Best Wedding Venues in Dallas of 2022

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Now comes the hard part: figuring out which of the many, many wedding venues in Dallas is the perfect place for you to tie the knot. You’ll want to reserve the spot of your choice as early as possible, as some venues book out years in advance. To help make the whole process easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to choose from, along with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

On this list, you’ll find diverse venues that range in price, capacity, location, and package offerings. Regardless of what type of venue you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it here. 

Final Verdict

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to selecting the best wedding venues in Dallas. But the Dallas Arboretum wins our top spot for its beautiful setting, relative affordability, and range of locations and packages (which makes for a much more curated experience than most).

Guide for Choosing the Best Wedding Venues in Dallas

Is a Wedding Venue in Dallas Right for You?

“I’ve had quite a few clients who live in other states marry here in Dallas,” says Ashley Mason of Saunter Weddings. “When I asked them why they chose to wed here, the response was location. The airport hub is pretty central in relation to other states and it’s easy to travel through internationally, which are major factors in guest experience when planning a destination [wedding].”

According to Mason, the quality of vendors and bang for your buck are also factors that set Dallas apart as a wedding destination. “Dallas is also home to some of the most celebrated wedding vendors in the world and offers a variety of venues, from upscale barns to vineyard soirées and artfully designed ballrooms,” she says. “[Also], the cost of planning a wedding here compared to more commonly known destinations is hard to beat, leaving more room in the budget to go the extra mile with creativity.”

Comparing Wedding Venues in Dallas

Consider these main criteria when looking for the ideal wedding venue in Dallas:

• Pricing: When it comes to pricing, every venue is different. Some may be full-service venues, which means they have everything you need for your special day. Some are DIY, so you’ll have to bring everything in yourself. And, from there, there are many, many other in-between options. Think about what’s included and what’s not, and make sure to price everything out so you don’t exceed your total budget.  
• Layout/Capacity: Make sure there’s ample space for all your guests to mingle—a venue with multiple layout options is ideal. “As a designer, I look for venues with flexible spaces so that we aren’t boxed into one plan only,” Mason says. “It allows for more creative freedom to play with layouts and customize.”
• Hours of Operation/Restrictions: If you’re envisioning dancing into the wee hours of the night with your guests, make sure that your venue doesn’t require you to be gone by 10 p.m. (or charge a fee for staying past a certain time). “Any venue that comes with extended rental hours is an added bonus since some celebrations go on for days with multiple events and complex build-outs,” Mason says. Many venues have noise restrictions, as well. 
• Guest Experience: It’s important to think about your guests’ experience, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or inviting a lot of out-of-towners. Look for a venue that’s located near good hotel options, and inquire about a room block/special rate for your guests.
• Parking: It may not be as sexy as decor or music, but parking is one of the most important things to consider before booking a venue. Be sure to find out if the venue provides free parking (and if not, check if they can help arrange for shuttles) and how many cars it can accommodate. 
• Aesthetics: It’s worth noting that it’s important to stick to the venue that fits your aesthetic and feels like you—don’t just go with a venue/vision that looks like an Instagram ad. 

Book Your Dallas Wedding Venue Today

To start the booking process, couples should request pricing information from the venue. This info should include the number of guests expected in attendance, the day of the week, and how much the total cost will be. Some venues have this information listed online; for others, you may need to request a quote via their contact form, email, or phone. Once you’ve received pricing info, you can choose a package, along with any additional amenities/features. You’ll then select a payment schedule and make a deposit.

Definitely talk to a planner before securing your venue. “There are always questions planners know to ask based on our experiences. The answers to these questions can be deal-breakers or deal-sealers, so it’s important to book a planner prior to signing the dotted line,” Mason says.

A planner may also be able to help you get the lowdown on brand-new venues before this info becomes available to the general public. According to Mason, “New venues are opening up every year. If you don’t see your ideal dates available at your chosen space, talk with your planner to get the scoop on venues to come. [Venues] usually reach out to planners to give us construction tours and first looks, which essentially means first dibs before they fully open their calendars.”

Methodology

For this article, we looked at over 30 venues in the Dallas area. Our main criteria included pricing and value (we wanted to include a range of options for every budget), layout and capacity, location, and any restrictions (e.g., on catering, alcohol, and music).