10 Small Wedding Venues in Houston for a Cozy Celebration

Intimate weddings are all the rage these days.
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by
Christina Drury
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Christina Drury
The Knot Contributor
  • Christina writes for The Knot providing useful advice for couples around the world.
  • Christina works as a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience.
  • Christina works in the wedding industry as an invitation and accessory designer and makes it her purpose to keep up-to-date on all trends.
Updated Nov 19, 2024

Are you looking for small wedding venues in Houston for your ceremony and reception? Intimate weddings, also known as microweddings, have become more than just a trend—it seems as though they're here to stay. Whether you have 50, 75 or 100 people on your guests list, there are a lot of perks to inviting just a few close friends and family members to share in your special day. For one, the event is far more personal and often easier to plan. You get the chance to interact with everyone over the course of the night, rather than spending just a few minutes making the rounds and saying hello.

Having a small wedding guest list doesn't preclude you from going big on experience and ambiance. As a first step in the wedding planning process, find a great small wedding venue that can pull out all the stops for your intimate affair.

Here are just a few of our favorites for small wedding venues in Houston. And if you want even more Houston reception venue ideas, take a look at The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

AvantGarden

If you're looking for an interesting venue that steps outside of the norm, AvantGarden certainly fits the bill. This venue bills itself as a social patio/bar/lounge, but its ambiance is something out of a whimsical storybook. The two-story house has a stunning, partially-covered patio outdoors with clear ceiling panels so the daylight—or moonlight—streams through. When it comes to small wedding venues Houston has to offer, this one is a clean slate for any type of decor from bohemian to classic chic with gorgeous archways and a spiral staircase that both make the perfect spot for your special wedding day photos. One of the top-rated small affordable wedding venues in Houston, it can accommodate intimate parties up to 100 guests.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 100
  • Reviews: "We had a beautiful wedding at AvantGarden. My partner and I were looking for aesthetically pleasing and queer friendly wedding venues. When we emailed AvantGarden to see if they are comfortable with LGBT weddings, Mariana swiftly replied, "At AvantGarden, love is love." We went to tour the venue because it was beautiful online and we could not have been more pleasantly surprised by the fact that they do all inclusive weddings! The florals, cake, food, and DJ were all excellent. Pizza, cocktail hour charcuterie and the taco truck were all big hits with our guests. We're very thankful to Mariana and her team!"

Hawthorne House

Dreaming of a Victorian-style wedding? Then you need the perfect venue and Hawthorne House lives up to the challenge. Known as the "big yellow house" in the Montrose neighborhood, the house has a variety of places to say your vows, including the stunning wraparound porch on the lower level, the second-floor balcony or the lush gardens out back. The dining area serves as an indoor option for those days when the weather just won't cooperate. There are smaller rooms, a pool house and a bachelor bungalow, where the bridal parties can get ready on site. This small wedding venue in Houston, Texas, can accommodate up to 75 people.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 75
  • Reviews: "Gorgeous venue in the middle of Houston with a classic southern style. Perfect for our wedding. The backyard is a hidden oasis complete with pool, and plenty of room for festivities. Staff was awesome, and catered to our every need. A+."

StarHill Farms

If you're ready to say "I do" followed by a "yee-haw," StarHill Farms is exactly what you need on your wedding day. It's a true ranch-lover's dream with rustic cabins adorning the property and plenty of farm animals to add to the allure. You can even ask to use the horses and longhorns as picture backdrops for your special day. The 300-acre farm provides a tranquil setting for your nuptials. This should definitely be on your list for wedding venues in Houston for small weddings as there are indoor and outdoor reception areas that can host up to 50 guests, or you can add on a tented area to accommodate up to 75. The cabin on site is available for rent and can hold approximately 20 guests.

Find your kind of venue

From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.
  • Guest Capacity: Up to 75
  • Reviews: "Perfect place for our microwedding. We had a total of 11 people and everyone thought it was one of the prettiest weddings ever. Stacy was fantastic to help get everything organized."

The Belamour

When it comes to small wedding reception venues Houston couples love, you'll find elegance wrapped in a boutique venue at The Belamour. This with two stunning rooms to hold the most important celebration of your life. The Dining Room has a crystal chandelier and can be used on its own or combined with the Garden Pavilion, with a boxwood wall that can be decorated to your custom theme. The Garden Pavilion also opens up to the outdoors for added space and to enjoy the sunshine. Both rooms are climate controlled, which makes the venue ideal for any time of year, rain or shine. This small wedding venue in Houston, Texas, can accommodate smaller parties from a handful of guests up to 100 of your closest friends and family.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 120
  • Reviews: "The Belamour was the perfect location! Our guest complimented every single detail and the intimacy of the venue. Paulina was an amazing venue coordinator. I highly recommend without reservations!"

