As a Dallas wedding photographer, I have the opportunity to spend time at many wedding venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Avalon Legacy Ranch is by far my favorite when it comes to rustic elegance and gorgeous scenery. The outdoor ceremony space has a charming chandelier and stained glass backdrop and there are options for an intimate indoor or outdoor reception. I also can’t say enough about the venue owners, coordinators and staff! Everyone is so helpful, professional and warm; something I truly appreciate and value when it comes to my couple’s wedding day experience.
Antandra & Isaiah’s early autumn wedding day was simple, intimate, and absolutely stunning! They were best friends throughout childhood and started dating at age 15. Isaiah proposed during the Dallas Arboretum’s 12 Days of Christmas event and they ditched their fancy dinner reservations for pizza and Toy Story (my kind of couple!) On their wedding day, we were blessed with cool temperatures and perfectly diffused lighting due to overcast skies and we spent over an hour exploring and taking wedding portraits.
A + I were completely present and in the moment celebrating their love and we even took time for an impromptu first dance to their song, Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton. It was such a wonderful experience and I am so grateful they chose me to document their first moments as a married couple.
Why should you get married at Avalon Legacy Ranch?
My favorite thing about this McKinney wedding venue is the endless options for wedding portraits. There is a stately indoor library, plenty of windows to let in natural light for indoor wedding portraits, unique landscaping, a pond, multiple bridges, and of course, the outdoor ceremony space. I interviewed one of the venue owners, Debi, to learn more about what gives this beautiful venue its magic.
Keep scrolling to find out more about this gorgeous Dallas outdoor wedding venue and to see more of Mr. and Mrs. Horne’s wedding day.
What is the name of your wedding venue and where are you located?
Avalon Legacy Ranch in McKinney, Texas
Tell us about Avalon Legacy Ranch and what makes it unique.
Everything! Avalon Legacy Ranch is located on 25 wooded acres 5 minutes from Downtown McKinney and we have three generations of women from our family working at the venue! We aren’t a traditional venue where everyone is in a rectangular room and there are multiple diverse areas for your guests to enjoy themselves and create the atmosphere they want while enjoying your wedding. Our venue has 3 fire pits, a stable and corral, bridges, a lake, the biggest bridal suite in the DFW area, and everything you could hope for in your room and in the groom’s suite.
How long have you been in business?
7 years and last year we were inducted into The Knot Hall of Fame…a great honor! We have also won Wedding Wire Couples Choice each year we have advertised with them and have been named Best Small Business in McKinney for 5 years straight!
Why did you decide to open a wedding venue?
It was totally a God thing. My son found the property for us to look at just for fun and when he asked me if we were going to buy the house, I said, “That’s not a house, that’s a venue.” We actually lost the bid to the house four different times. Each time we prayed, we felt like God said the house was ours and finally we got the house on our 5th bid! There are so many miraculous stories; we would have to write a book!
What is your favorite thing about weddings?
Oh gosh, it’s just such a tremendous privilege to be a part of our couples most important day! My favorite moment is probably when the bride and her dad walk across the bridge to the chapel. I always take their picture and it is such a sweet, sweet moment. A bride’s last few minutes before she is a married woman…just writing about this made me tear up!
If you could give couples one piece of advice for their wedding day, what would that be?
Honestly, hire a videographer and a planner. You will be surprised how much the video helps you remember every detail and see other moments you don’t even realize take place. A planner keeps everything going smoothly and your mom will be able to enjoy your wedding as well. Other advice: don’t worry about perfection! The day will be perfect because the two of you are getting married. Fully enjoy the day!
What extra services do you offer your couples?
We allow couples to bring in their own vendors, offer decor that can be used for ceremonies and receptions, and we have golf carts for elderly guests. We include all tables and chairs. They can come out for engagements and bridals. I think we have more amenities than any other venue and it would take two pages to list them all. One of the best things is our venue has over $300,000 of paintings and furnishings. You don’t have to spend an overwhelming amount of money on florals and decor because you are already working in a gorgeous setting.
What is your price range and venue capacity?
We have prices at all different levels. Our lowest is $400 an hour and our top price is in October for $9500. There are wedding days for every amount in between. I am a single mom who raised four kids on her own. Value is important to me and couples who want to get married here are important to me. We will find a day and a price that will work for anyone. Our venue recommends having no more than 200 guests as our venue capacity is limited. Our space can hold up to 250 if needed.
Are there any other details you would like to include?
If you see our reviews, you will see we have more than 100 5 star reviews on Google and The Knot. We don’t work for reviews but we work for our families and our couples and we truly want EACH WEDDING to be perfect on our end. We treat each wedding like it is the ONLY WEDDING that has ever taken place in the history of the world and it is our job to make the setting beautiful. Our passion is evident on the day of the wedding and has led to such great reviews. Every time you contact us you will be talking to Alee or me, Debi, (we don’t change staff every three months) which brings such peace of mind! Be sure and look at our online video to get a better feel for the venue at
www.avalonlegacyranch.com. It’s still more beautiful in person but the video will give you a great overview of the venue.
What is your contact information for couples to reach you?
Debi Ladd
2022 Wayside Trail
McKinney, Tx. 75071
469-450-6211
i'm so excited to work with you!
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