Rio Cibolo Ranch {San Antonio wedding photographer}

It's been quite some time since I've written a wedding venue profile here, and that's a shame, since there are so many great venues in the area. We always want brides and grooms to have plenty of options to choose from--there's something out there to suit every personality, and make a wedding truly unique and memorable. That said, if you're a country and western couple in search of a suitably country and western site to host your wedding or reception, then you've got to give Rio Cibolo Ranch a look-see.

Rio Cibolo Ranch is located on the banks of Cibolo Creek, just outside of tiny Zuehl, halfway between Seguin and San Antonio. It is a 130 acre working cattle ranch with a few buffalo and llamas thrown in for good measure. It's also a pecan orchard, and towering, majestic pecan trees dominate the landscape to provide cool shade even at the height of our Texas summers. Craig Christopher handles marketing and sales there, while Denise Rabel is their on-site wedding coordinator. They're good people, and they know what they're doing. They've been managing things at Rio Cibolo a long time, and have weddings and corporate event management down to a science.

Before I write anything else about Rio Cibolo, I've got to tell you that this place has its own rodeo arena. Let me repeat that: This place has its own rodeo arena. If your heart started beating just a little bit faster at that news, then this might just be the place for you. With such a sprawling spread, their facilities can host a wide range of events of varying sizes. Craig told me they've hosted retreats by corporations with thousands of people in attendance. Odds are, most weddings aren't going to bring that many guests, but you never know. The main facility, the RCR Corral (above), is laid out like a traditional Texas dance hall. It's partially open air and can handle 5,000 at a time, which should be more than enough for most big wedding parties.

Just across the road from the RCR Corral--easy walking distance, in fact--is the Lazy Lily River House. Built overlooking Cibolo Creek, this house and deck can accommodate wedding parties of 200 or so guests. It's surrounded by a rustic flower garden with roses and a lovely arbor. For anyone willing to make the short walk down to the creek, there's a nice surprise in store. There's a low dam across Cibolo Creek, forming a nice, modest-sized lake. There's a boat moored here, similar to San Antonio's famed river walk barges, that can take the bride and groom (as well as guests) on a romantic float through the leafy green waterway. It's a nice touch, especially at night in the moonlight.

The third option is Zuehl's Hall for weddings too big for the Lazy Lily but not big enough to justify the RCR Corral. Located down the road, past the rodeo arena, Zuehl's Hall sports the Texas country dance hall motiff and is suitable for weddings of up to 450 guests. A broad, grassy lawn out back features a wedding gazebo for outdoor ceremonies.

All catering is done on-site through Rio Cibolo Ranch. They're TABC certified with a mixed beverage permit, and can even book entertainment for your wedding. It really is convenient one-stop shopping for wedding couples looking for a place they can kick up their boots and have a little fun. Feel free to give Denise or Craig a shout to check available dates, and don't forget to call Lisa while you're at it to guarantee top-notch wedding photography of your special day!

Lisa On Location Photography