When Is Wedding Season In Texas?

While May through October is considered the typical wedding season in most states, Texas, being a southern state, has a slightly different take on it. The state’s warm climate allows for year-round outdoor wedding ceremonies, though the ideal season may vary depending on the location and venue chosen. With its vast size covering the entire urban-rural spectrum, Texas offers a range of options for wedding venues, from hip city venues in Austin or Dallas to beautiful ranch settings fifty miles outside the city. As with any state, Texas has its own set of cultural traditions and rules governing weddings, including marriage license laws, tourist seasons, and weather conditions, all of which are important to consider when booking a venue.

While it is commonly believed that the best time to host a wedding is during late spring to early fall, this timeframe may not be suitable for certain couples and locations. In some cases, wedding venues may even work better during the off-season. This is particularly true for Texas weddings, which operate on a distinctive wedding calendar due to its warm climate and diverse venues. To assist you in selecting the perfect wedding date, we will delve into the Texan wedding season, covering topics like the best months for texas weddings, the best locations, how to handle texas weather, popular texas venues, styles, decor, food, and some pro tips for getting married in Texas. Let’s dive in!

Best Months for Texas Weddings

Texas has a unique wedding calendar that operates all year round. With cool winters, hot summers, and mild springs and autumns, the state offers a flexible climate for throwing celebrations. The most popular months for weddings are March and October. To help you choose the best season for your Texas wedding, let’s break down the benefits of each season based on your location and venue.

Winter (December to February) is perfect for indoor celebrations, and if you opt for an outdoor wedding, heat lamps are a must. South Texas locations like Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo stay mild in winter, making them ideal for outdoor or partially outdoor celebrations. An indoor-only celebration is great for those who prefer to skip the sweat and sun. Winter weddings also come with a lower budget, as vendors usually offer “off-season” menus with significantly lower prices for rentals.

Spring (March to May) and Fall (late September to November) are Texas’s prime outdoor wedding seasons, with temperatures hovering around the mild 60s and 70s. For a spring or fall wedding, be prepared for higher charges as peak months usually mean higher vendor prices. Outdoor celebrations are perfect for this season, with garden, vineyard, ranch, farmhouse, or even backyard weddings being ideal. The spring and fall seasons offer more venues that can handle large guest lists of 300 or more people. Weekday weddings are also an option during these seasons, with more flexibility and some venues offering lower prices.

Summer means heat, and Texas temperatures sit around the 80s and often climb up to the 90s. However, some North Texas cities keep the heat mild during the summer compared to other regions. Venues in midsummer may or may not be considered peak wedding season, so make sure you have enough budget to cover any potentially higher costs. A covered outdoor area is a must for ranch and farmstead venues, and it’s important to have a rain plan as summer is also the rainiest season. Throwing an outdoor reception in the evening can easily shed 10 degrees of heat in the summer.

Locations for Texas Wedding Season

With its vast and diverse landscape, Texas provides the perfect blend of city and country life. Whether you prefer modern and bustling metropolises, peaceful rural towns, or something in between, Texas has it all. From the southern Rio Grande to the northern Oklahoma border, here are some of our top picks for the wedding season in Texas.

Austin: Austin is the perfect destination for a truly one-of-a-kind wedding celebration. Known for its creativity, popularity, and eccentricity, this city offers a range of venues to suit any taste. The mild temperatures of spring and fall make outdoor celebrations in the city’s parks and riverfront areas a popular choice, while the trendy warehouses and hotels provide a stylish backdrop for a more urban affair. However, it’s best to avoid the crowds that flock to Austin for events like South by Southwest in March or Austin City Limits in October. 

Dallas: Dallas is conveniently located near Fort Worth and other North Texas cities, offering a plethora of venue options. You can choose from serene ranches, charming historic homes, and stunning urban locations like The Dallas World Aquarium. Plus, with the region’s moderate weather, the outdoor wedding season is abundant and enduring.

El Paso: El Paso exudes a strong Mexican culture, making it an ideal destination for a wedding. The adobe architecture and vast plains create a serene and rustic atmosphere that perfectly complements any celebration. For an authentic experience of West Texas culture, this border city is unmatched.

Texas City: Texas City offers a beautiful setting for any celebration, with its stunning Gulf of Mexico coastline, warm weather, and charming downtown. Situated close to Houston, you get the perks of an urban environment with fewer crowds and magnificent ocean views.

Handling Texas Weather for Wedding Season

1. Dress appropriately: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk. Choose light colors that reflect the sun, and consider open-toed shoes or sandals to keep your feet cool.
2. Provide shade: Consider adding tents, umbrellas, or shaded areas to keep guests cool and out of direct sunlight. You could also provide fans or misting systems to keep the air circulating.
3. Offer refreshments: Keep your guests hydrated by providing plenty of water, as well as other refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails.
4. Use heat-resistant decor: Choose heat-resistant flowers and decorations, such as succulents or air plants, that won’t wilt or wither in the heat. You could also incorporate natural elements like wood or stone, which can withstand high temperatures.
5. Plan for the time of day: Consider scheduling your ceremony and reception during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. You could also plan for a sunset ceremony, which can provide a beautiful and cooler atmosphere.
6. Stay cool: Provide fans or air conditioning in indoor areas, and consider adding outdoor fans or misting systems to keep guests cool during the festivities.
   

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your summer Texas wedding is comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone involved.

