A number of museums offer discounts for non-profit organizations and members. The animal habitats were large and clean. If you and your partner are looking to get married right away, you can hold a city hall wedding at Houstons City Hall. Shame on you Houston Zoo. Do better! Why these things couldnt wait until afterwards, Im not sure. Each exhibit has a description of the animals, what region of world where they're typically found, and stable home for the animals (from stable to endangered). (Parents that are local I recommend to get memberships. Typically 2-5 children ages 1 year to 12 years. Treat your guests to an unusual house party that is sure to intrigue everyone in attendance. 2022 Joy - The Free Wedding Website & App That Does More, 5 Spectacular Outdoor Wedding Venues in Houston. Want to ensure your guests have a roaring good time? We came on a weekday morning in October, so the weather was nice. With this complete guide to how to get married in Houston, you can get started planning your wedding in confidence. You play a crucial role in the success of Houston Zoo's education and animal care programs, global field projects, and local conservation initiatives through your donations. to stow away for the ceremonyonly to burst out after the "I dos" singing one of Cathleen's all-time favorite songs: "Oh Happy Day. The marquee beneath the big red "River Oaks" sign read, "You're my absolute favorite, will you marry me?" At first, Cathleen wasn't sure if the classic, architectural Carolina Herrera wedding dress she ended up wearing down the aisle was "the one." Was very impressed how they are handling Coronavirus issues. Stroll through 19th Street in the Heights: One of Houstons most vibrant shopping districts can be found on 19th street in the Heights neighborhood. The rustic sophistication of award-winning Briscoe Manor, created by its 15,000 square feet of limestone architecture and classic-country landscape, infuses nuptials at this sprawling venue with ample romantic charm. Zoo employees are letting a handful of people in at a time to reduce the crowds. The parking is ridiculous. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Take some snacks for the kids or have picnic with your family. Houstons museums are not just wonderful places to house exhibits many offer special event space for rent, where guests can be surrounded by art, artifacts and distinctive architecture. But honestly, we will be back! The Zoo is also on the edge of Hermann park which is great to visit after. While social distancing is encouraged, all businesses are now permitted to operate at full capacity. brought her animal theme to chic new heights. Children over 2 $13. These were placed between Cathleen's grandmother's collection of ginger jars and palm fronds over, of course, a de Gournay-esque tablecloth. There are tons of food options also. There are maps around so you can find your way pretty well. All of the staff was kind although not great with pointing directions. Light music permitted inside building. Dimmable lighting Here are some considerations when choosing a wedding month in Houston. Zola is here to help every step of the waywhether its designing custom wedding invitations or putting the final touches on your wedding registry, we have all the Expert Advice youll need to make your wedding vision come to life. Bonus: Proceeds from your wedding support the maintenance of the park, and the community enhancing events and services it provides. Serving as a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Houston, and neighbors with the world renown Texas Medical Center, the Houston Zoo is home to wildlife from all corners of the globe. The carousel was a nice surprise for my daughter (6yo). The prices were about half those of the local hotels/ballrooms/restaurants/B&Bs. The average cost of a wedding in 2020 was $20,300, a $4,400 per-wedding decrease from the year before. Seasons are an important factor in wedding planning and will play a role in things like your venue choice and the style of your wedding. Do an early time where it is less crowded and less hot. Member Preview Nights, November 15 & 16: $6.95 Value Nights: Member $11.95 Non-Member $16.95 Prime Nights: Member $16.95 Non-Member $19.95 Children 1 and Under: FREE 5. For a streamlined feel and flowing open space, turn to the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft where you can host a reception for up to 200. There was signage that required the wearing of masks however, there was no one to enforce it. Did the zoo offer decent prices? We had an okay experience. At Asia Society Texas Center the light-filled Jade Stone Caf seats 40, with additional outdoor space, while the stunning Water Garden Terrace provides space for up to 40 banquet-style or 64 reception-style. Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. By train: The Sunset Limited Amtrak train is the only Amtrak train that travels to and from Houston. This includes restaurants, bars, retail stores, salons, museums, and attractions. Thank you so much for your input! Houston, TX 77030. Heres how to obtain one: Yes. Bailey Gaddis is a travel writer at IntrepidTravelTribe.com and author of Feng Shui Mommy: Creating Balance and Harmony for Blissful Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood. Learn more about wedding venues in Houston on The Knot. Theres not a bad seat in the house in The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Brown Auditorium (capacity: 350). Spent a large portion of the day here! By 10AM most spots were gone. Contact Information & Hours. This visit, the first on a Sunday, taught us to avoid the zoo on weekends. