Venues Venues Venues - Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond

Brady came to visit me for the long Easter weekend. We managed to squeeze in an appointment to look at venues between sailing, Easter egg hunts, eating, and visiting family. We went to see Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, Texas. It's about a 30 minute drive from my house in Katy.

We toured this sprawling ranch's facility and liked the Safari Room. It is paired with an outdoor gazebo overlooking a lake and real wild life. There were deer and zebras on the other side of the lake.

The indoor area is pretty country. It matches Brady's style and I think the decor would match my style. I would add a bunch of Asian paper lanterns at different heights to create visual interest.

So this facility was nice, reasonably priced, and it was all ready booked for March 10, 2012. March 3rd was open, but the problem is we can't book anything till we both know where we'll be living next year. It's frustrating. But at least we managed to find some reasonably priced venues.

Farewell Briscoe

One of the options Brady and I were leaning toward for our wedding and reception was Briscoe Manor in Richmond, Texas. It is really close to Houston but it is on this huge ranch. It is one of those places that have the chapel and reception room in one location.

Brady and I all ready really loved it but one of the coordinators emailed me back today with upsetting news. Apparently if you are getting married on a Saturday evening (who isn't?) it will cost a minimum of $16,600. And that is not even including any alcohol. Needless to say, that's too much to pay.

Although being engaged is a really exciting part of my life, I can't help but feel like people in the wedding industry are constantly trying to take you for every penny you have. I'm just frustrated! It's making a destination wedding look really great right now.

We still have a few more front runners that we have to go see when Brady is next in town. Texas Safari Ranch looks very promising. We used to have our band banquets there in high school. They have a BUNCH of rooms to choose from. Plus their food was good!

Nacogdoches Venue?

IF IF IF we get married in Nacogdoches, this is our home church. Perrite Memorial United Methodist.

My mom and I took a short trip up to Nacogdoches to look at venues. On our way up to Nacogdoches, we slowly eliminated venue by venue until we were left with the Pine Creek Country Inn. It's a hotel in the woods by Lake Nacogdoches. We could not see the location until Sunday because they had a wedding there on Saturday. The wedding decor and mess was still left over when we swung by after church.

I wouldn't do the whole peach theme, but that can be changed.

It has a back patio connecting to the reception room. This couple opted to hold the ceremony here.

So this is one of the best options for Nacogdoches. I am not a fan of Fredonia Hotel, in case any of yall were about to suggest it. It's all right, but I think this place has more personality. 

On a scale from one to ten, I would rate this venue at a 7. It has the qualities we are looking for: space, full bar, multiple rooms for a cocktail hour, outdoor and dance space. 

The drawback is that the reception room is a little dated looking. I am sure that with all powers combined we could totally transform it with curtains and lighting.