Old Glory Ranch {Hill Country Wedding Photographer}

When you get right down to it, Central Texas is fortunate to have some of the best wedding venues anywhere. It's an embarrassment of riches, to be honest. As a Central Texas wedding photographer based in New Braunfels, Lisa's been blessed to photograph weddings all over--from historic Fredericksburg in the Hill Country, to San Antonio's famed River Walk to the sunny shores of Lake Travis--and loves every minute of it! It seems that brides are asking her about potential wedding venues more often these days, so we're going to start spotlighting some of the outstanding Texas Hill Country wedding locations, starting with Old Glory Ranch in Wimberley.

The first thing that hits you when you emerge from the wooded drive onto the grounds is the gorgeous, honey-golden chapel. The exterior is smooth-cut cedar planking, and the result is a magical combination of rustic charm and elegant dignity. I'm serious, folks, when the sun shines down, the chapel literally glows.

It is exceptionally roomy inside, too. The wood surfaces are all polished smooth, and rows of windows on either side of the chapel fill the space with a warm glow. Any wedding photographer will tell you this is some of the absolute best light to shoot in--it gives everyone healthy, attractive skin tones and adds a rich warmth to all the photos. There's a lovely covered back patio area for receptions, but for a more formal dinner, the chapel hall can be converted to that in short order as well (a neat trick if the weather doesn't cooperate!). Stained glass and detailed painting on the interior beams complete the picture, with old-world, Germanic charm.

Owner Susan McCord (who just became a grandmother this week--Congratulations, Susan!) has more than 2,000 acres on the grounds which she'd developed impressively. The Gatehouse Pavilion is an outdoor venue suitable for smaller gatherings, and there are other buildings (including a lodge, a farm house and a stonework "castle") available for private rental. What's most impressive, however, is the two miles of riverfront access along the Blanco. Here McCord has built two fantastic outdoor wedding venues--the wooden wedding deck, bordered by a large grassy lawn suitable for up to 500 guests, and the smaller stone landing, which can accommodate smaller gatherings of 75 or less. Both outdoor venues are literally right on top of the Blanco River, surrounded by spectacular old-growth Montezuma cypress. For lovers of outdoor weddings, it doesn't get any better than this.

Susan works with Liz Danna, general manager, and Gina McClure, the marketing and artistic director. Any one of them will do you right, so if you're looking for a genuine Texas Hill Country wedding venue, give the fine folks at Old Glory Ranch a call. Better yet, give Lisa a call first, so you're guaranteed great wedding photography!

Lisa On Location Photography