Wedding hall attracts couples from across Houston

When two people are preparing for a wedding, one of the most important decisions is where the ceremony will take place. At Ashelynn Manor, a wedding venue in Magnolia, the owners do everything they can to make sure their clients feel they made the right decision.

"When you're in a service business like weddings, your reputation is everything," said Tessie Ashe, who owns and runs the manor with her husband, Kevin. "Our motto is to treat every wedding as if it was your own."

With couples coming as far as Galveston and Austin to get married in Magnolia, Ashe said she thinks their reputation speaks for itself.

When the Manor opened in 2004, all weddings took place outdoors in a garden area at a gazebo. However, after four years, the owners opted to construct a traditional chapel to give couples the option of an indoor wedding as well.

"I think there are a lot of girls who just want to be married in an old-timey, white chapel, so that's been a very popular addition," Ashe said.

The Manor offers a variety of different packages with two-, three- and four-hour events. As the hosts, the owners of Ashelynn Manor take it upon themselves to provide wedding and reception coordinators, decoration, food and music. However, there are some aspects that Ashe said are left up to the bride and groom.

"When it comes to flowers and photography, people like to choose their own providers," she said.

Ashe said she personalizes each aspect of the ceremony according to what her customers want, which has led to some pretty unusual weddings in the past. From weddings themed after the Texas Renaissance Festival to couples leaving the manor via helicopter, Ashe is willing to work within a range of unconventional concepts.

"There's a lot of competition in this line of business, and Ashelynn Manor is not for everybody," Ashe said. "For the brides that we do fit, we want to make sure it's an excellent fit, not just a satisfactory one."

Venue options

The Manor

• Provides bedrooms and bathrooms for the bridal party to dress and prepare for the ceremony
• Features a kitchen, large laundry room, guest rooms, lounges and smaller reception area
• Rear exit leads to a rose garden and outdoor area where ceremonies can be held in front of a white gazebo

The Chapel

• Provides seating for up to 275 guests
• Architecturally designed to recreate the old country charm of the past
• Features air conditioning, heating, hard wood floors, stone columns and 34 crystal chandeliers

The Carriage House

• The 5,000 square foot reception hall accommodates 300 guests gathering for food and socializing after the ceremony
• Features 34 crystal and wrought iron chandeliers, a 14-foot granite bar, and is fully air conditioned
• Certain wedding packages include ice sculptures

Ashelynn Manor, 25276 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia, 281-252-3355, www.ashelynnmanor.com