Wedding Bliss in San Angelo, Texas (travel article)

Tying the knot in the near future? Make your nuptials an affair to remember with a themed or destination wedding in San Angelo, Texas.

First, decide on your vibe—kicked-back and casual or sophisticated and elegant—because this is the heartbeat of your gathering. Whether its country, old West, vintage, sophisticated, bohemian, traditional or something else, your wedding bells will ring true with the extraordinary venues around San Angelo.

Making History

Established in 1867 to defend the frontier settlements of west Texas, Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, with its exposed stone walls and durable hardwood construction, exudes a commitment to protect and serve—what an appropriate place to vow the same to the one you love. With multiple indoor and outdoor spaces (accommodating overnight lodging for up to three couples and guest seating for anywhere from 50 to 600 people), it’s quite possible to host your entire event from rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception to the day-after brunch— whatever you choose, the old-West charm of the military fort will brand itself on everyone’s heart.

Step into another iconic era of San Angelo’s past and imagine the roaring celebrations of yesteryear at The Cactus Hotel. Built in the 1920s by Conrad Hilton, this classic art deco building (the tallest in San Angelo) instantly radiates opulence and sophistication with ornate architectural accents, vast ceilings, elegantly draped windows, crystal chandeliers and period furnishings. Though the hotel no longer offers overnight stays, the bride and her entourage will be comfortably accommodated as she readies for her walk down the aisle while up to 300 guests congregate with awed anticipation.

In between nuptial events, keep guests in the spirit by touring San Angelo’s other heritage and historical sites.

                                                                 

Bucolic Beginnings

Dress it up or dress it down at Stars on the Concho, a picture-perfect event venue at Star Ranch. Verdant fields along the Concho River offer a countrified ceremonial setting while the rustic décor of the Main Hall, with a stone fireplace, barnwood siding and string lights shimmering off its silver metal walls, provides a cozy yet classy reception space. When it’s time to get the party started, huge doors open up to a large concrete patio for a starlit first dance and where guests may boogie until the moon gives way to the day.

The large covered patio at Cain’s Cove, another waterfront venue with two grassy acres on the banks of Lake Nasworthy, also gives guests plenty of room to move. Combine that with their indoor banquet hall, charming lakeside gazebo, passionate sunsets and knowledgeable, experienced staff and you’ve got a site to suit any style or theme.

Spread out for an intimate boho-chic happening on eight waterfront acres at the Concho Christoval River Retreat and B&B. Fashion a floral-draped, teepee-style wedding arch at stream’s edge, where the wispy breeze, the trill of songbirds and the soft burble of the brook come complements of Mother Nature. The property accommodates a reception of up to 200, and a party of 10 can enjoy a lengthier stay onsite.

Bring the romance of leather and lace to your wedding at a hunting ranch. Depending on the season, deer, fowl and even exotic animals will lend a safari or hunting-expedition atmosphere to your unforgettable event.

4N Ranch offers 3,500 acres of rolling fields, wooded areas, a glistening pond, manicured lawns and patios plus indoor and outdoor event sites to serve 90 or more guests. Keep the wedding party relaxed before and after the main event inside their well-appointed lodge which accommodates 15 and take advantage of their onsite catering chef not only for the reception but other meals as well.

Settle in at Breckland Ranch, a 2,000-acre oasis where a customized event is limited only by your imagination. Their tin barn makes for a quaint country wedding while the contemporary hunting lodge, outfitted with comfy leather couches, a stone fireplace, full kitchen (including a private chef, if desired), ample bathrooms and relaxing common areas accommodates a wedding party of 10. Onsite RV hookups allow for further accommodations. Take a do-it-yourself approach or let the ranch staff do the work.

If skeet shooting is your second passion, set your sights on Pecan Creek Lodge, a beautiful location where you could be saying, “Pull!” as well as, “I do.” The inviting porch of this contemporary stone-masonry lodge envelopes a grassy event lawn and offers valley views that go on for miles. With six bedrooms, five-plus baths, a full kitchen and plenty of gathering room you might just decide to stay awhile.

Help your guests enjoy more of San Angelo by suggesting theme-inspired things to do. Maybe it’s a tour of M.L. Leddy Boots & Saddlery, a visit to Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum or a few hours at the San Angelo Nature Center.

Cultured Elegance

Waltz amid rooms filled with prized collections at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. From the contemporary multi-purpose room (accommodating up to 280 persons) to the architecturally dramatic rooftop deck overlooking the Concho River, an aesthetic of erudite sophistication will captivate your guests as they develop an appreciation for the finer things in life.

Transport to France’s Rhone Valley without leaving west Texas at Christoval Vineyard, a 25-acre estate along the Concho River. If the grape-covered trellises, stone bridges, babbling brooks, floral courtyards and European-style chapel complete with stained glass windows don’t enchant the party, their award-winning wines surely will. Just imagine the photography this romantic setting will produce—even Monet would be inspired.

If emerald green is your color, you’ll be on par with the fairways as your backdrop at Bentwood Country Club. Their elegant ballroom accommodates 225 guests while a variety of other spaces suit both indoor and outdoor needs. And with their professional staff handling all the details, it’s like hitting a hole-in-one.

For more artistic and culturally inspired experiences, suggest a self-guided walking tour of the Historic Murals of San Angelo, paint your own masterpiece at Painting with a Twist or learn about the freshwater Concho River pearl at Legend Jewelers.

Tabula Rasa

The stark, white architecture of the McNease Convention Center conveys a place where anything is possible, where the new couple can start with a clean slate and transform the space into something magical. Large enough to accommodate 700 guests with banquet-style seating, and with many options for nearby lodging, it’s perfect for the couple with a flourishing guest list.

Likewise, the Wells Fargo First Financial Pavilion, located on the San Angelo Fairgrounds, is another venue able to house larger celebrations and can even accommodate up to 10 RVs with full hookups. Other city-owned properties like the Pecan Creek Pavilion on Lake Nasworthy which accommodates up to 200, or the open-air El Paseo de Santa Angela are ideal for the do-it-yourselfers.

Spread the love by holding your smaller wedding events, like rehearsal dinner and brunch, at area hotels and restaurants. San Angelo’s wide ranging lodging options will satisfy the largest of guest lists. And, for caterers, photographers, florists, musicians and other wedding-related professionals, the San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau event-planning staff is ready to assist you.

Ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams? Say, “I do,” in San Angelo, an oasis in Texas

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