FAQs
Question
Where do I park & go from there?
Answer
Guests will enter the Houston Arboretum using the Nature Center address at 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024. This will take you directly to the 610 Parking Loop. Parking is paid on-site for a few dollars, with instructions posted on signs around the lot. From there, the walk to the Meadow Deck takes about 5–10 minutes along a natural trail. A map is included with your invitation, and I added the photo of the map to the bottom of our gallery page!
Question
How do I get to the Meadow Deck?
Answer
A map is included in the gallery for reference. For GPS, please use the address for the Houston Arboretum Nature Center, which will bring you to the 610 Parking Loop (#9 on the map). Once parked, walk east toward the Nature Center (#8). From there, take a right and head south, passing the Lily Pond (#2) and continuing past Emmott Circle (#1). Follow the Inner Loop Trail (lime green on the map) all the way around until you reach the South Meadow Trail (blue on the map). Turn right (south) onto the South Meadow trail, and continue until you can turn left (east), which will lead you straight to the Main Meadow Deck (#4 on the map).
Question
Is the ceremony outdoors?
Answer
Yes, the ceremony will be outdoors on a deck by a small pond with lots of trees surrounding. January can be chilly, so please dress warmly. To limit your time in the cold, the ceremony will be brief, and we’ll have hot hand warmers available for all guests! Parts of the trail may be muddy, so shoe covers will be provided as well.
Question
What do I wear?
Answer
Please wear shades of green, gray, brown, tan, black, or other neutral tones, and kindly avoid white or bright colors. The ceremony will be outdoors in January and will be quite chilly, so dressing warmly is encouraged. The walk to the Meadow Deck is along a natural trail and can be a bit messy, so we recommend practical shoes for a short outdoor walk. Shoe covers and hand warmers will be provided to help keep everyone comfortable.
Question
What time should I arrive?
Answer
Please plan to arrive at the Meadow Deck no earlier than 10:45 AM. Parking, payment, and the walk to the deck will take about 15 minutes altogether. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 AM, and since our time at the deck is limited, we kindly ask that you arrive on time.
Question
Can I bring a guest or my children?
Answer
Because seating is limited to 30 guests, we’re only able to accommodate those named on the invitation. We kindly ask that no additional guests or plus-ones attend unless specifically listed.
Question
Is there a reception?
Answer
While there is no formal reception with food provided, we will have Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory in the Galleria, about a 10-minute drive from the ceremony location. Lunch is optional and simply a casual meal together after the ceremony. Guests will order and pay individually.
Question
What happens after lunch?
Answer
We will spend the rest of the day at home together to continue the celebration! Welcoming family & friends over for a relaxed come-and-go gathering for anyone who is still in town and would like to stop by. We completely understand if you have other plans or if you need to head home. There will be pizza and cake provided later for dinner for whoever joins us!
Question
What else to expect?
Answer
We’ll also be hosting a bigger celebration for friends and family in July 2026 in San Antonio! It will be another chance for everyone to gather, eat, laugh, and spend time together; again, not a formal wedding or reception, just a fun, relaxed get-together. More details will be shared closer to the date. Since we originally planned to elope and our January ceremony is very small and last-minute, this summer gathering will be our way to celebrate with more of our loved ones!
