europe without the international flight
With there being a little, ready a very big, pinch in traveling internationally recently, you might feel like that dream European wedding has to be set on the back burner. But with the beauty of the Texas countryside I have been scouring for some amazing, European-vibing, beauty loving venues for you to consider, international ticket price, not included. Here, in the lovely state of Texas, I have been searching for beautiful Texas wedding venues that provide that touch of Europe destination that is easy to get to for the whole family, and a lot closer to home than you might imagine. So in no particular order, I give you 10 stunning venues that will transport your wedding to the destination you have been dreaming of.
Le San Michele
While Debbie attended school in Switzerland, right along the border of Italy, these travels ultimately inspired her creation of this beautiful home. While the property was passed down in the family 25 years ago, the house was designed by Debbie and has since had 15 years of beautiful weddings. The house is full of European inspiration and love from the owners. From shutters and wood collected from vintage markets to the stone from the local quarry, this beautiful home is surrounded by stunning garden setting to really transport it’s visitors, to another place in time.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
Wedding packages range from micro weddings to full day events and include full use of the grounds and the beautiful collection of stunning vintage chairs and tables.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
Both groom and bride have bedrooms to get ready up stairs, and although the garden ceremony area is typically used, they have even held small winter weddings at their beautiful fireplace inside.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
For a comfortable wedding, the ideal number would be up to 150, but there are 320 seats (yes, those amazing antique french seats) available for use.
What season best highlights the venue?
Autumn is a wonderful time of year to spend in the garden, although it really shines in April- March when the blue bonnets fill the fields.
For more information on Le San Michele click here
Olde Dobbin Station
Once owned by Texaco in the 1800s, Olde Dobbin used to actually house huge drums of oil as a pump station for the nearby train, and the chapel once housed water for the town. Since the space was abandoned and traded hands it met the McCoys who turned it into a beautiful wedding venue about 10 years ago. This venue has so much character and history to add to your special day. Although it may not be European in design or history, its ivy lined concrete walls transport you and your guests to a far off feel I know you will enjoy.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
When renting this venue, you have the entire place to your event, which includes tables, chairs, and a full bar.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
There is a bridal cottage for the bride and her guests as well as a grooms quarters for the groomsmen to hang out before the ceremony. Both the main station and the chapel can be used for ceremony or reception spaces, as well as there is a garden area with a water feature.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
Olde Dobbin Station can seat upwards of 500 people although 250 is a more comfortable maximum
What season best highlights the venue?
The garden is filled with evergreens, so no matter the time of year you will have color. Most prefer Spring or Autumn for weddings.
For more information on Olde Dobbin Station click here
Ma Maison
Entering it’s 8th year of weddings with a new beautiful chapel in tow, Ma Maison is built of the desire to have people feel the warmth and welcome of a French home. Literally, Ma Maison, means “my house”. This beautiful venue features multiple gardens and rooms as well as a stunning french garden iron gazebo from France, that has been reconstructed with its 200 restored pieces. This lovely venue has taken great care and consideration in all the aspects to make sure everyone feels at home and the day runs impeccably well, from makeup, to ceremony, to ringing the antique bell to mark your beautiful union.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
From tables, chairs, antique pieces around the venue, you have full use of the venue and a day of coordinator is available upon request as well as a room of rentals.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
Both areas for getting ready are well thought out and both include outdoor recreation areas for space, photos, and just some plain fun. There is an indoor area, 3 outdoor spaces, the chapel, and a large covered patio area to choose from for your ceremony and reception.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
120 would be about perfect, although there have been happily seated 300 guests before.
What season best highlights the venue?
There are beautiful tunnels of wisteria and even evergreen wisteria so the tunnel of love is always set, but Mid February to Late May the fields bloom with wildflowers and blue bonnets and is a fan favorite.
For more information on Ma Maison click here
Villa Antonia
Built in 1999 on a dream, Villa Antonia is a breathtaking tuscan villa that feels like it is taken right out of the foothills of Italy. Miss Antonia, with the help of her architect father, worked hard on creating a home that took every piece into consideration, even the patterns of the breeze were looked at, so that even the Texan warm summers are in no short supply of a welcoming wind. Walking around the building you are transported by all the old world charm, complete with a tower, rose garden, and chapel, the venue offers a variety of space to hold your event.
Better yet, when booking the Villa Antonia for your wedding, the full venue at your disposal, so you truly get the feel of having this gorgeous villa in the countryside for you and your guests. There are options for elopements as well as full weddings and is no short supply of sweetness from the people who run the villa.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
For this venue, when chosen you get the entire venue itself as well. This includes the decorations available, table and chairs, and a fantastic day of coordinator.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
The variety of stunning areas is endless here. For ceremony you can choose one of the patios, gazebo, or chapel. The reception areas can be indoor or out, and the getting ready areas are open, and a great hang out spot which each include a patio.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
This is a venue that you can have a more intimate wedding and it not feel too large while it can carry large weddings up to 250 comfortably.