Carr Mansion

Understated elegance meets regency at Carr Mansion. This historic 19th-Century Greek Revival structure once served home to notable people, including former Texas Governor Richard Coke. Over the years, it's undergone renovations that have made it the charming wedding venue it is now. With a carriage house, decorative French doors and The open-ended common rooms, the pub/ballroom and outdoor solarium are perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. With eight rooms available for rent in a true bed-and-breakfast style, the wedding party can stay the night in preparation for the nuptials. There's a reason people say it's one of the best small wedding venues in Houston.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 50
  • Reviews: "We could not have asked for a more perfect wedding weekend here. Carr Mansion went beyond our expectations of making sure the ceremony and reception went as smooth as possible! The mansion is already stunning as it is, so decorating was minimal for us. Joellyn is always such a wonderful hostess, and really made all of our family and friends feel at home here. We loved sharing this place with our loved ones, and we know they fell in love with it as well. We would recommend Carr Mansion to anyone looking for a beautiful, cozy wedding venue or just for a weekend getaway! We've stayed here a few times before the wedding, and we fully intend to keep coming back."

The Reserve on Cypress Creek

Nothing says a Texas wedding like holding it on a nature preserve. The forest backdrop surrounded by water features and stunning landscaping makes The Reserve on Cypress Creek the best place to put your shared love of the outdoors on display. The ceremony platform where you'll say your nuptials has stone steps and angular structures accented by a gorgeous hanging chandelier, and can be decorated to your heart's content. There's a large lit courtyard, nature trail and gaming area for guests to enjoy in between nuptials and your sit-down dinner. There are various packages that accommodate between 30 and 100 people.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 100
  • Reviews: "We are so glad we picked The Reserve on Cypress Creek for our special day! The grounds are STUNNING and it felt so much like us - it was everything we ever wanted for our wedding day. The Bridal and Grooms suites are perfect for getting ready and AC in the tent is a game changer, we're glad we opted for it for our Late September wedding. The Owners are so kind and are so attentive to anything you may need on your special day!"

Virginia Point Inn

Take your wedding back in time with this stunning home that was built in 1907. The Virginia Point Inn property is adorned with lush gardens that make the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Then guests can linger outside and enjoy the scenery, or head up one of the twin staircases to the parlor, great room, or dining room to continue the party. Inside the vintage surroundings with exposed brick walls and original heartwood pine floors, bring history to life. This intimate wedding venue in Houston can accommodate up to a maximum of 75 people at a time, making a perfect fit for your small wedding.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 75
  • Reviews: "My son and daughter-in-law had an intimate ceremony here. Everything was perfect! It was a magical garden wedding with a picturesque setting. After the ceremony, Pam hosted an idyllic garden party reception that we were able to just sit back and enjoy. After the wedding, the honeymooners stayed in a beautiful room there. They were able to enjoy the heated pool and a fantastic breakfast in the morning."

Bell Tower on 34th

If luxury is what you're looking for, you need look no further than Bell Tower on 34th, one of the most sought after small intimate wedding venues in Houston. This gorgeous venue has seven different spaces to host your wedding, including smaller rooms for intimate gatherings. Best of all, you won't have to worry about other events going on at the same time, they're all private and don't share common spaces. The Campanile and the Contessa ballroom are two of the venue's smaller rooms, which are perfect for 50 to 100 guests. The Campanile has a painted dome ceiling and gorgeous panoramic views, while the Contessa has a gorgeous brick-lined ceiling that adds a rustic touch to your event.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 1,200 total with private areas for smaller capacities
  • Reviews: "The Bell Tower is a hidden gem! Our wedding experience was perfect and that was in large part due to Bell Towers service. We partnered with Lisa (venue Coordinator )who labored to make certain that we had the wedding we envisioned as well as an experience that was as seamless as we expected. Day and night Lisa made herself available so that details were as we instructed. She kept a watchful eye on our wedding requirements throughout the entire process which helped notice potential errors. Lisa was diligent with explaining packaging and made sure that the company delivered on all promises."

Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse

When it comes to small wedding venues in Houston, there's nothing better than a private dining room where you can sit with your guests and enjoy a great meal. The Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse is an inclusive facility that welcomes all couples. The Rio Room and the main dining room are perfect for smaller parties and can seat up to 60 and 100 guests, respectively. This restaurant wedding venue serves up delicious Brazilian steakhouse menus with multiple options available for food, desserts, and beverages—including alcoholic drinks. Everything is included here, such as tables, glassware, linens of your color choice, and dedicated servers to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

  • Guest Capacity: 60 to 100, with larger capacities available
  • Reviews: "Have been going here for years and never disappointed. Wait staff and management see to your every need. Food is always fresh and delicious. Everything your get for the price is amazing."

Bernhardt Winery

Bernhardt Winery, located in Plantersville, Texas, offers a picturesque setting for small weddings and events. The venue features a Tuscan-style winery and vineyard, providing both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. The Soleil Room and its accompanying outdoor courtyard create an intimate atmosphere, while the spacious lawn area, shaded by century-old native Texas Pecan trees, offers a tranquil setting overlooking rolling hills and valleys. The winery can accommodate up to 130 guests, making it suitable for various event sizes.

  • Guest Capacity: Up to 130
  • Reviews: "The wine tasting experience at Bernhardt Winery during our getaway weekend was exceptional. The picturesque vineyard setting, knowledgeable staff, and diverse selection of wines made it a memorable visit. Highly recommend for fellow wine enthusiasts. Cheers!"

More Houston Wedding Venues and Vendor Ideas

Need more ideas? Explore these editor-picked recommendations perfect for couples planning their Houston wedding.

Bonus: Explore The Knot Vendor Marketplace for a wide selection of Houston venues and vendors, from wedding photographers to florists, cake designers and more.

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