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well being of our residents and guests. The food provided by the Zoo was exceptional. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. This thoughtfulness was also reflected in Cathleen and Winston's music choices. 0. Just because one wedding was successful/wrought with trouble, doesn't mean your wedding will be successful/wrought with trouble. You can definitely expect to spend multiple hours if you want to have time to see most of the zoo without feeling rushed. Cocktail style capacity for both spaces combined: 200. For VIP viewing, check out the 400-seat Giant Screen Theatre. With a sprawling city like Houston, there are tons of exciting neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique culture and charm. Limit 3 per purchaser daily. Houston Interactive Aquarium is looking for a childcare provider for our staff members who would like to bring their children to work with them. Members are not required to make online reservations to visit the Zoo. Specialties: The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. Lawn seating: 1000 An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. By plane: There are two main airports operating in Houston: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) Distance to downtown Houston: 9 miles, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Distance to downtown Houston: 22 miles. An Elegant Black-Tie Wedding in Washington, D.C. Floor-to-Ceiling Florals Brought the Outside in at This North Carolina Wedding, This Washington, D.C., Couple Took Their Guests to Paris for Their NuptialsWithout Passports. Weddings and Special Occasions. Kick a 20-person brainstorming session into high gear in the Big Thoughts Room at the Houston Museum of African American Culture or book the Theatre Room or the Seminal Conference Room for up to 50 attendees. Cocktail style: 350. If you would like to have your reception inside, the large indoor space offers a patio, vast forest views, furniture and linens, place settings, dance floor, sound system, and a kitchen for your caterer of choice to utilize. 4 large ceiling fans, Capacity: Also, special thanks to all of the amazing vendors that helped make Sarah & Rickys big day so special! 483juanv. At the end of the day toward 4PM it was getting crowded and the lines to get into the main park were huge. 3 large ceiling fans, Capacity: The hub of Downtown boasts countless culinary delights, renowned museums, trendy nightlife options, and more. Evening rental only All daytime rentals include conference-style tables and chairs, as well as a select number of permanent exhibit hall tickets and parking validation. Cocktail style: 2500. Typical Cost: $75 $95/person for food. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. While Houston temperatures are known to fluctuate, fall weather is still fairly warm in September with average highs of 88 degrees. Save yourself a big headache.. and take UBER or Lyft here. The centuries-old Victorian homes lining the streets are home to families and local businesses alike, and there are countless boutiques, antique shops, and galleries to be discovered. Typically, the zoo will shut down at 500pm and all guests must exit. They are limiting visitors which was hard to see or believe as we have never seen so many people at the zoo at one time. What time can i go to the zoo if i buy a lone star benefit discount ticket? Light music permitted inside building Seating for 60 included Tranquil waterfall in exhibit The domed 200-seat Burke Baker Planetarium is a fascinating setting for your corporate meeting or even a wedding ceremony. Seating: 100 Winston's cake was a headhis head, in fact, complete with a marble cake interior. We have visited the Houston Zoo many times and find it to be a new place at each visit. Dreaming of exchanging your vows in Houston? This family-owned, 21-acre property certainly has something special going for it, as it has been the site of dreamlike weddings for over 40 years. Whether it's a cocktail reception, meeting, corporate picnic, wedding reception, or any occasion for 10 to 2500+ guests, the Houston Zoo offers a variety of unique events venues and untamed ideas to set your party apart from the herd. Much like the invitations, Cathleen's Aquazurra for de Gournay shoes (in the "Amazonia" print!) 2023 Houston Zoo, all rights reserved. The hanging chandeliers from the Oak Trees that lined the reflection pool at the Zoo were absolutely magnificent! The ecumenical Wenceslas Chapel provides an elegant antique-filled space for services, weddings and renewal of vows or hold a small meeting in thecenters conference room. The two bowsone for the ceremony and another for the receptionmade the dress all the more appealing. We are going to focus on different sections so the kids can learn in depth on the different animals at the zoo. Try again. This wasnt one of the best zoos weve visited. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Late spring months also bring an increase in rainfall, and strong thunderstorms arent uncommon. Built-in service bar Make it a true African experience byadding the patios that overlook the giraffe andrhino habitats. The Houston Zoo provides a range of fun and versatile event spaces for corporate functions, birthdays, weddings and more from very small to very large. Seating: 120 The Cockrell Butterfly Center has room for 50 at a wedding ceremony, while 40 can be seated for dinner in the West Plaza or 75 for a reception. 