Simple Ceremony Site on a Lake

naomichan12

Hi everyone, I hope you all are doing well !

I am looking for a site for a simple ceremony. I found a really beautiful site on the rocky shore of Lake Grapevine, but it is down a grassy slope/stairs and we are worried about any elderly or disabled family having trouble getting down to the shore. I loved the rocky shore (vs. a sandy one) but I wish access was easier for our grandparents. Are there any other rocky shores not too far from Irving? 

Also another option is to do it on a large dock, maybe under a gazebo or a little building with a rooftop deck. I want to be right next to the water, not viewing it from afar! There was one very cute gazebo-building on a dock on White Rock Lake, but it wasn't rentable. I am sure there have to be more somewhere though...

Does anyone have any ideas? I am new to Dallas so all suggestions are very greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

cwaggoner07

I'm getting married at the Filter Building at White Rock Lake.
There is also Winfrey Point at WRL.
Both of these fit your description.

winechic25

You can check out Paradise Cove on Lake Grapevine too...but it might be more than what you're looking for.

fallbride1109

Yeah, Kylie beat me to it. 

http://www.paradisecovetx.com/outdoor-ceremony.htm

There's also Sneaky Pete's at Lake Lewisville.

naomichan12

Thanks for the good ideas! I am looking up some of those places right now.

We actually checked out Winfrey Point but thought it might be a little too big. We are looking at about 40-50 guests, and we are on a budget so Paradise Cove is a little pricey for us (even though it looked great!).

I think we can spend about 300-500 on the ceremony site, and then we will most likely go to his parent's backyard for the reception. 

http://www.cscsailing.org/webcam.html

This is the sailing club gazebo we found on White Rock Lake.. it is very simple but it would be perfect for us if it were rentable. I like how it is right there in the middle of the water, If I could find something like this it would be great. 

I might just be dreaming, but either that or a rocky shore would be ideal. 

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lhUUTj3TgTFRw8sB_OoT6A?select=iZgasrMRd7nWsk61h-XaDA#yEAvd1q5zSup_SmIDxuEWg

fallbride1109

There are other pretty parts of White Rock--I wonder if you can just get a permit or something to get married by the lake.  But then, of course, your guests would have to stand, which isn't ideal.

Also, I always see something called Big Thicket at WRL but I never hear anyone talk about it.

Lastly, are you really getting married in July?  Because I would rethink the whole outdoor thing completely.

professorscience

I think Big Thicket and Filter Building are the same thing.  Or Big Thicket and WP.  I can't remember.

OP, also consider Lantana Lodge in Pilot Point.  That might be a big drive for you, but it's a beautiful site with lots of options!

naomichan12

I know it sounds crazy, but yes I really am getting married outdoors in either late July or early August. We went out by the lake around 6:30 or 7:00, and between the sun going down and the lakeside breeze it really wasn't hot out there. 

It's kind of a last minute thing, but we just want to say some simple vows, no bridesmaids or readings or anything, and then maybe have refreshments under a pavillion and go back to the house for a reception. 

I drove by Big Thicket and it looked like someone was having a sort of family reunion or something there, it is an option but I don't think we would be able to get as close to the water for the ceremony what with all of the children and picnics down there.

I know White Rock lake said that we could pick a spot on the lake and get married for $20 an hour, I may just have to drive laps around the lake again to see which parts of it are nicer....

Thanks guys

cwaggoner07

Just beware of all of the trails, unless you don't mind bikers/joggers/ dog walkers walking by during your ceremony. You really get the best feel of the lake by getting out and walking around. Even though I don't suggest a 9 mile full circle, as you're driving around, pull over and walk around a little bit, because you can miss so much just staying on the road.

fallbride1109

I really liked this spot if it's an option.  Wouldn't this be pretty?

http://www.watermelon-kid.com/places/wrl/tour/sunset_bay.htm

naomichan12

It does look nice! I will go looking around tomorrow so I will put Sunset Bay on my list. Thanks!

courtski2004

If you are getting married outdoors in late July/early August, I would worry more about the heat for children and the elderly more than anything. That time of year last year was smack in the middle of the 40+ days of 100 degree temps and it was still miserable out that late in the day. If you went out to WRL recently around that time of day, I do imagine that it would be tolerable sine we haven't really gotten over 90-95. If you do, make sure to provide water and consider small fans (maybe as a favor?).
The reason I wanted to re-iterate that is because you mentioned being new to town and may not have really experienced a Texas summer yet.