How to Tour a Wedding Venue in New Braunfels Like a Pro
- hiddengemofgruene
- Mar 18
- 7 min read
New Braunfels, TX offers beautiful scenery and stunning views! Let’s get the best tips on how to book the perfect wedding venue for you!
Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important steps in planning your big day. It sets the tone for the wedding, from the atmosphere to the overall guest experience the venue provides. If you're planning your wedding in the charming and historic town of Gruene, TX, you’re in luck. With its beautiful scenery, rustic charm, and stunning venues, Gruene offers a picturesque setting for your dream wedding!
Photo Credits: Cupcake Photography
However, with so many incredible venues to choose from, how do you ensure you make the best decision? The answer: tour like a pro! Here at the Hidden Gem of Gruene we see hundreds of tours every year, and some brides come prepared, while others can get easily overwhelmed. It can be a stressful process, but we got you covered. Here's your guide to touring wedding venues in New Braunfels, TX, and how to make sure you choose the right one for your special day!’
Photo Credits: Cupcake Photography Floral Credit: KB Flowers
1. Do Your Research Beforehand
Before you step foot in a venue, do your homework. Make a list of potential venues that are in the area where you want to be. In the Hill Country area, there are a ton! Make sure to look up reviews, photos, and testimonials. Once you have narrowed down the ones with a good reputation, look at their pricing! Does it fit your budget? What all is included? Visit their websites to get an idea of their offerings, available packages, and any special features they might have. Compare what they offer for the price they have! The more you know about a venue before the tour, the better questions you can ask and the easier it will be to compare your options.
Make note of your budget, guest count, overall style and any must-have amenities, like ample parking, a stunning bridal suite, or onsite lodging. Here at the Hidden Gem, we make sure to check as many boxes as we can. This will help narrow down your search and save time on your tours!
Photo Credits: CMH Studios
2. Schedule a Private Tour
Open house events are a great way to meet vendors and see the venue in action, but sometimes the best way to get a good feel for the venue is a private tour. At the Hidden Gem of Gruene, we have monthly events called: Wedding Wednesdays! Where we have all of our preferred vendors come out and show off all they can do! This is an excellent way to see the space, and truly envision yourself in the space on the day of your wedding! Private tours are the best way to get a detailed, uninterrupted experience. Schedule a time that works for you and your partner. This way, you can get a feel for the venue without distractions, and the venue manager can dedicate time to answer all your questions. We recommend going to both!
Photo Credits: Jay Kazen Photography Floral Credit: KB Flowers
3. Ask the Right Questions
When touring the venue, don't be afraid to ask questions! A professional wedding venue will be more than happy to help and will appreciate that you’re taking the time to thoroughly evaluate the space. Here are some important questions to ask during your tour:
What is included in the venue rental? Find out what is included in the rental fee (e.g., tables, chairs, linens, lighting, etc.) and what costs extra.
How many guests can the venue fit? Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list.
What are the requirements? Ask about any venue-specific rules or restrictions, such as alcohol policies, required vendors, and security.
Do you have backup options for bad weather? If you’re considering an outdoor wedding, it’s essential to have a solid backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat.
How flexible are they with customization? If you have specific ideas for your wedding, find out how much freedom you have to decorate or personalize the venue.
Photo Credits: Cupcake Photography. Transportation Credit: Team One Luxury
4. Visualize Your Wedding Day
As you tour the venue, start to picture your wedding day. Does the space fit your vision for the ceremony and reception? Consider the layout, lighting, and decor options. If you're planning a wedding in Gruene, the beautiful outdoor spaces might be a big draw, but be sure to ask about indoor options as well, especially if you're touring during peak season when weather can be unpredictable. A ceremony space covered with big trees would be ideal, to shade from the sun while also offering a beautiful outdoor ceremony.
Take note of the flow of the space. Is there a clear path from the ceremony area to the reception? Are there spaces for guests to mingle and take photos? Do the spaces transition smoothly from one event to the next?
Photo Credits: Cupcake Photography
5. Evaluate the Ambiance
A wedding venue should evoke the right feeling for your big day. As you walk through the venue, consider the ambiance. Gruene & New Braunfels are known for their historic charm and Texas hill-country beauty, and many venues here offer a rustic yet elegant vibe. Does the venue’s aesthetic align with your wedding theme or color palette?
