Couples have a range of choices for places to get married in Lake Jackson.
Lake Jackson was created during the 1940s as a planned community for employees of the Dow Chemical Company while defying every preconceived notion triggered by the words "company town." Lake Jackson was designed to highlight the natural landscape and remind residents that life can be fun if they let it. From intersections where streets are named "This Way" and "That Way," to public buildings with interactive water fountains where people are encouraged to jump in, to museums that celebrate the city's quirky past, Lake Jackson earns its tag name, the "Enchanted City."
The Varner-Hogg Plantation
Located about 20 minutes from the center of Lake Jackson in West Columbia, the 66-acre Varner-Hogg Plantation is set on the bank of the Brazos River and is heavily wooded with pecan and magnolia trees. Now owned by the Texas Historical Commission, the plantation accommodates weddings with up to 300 guests. Wedding rentals include a bride's changing room, chairs, a tent and access to electricity. The plantation house is not open for use for wedding rentals.
Lake Jackson Civic Center
The Lake Jackson Civic Center has an outdoor setting for a ceremony and a 7,100 square-foot ballroom for a reception. The plazas at the Civic Center feature a trellis, life-size chess board, two fountains, wading pools and a stage for a band. The ballroom includes a large dance floor and tables and chairs with white linen covers. There are also storage facilities and serving kitchens.
MacLean Park
Located on the bank of the Brazos River, MacLean Park is an 84-acre city park with a covered pavilion that seats up to 500. A path leads down to the Brazos for couples who opt for a waterfront ceremony. There is also a food services building that rents separately from the pavilion. Although it is not white-glove elegant, facilities such a playground, walking trails and a lighted stage for wedding band or DJ may make add to the day's enjoyment and memories.
Thw Swiss Cherotel
The Swiss Cherotel Hotel and Convention Center offers all the traditional trimmings many brides want at their weddings. A wedding planner helps organize everything from a ceremony surrounded by flower arrangements in one part of the large hall to a sit down dinner for hundreds of guests at the other end. White linens, ice sculptures, elaborately decorated display tables for the wedding cake and favors set around an indoor fountain and wading pool are some of the details of a Cherotel wedding. The catering menu is flexible, and the hotel works with each couple to create an individual event.
Tags: Lake Jackson, Civic Center, bank Brazos, bank Brazos River, Brazos River