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Dallas Wedding and Reception Locations

Fun and Unusual Venues in the Dallas Area
The Black Forest Theater Dallas 214-421-0677 alfredoappletree@aol.com	Built in 1948 as a movie theater, the Forest Theater was purchased in 2003 by Dallas' own Erykah Badu and renamed the Black Forest. Located in South Dallas near Fair Park, the Theater itself can accommodate 1200 guests, and the Cafe can hold smaller groups. Saturday rental of the Theater is $2500, or $750 for the Cafe. Food and drink minimums apply, as well as cleanup and security charges. Great pricing info on the website.
The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park Dallas 214-943-2771, ext. 301 dallaszoodoc@culinaireintl.com	Not to be confused with the Dallas World Aquarium, the Aquarium at Fair Park contains a fabulous collection of aquatic creatures including moon jellyfish, seahorses and a large variety of fish. Your wedding reception or corporate function can accommodate 90 seated or 150 standing reception for evening. Call or email for rates.
Dallas World Aquarium Dallas 214-720-2224	Banquet rooms can hold up to 300 people for a seated dinner, or 1800 for a reception. Rental fees start at $750 for up to 250 guests with a $7500 spending minimum on Saturday nights. Rental fees include furniture and linens. Additional costs include staff fees and security. Catering ranges from $18 pp to $60+ pp and you must use their caterer. There are also minimums on alcoholic beverage service charged on a pp basis starting at $16 pp for beer/wine or $20 pp for a full bar. The actual bar bill is based on consumption.
The Dallas Zoo Dallas 214-943-2771, ext. 301 dallaszoodoc@culinaireintl.com	So may unique venues, so little space! Here's a quick summary: Choose from the new Prime Meridian Restaurant overlooking the Flamingo Pond (accommodates up to 300 guests seated inside and up to 200 people seated outside), the ZooNorth Cat Green for a tree-covered event surrounded by ocelots, lions and birds of prey (can accommodate up to 1,000 people seated during normal zoo hours only), the Bird Valley/Butterfly Garden (holds 100 seated or 300 standing), or The Wilds of Africa Plaza surrounded by pecan trees (accommodates 750 people seated). Email for rates.
Delaney Vineyards Grapevine 817-481-5668	I did a tour of the facility while they were setting up for a wedding and it looked stunning. You must use a preferred caterer or pay an additional $250. No alcohol may be purchased except for Delaney wine. They also allow you to give away beer for free, but you cannot charge for it. A licensed bartender is required. Rental fees are charged on a time-sensitive basis.
The Lakewood Theater Dallas 214-526-8077 eventdirector@lakewoodtheater.com	Looking for something a little different for your reception? Why not consider the Lakewood Theater? With it's famous red, green, and blue Art Deco tower, the Lakewood is Dallas' sole remaining single-screen movie palace. With capacity from 80 to 800, the Lakewood says that they're one of the most reasonably priced event venues available. Call or email for pricing details.
The Science Place Dallas 214-428-5555 ext. 303	Rental available, but no pricing info on website.
The Sky's the Limit DFW 940-321-8027 info@texasballooning.com	This idea isn't for everyone, but here's a company that offers hot air balloon weddings! The chief pilot is an ordained minister, so don't worry about having to drag along someone to do the ceremony. Additional guests can fly along in other balloons, or track the balloon and meet you at the landing site. The costs are $550 and include the fees for you, your spouse, and the minister and his services.
Sons of Hermann Hall Dallas 214-747-4422 Ext. 2	This place has been around since 1911, so it really has some character. Can accommodate groups up to 400. The upstairs rents for $1000 and the downstairs ("bowling alley") rents for $500. Prices include tables and chairs. You may bring your own caterer.
Texas de Brazil Dallas 972-385-1113	Yes, I'm biased because we used them for our wedding reception and it turned out magnificently. Rental fee is $500 for a Saturday night for a private room (although somehow, we got this waived). You can bring your own cake, but they'll charge a $20 cake cutting fee. They are very accommodating, and they'll set up the bar any way you'd like. Holds about 150 people.
Texas Rangers Baseball Museum Arlington 817-273-5842	If you're a baseball fan, could there be a more perfect place for your reception?! Room rentals start at $600 and can accommodate anywhere from 25-1200 guests. Outside caterers are welcome.
Next Pricing may not be current. Please send errors in fact and out-dated links to lisa@idodallas.com. Please post comments about or personal experiences with these vendors in the Forum section of the website.