What season best highlights the venue?
Spring and Fall offer more comfortable weather, but the expert gardeners at Villa Antonia have planted for year round color whether flowers or berries.
For more information on Villa Antonia click here
The Bell Tower on 34th
Once upon a time this little gem was just the town polka hall, but when a fire took out the dancing area, a man with European dreams took the property to create this beautiful Texas wedding venue. The beauty of this venue are the multiple areas built upon it, especially the various garden areas around the venue. Each little nook I found was full of beauty and would make any day special.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
Since the venue is large and has ways of completely shutting one area off from the next, more than one event can occur at the same time (and is seamlessly done by the staff). Therefore you can pick the areas that you wish to have for your ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour. There are tables and chairs as well as day of coordinator
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
Ready for this list? There is the Chandelier Ballroom, Candela, Carillion Ballroom, Campaniele Chapel, Waterwall Courtyard, Contessa Courtyard and Foyer, and Contessa to choose from. For the most European flair I really loved the Campaniele Chapel and Courtyards.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
In these area can handle anywhere from 175-300 guests although for a wonderful intimate wedding in Campaniele and the Courtyard I wouldn’t hesitate to have around 75 for a charming European intimate wedding.
What season best highlights the venue?
Although Summer is popular the gardens are really shining in May/ June as well as October and November. And trust me, you want to utilize those hidden garden gems!
For more information on Bell Tower on 34th click here
Camp Lucy
A venue created on a love story, Camp Lucy boasts the mix of gorgeous french colonial antique buildings from Vietnam and the love of a family farm. While the owner, Whitt was an avid antique collector and saw the opportunity to bring home 2 gorgeous buildings from Vietnam, his now wife, Kim, saw the amazing opportunity to create a stunning and unique wedding venue from these which encompass so much rich history, heritage, and charm. Bonus, this is also a beautiful retreat, so you and your out of town guests can stay on the large property enjoying their services before your wedding.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
Packages are fully customizable at Camp Lucy, from wedding coordinator, food, rentals, staffing, oh and there are complimentary Alpaca guests from the farm if you so do desire.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
There are multiple spaces for ceremony and reception to choose from, 4 in fact, each with their own getting ready spaces, and options for ceremony and reception. For this article I focused more on Ian’s Chapel area for its rich history and maybe not European feel but it definitely whisks you away to another world.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
Since the numbers vary per area it can range from smaller weddings of 50 to 150 being ideal.
What season best highlights the venue?
Although there are mostly year round greens, the spring time boasts fo beautiful climbing roses and warm but crisp days which tends to be a favorite.
For more information on Camp Lucy click here
Iron Manor
When you pull up to this gorgeous property you may be looking for dragons as it gives off a lot of Game of Thrones vibes, and trust me, you\’re not alone. The beautiful steel structure was actually from a salvaged 115 year old Carnegie building and it took about 2 1/2 years to create the piece of art work it is today. Beautifully designed into what is called Crane Hall and the Iron Chapel, there is no thought missed when planning out this design to create a beautiful and seamless experience for all. From the nooks for cake or photos, the bar, and the historical gems that are throughout the venue, including a rare antique working crane that you must see
What is included in a typical wedding package?
When renting this space you get the entire venue. This includes chandeliers, chairs and tables, and decorations on site.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
There is a chapel, great hall, and outdoor area for your choosing of ceremony, reception, or cocktail. The getting ready rooms are expertly laid out with great intention. The bridal suite even has a reveal area for the bride to surprise her bridesmaids and/ or family. The groomsmen’s room has fantastic light and a beautiful antique barbers chair where many a groom has gotten a fresh shave for the big day (how cool is that!).
Is there an ideal number of guests?
Ideally the guest count is somewhere between 240 to 300 people to really fill and space with life.
What season best highlights the venue?
Gardens are meticulously set to bloom throughout the year so the gardens always have a beautiful color.
For more information on Iron Manor click here
The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria
Built in 1916, this Italian Villa was designed to transport you to the beautiful boutique side of Italy. Encapsulated in a sculpture garden which features a rotating and permanent art pieces including pieces brought over from Italy. Take a walk through the gardens and you will see beautiful sculptures, a stunning tree lined amphitheater, and views of Lake Austin that will only elevate your Italian wedding.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
When renting this space you have access to the full venue and there are elopement packages available. There are some decorations on location available, but most need to be rented.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
There are no rooms for getting ready, so coming to the property mostly set is a must. But there are a few outdoor locations to choose from such as the amphitheater, the temple of Love, and the 4 seasons Lawn (with Italian Sculptures representing each season) to choose from.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
Smaller weddings here are Ideal for the space, up to about 50 is ideal.
What season best highlights the venue?
Since there are gardens, full of evergreens and blooming year round, each season really plays well with this venue.