Popular Texas Wedding Venues

While the sprawling ranches of Texas offer stunning wedding backdrops, there are plenty of other venue options throughout the state. Here are the top wedding venue categories in Texas:

1. Farms, Barns, and Ranches: Texas’s countryside properties offer a genuine outdoor wedding experience with rustic barns, ranch grounds, and plenty of sunshine. Authentic farmsteads, such as The Barn at Watson Ranch, can be found across the state.
2. Hotels, Inns, and Resorts: Texas boasts numerous charming inns and swanky hotels, perfect for hosting remote getaways or modern receptions. Check out the boho-chic Camp Comfort or the sleek Virgin Hotels Dallas.
3. Ballrooms and Banquet Halls: Texas’s major cities offer impressive banquet halls, ideal for indoor receptions during the cool winters or midsummer heat. The avant-garde Jones Center in Austin is a must-see.
4. Historic Estates and Mansions: With a long history of settlers, Texas boasts elegant historic properties dating back to the 1800s. Consider hosting your classic-style wedding at the Victorian-era Allan House or Houston’s Station 3, a fire station-turned-venue.
5. Waterfront Areas: Although not typically thought of as a beach destination, Texas has miles of gorgeous coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, as well as stunning lake and river views. The Admiral’s marine space in Houston or the Lakeview Room at Avery Ranch Golf Club in Austin are excellent options.

Texas-Style decor

The selection of a wedding venue can establish the ambiance for the entire celebration, and in the vast state of Texas, the options are diverse, ranging from rustic and rural to modern and elegant. While a ski cabin-themed wedding may be impractical, there is an array of decorative styles to choose from:

Rustic and Rural: Embrace the earthy and cozy atmosphere of a farmhouse wedding in Texas. The state offers an ideal setting for rustic celebrations with wooden furniture, mason jars, and lantern lights. For an added touch of southern charm, incorporate succulents and leather details into the decor.

Bohemian and Artsy: Texas is home to some of the most avant-garde and hipster communities, such as those in Austin and San Antonio. For the creative couple, a boho-chic wedding is an ideal option. A reception “buffet” from an Austin-style food truck or incorporating Texas’s lovely dried grasses and wildflowers into the botanicals will enhance the event’s aesthetic.

Modern and Elegant: The industrial buildings in Texas cities boast clean lines, sharp color palettes, and geometric designs, providing a perfect backdrop for modern and chic weddings. These urban spaces are the ideal setting to bring your minimalist or monochromatic visions to life. Zola offers the ideal modern invitation designs to set the tone beforehand.

Vintage Southern: Vintage southern decor creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance, with lacy tablecloths, tinted glass, soft pastels, and abundant florals. Whether you’re aiming for a groovy ’70s or romantic ’50s theme, a retro style adds fun and sophistication to your celebration.

Texas Wedding Food

Texan cuisine is as diverse as the state itself, with a mix of American South, rural West, and Mexican influences that combine to create a flavorful melting pot. From tacos to barbecue to southern classics, a Texas-themed menu is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. 

Here are some ideas to bring the Lone Star State to your wedding feast:

Taco Bar: Tacos are a Texas staple, and for good reason. From breakfast tacos in Austin to tripas tacos along the border, there’s a taco for every taste. For a fun, interactive experience, set up a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of fillings and toppings, from classic ground beef and cheddar cheese to authentic carnitas and pico de gallo.

Barbecue Blowout: Texas is known for its barbecue, with a range of styles and traditions from all across the state. Choose your preferred style, from open-flame grills in West Texas to low-and-slow smokers in East Texas, and serve it up with traditional sides like coleslaw, greens, and baked beans.

Southern Classics: Traditional southern fare is always a crowd-pleaser, with dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and pecan tarts. For a more upscale twist, serve these classics as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres or put a modern spin on them.

Tex-Mex Tastes: Tex-Mex is a unique cuisine that blends American and Mexican flavors to create mouth-watering dishes like chili con carne, fajitas with flour tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. These dishes work well as both sit-down entrees and buffet-style offerings.

Coastal Cuisine: For weddings on the Gulf Coast, seafood is a must. Grilled shrimp, lobster, snapper, and grouper are just a few of the options that make for excellent reception fare, and can be paired with traditional sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, and buttery corn on the cob.

Whatever your preference, a Texas-themed menu is sure to be a hit with your guests, showcasing the state’s rich culinary heritage and giving everyone a taste of what makes Texas so special.

Pro Tips For A Texas Wedding

Texas is a beloved destination for marrying couples, with over 100,000 weddings held in the state each year, making it the third most popular state for weddings. To secure a spot amongst the crowds, early and thorough planning is essential; book your catering, wedding videographer in texas, hire a wedding planner ASAP. Follow these tips for a seamless Texas wedding, no matter which city you choose.

Marriage License 

Marriage licenses and laws vary by county, but there are a few Texas marriage laws that apply to every couple. Formal marriage licenses and common law marriage licenses are both available options, and couples must be at least 16 years old (with stricter rules for minors), unrelated as close blood relatives, and marry within Texas borders (if applying for a formal license). Couples must also provide legal documents, including:

•  Photo ID 
• Social security number or employee ID number 
• Birthplace information
• A license fee (ranging from $71 to $88). 
• After successfully applying for and receiving a marriage license, couples must wait 72 hours to marry. In popular cities or wedding locations, applying on the earlier side is recommended to avoid long lines.
  

Popular Events To Avoid When Planning A Texas Wedding

Tourism and popular events can disrupt wedding plans, so it’s crucial to plan around them. Every major city in Texas hosts festivals and events that draw crowds, so avoiding these events during prime wedding season is essential. Some major Texas festivals to avoid during wedding season include:

•  South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March
• San Antonio Fiesta and the WorldFest Film Festival in Houston in April 
• The JMBLYA in Dallas in May
  

Embracing the culture of Texas is a must for any wedding held in the state. Texas boasts a unique personality, combining western, southern, Mexican, and cowboy influences into a singular cultural identity. From food to decor to cowboy boots, it’s important to celebrate the Texas way at your wedding and embrace the state’s vibrant culture.