Texas Wedding Venues: Reopening Soon?

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that wedding venues could reopen immediately as part of Phase I of the plan to reopen Texas businesses. This announcement was made on May 5, 2020, and included a set of minimum health guidelines. Wedding ceremonies and receptions held indoors must be limited to 25% of the venue's capacity, but there are no restrictions for outdoor weddings.

Indoor wedding venues can operate at 25% capacity

Wedding bells can ring in Texas again, but with some restrictions. In May 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that wedding venues could reopen and services could resume. However, for indoor ceremonies, the venue's occupancy must not exceed 25%.

This means that indoor wedding venues can operate at 25% capacity. This rule applies to weddings held indoors anywhere other than a church, congregation, or house of worship. For example, if a wedding venue normally holds 100 people, it will only be allowed to hold 25 people under the new rules. This restriction also applies to facilities hosting wedding reception services if the reception is held indoors.

There are no restrictions for outdoor weddings, but social distancing must be practiced. This means that if a couple chooses to have their wedding ceremony or reception outdoors, there are no limits on the number of guests they can invite. However, guests should still maintain a safe distance from one another.

In addition to the occupancy restrictions, weddings held indoors must follow the same rules as churches. This means that families can sit together, but they must be six feet apart from other families. Additionally, every other row should be blocked off to maintain social distancing. These rules apply to both the wedding ceremony and reception.

While this announcement is good news for the wedding industry in Texas, it presents some challenges for wedding venues and couples. Venues will need to ensure they can operate within the reduced capacity limits, and couples may need to reconsider their guest lists to comply with the restrictions. However, with creativity and flexibility, weddings can still take place while adhering to the necessary safety measures.

No restrictions for outdoor weddings

Wedding bells can ring in Texas again! An executive order signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in May 2020 allowed wedding venues to reopen immediately.

While indoor wedding venues and receptions are limited to 25% occupancy, there are no restrictions for outdoor weddings. This means that couples can opt to have their weddings outdoors without any limit on the number of guests. However, social distancing must be practised.

If you are planning an outdoor wedding in Texas, you can invite as many guests as you like without any occupancy limits. This means that you can have a large wedding with all your friends and family present to celebrate your special day. Of course, it is important to be mindful of the comfort and safety of your guests, and providing ample space for social distancing is always a good idea.

Outdoor weddings in Texas offer a great opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and create a unique and memorable experience. Whether you choose a garden, a backyard, or a wide-open space, you can make your wedding dreams come true. The lack of restrictions on guest numbers means you don't have to compromise on your guest list, and you can plan the wedding you've always wanted.

Social distancing must be practiced

Wedding venues in Texas are allowed to reopen, but social distancing must be practiced. This means that guests and staff must maintain a distance of at least six feet from one another. To facilitate this, tables should be spaced six feet apart, and guests from different households should not sit together. Additionally, every other row should be blocked off to further encourage social distancing.

For indoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, venues must limit their occupancy to 25% of their total listed capacity. This restriction does not apply to outdoor areas, where guests can spread out more easily. However, it is important to note that this rule is separate from the requirement to practice social distancing, which applies to all weddings, regardless of whether they are held indoors or outdoors.

Venues can facilitate social distancing by providing ample space for guests to move around and ensuring that tables are spaced apart. They may also consider encouraging outdoor activities and providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the venue. By following these guidelines, wedding venues in Texas can help ensure the safety and well-being of their guests while still allowing couples to celebrate their special day.

It is important to note that these guidelines are subject to change as the situation evolves, and venues should stay updated with the latest recommendations from local authorities and health organizations. Additionally, venues may have their own specific protocols in place to ensure the safety of their guests, so it is always a good idea to check with the venue directly to understand their policies and procedures for social distancing.

Vendors are ready to get back to work

Wedding vendors in Texas are eager to get back to business following Governor Greg Abbott's announcement that wedding venues and services required to conduct weddings may reopen immediately. The governor's order, issued on May 5, 2020, as part of the state's multi-phase Open Texas plan, allows weddings to resume with certain guidelines in place.

Wedding vendors, including venues, caterers, photographers, and planners, are ready and willing to adapt to these new guidelines to ensure the safety of their clients and guests. For indoor weddings held outside of a church, congregation, or house of worship, vendors are prepared to limit occupancy to 25% and encourage social distancing practices. This includes spacing tables six feet apart and blocking off every other row, similar to the rules followed by churches.

Outdoor wedding receptions are not subject to the same occupancy restrictions, providing vendors with more flexibility in planning larger events. Vendors are also considering alternative options, such as offering intimate weddings or creating backdrops for outdoor backyard weddings to meet the needs of couples who prefer smaller gatherings.

In addition to following safety guidelines, wedding vendors are committed to providing the same level of quality and service that couples expect on their special day. They are finding creative ways to ensure that couples can still celebrate with their loved ones, even if it means adjusting to smaller guest lists or incorporating virtual elements for those who cannot attend in person.

As Texas continues to reopen, wedding vendors are eager to get back to creating memorable experiences for couples and their guests. They are prepared to navigate the new normal and are optimistic about the future, even if it means making adjustments to their usual practices. The resilience and adaptability of these vendors shine through as they work to make couples' dream weddings a reality, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Couples have been creative with nuptials

Wedding venues and the services required to conduct weddings were allowed to reopen in Texas from May 2020, with a 25% occupancy limit for indoor venues. However, many couples had already found creative ways to celebrate their nuptials amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some couples chose to elope in small ceremonies with a few close friends and family, often in outdoor settings such as state parks or backyards. For example, one couple got married in front of eight guests at the Taco Bell Cantina in Las Vegas, toasting with Mountain Dew Baja Blast cocktails and sharing a party pack of tacos. Another couple, who had planned a destination wedding in Mexico, opted for a simple ceremony and reception in California's Joshua Tree State Park, planning everything themselves.

Other couples embraced technology, with Zoom weddings becoming a popular choice. One couple, who had to cancel their original wedding plans due to COVID-19 restrictions, were married over Zoom with the help of an officiant they found on Instagram. Another couple had their immediate families in attendance both in person and virtually for their Zoom wedding.

Some couples got creative with their attire, donning floral face masks to match their bridal party or wearing matching wedding masks. One couple even announced the postponement of their wedding with matching t-shirts and signs.

For those who wanted a more traditional wedding experience, some bakeries offered curbside cake tastings, and wedding planners helped couples organise safe, small ceremonies in just a few days.

Frequently asked questions