Wedding Planning 101: The Venue

Oh, where to begin…

Your venue is one of the first things – if not THE first thing – that you should check off your list. It will often set the tone for your entire wedding – everything from the dress to the décor to the type of food you serve. Venue shopping takes A LOT of time because it’s really one of those things that you have to go see yourself. There we so many places I fell in love with on the internet and once I got to them, I quickly fell out of love. The more you visit, the more your individual style will be apparent.

I always knew I wanted an outdoor wedding. I envisioned the beautiful hills of the Texas Hill Country as my backdrop. I searched the hills in every direction possible, and this included several locations in Austin, and soon came to realize maybe it wasn’t what I really wanted. Though it very well might be for you… Here are some of my favorite Austin and Hill Country venues:

Laguna Gloria

• Riven Rock Ranch: Beautiful Hill Country views will win your heart.
• Vista West Ranch: A ranch-like setting with spectacular facilities and views of the hills.
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Wildflowers are my weakness. This is a unique venue that you have to explore.
• Mercury Hall: Set in the heart of Austin, but with privacy and charm. Many options and looks await exploring with this charming space.
• AMOA Laguna Gloria: Totally stole my heart when I looked at this venue. There are multiple areas for the ceremony and reception. There are water views (lake), an amphitheater and architectural details that will take you back decades. Not to mention the history. Go visit for the art and the story, and take a nice stroll around the outdoor space and be prepared to fall in love.
• The Bob Bullock History Museum: If you are a history and museum junkie, you will love the feel of this venue. With beautiful design and attention to detail, your reception will be filled with history and elegance.
• Texas Old Town: If you're looking for a place that screams "Texas" this might be it. Set in the Hill Country, the outdoor and indoor spaces will easily meet your expectations. 

Yes, I know what you’re thinking… “I want to use The RK Group for everything, do they go all the way to the Hill Country and Austin??” Well, you’re in luck; we have a whole team in Austin that is happy to assist you with everything from tents to tables to china and catering. All the wonderful services we offer in San Antonio are available to our northern neighbors as well.

San Antonio is filled with unique venues – some with tons of culture, others with a modern edge and even some with views that will not disappoint. Here are a few of my favorites:

Sunset Station

The Bushnell

Pearl Stables

Southwest School of Art - inside the chapel

Southwest School of Art - the gardens

•  Historic Sunset Station: Talk about history, this venue was an old train station. You have your choice of multiple depots all with different looks. The parking is convenient and it’s close to downtown, so out of town guests can have easy access. I urge you to check it out!
•  The Venues at Valero: Did you just say “Huh? For a wedding? Isn’t that an office?” It’s beautiful and the views are even MORE beautiful! There’s a wonderful outdoor area and an impressive indoor area complete with views of the hills. Take a look; you won’t be disappointed.
• Pearl Stables: Located in the heart of the amazing Pearl Brewery, this venue is an old horse stable that has been turned into a magnificent space. It’s full historic mementos and the setting is spectacular. The building is completely round, giving the main room a unique feel.
• McNay Art Museum: I love this venue. It has history, it’s beautiful and you can say that Monet and Picasso were at your wedding. 
• San Antonio Museum of Art: Again, awesome space. Set on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk, this is a venue that can really be customized to your liking and you’ll have amazing art work to look at all night long.
• UIW Sky Room: Talk about views – that’s all your guests will be talking about. You can see the whole city from here.
• The Bushnell: This is a venue to remember, for sure. The setting is unlike anything in San Antonio. You will be able to see the whole city -360 degrees of it – from the top of this building. It’s located in historic Monte Vista, and will not disappoint.
• Southwest School of Art: Probably one of the most popular venues in town and there’s a reason for that. It’s spectacular. Enveloped in a garden on the banks of the San Antonio River in downtown San Antonio. Overflowing with history and a very special feeling. WARNING: If you want this venue, be prepared to book AT LEAST one year out. And you can probably forget about April and early May – Fiesta Arts Fair takes place and the grass needs time to grow back.

There are SO many more spectacular places, this is just a sampling of what I looked at. If you know of any you loved and really want to share, please please send them my way.

Happy hunting!

Jessica