Over the years, I’ve been to dozens of wedding venues all over Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin County and Rockwall. I love all things weddings. So much so, that as soon as I meet someone getting married, I have alllllll the questions. “Have you chosen a venue? What are you envisioning? OOOOOH, what type of dress are you looking for?” I’m almost certain my eyes widen and I talk even faster than normal as I drift off into my wedding space. That’s what you get when you fall in love with My Best Friend’s Wedding and Father of the Bride at age 8 and are an expert daydreamer. Anyway, in one of my wedding space moments, I started thinking about what I love best about some of the Dallas wedding venues I’ve been to and ended up with a list so long, I had to break it up into a few posts.

My aesthetic is light and airy. I love bright, neutral, elegant spaces. Think: basking in the sunlight and florals galore. The problem with that and living in Dallas, is that most venues are ballrooms and most of those ballrooms are windowless, carpeted and have dark walls. And while I can appreciate uplighting, candle lights and the proper use of light stands and bounced flash, most ballrooms just aren’t my style. And if you like MY work, that stuff probably isn’t your jam either. But daydream with me a minute. Do you love a black tie wedding? Because it’s my absolute favorite. Picture your fiance in a tux, complete with a black bowtie (*swoon*), you in a ball gown, or sleek, classic gown, in a sophisticated space with tall ceilings, windows for natural light and city views. It exists, y’all! Let me show you the way.

Scottish Rite Library & Museum 

Scottish Rite Library & Museum‘s glorious crown molding and columns scream of old-world elegance. My eyes feasted the first time I walked into the Crystal Ballroom. I was second shooting for Emily Davis and so excited to be in charge of photographing the reception details. The hardwood floors and windows galore are beautiful, but years later, those ceilings and columns remain unforgettable. Driving up to the Downtown Dallas landmark, you can’t miss the standout historic structure that’s both beautiful in the daylight and when surrounded by twinkling Dallas skyscrapers. The 100-year-old stairs and pillars set the tone for an impressive and formal affair, and if you’re like me, your heart will pitter patter at the sight of the marble walls in the entry. I’ve been yearning to shoot there again, so if historic charm, gorgeous light and elegance are your style, let’s do this.

The Room on Main

I am so, so, so excited to be going back to The Room on Main this year for a formal summer wedding. I first visited The Room on Main years ago when second shooting for my favorite wedding photographer and good friend Celina Gomez. I love tall ceilings, and this ballroom has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Downtown Dallas. It’s in the heart of downtown, across from Main Street Garden and neighbor to many classic Dallas hotels. It has elevators for guests and a cute space for a send off at the end of the night. If you’re sick of touring dark spaces with carpeted floors, LOOK. THIS. WAY. Light and airy neutral lovers who appreciate a classic feel and want a formal ballroom wedding in Dallas, this space is it. There’s really nothing else like it, and that’s why once you see it, nowhere else will compare.

19th Floor Ballroom at The Adolphus

I’ve shot at the Adolphus a couple of times. Their main ballroom is stunning. Nothing dark and dingy about it. It’s all luxury. BUT. The 19th Floor Ballroom? OK, I’m just dying to shoot there. I meeeeeaaaaaaan. This place almost makes me actually drool. It is what my natural light dreams are made of. I don’t have photos of my own to share, but check out their website. Then book me to photograph your wedding there. ;)

 

Honorable Mentions:

1. Renaissance Dallas‘s new rooftop ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and adjacent outdoor ceremony space. How convenient is that? Bonus points for the “on-top-of-the-world” ceremony feels.
2. Brookhaven Country Club’s ballroom has vaulted ceilings, mirrored/white walls and one wall completely made up of windows. I’m a fan.
3. Park City Club’s ballroom has large windows on two sides with city views and the perfect sunset view during dinner. The last time I shot there, it was THE spot for wedding guest selfies.
4. City Place While I wouldn’t call it light and airy, it does also have windows with amazing city views and an upscale feel. Parking there isn’t my favorite though.
5. The Dallas Arboretum’s Rosine Hall is lovely. Also wouldn’t call it light and airy, but I love the Arboretum and if a ballroom is what you need, they’ve got it. Plus, it’ll guarantee beautiful portraits onsite.

 

That’s it for ballrooms. I will be back with a post on my favorite grand and photogenic Dallas wedding venues (that are not ballrooms) soon, and a separate post on industrial/warehouse venues with modern vibes.