A Piece of France in Texas: 4 Stunning European-Style Wedding Venues
From Provence’s rolling hills to the Loire Valley’s lavish chateaus and gardens, France is home to some of Europe’s most alluring sights. It’s no wonder, then, that so many lovebirds flock to the country to bask in the beauty of its landscapes. Paris, in particular, is renowned as the “City of Love” — setting the scene for romance with its cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, checkered-cloth bistros and boulangeries, and Belle Epoque architecture. So when thinking of the perfect backdrops for a swoon-worthy wedding, why wouldn’t France automatically spring to your mind? If you’re looking to host your big day in a far-off spot but aren’t quite ready to commit to the high travel costs and all the logistical challenges of planning a wedding from afar, you’ve come to the right place.
Francophiles looking to recreate the country’s elegance for their wedding will find postcard-pretty venues right here in Texas — ones that’ll make you feel like you’re in the heart of France without having to board a plane. Among its portfolio of some of the best wedding venues in Texas and Georgia, Walters Wedding Estates boasts several sumptuous spaces that showcase the French aesthetic at its finest. Think: a boutique inn brimming with charm, a gilded mansion with a gold-encrusted elevator (mais oui!), and a stunning stone chapel floating on water. Not only does Walters Wedding Estates offer one-of-a-kind scenic backdrops for your big day, but also the type of never-lift-a-finger service that you need to truly enjoy your European-inspired wedding escape.
Just southeast of Paris lies Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, widely considered one of the most beautiful privately owned castles in the country. According to Condé Nast Traveler, during Princess Elizabeth’s visit in 1948, she called it “more beautiful than Versailles!” Hailed for its exquisite French Baroque architecture, rare decor, and immaculate gardens, it actually became the inspiration for the Château de Versailles — and a little closer to home, The Olana, one of Walters Wedding Estates’ most sought-after venues in Texas.
Built as an homage to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, The Olana shows off its old-world roots with an intricately designed facade, marble floors, grand crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and even a gold-encrusted elevator. The mansion’s many extravagant suites offer comfortable spaces for getting ready, while 40 acres of lushly landscaped grounds set the scene for breathtaking outdoor ceremonies. It’s the picture-perfect definition of Baroque grandeur, and serves as a staggeringly beautiful backdrop to frame your “I dos.” An opulent drawing room and library, as well as a bright, sprawling ballroom are made for cocktail hours and receptions. In short, when you host your wedding at The Olana, you and your guests will have no trouble casting their minds to the Île-de-France region.
The Olana might be the area’s star attraction, but there’s more to explore on the grounds of the iconic estate for couples who might want to host a more intimate celebration that prioritizes personal connection — without sacrificing that certain Parisian je ne sais quoi. If you’re seeking a venue that’s chic and elegant, with that characteristically French crown molding and large windows, you will find what you’re looking for (and more) at The Olana Design Center, which houses several European-inspired spaces like The Jolie Room and The Versailles Room, each offering something a little different for soon-to-weds who prefer more of a blank-canvas venue they can dress up or down.
Upon arrival, a grand staircase will take you up to the bridal suite, which is well-designed with everything you and your wedding party might need to prepare for the big moment. The large living space is complete with illuminated vanity stations and beauty chairs for hair and makeup, and plush sofas for lounging and relaxing — with champagne glasses in hand, of course. For your ceremony or reception, The Jolie Room and The Versailles Room feature chic, all-white interiors with crystal chandeliers, and the Versailles Room is uniquely sun-flooded thanks to its expansive windows. If you’re looking to host your nuptials on a smaller (or mid-sized) scale, The Versailles Room accommodates up to 120 attendees. For longer guest lists, The Jolie Room can host up to 275 guests. An outdoor space is also available if you prefer to say your “I dos” under an open sky.
Wildwood Inn was the first property the Walters family acquired, and it’s where the story of their business began: a humble start that would grow into an incredible portfolio of over 40 venues. Many years later, it’s still one of Walters Wedding Estates’ most striking venues. Tucked away in lush manicured grounds and amid tall trees, this boutique hotel feels like a quaint French country house — private, serene, and perfectly shaded. The inn’s imposing facade, with its architectural embellishments and round dormer windows, will immediately catch your eye. Inside, 14 rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed — each with its own unique, European-inspired flair — to offer you and your guests a stylish, comfortable stay just steps away from your wedding festivities.
When it’s time for the ceremony to commence, make your grand entrance even grander by walking down the wood and wrought-iron staircase and then outside to the flagstone path that leads to a wooden pergola. Exchange your vows while engulfed in greenery, with a canopy of twinkling string lights overhead, which will make the moment feel like something straight out of a fairy tale. (A covered outdoor terrace doubles as an alternative ceremony site or a spot for cocktail hour). The post-ceremony party starts beyond the French doors and inside the venue’s chic reception space — anchored by a carved wood fireplace and complete with inverted-pyramid chandeliers.
While France is best known for its soaring Gothic cathedrals, its architectural landscape is far more diverse in style. Among them are charming Romanesque churches — characterized by rounded arches, thick stone walls, and modest ornamentation — which are often found in small towns, offering a glimpse into the country’s medieval past. In Texas, the Chapel at Riverwalk exhibits an architectural style that will transport you and your guests to a similar scene in the French countryside. Surrounded by water on all sides, the Chapel at Riverwalk features arched windows, a gabled roof, and a tower bell.
Once you step through the grand front doors, you will be awe-struck by the bright-and-airy space inside — framed with soaring vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. You and your beloved can exchange your “I dos” in front of a windowed apse that extends gracefully over the water, creating a panoramic focal point at the chapel’s end. Once your marriage is official, step away with your significant other for a portrait session by the waterfall and river. There’s really no shortage of picturesque backdrops to take advantage of for your wedding photos. Next, the reception: Cross the footbridge to a clean, modern space that can be transformed to fit your vision — whether your wedding aesthetic leans toward pared-back minimalism or baroque maximalism.