Winter Weddings in Cowtown

He finally pops the question and you say yes; it seems as though you're well on your way to living happily ever after...or so the story goes. But the proposal is just the tip of the iceberg; there's still much to do before the big day. One major thing...? Location! Where will your wedding take place?

The choices are endless. But if you happen to have a fascination with the old west and how it was won, there are abundant wedding-destinations to choose from around D/FW.

Say you want a winter wedding: Fort Worth offers cowboy-culture and unseasonably warm weather much of the season. Here are five fabulous places to tie-the-knot in and around the Fort.

1) Thistle Hill-

Since 1904, historic Thistle Hill has stood gracefully as a strong Fort Worth statement. Noted for its annual Christmas tour-decorated in all its grandeur-the mansion's Grand Staircase is the perfect setting for a winter wedding. Rates range from $1100 to $2500 for up to 125 guests. Contact: www.historicfortworth.org; 817-332-5875.

2) Fort Worth Modern Art Museum-

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is located in the city's thriving Cultural District. Said to resemble "...pavilions that float on water" by Condé Nast Traveler, this contemporary structure reflects from a 1.5 acre pond. The Modern hosts weddings year-round, with exclusive catering by Bon Appetite. Rates range from $900 to $5,000 for the Grand Lobby and Café Modern. Contact: www.themodern.org/rental.html; 817-840-2175; catering@themodern.org.

3) LightCatcher Winery-

An intimate setting for a romantic winter wedding, LightCatcher Winery can host up to 48 guests for dancing/dining and 72 guests for dining in their Barrel Room; rates range $900 to $3500 for wedding set-up and on-site catering. Contact: www.lightcatcher.com; 817-237-2626; info@lightcatcher.com.

4) Rose Chapel-

Rose Chapel was built in 1955 specifically for weddings. They offer in-house consultants, event planners, and seating for up to 125 guests. The Reception Salon seats 75 guests for dining; the Ballroom up to 150 guests, featuring a band-stand, wet bar, and canopy of 7,000 lights, with snowflake lights for winter occasions. Contact for pricing: www.rosechapel.org; 817-921-3939 & 817-926-2800 Monday thru Friday 10-3pm; HallYes@southsidepreservation.com.

5) YWCA Historic Building-

Built as an Elks Lodge Hotel, the YWCA Building downtown Fort Worth-listed in the National Register of Historic Places-hosts weddings with a 1920's charm that takes you back to the innocence of an earlier time. Rates range from $700 to $2200 for wedding set-up with up to 300 guests. Contact:
www.ywca.org; 817-332-6191.

Works Cited:

www.historicfortworth.org

www.themodern.org

www.lightcatcher.com

www.rosechapel.org

www.ywca.org