Take in the surroundings, the architecture, and the decor. If you’re planning a classic or vintage wedding, look for venues with charming details like antique furniture, exposed wood beams, and soft lighting. For a more modern or minimalist wedding, make sure the venue has clean lines and a neutral color scheme that will allow you to add your personal touches.
6. Check the Accessibility and Comfort
Your guests’ experience is just as important as yours! Check that the venue is easily accessible for everyone, including elderly guests or those with mobility challenges. Are there ramps, elevators, or ample seating? Will your guests feel comfortable?
Take a look at the amenities as well. Does the venue offer a cozy bridal suite for getting ready? Is there enough parking for your guest count? Are the bathrooms clean and well-maintained? These small details can make a big difference in the overall experience. A venue with nearby or onsite lodging is also an added plus, for guests coming from out of town, older guests, guests with small children, or those who are just going to party hard! Here at the Hidden Gem of Gruene we have a beautiful Resort that offers onsite lodging for our couples and their guests!
7. Look for Hidden Costs
Some venues may seem affordable at first glance, but hidden costs can quickly add up. Ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs, including rental fees, overtime charges, security, cleaning, and other additional expenses. At the Hidden Gem of Gruene, there are no hidden fees or charges! The quote you get at your tour is exactly what you will pay. If you are touring a venue with an in-house bar, make sure you calculate those costs up front! If the venue allows you to bring in your own vendors, make sure to ask about any associated fees or guidelines. Some venues have exclusive partnerships with certain vendors, so they may offer exclusive pricing!
Photo Credits: Cupcake Photography. Floral: KB Flowers
8. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut. After your tour, sit down with your partner and discuss how you felt about the venue. Did the space feel right for your wedding? Did the staff seem accommodating and professional? Trusting your instincts will help you choose a venue that feels like the perfect fit. After all, it's your big day!
Touring wedding venues in New Braunfels and Gruene is an exciting part of the planning process, but it’s important to approach it with a professional and emotional mindset. Do your research, ask the right questions, and envision your big day. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate garden ceremony or a grand ballroom celebration, New Braunfels’ venues offer something for every couple! With this guide, you’ll be prepared to tour wedding venues like a pro and find the perfect location for your unforgettable day!
Thank you all so much for reading our blog. As a locally owned wedding venue, we take great pride in creating an experience for all of your guests. That’s why customer service and attention to detail are amongst our top priorities at the Hidden Gem of Gruene. From our friendly and knowledgeable Venue Hosts to our Security and Vendors that represent our venue, we strive to always give you the best of the best. Our venue hosts are more than just hosts, they are actually professional and experienced wedding planners that truly understand the logistics of how a wedding and event should flow. Our team comes with a lot of experience in local & destination weddings. Our vendors are vetted and only make the vendor list after completing 30 plus successful weddings here at the Hidden Gem of Gruene. Because we understand the “how to” in weddings, we know what the couples are truly looking for. When it comes to guest experiences, we understand how important safety and convenience is for our couples’ guests. Most of our couples have family traveling from hours away to states away. That is where our onsite resort makes the Hidden Gem of Gruene, the perfect destination wedding venue in the Texas Hill Country. The convenience of having your wedding and lodging in the same place, is why couples love saying their “I Do’s” at the Hidden Gem of Gruene. To book your next tour of our Texas Hill Country Wedding Venue, make sure to contact us today. For all your wedding inspiration for your dream destination wedding venue, make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, & Pinterest! Keep an eye out on our stories! Lots of behind the scenes & your perfect chance to get to know the entire team!
We’re on a mission to celebrate and support locally owned wedding venues—and we need your help! 🌟 Want to make a real impact? It’s as easy as leaving a thoughtful Google review, following them on social media, or recommending them to friends and family. Your support means everything, and we want to give a huge shoutout to the incredible wedding venue owners across the country who pour their hearts into making dream weddings come true. 💕
Planning your big day? Explore some truly amazing locally owned venues on our wedding venue map. Let’s join forces to champion these wonderful businesses and keep the magic alive!
Creating unforgettable moments, one beautiful wedding at a time. Your dream wedding starts here,
Joey and Katie Medellin
Hidden Gem of Gruene
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