10 favorite local venues from a DFW wedding photographer
Introducing:
Mikaela Greathouse
Simply Great Photography
I'm Mikaela, the DFW wedding photographer behind the camera! I've been documenting love stories since 2021, and have had the privilege of working at more than 50 different local venues, so I know what brides prioritize in a space. I also know wedding planning can be unbelievably overwhelming, so I've decided to detail my top 10 favorite wedding venues in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to get you started!
The French Farmhouse
Collinsville, TX
This elegant venue is known for its blue shutters and stunning indoor chapel with floor with floor to ceiling windows and a light and bright interior. Not only is the exterior beautiful, the main building also has high ceilings and lovely getting ready spaces, plus an indoor and covered outdoor area for cocktail hour. There are so many amazing photo spots from the fronts of the buildings, to the water fountain, to the trees near the chapel and the open field behind the main building. I'll never say no to a wedding here!
Favorite features: indoor chapel, bright and airy indoors, luxury feel
The brooks at weatherford
Weatherford, TX
This venue located west of Fort Worth gives a combination of European styled architecture with the main building and natural beauty with the bright, open air chapel and rolling grassy hills. This quickly became one of my favorites with the scenic pond and ivy covered tower, giving Italian vineyard vibes. I shot two weddings here in the spring, and am dying for my next chance to go back!
Favorite features: Open air chapel, lush green fields, ivy tower, large brick fireplaces
The barn at paradise
Paradise, TX
This Barn at Paradise Place is located northwest of Fort Worth and gives modern class to the barn aesthetic. For ceremonies, it has an elegant black and white indoor chapel, as well as a lovely outdoor wedding space in the trees. There is also a pond, outdoor seating, both covered and uncovered, and a new small black greenhouse styled structure behind the venue. The bridal suite is large and bright with ample natural light and access to the front balcony, and the groom's suite has a golf simulator. I've worked at this venue a ton, and there's a reason for that: it's gorgeous from all angles year round!
Favorite features: indoor & outdoor ceremony spaces & photo spots, outdoor patio & bar, golf simulator and fishing for groom
Hillside Estate
Crossroads, TX
Hillside Estate is a pinnacle for European opulence with its palace style architecture, grand staircase and foyer, crystal chandeliers, and floor to ceiling windows in the indoor chapel. Popular outdoor photo spots include the small hedge maze, the cocktail hour courtyard, and the bannister overlooking the nearby lake. With some packages, couples get a personal attendant to ensure they have food and drinks throughout the day. It's perfect for couples looking for a refined and luxurious feel.
Favorite features: front architecture, elegant and well lit chapel, lovely bridal suite
The nest at ruth farms
Ponder, TX
The Nest elevates the classic barn look with a light and bright exterior and interior, as well as its beautiful upscale indoor chapel. The groom suite is connected to the back of the chapel, giving an extra layer of security for couples not wanting to see one another before the ceremony, with the bridal suite in the main building. This venue has several indoor spaces for guests to relax in cases of high heat or inclement weather during cocktail hour which is a must!
Favorite features: beautiful chapel, especially the black and white tile in the entryway, main building upstairs & balcony
Cinnamon Barn
Princeton, TX
The Cinnamon Barn isn't your typical barn venue. It has added touches of refinement, like the covered patio that can be used for ceremonies or cocktail hour, a turf outdoor ceremony space, and private outdoor spaces connected to both getting ready suites. There are two lovely ponds, open grass fields, and well kept landscaping. With the addition of their new indoor chapel, they'll be the full package!
Favorite features: Covered patio allows for outdoor ceremonies & photos even in heat or rain, ponds, private space for first looks/touches
Brighton Abbey
Aubrey, TX
Brighton Abbey is another elegant European styled venue that would make any bride feel like a princess with its castle-like architecture. Its chapel has a unique look with its curved ceilings, and is beautifully lit with floor to ceiling windows. The arches, stairs, bannisters provide so many lovely, structural spaces for photos, and the turf all around ensures it looks nice year round. This is another great option for couples wanting a romantic, elegant backdrop that needs very little decorating!
Favorite features: castle-like front, back staircase, European touches
The Springs - Rockwall
Poetry, TX
The Springs Event Venue - Rockwall is a large colonial-styled manor between Rockwall and Terrell, TX with an air of class and refinement. The main building has a wrap around indoor second floor balcony, as well as an outdoor balcony which is my personal favorite spot for photos. The outdoor ceremony space has a large covered awning with pillars matching the main building for a cohesive look. With striking architecture, well kept lawns, and trees around the property, there are so many great spaces for photos.
Favorite features: Outdoor balcony, columns, gorgeous outdoor ceremony space, large bridal suite
Davis & Grey Farms
Celeste, TX
Davis & Grey may have a barn-styled front, but overall it has a very understated, elegant feel to it. It has an outdoor ceremony space with a cute glass house, as well as a spacious black and white indoor chapel so you're covered in all seasons and weather. There's a great covered space and outdoor bar for cocktail hour, and the getting ready suites are in separate buildings for minimal risk of premature sneak peeks. This is a space that can cater to both western and modern aesthetics!
Favorite features: chapel entryway (great for first looks & touches), outdoor cocktail hour space, glass house (for ceremonies and photos)
The grand ivory
Leonard, TX
The Grand Ivory is another venue with a little something for every style of bride. The main building is a classic barn style, and for ceremonies, they have a bright white open air chapel, plus a beautiful outdoor area with large stone arches that need little to no decorating. There are separate cabins for getting ready spaces, plus a spacious and bright upstairs room in the main building for brides to use. There are so many great photo spots, not to mention the large grassy fields and pond behind the chapel.
Favorite features: open air chapel with the pond as a backdrop, outdoor ceremony arches, covered patio for cocktail hour, outdoor reception/dance floor space