9. Cathleen and Winston's Catholic ceremony was held at Annunciation Catholic Church, where they asked a gospel choir (Love Actually style!) Try the Cockrell Butterfly Center lobby for 120 to 200 guests. Daytime or evening rental The capacity is 150 guests. Since Sarahs family owns a nursery, the beauty of nature was a theme Sarah & Ricky wanted to emphasize in their wedding festivities. Accredited by Association of Zoos & Aquariums The Houston Zoo is a registered 501(c)(3) organization 2023 Houston Zoo, all rights reserved. Buffalo Bayou Engagement Portraits | Houston Photographer | Kristen & Urban Engagement Portraits | Houston Engagement Photographer | Amanda & Sarah & Ricky | Houston Photographer | Houston Engagement. As the countrys fourth-largest city and the biggest metropolis in the South, this thriving cultural melting pot has much to offer. Houston winters tend to be cool and dry. Let this iconic locale serve as a breathtaking backdrop to your al fresco dining experience. Check out our galleries of real Houston weddings, where you can filter by season, trending styles, and location! Even though most of the snack places were not open the main cafe had a lot of great food options. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Venue, Annunciation Catholic Church (ceremony), Houston Zoo (reception), Stationery and Calligraphy, Embossed Graphics of Texas, Music, Grady Gaines & The Texas Upsetters, Bride's accessories, Aquazurra for de Gournay (shoes), Groom's accessories, Stubbs & Wootton (shoes). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It was such a unique way to celebrate the start of our lives togetherId highly recommend having your next event at their facility. Seating under tent: 200 The museums conference room fits up to 100. For an even bigger crowd, renting the entire zoo for an evening provides plenty of room to roam and take a walk on the wild side. Host an after-hours meeting at the Duncan Family Conference Room at the Childrens Museum of Houston, seating 50 at tables or up to 100 theater style. Be sure to arrive early, the house is usually packed! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. The joy is in the doing. Offering numerous options for ceremony locations, the 50-acre Briscoe Manor features Blakes Lakeside, which, as the name implies, is situated by a placid lake that exhibits views of a green pasture with grazing cattle, and the vibrant, grass-filled Amys Courtyard, providing easy access to the Grand Foyer and Crofton Ballroom. Take a peek into the past and future of Americas human space-flight adventures, or attend a movie featuring actual space exploration footage. Relax at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park: Once dubbed the Williams Waterfall, this 64-foot fountain recycles 11,000 gallons of water per minute and creates a breathtaking view. Our kids had a blast that is what is important. The zoo cost a little over $22 each for the general admission. Use of an additional location is available at an hourly rate with a 4-hour facility rental from January November. It would be a great day out for all the family! Its also become quite the photo-opp spot, so be sure to snap a picture before you leave! Houston Zoo Special Events New on this visit was the requirement to purchase your tickets online and to select a time slot to enter. If you have out-of-town guests traveling to attend your wedding, theyll appreciate having an itinerary of helpful information like travel tips, nearby neighborhoods, and fun things to do in the city. Audrie! Distinctive desert and tropical displays in exhibits Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. Cocktail style: 200. Monogrammed crests and palm leaves polished the final design, which was created by Embossed Graphics of Texas. Its crazy they sell all these tickets and do not have enough parking available for everyone who bought a ticket! Privacy Policy. Music with dancing permitted in plaza, Addition of the Giraffe and Rhino Patios for an additional fee For more tips, check out our guide on how to plan a wedding on a budget. The Heights: The Heights is one of Houstons most historic neighborhoods, tucked away in the northwest-central area of the city. Music and dancing permitted, Capacity: Do you need to book in advance to visit Houston Zoo? However, every wedding is different. The Cockrell Butterfly Center has room for 50 at a wedding ceremony, while 40 can be seated for dinner in the West Plaza or 75 for a reception. 10. If your guests are visiting from out of town, help fill their free time with a list of fun things to do and explore throughout the city. