Planning a wedding is more than just a one-day affair. It’s about creating a memorable experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. At Hummingbird Hill, we believe in making your wedding a weekend-long celebration filled with joy, love, and unforgettable moments. Nestled on 53 acres of lush greenery in Chappell Hill, Texas, our venue elegantly blends Southern charm with modern luxury, providing the perfect setting for your dream wedding. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a memorable wedding weekend at Hummingbird Hill.
1. Pre-Wedding Week Preparation
Early Week: Finalizing Details and Prepping Décor
The week leading up to your wedding is a crucial time for final preparations. Begin by finalizing all the details with your vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, and entertainment. Confirm arrival times, setup requirements, and any last-minute adjustments to your timeline.
Consider bringing your décor items to Hummingbird Hill early in the week. Our team can assist with storage and help ensure everything is ready for the big day. This includes setting up tables, arranging centerpieces, and preparing any special touches you’ve planned for your ceremony and reception.
Midweek: Personal Touches and Rehearsal Planning
As the week progresses, focus on the personal touches that will make your wedding unique. Write heartfelt notes to your bridal party, prepare welcome bags for your guests staying onsite, and double-check your wedding attire for any last-minute adjustments.
Plan a visit to Hummingbird Hill midweek to walk through the venue one final time. This is a great opportunity to visualize the setup, discuss any last-minute changes with our team, and ensure everything aligns with your vision. It’s also the perfect time to rehearse any special moments, such as a choreographed first dance or a surprise performance.
Thursday: Relaxation and Pre-Wedding Events
By Thursday, most of the heavy lifting should be done. Use this day to relax and enjoy the excitement building up to your wedding weekend. Consider hosting a low-key pre-wedding event, such as a spa day or a casual gathering with your bridal party and close family. This is a wonderful way to unwind and bond with your loved ones before the festivities begin.
2. Arrival and Welcome Plan
Friday: Check-in and Rehearsal Dinner
Kick off your wedding weekend with a warm welcome at Hummingbird Hill. Our full weekend lodging package allows you and your wedding party to check in at noon on Friday. Our nine beautifully designed lodge rooms can accommodate up to 36 guests, ensuring that your closest family and friends are right by your side throughout the celebration. Each room features two queen beds, a full bathroom, and a balcony, providing ultimate comfort and relaxation.
After settling in, gather your loved ones for a rehearsal dinner. Our spacious lodge can comfortably accommodate up to 80 guests in the main room, making it an ideal location for a relaxed, intimate dinner. Consider hosting a barbecue or a catered meal from one of our local partners. The night can continue with a casual get-together around a campfire under the stars, setting the tone for the joyous events to come.
3. Enjoy the Big Day
Saturday Morning: Preparation and Pre-Wedding Activities
Wake up to the serene beauty of Hummingbird Hill and start your wedding day with a hearty breakfast. Our common area includes a fully equipped commercial kitchen, so you can prepare your favorite morning meals or have a local caterer handle breakfast for you.
Bridal Suite
The bridal suite at Hummingbird Hill is a dream come true for any bride. Designed with the bride and her party in mind, the suite is spacious and thoughtfully equipped with a getting-ready area, mirrors, a bathroom, and ample space for relaxation. The aesthetic of the suite is perfect for capturing those unforgettable getting-ready photos, ensuring that every moment is documented beautifully.
Groomsmen Suite
Not to be outdone, the groomsmen suite offers a variety of activities to keep the groom and his party entertained. From fishing and skeet shooting to poker and watching the game on a big-screen TV, there’s no shortage of fun ways to pass the time before the ceremony.
The Ceremony
Hummingbird Hill offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, each providing a unique and beautiful setting for your vows. Be sure to soak in this moment, whether it me in our chapel or set outside our pond or woods.
Our elegant chapel, with its central heating and air conditioning, provides a controlled environment that ensures comfort regardless of the weather. The chapel can accommodate up to 250 guests and features a professionally engineered audio and PA system to ensure that every word is heard clearly.
For those dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, Hummingbird Hill offers a picturesque setting with a charming pond and a beautiful wooded area as the backdrop. The natural ambiance adds a touch of romance and magic to your vows, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, let your guests mingle and enjoy a cocktail hour in our outdoor space specifically designed for this purpose. The area includes a bar, and many couples enjoy bringing in food trucks and photo booths to add an extra layer of fun and excitement. Our cornhole boards and bags are also included with your venue rental, providing a relaxed and entertaining activity for your guests.
