Traditional not really your scene? Maybe you’re looking for something a little different for your wedding day. Many of Houston’s iconic attractions and locations have diverse wedding options available. Check out our list of 12 unique venues around town to host your dream wedding!
1. 1891 St. John Church
Torn between having a beautiful country wedding or a hip urban celebration downtown? Combine the best of both worlds at the historic St. John Church at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. Originally built in 1891 by German immigrants, the church is a one-room chapel that sits on the same Heritage Society grounds as countless historical landmark homes. All of this is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Houston skyline and Buffalo Bayou. Worried about temperamental Houston temperatures? The chapel is air- conditioned and heated. Learn More
2. Minute Maid Park
Home to the Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park also doubles as a downtown wedding venue. The ballpark offers use of the beautiful 1911 Union Station lobby or club level area overlooking the field and views of downtown. The wedding ceremony can also take place on home plate with access to the dugout and stands for photos. For only $35 you can even pop the question on the scoreboard during a game! Minute Maid is a great downtown wedding location for baseball fans and nonfans alike. Learn More
3. Julia Ideson Library
Take a trip back to the 1920s and appreciate the artistic grandeur that dominated the era’s architecture. Built in 1926, the Julia Ideson Library offers a sophistication and glamour straight out of an old-time movie. The downtown landmark features a grand staircase, Spanish-brick floors, marble pillars, and breathtaking ceiling mural. The library still houses the Houston Library’s archival collection which is on view in the Reading Room. Learn More
4. Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel
The Menil Collection houses nearly 15,000 works of art dating from the Paleolithic era to the present day. The museum offers a variety of unique ceremony and reception locations. From the expansive outdoor park, permanent exhibits like the famous Dan Flavin light installation, and the world-renown Rothko Chapel, the Menil is a one-stop-shop for art-inspired venues. The Rothko Chapel in particular adds a quiet prestige to any ceremony. The artistic masterpiece and ecumenical gathering place has been listed by National Geographic as one of the world's "most sacred places." Learn More
5. Air Terminal Museum
The 1940 Airport Terminal Museum is a beautiful and rare example of classic art deco airport architecture from the golden age of flight. The Terminal served Houston during the years when air travelers dressed in their finest and embarked for exotic destinations aboard roaring propliners like the Douglas DC-3. The Airline Galleries, Hall of Flight, and Starliner Theater feature original aviation art, stunning period photographs, scale aircraft models, uniforms, memorabilia and documents of Howard Hughes. Learn More
6. Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo offers a variety of locations within the park for weddings and receptions. From the Jaguar Habitat to the sea lions, the zoo gives wedding planners plenty of unique options. The large reflection pool at the center of the park offers one of the larger and more iconic settings in the zoo. For an additional fee, wedding parties can book a one-hour animal experience that includes a zookeeper escorting four different small animals for interaction and questions with guests. Learn More
7. Battleship Texas
The last of the battleships to participate in World War I and II, Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948. With the towering San Jacinto Monument in the distance, your wedding photographer won’t have any problems getting amazing photos. Although reception usage is limited, the deck of the Texas is a great place for a one-of-a-kind ceremony. The Texas holds the distinguished designation of a National Historic Landmark and a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark. Learn More
8. FantaSea Yacht Charters Kemah
Imagine cruising towards a Galveston Bay sunset on a private yacht, live music and dancing on all decks, sumptuous fresh food and champagne, all topped off with a uniformed captain to perform your wedding. FantaSea Yacht Charters offers all of this and more with their various wedding packages. Tie the whole package together by having photos taken at the rides at Kemah Boardwalk. Learn More
9. Harmony Wedding Chapel
Ok so if you’re reading this you’re probably not planning a shotgun wedding. But if you’re looking for an affordable, easy wedding option Harmony Wedding Chapel is as good as it gets. The chapel has been in the hitching business for over 50 years. All you need is a reservation, a marriage license, and $50 for the in-house minister to make it official. The lobby features photos taken of the happy couples over the years. Don’t knock it until you try it! Learn More
10. Bell Tower on 34th
Bell Tower on 34th is the thing of dreams. The sprawling event venue resembles a movie set more than it does a reception hall. Bell Tower’s pillared courtyard, epic waterfall patio, castle-like dining hall, cobblestone drive, and grand staircase provide legendary elegance. The venue has been ranked nationally as one of the best with multiple awards from The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Bridal Extravaganza. Learn More
11. Bayou Bend
Stroll through 14 acres of its beautiful gardens and you’ll see why Bayou Bend is beloved by all Houstonians. The former home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg now houses the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's early American decorative arts and painting collection. Considered one of the premier collections in the country, the rare and beautiful objects dating from approximately 1620 to 1876, are installed throughout the 1920s mansion in 28 period room settings. This regal locale offers the perfect wedding venue for a classy, southern bell. Learn More
12. Houston Fire Station 3
This 1905 building was one of Houston’s first fire stations. Station 3’s original brick, concrete and exterior stone work is still intact after a major restoration. The space that once housed horse drawn wagons and steamers now acts as a beautiful reception hall with breathtaking views of downtown and even a fire pole from the second to the first floor. The old Station 3 motto "Trust in Us" can still be seen etched into the buildings stone today. Learn More