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no federal or state funding. It cost us $150 for 5 adults & 3 kids under the age of 4yrs for lunch! Ceremonies can be scheduled MondayFriday between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Cathleen loved her wedding invitations so much, they wound up being one of her favorite details of the whole day. This venue is located 20 minutes northwest of downtown Columbus and right on the Scioto River. The Festival Lawn at Asia Society Texas Center is an expansive outdoor space for temporary events. Capacity: Once youve decided on Houston as your wedding location, its time to start scoping out your vendors! We have over 6000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! MUST present Military ID with ticket for entry. The buzzing metropolitan city of Houston is known for its rich cultural diversity and is home to residents from all over the world. MUST present Military ID with ticket for entry. Taste Catering at Houston Zoo has exclusively designed menu packages for your unforgettable reception. This 12-acre park offers five exquisite outdoor wedding venues, including Lindsey Waterside Landing, Jones Lawn, Grace Event Lawn, Macondas Grove, and Transier Bandstand. Music with dancing permitted outside building, Capacity: Music with dancing permitted inside building, Capacity: Take an Underground Tunnel tour for an up-close look at the sprawling underground metropolis that lives beneath the city! In addition, we have over 1.84 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Saturday was sold out, so we went Sunday. *Tax included in price. By car: If you plan to make your journey by car, Highway 59 offers access points from all directions. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Private restroom inside building The Zoo closes at 5 p.m. and re-opens at 6 p.m. for TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights. After a delicious dinner, The Time Machine Band got everyone out on the dance floor for an epic dance party that concluded with Ricky crowd surfing and Sarah showing off her amazing hip hop skills! Easy access to restrooms Seating for 100 included Enjoy a subterranean seated dinner for 50 in the Zilkha Gallery at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston or host up to 50 in the intimate Cullen Education Resource Center. Though the night was filled with special songs, the last one was extra specialCathleen and Winston's final dance of the night was to the song "Sugar" by Maroon 5, a song that was extremely popular when the couple first began dating (and that shares a title with Winston's pet name for Cathleen). Host an upscale dinner or happy hour and explore the wonders of the Galpagos Islands dynamic underwater life. Cathleen Cantrell and Winston Holloway were two-and-a-half years into dating when, over dinner at Brasserie 19 in Houston, Winston suggested they go to a movie down the street at the River Oaks Theater. The carousel was a lot of fun. There are over over 1.84 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. If you are planning to go into a covered exhibit, there will be lines. Bridal parties are able to prep for the ceremony in total comfort, as Briscoe Manor provides a bridal suite, with marble vanities, a chandelier, and cushy seating arrangements, in addition to a grooms lounge with flat screen televisions and a billiards table. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a wedding venue destination in Powell, Ohio that caters to the needs of couples getting married in the Greater Columbus area. Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. Latest activity by Stephanie, on June 9, 2013 at 1:55 PM, Rompi Rompi to Mavi Mavi, kick off your shoes and get ready to review classic, It can be tough to narrow down the long list of wedding vendors near you, but, In search of a seasonal wedding guest outfit? Price Range $12.70 - $19.20. Youll find food halls, a lively theater district, parks and green spaces, and exquisite restaurants (or sports bars if thats more your style!). Music with dancing permitted Bradley and Leslie's ceremony was at the beautiful West University Baptist Church, TX Bradley actually works at the church. However, this can vary widely depending on the vendors hired and location. Cocktail style: 400. Music with dancing permitted Snap a photo in front of the Houston Is Inspired Mural: Dont end your visit without heading over to this famous mural on 520 Travis Street. ), a visit to the Houston Zoo is a special experience! Weddings in Prospect Park take place at two historic settings: the Picnic House, a romantic building with scenic views of the 90-acre Long Meadow and a wood-burning fireplace, and the Boathouse, a Beaux Arts landmark overlooking the Lullwater. Click here to view a printable version of the Museums rental pricing. Daytime or evening rental Bonus: For an additional $500, you can enjoy up-close interactions with some of the zoo inhabitants through the Animal Ambassador Program. The Houston Amtrak Station is located on the outskirts of downtown, but you can walk to central tourist attractions in 10 minutes or less. The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. The variety of animals was great. (way better than the S.A. zoo cafe). Your marriage license will only be valid after this 72 hour waiting period has passed. The 445-acre park borders an array of central neighborhoods, attractions, and local institutions, and the park itself is brimming with playgrounds, picnic areas, lakes, and gardens. The permanent exhibit spaces can fit up to 2,500 people. Be sure to check out Discovery Green in the heart of Downtown, an open green space that frequently hosts special pop-up markets, concerts, and festivals. For more information about your special event please contact us atspecialevents@hmns.org or 713-639-4749. If a 120-seat 4D theatre is what youre after, book the John P. McGovern Theater at The Health Museum. We'd heard that is was fun, unique, and even the food was amazing! The restaurants French Colonial ambiance andsoaring ceilings will transport you on an Africanadventure.