Had the privilege of officiating my dear friend's wedding celebration here on July '26. The ceremony was held outside next to several huge oak trees that provided a picturesque backdrop.
Even though it was at 6:30 pm, in the heat of the summer, the shade from the trees made it feel cooler than the temperature showed. The sitting area consisted of large blocks of limestone benches and although they fit into the landscape, they are hard. As a tip, would recommend bringing seat cushions, if the ceremony lasts too long.
Because I was micd up, my message carried nicely into the audience. Very little echoing which is helpful when you are trying to speak. The surroundings made me feel relaxed enough to lighten the mood with some humor and some personal stories. And after my prayer, I think if we had passed the offering plate around, some guests might have felt compelled enough to throw in a few Benjamin's, too.
The groom's dressing area was comfortable, had a refrigerator, large TV, clothing rack and most importantly, a shower. And since it is only minutes away from the outdoor arena, it allowed the rehearsal to occur just a few hours earlier, which was perfect.
The upstairs bride's room was furnished and big enough for the bridesmaids to get ready for their big day.
We have attended 3 weddings at Park 31, and my recommendation is to go with a DJ due to the size of the dance floor. It will give you more volume control and allow guests to still enjoy the music. A band may be too overwhelming for the smaller space, unless you are going with a softer sound like a jazz band, then it might work.
A great part of this venue is the layout of the outdoor areas, which you can sit around the fire pit (during cold weather) or is an excellent place to set up your cigar bar, which is what our friends did for their guests. It was a huge hit.
The indoor bar area gives plenty of comfortable seating choices and is oriented to encourage smaller subsets of guests to talk and share.
I would definitely recommend this venue, if you are looking for a Texas Hill Country vibe and an upscale area for the reception. And remember to bring some extra cash with you, in case the officiant makes you laugh or cry. read more