It’s that time of year when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and wedding bells are ringing. Engaged couples looking for a good spot to tie the knot in the Plains and Panhandle area may find the perfect destination is not far away. Here are a few notable neighbors for never-to-be-forgotten nuptials.
Longworth Gin Wedding & Event Center
306 E South 1st St.
Roby, TX 79543
www.facebook.com/LongworthGin/
For a rustic venue situated among the cotton fields between Sweetwater and Roby, couples may want to check out the Longworth Gin’s indoor industrial look. The space can be customized to fit any theme—including bounce houses indoors! It can accommodate up to 300 dining and dancing guests and features an elegant bride’s suite.
The gin opened in 1973, though it has not served cotton production since 2007.
“It’s small town, family-owned,” said Sarah Coker, whose family owned the gin since it first opened in the 70s. It had not been operational for some time when she began work remodeling the gin as a wedding and event center in 2018. As it turned out, Coker was the very first bride to walk down the aisle there in 2019 after her husband, Colton, proposed.
Since then, the family’s labor of love has provided a beautiful backdrop for many more couples taking their vows. Wireless internet is available, and the grounds are fully accessible. An outdoor celebration can also be arranged.
For further information, call (325) 725-0823.
Starlight Canyon Ranch
For something closer to Canyon—and a rustic history to accompany it—Starlight Canyon Ranch may be just right. With cabins featuring fireplaces and secluded outdoor hot tubs, this fairytale wedding venue could come with a built-in honeymoon.
On the canyon rim of what was planned nearly a century ago as a Texas state park, the main rock-house lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 as the park concession building. Today western-themed cabins surround a grassy, light-strung lawn with a gazebo, an indoor venue, and an outdoor dance floor.
The happy couple can enjoy a delicious breakfast served every morning, then hike and explore Palo Duro Canyon. Online reservations are available. To schedule a tour, call (806) 622-2382.
Rowe Point Ranch
4099 County Road 24
Hedley, Texas 79237
For couples who would like to take their vows in a dreamy, memorable place, a ghost town might be ideal.
Just south of Clarendon in Hedley, a renovated barn and house show off the charm of historic Rowe Point Ranch, while also providing modern comforts like air conditioning. The dressing suite was once the original post office of a town called Rowe, built in the 1890s. It is named after British-born cattleman Alfred Rowe, who died aboard the “Titanic” in 1912 when returning to Texas to check on his ranching interests.
“It’s a beautifully natural setting,” said Trey Person, who is currently working on building a waterfall feature with a Jacuzzi tub.
There is a 5,000-square-foot island in the pond where ceremonies are held. Photos can be taken on the bridge to the island. The outdoor options are a popular attraction.
In addition to the stunning landscape, romance runs through this venue’s history.
Though forbidden to marry in their youth, Isaac Raines and his bride, Ella Kirkpatrick, waited for their chance until they were finally wed at Rowe Point in their seventies. Their marriage certificate remains on display there today.
The happy couple can host up to 300 wedding guests. Catering and bartending are available, as well as floral services. Reservations may need to be booked up to a year in advance for the busiest months. On 20 acres, surrounded by 100 acres of trees, Rowe Point Ranch comes with interesting stories and plenty of room to start new ones.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Trey and Shandy Pearson at (806) 674-8850.
501 Winery
109 Avenue E NW
Childress, TX 79201
www.facebook.com/the501winery/
For a reception with flair, the 501 Winery in Childress occupies a restored historic building on the courthouse square and offers a great selection of wines, including locally produced bottles from the family vineyard. Dr. Adam Bishop welcomes couples to the tasting room to sample and can be reached at (940) 937-8155.
Kitalou Gin
6008 E. County Road 6300
Lubbock, Texas 79403
The Kitalou Gin between Idalou and Lubbock was built in 1925 on the historic Causey Hill among the cotton fields and today offers an authentic West Texas atmosphere. In the rustic facility where cotton once arrived in 500-pound burlapwrapped balls is an indoor and outdoor venue with options for traditional to unique settings for both wedding and reception. First-class service and attention to detail are highlighted at Kitalou. To schedule a tour, call (806) 577-0220.
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