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lecca
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when it comes to the crystal ballroom at the rice, a wedding at this iconic houston wedding venue doesn't get more stunning. helena and derek's wedding day in downtown houston was the definition of classy, elegant, and fully present. this winter wedding day in downtown houston was the most stunning houston wedding I could dream of. take a peak through their wedding day here! if you're considering getting married at the crystal ballroom in downtown houston, or simply looking for houston wedding venue options, you absolutely need to check out the pickett's wedding day.
Crystal ballroom at the rice houston wedding
About this Houston Texas wedding day:
helena & derek's houston texas wedding day on film and digital
No incredible wedding day is made incredible without its vendor team.
here's a huge shoutout to their incredible vendor team that made the day what it was!
venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice - Houston, TX
coordinating:
Hair: Whitney Porter
makeup: Shea Mandel
catering:
florals: Floral Events
rentals:
Cake: Tammy Allen
Thinking of getting married at the crystal ballroom in downtown houston?
before you book a tour or reach out to this houston wedding venue, here are a few things to know about the crystal ballroom at the Rice in downtown houston.
Firstly, let's chat about the ambiance and character to expect when considering this venue for your htx wedding day. There’s something unmistakably magical about weddings at The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice. Tucked in the heart of downtown Houston, this historic venue has the kind of timeless charm that makes every moment feel elevated. The soaring ceilings, the dramatic chandeliers, the parquet floors — it all creates the perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern luxury, making it such an easily photographable space. it's absolutely iconic. As a Houston wedding photographer, it’s easily one of my favorite spaces to photograph.
logistics of this houston venue:
How many wedding guests can it fit?
The main ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests for a seated dinner and 800 for a standing reception, offering abundant space for dancing, dining, and moments that look amazing on camera.my personal favorite layout this space accommodates is a long family-style seating lit by candlelight. just picture speeches, laughter over dinner, and the overall cozy ambiance the Crystal Ballroom in downtown houston has to offer.
How much does it cost?
Of course, typically the first question engaged couples need to know before booking any tours or signing any contracts. Pricing typically begins around $60 per person on food and beverage minimums, and total event costs can vary widely depending on guest count, menu selections, bar packages, and the day of the week. Weekday wedding as well as off season tends to be cheaper per guest.
Many couples find that for weddings around 150–300 guests, total venue-related costs (including minimums and food/beverage) can land in the $6,000 – $10,000 range before add-ons — though custom packages, premium menus, and weekend peak pricing can increase that total.
What other logistics do I need to consider?
When thinking of having your wedding downtown, the main things to consider are always parking, lodging for guests, and accessibility. The Crystal Ballroom does offer valet. Additionally, there are multiple parking garages within a block's vicinity. in terms of lodging, downtown houston has ample hotels nearby - making it easy for guests to find somewhere to stay if needed. some great options include The Magnolia Hotel,
other nearby hotels include:
- Le Méridien Houston Downtown – Modern hotel in a historic building with great views and upscale touches.
- Hyatt Place Houston / Downtown – Comfortable stay with amenities and city views.
- C. Baldwin Hotel - my personal favorite, especially for photographing getting ready photos on the wedding day.
more about helena and derek's crystal ballroom wedding:
From the moment I walked in on this wedding day, the ballroom was glowing. Natural light poured through the large arched windows, bouncing off the crystal details and giving everything this warm, cinematic feel. It’s the kind of light photographers dream about, and it looks especially beautiful during portraits, first dances, and those candid in-between moments I love capturing.
One thing I adore about The Crystal Ballroom is how versatile it is. The couple used the Empire Room upstairs for getting ready — which is iconic in itself — and then transitioned into the ballroom for the ceremony and reception. Everything flowed seamlessly, and having all the spaces in one location kept the day relaxed and stress-free for everyone. (As someone who’s usually running around with two cameras and a coffee, I appreciate that.)
Throughout the day, we explored the surrounding downtown streets for portraits — a perfect mix of editorial architecture + soft, romantic moments. The area around The Rice gives so much variety without having to travel far, which means more time for photos and less time in transit. And honestly, Houston has never looked better than it does from those balcony views.
If you’re planning a wedding at The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice, you truly can’t go wrong. It’s elegant, full of history, and designed for hosting a celebration that feels unforgettable. And if you’re looking for a Houston wedding photographer who knows how to photograph this venue well — and who will hype you up, keep you present, and document every detail with intention — I’d love to be a part of your day.
inquire here
see my portfolio
01.
Do you shoot digital and film?
Yes! while 70% of my work is digital, I also shoot a mix of 35mm and medium format film mediums to give your gallery the perfect mix of nostalgia and depth.
02.
Where are you based?
I currently live in Houston, Texas but spend about 40% of my time in Chicago and the midwest and the rest traveling across the world to document moments. Who says you have to be old to snow-bird? ;)
03.
How does your wedding coverage work?
I've recently transitioned to only offering full wedding day coverage, meaning no cramming your best moments into a timeline or missing memories. I'll be there for whatever your day looks like, documenting the moments big and small. I also offer multi-day wedding packages as well.
04.
What are the next steps?
Fill out the contact form on my website. From there, I'll be reaching out within 2 business days with my availability, pricing, and link to hop on a call. I always recommend getting on a call so we can chat in person. Photography is deeply personal, especially on the biggest days of your lives, so knowing your story and having a personal connection is something I value deeply!
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Iowa + Texas-based destination wedding photographer specializing in documentary, storytelling wedding photos on digital and film.