Tip: During this time, be sure to relax as newlyweds between photos and the reception!
The Reception
Hummingbird Hill’s reception hall can accommodate up to 400 guests, making it perfect for both intimate and grand celebrations. The hall features elegant wooden beams and a chic interior that complements a wide range of decorations, from rustic country flair to modern minimalist designs.
Décor and Dining
Transform the reception hall to match your wedding theme with the help of our all-inclusive packages, which include table decorations, linens, and more. Our farmhouse tables and high-end wooden cross-back chairs create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Choose from our trusted catering partners to provide a delicious meal that your guests will rave about. Whether you opt for a formal sit-down dinner or a buffet, our caterers are experienced in delivering exceptional service and cuisine.
Music and Entertainment
No wedding reception is complete without music and dancing. Our professionally engineered sound system ensures that every note of your first dance is heard clearly. Choose between a live band or DJ to keep the dance floor alive all night long.
Evening Festivities
As the reception winds down, continue the celebration with an evening under the stars. Our expansive outdoor space is perfect for a nightcap by the fire pit or a late-night dance party. With onsite lodging, your guests can easily retire to their rooms without worrying about transportation, allowing the festivities to continue well into the night.
4. Relax and Enjoy the Day After
Sunday Morning: Farewell Brunch
Extend the joy of your wedding weekend with a farewell brunch on Sunday morning. This is a wonderful opportunity to thank your guests for their presence and support and to spend a bit more time with loved ones before everyone heads home. Utilize our common area kitchen or hire a caterer to provide a delicious brunch spread.
Activities and Relaxation
For those not in a rush to leave, take advantage of Hummingbird Hill’s beautiful grounds. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the property, take some final photos, or simply relax and reflect on the incredible weekend. Checkout is by 11:00 AM, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the morning.
5. Take Advantage of Additional Amenities and Services
Day-of Coordination
Our day-of coordination services ensure that every detail of your wedding day runs smoothly. From setting up decorations to managing the timeline, our team is dedicated to making sure your day is perfect.
Engagement and Bridal Portraits
Take advantage of our stunning 53-acre property for your engagement and bridal portrait sessions. The natural beauty of Hummingbird Hill provides a breathtaking backdrop for your photos, and our Scottish Highland cows add a unique and charming element.
Customizable Packages
We understand that every wedding is unique, which is why we offer customizable packages to suit your specific needs. Whether you prefer an all-inclusive package or a more tailored approach, we work with you to create the wedding of your dreams.
Why Choose Hummingbird Hill?
Hummingbird Hill is not just a venue; it’s an experience. Our dedication to providing exceptional service, combined with our beautiful setting, ensures that your wedding weekend will be truly unforgettable. From the initial planning stages to the moment you say “I do,” we are here to support you every step of the way.
Testimonials
Our past couples can attest to the exceptional experience at Hummingbird Hill:
“Choosing Hummingbird Hill as our wedding venue was the best decision we made. Located just an hour away from Houston, it was convenient for us and our guests. The onsite accommodations allowed our wedding party to stay together, creating an unforgettable weekend experience. The guys enjoyed a fishing trip while the girls got ready and throughout the entire event Brandon and Kaylin were attentive and on top of every detail. Our wedding at Hummingbird Hill was simply perfect and if given the chance I would choose this venue a million times over. Highly recommended.” – Kendra O.
“I had the most incredible wedding experience at Hummingbird Hill! It is without a doubt the premier venue in the Houston area. The Lawrence family’s exceptional service exceeded all our expectations. From start to finish they made sure every detail was taken care of and their warm hospitality made us feel like family. I wholeheartedly recommend Hummingbird Hill to every bride out there – it truly is the perfect venue for a dream wedding!” – Jennifer L.
Conclusion
Creating a memorable wedding weekend at Hummingbird Hill is about more than just the ceremony and reception; it’s about crafting an experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. With our stunning venue, luxurious accommodations, and dedicated team, your wedding weekend will be everything you’ve dreamed of and more. Schedule a tour today to start planning your unforgettable wedding weekend at Hummingbird Hill.
Your love story deserves the perfect setting, and at Hummingbird Hill, we’re here to make your wedding dreams come true.
