellum-style-home-turned-wedding-venue now includes a cathedral-ceiling chapel complete with giant windows overlooking manicured gardens featuring two picturesque waterfalls, as well as hundreds of magenta and blush azalea bushes sprinkled across the venue\u2019s grounds, notes owner Heather George.<\/p>\n

Plantation-style columns and wraparound porches, and the option to wed under a moonlit gazebo, lend perfectly to weddings with a Southern-fairytale feel. \u201cSome of the most memorable weddings at Heather’s Glen have focused on historical themes,\u201d says George. \u201cA New Orleans-style wedding complete with a second-line dance comes to mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Parador<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The-Parador\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Ama Photography & Cinema<\/a><\/p>\n

The Parador<\/a>, located in Houston\u2019s posh Museum District, is a Texas Historical Landmark inspired by a bygone empire.<\/p>\n

The immense estate, complete with dark wood beams, rustic three-tiered doors and winding gardens, \u201cstands as a testament to the architectural artistry of a distant era, marrying Mediterranean style with Byzantine details,\u201d says director Sheila Wells.<\/p>\n

Originally built as a house of worship in 1928, the venue\u2019s soaring 35-foot domed ceiling and stunning arched windows bathe wedding guests in a warm golden glow in the multi-leveled Duomo. Couples can wed within the glorious cathedral or outdoors among the tranquil gardens and sculpted fountains. Wells notes, \u201cAll of our events are lovely. However, when couples provide different settings with loveseats and couches, it adds a special warm touch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Majestic Metro<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Majestic-Metro\"<\/p>\n

Photo: Tara Star Photography<\/p>\n

Want to see your name in lights on your wedding day, like Houston lovebirds Jennifer and Mitchell<\/a>?\u00a0Couples who book downtown’s Houston\u2019s Majestic Metro<\/a> will experience that special thrill during their night of glamour and grandeur at this restored movie palace.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s eye candy everywhere in the building,\u201d says managing partner Linda Warwick. \u201cWhat you see is what you get here, and that\u2019s huge for a lot of our couples.\u201d<\/p>\n

First constructed by legendary Houston architect William Ward Watkin in 1926, the stunning space was set to be torn down, but was saved and returned to its original glory in the 1990\u2019s. Today, this remarkable site boasts one of the most advanced audiovisual systems in Houston, perfect for its all-inclusive, music-filled celebrations, all set within a vintage Art Nouveau interior. \u201cOther venues stage spaces to look like this,\u201d Warwick says. \u201cOurs is the real deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bryan Museum <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Bryan<\/p>\n

Photo: Courtesy of The Bryan Museum<\/a><\/p>\n

From its beginnings as an orphanage\u2014one whose solid cypress beams protected its wards from the great storm of 1900 \u2014 to its brief stint as a private residence, to its status, today, as one of Galveston\u2019s most beloved archives, The Bryan Museum<\/a> stands out as a superb historic venue for a truly Texan wedding.<\/p>\n

Depending on the season and weather, couples may opt to have their ceremony in the jasmine-covered gazebo on the museum\u2019s grounds. Bryan Museum director of events Ann Urban notes that, due to Galveston\u2019s fickle climate, most couples opt for an off-site ceremony, bringing their guests to The Bryan Museum afterwards, for a one-of-a-kind reception in the museum\u2019s recently completed, and completely climate-controlled, conservatory. At just under 2,000 square feet, the Belgian-inspired structure features intricate ironwork and evocative emerald-color glass, along with a built-in green onyx bar. These features, combined with a dazzling floor that \u201creally is like a mirror,\u201d Urban says, make The Bryan Museum\u2019s conservatory, itself, \u201ca work of art.\u201d<\/p>\n

Butler\u2019s Courtyard <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Butlers<\/p>\n

Photo: Lindsay Elizabeth Photography <\/a><\/p>\n

Commissioned by one of the first and most successful ranchers in the region and designed by a cowboy-turned-architect, Butler\u2019s Courtyard<\/a> allows guests to travel back to the times of dirt roads and horse-drawn carriages\u2014but with modern conveniences aplenty.<\/p>\n

The red-brick building in the heart of historic League City, now almost 110 years old, served as a center of commerce and trade along George Washington Butler\u2019s sprawling property at the turn of the 20th<\/sup> century, and was home to a bank, grocery store, caf\u00e9 and a spot for patrons to tie up their horses. Today, co-owners and best friends, Nancy Richards and Janice Gunnin-Wilson, have transformed the space into a vintage-inspired setting for rustic-elegant nuptials that blend historic surroundings with impeccable service: \u201cThe bride will have a team behind her at every point in the wedding,\u201d says Gunnin-Wilson. \u201cWe treat each bride with white gloves and take care of her every need.\u201d<\/p>\n

The venue\u2019s exposed-brick walls, weathered-wood beams, antique floor-to-ceiling mirrors and rows upon rows of sparkling chandeliers create what the owners describe as a feeling of \u201chistoric elegance,\u201d ideal for intimate occasions, like the one imagined in this breathtaking shoot <\/a>from florist Haute Flowers & Events<\/a>, shot by Lindsay Elizabeth Photography<\/a>. Those with a love for the outdoors can wed beneath the romantic archway in the courtyard, where hanging stained-glass artwork and a nearby barn-like structure make ideal backdrops for Texas-themed photo ops.<\/p>\n

For at-a-glance details on size, capacity, disabled accessibility and much more, for any of the above venues, click here<\/a>…and happy venue hunting, loves!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Writer: Laura Mericas With their modern tech, high-end amenities and lavish\u00a0interiors, Houston\u2019s historic venues might look vintage, but they definitely\u00a0feel brand new. Scroll with us, as\u00a0we uncover their storied pasts, and show you\u00a0how you can make your own history with a wedding at\u00a0one of the city\u2019s landmark wedding venues. The Crystal Ballroom at The Rice Click here to read the rest of this post \u00bb<\/a> […]<\/p>\n

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