For more information on The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria click here
Bella Donna Chapel
From the foundation up this little chapel in the heart of a Croatian designed town is built on love, like literally, the bible used for the very first wedding is buried under the chapel. Built 10 years ago as san exact replica of the owners favorite Croatian town, the chapel is a diamond on the water’s edge. My favorite bit is that it isn’t just the chapel, but the whole town that transports you in heartbeat to Croatia. From the bell dedicated by a Croatian village to the beautiful sculptures decorating the church it is a true gem to see in Texas.
What is included in a typical wedding package?
When renting this space you have access to the full venue and there are elopement packages available. There are some decorations on location available, but most need to be rented. Each package also includes a day of coordinator for your special day.
Spaces for getting ready/ ceremony area/ reception area
There is a small area for each group to hang out, but you can look into the bridal suite in the tower or the Adriatic Inn right next to the chapel. Of course the ceremony takes place in the chapel, but there are options of using the the patio and the towns hall for reception.
Is there an ideal number of guests?
Smaller weddings here are Ideal for the space, up to about 50 is ideal.
What season best highlights the venue?
In October and Fall they offer carriage rides through the town, as well as the weather is perfect.
For more information on Bella Donna Chapel click here
Chateau Cocomar
Constructed in 2006, 14525 Champions Drive was built as a private residence and in 2011 a new owner with a different vision took over the property. Along with her creativity and talent of her architectural team, the establishment was transformed and expanded into a beautiful wedding and event venue. The property is tucked away in a private, gated residence kiddie corner to the Champions country club and golf course of north Houston. The grand entrance welcomes visitors with historical statues, gorgeous gardens and a fountain that was imported from Italy.
This magnificent 37,000 square foot French inspired estate sits on 7 acres of land and is rich with elegantly designed architecture, imported antique fixtures & Italian hand-painted murals. The decadent marble floors will lead you to 2 ballrooms that can host up to 750 guests for a seated dinner, stunning stairwells and 7 private suites, one of which is 1,2000 square feet. The elevator will take you from the basement level to the third floor.
The home was originally 25,637 Sq Ft. and the owner extended the first-floor ballroom, redesigned the second-floor ballroom, and added five guest suites on the third floor. The owner wanted to keep the original architectural items intact including vaulted ceilings, cathedral hallway, gothic windows, fireplaces that age over 200 years old and doors that are also over 200 years old that came from a Parisian monastery. There is real gold trimming throughout the first floor, antique crystal and gold chandeliers which are just some of the original pieces that were left untouched.
What is included in its typical wedding package?
The venue rental includes exclusivity to the property (indoors and outdoors). We have two rental types, the ALL day rental (8am-1am) and the PM Rental (2pm-Midnight). Our clients also receive a 2 hour complimentary photo session which is valued at $700. We provide tables, chairs and in-house linens if the client chooses to use them. The only decoration we have up would be pipe and drape. Aside from that, the floral or decorating team would be in charge of setting up decor. We do have an off-season and a peak season and also offer military discounts. Chateau Cocomar does provide in-house planning with Cocomar Ladies. Day of Coordination starts off at $1,000. If the bride and groom would like to hire an outside planner, that is also allowed. We just require day of coordination for all events. We have 2 ballrooms, most brides choose the 2nd floor ballroom to get married in and the 1st floor ballroom is typically where reception is held. We can also accommodate outdoor weddings at the gazebo or courtyard. All vendors have two hours post event to do the vendor break down. So it’s either 1:00 am – 3:00am or 12am – 2:00 am.
If the client books the ALL day rental, they also get a complimentary stay in the honeymoon suite overnight the night of the wedding. Breakfast is included the following day.
Are there additional spaces such as getting ready area, separate areas favored for cocktail, or receptions?
Yes, we have three floors, the 2nd floor had the bridal suite, bridesmaids quarters and another room we call the parents suite. The 3rd floor has the groom’s suite and groom’s quarters (there is a pool table, poker table and multiple TVS to watch sports, etc.). On the 3rd floor we also have the honeymoon suite and 3 additional suites that are all available to rent for overnight stays as well. There are 7 suites in the building total. All of our suites have full beds, couches, TVs and private restrooms with full showers. Some suites have multiple restrooms.
Cocktail hour is typically held in the Foyer, the Chantilly room and our East Jardin room. Reception is typically held in the first floor ballroom.
Is an ideal number of guests for the venue?
We host events for large groups often and can hold a capacity for 999 cocktail style. I definitely feel that a wedding with a guest count of 350 or less is perfect in the sense that we can host 350 in the same ballroom for reception.
What season best highlights the venue?
Holiday season is great at the venue but we do enjoy hosting events all year long. The owner does enjoy putting out holiday decorations and the beautiful antique fireplaces are gorgeous lit during the cooler months.
To learn more about Chateau Cocomar click here
