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x3 Couples' Choice Awards

Won the Couples' Choice Awards thanks to recommendations from couples on Weddingwire.com.
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015

Crystal Ballroom at the Rice

$10k - $13k For 100 Guests
Availability

Trending now

Highly recommended

About

On WeddingWire since 2016

The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice is an elegant 1913 historic ballroom located in the heart of downtown Houston’s Rice Hotel. This gorgeous ballroom venue was originally the capital of the Republic of Texas, and is now a fantastic space ideal for a large event.

Facilities and Capacity
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice is a unique space, able to accommodate large gatherings its main ballroom or smaller events in one of the adjoining private rooms, especially the Empire Room. The main ballroom is a luxurious 5,000 square feet ballroom with a 1,500 square foot parlor. This space maintains its 1913 design, complete with a full wrap-around balcony and covered terrace. The ballroom has an elegant lobby entrance with crystal chandeliers and you can prepare for your big day in the ballroom’s private dressing room. The spacious ballroom has 35-inch ceilings, a full stage, and a beautiful dance floor for celebrating. This opulent ballroom can accommodate 400 guests for a seated dinner and up to 800 guests for a reception. If you want all the luxury of this space with a more intimate setting, you can hold your event in the Empire Room. The Empire Room is on the same level as the main ballroom and can accommodate 100 guests for a seated dinner and 120 guests for a reception. The space comes with a serving bar, lofty ceilings, and a multimedia presentation system for any slideshows or videos you may want to present during your reception.

Services Offered
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice is a gorgeous venue, with multiple service options. The venue has in-house event planning services and the staff is there to assist you every step of the planning process. The Crystal Ballroom offers the following services:

  • Event planning
  • Bridal suite
  • In-house catering

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$29,871

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,273

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$1,230

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Event Planner

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Valet
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68 Reviews

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Rated
4.8
out of 5.0
Recommended by 97% of couples
  • Quality of service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating

1 User photo

  • K
    Kaitlyn P. Married on 10/09/2021
    5 out of 5 rating
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    Perfect wedding!

    Everything about my daughter's wedding in October 2021 was fantastic! Cassidy was on top of everything and did not let anything go undone. They were great when we had to postpone a year due to the pandemic. No issues. Before the wedding the communication was fantastic and they were so thorough in the walk through. Two days before they contacted us for another meeting to be sure everything was covered and always answered emails quickly. They even suggested things that were more work for them, like bringing in Whataburger for late night. They were concerned about every detail, not just normal things like food preferences/allergies but also what time does the band want to eat? When we discovered at the wedding that two of the groomsmen could not have pork touch their plate, they handled it immediately without complaint. They had four bartenders and there was never a line, one of the most important things at a wedding! They boxed kids meals to go when the parents of two flower girls did not want the kids to stay due to COVID. There was not one thing they could have done better. So impressed! And so convenient in downtown Houston!
  • K
    Kirsten Q. Married on 08/21/2021
    5 out of 5 rating
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    AMAZING wedding with Houston History

    We could not be happier with our choice to have our wedding at the Crystal Ballroom. We are so grateful to the team (especially Cassidy - our venue coordinator) for the hospitality they showed us and the ease they created for our day. It is a perfect room with gorgeous murals and chandeliers with so much opportunity to really 'make it your own'. Plus, the food was DELICIOUS, not something you can always say for wedding venues. I could not recommend them more!
  • Ally
    Ally C. Married on 05/22/2021
    5 out of 5 rating
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    Dream wedding

    The Crystal Ballroom is a stunning venue! It’s difficult to find a place in Houston with so much history and beauty and this place has it all. It’s truly one of a kind! On top of that, Emily and Cassidy, the coordinators, are absolute gems to work with. They will take care of you from start to finish. I began planning my wedding before Covid and had to reset my event two times. They were completely flexible with every change I made. We also switched from a buffet dinner to a seated dinner last minute because of Covid regulations and we were able to keep all the same food selections in the switch. You do have to book catering through Sambucca, but I personally found that less stressful than having to hunt down and select a caterer. The food was also delicious. The day-of was perfectly executed and we enjoyed every minute of our day, thanks to Emily and Cassidy! Multiple guests told us our wedding was the best wedding they have been to! I would highly recommend this venue to anyone.
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Awards

68
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner

Real Weddings

Chloe & Dylan
58 photos · 10/29/2022
Liles & Weston
131 photos · 11/02/2019

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Jessi Marri Photography Jessi Marri Photography Wedding Photographers

FAVORITE venue to shoot at!

C. Baron Photography C. Baron Photography Wedding Photographers

We love to visit the Crystal Ballroom. The ballroom itself is beautiful and historic. However, there are so many other lovely parts of this venue. The balcony and the bridal suite are absolutely lovely to photograph!

Map

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909 Texas Ave Houston, TX, 77002
713-227-7423
Location of (Crystal Ballroom at the Rice)

Crystal Ballroom at the Rice frequently asked questions

Crystal Ballroom at the Rice includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Set Up
The space offered by Crystal Ballroom at the Rice for wedding events is known for:
  • Banquet Hall
Crystal Ballroom at the Rice offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Crystal Ballroom at the Rice offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
Crystal Ballroom at the Rice offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Event Planner
Crystal Ballroom at the Rice is recommended by 97% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in quality of service, 4.9 in professionalism, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in flexibility and 4.8 in value.

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