Within 40 minutes of Waxahachie you'll find garden venues, barns, chapels, working ranches, a restored 1911 schoolhouse, a 1940 cotton gin, and even a Renaissance festival wedding garden. This guide covers the whole weekend: the venues, the license, the rehearsal dinner, the bachelorette and bachelor trips, and where your people can stay.
We host a tiny home about 8 minutes from downtown Waxahachie that sleeps up to seven. It works for the wedding party, family flying in, or a small bachelorette or bachelor crew who want a calm place to come back to.
At a glance
- Venues in this guide
- 25, from about 10 to 40 minutes from the tiny home
- Closest venues
- Faire La Fete Manor, The Graily, and the Greenhouse Venue, about 10 minutes each
- Starting prices
- From a $500 ceremony fee to more than $10,000, as listed
- Peak season
- March to June and September to November
- Texas license
- 72-hour wait, good for 90 days
- Scarborough weddings
- Festival days only, April 10 to May 31, 2027
- Big experiences
- Cosmic clay shooting, 4DX movies, helicopter tours, and hot air balloon rides
- Liquor stores
- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
- The tiny home
- Sleeps 7; quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
From venue websites, WeddingWire, the City of Waxahachie, and the Texas Family Code, checked October 1, 2026. Prices and policies change, so confirm with each venue.
The Waxahachie Tiny Home
A home base for the wedding weekend
Who it's for
- Wedding guests and family coming in from out of town: a full kitchen, a washer and dryer for wedding clothes, and room to park an RV or trailer.
- The wedding party. If your group is staying with us, you're welcome to get ready at the house.
- Small bachelorette and bachelor groups of up to seven.
Getting ready and photos
- Getting ready: a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, a queen bedroom on the main floor, the loft, and a washer and dryer.
- Photos: a covered front porch with rocking chairs, sunsets over 1,800 acres of open farmland, round hay bales at golden hour, and a sky full of stars after dark.
- Early check-in or late checkout: ask when you book. We'll say yes when the calendar allows.
House rules for groups
- Up to 7 overnight guests: a queen bed downstairs, two queen air mattresses in the loft, and a sofa.
- No parties or events at the house, and no outside visitors.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. We live on the property and keep it peaceful for everyone.
- Pets welcome with approval.
Check our dates on VRBO and message us the wedding date and venue.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences
For the trip people talk about for years. Sorted by drive time from the tiny home.
Axe-throwing bar
Battle Axes Waxahachie · 507 N. Hwy 77
Axe throwing with coaching, games, and a bar. Thursday 5 to 10 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, Sunday 2 to 8 p.m.
Escape room
NTER, The Great Escape · 791 N. Hwy 77
Beat the clock as a team before the night out.
Golf at 2 a.m.
The Golf Lounge · 3650 N. Hwy 77
TrackMan simulator bays open 24 hours by reservation. Your door code arrives by email.
Cosmic clay shooting
The Porch Venue · Waxahachie
Glow-in-the-dark skeet shooting under the stars, Thursday to Saturday nights. The all-inclusive pass is $150 a person for 3 hours (8:30 to 11:30 p.m.) with 50 clays, a shotgun, and ammo; bring your own shotgun for $125 and 100 clays. Axe throwing and yard games too. Must be 18+, ID required, no alcohol on site, reservations required: 469-716-3315.
A 4DX movie
B&B Theatres Red Oak 12 · 615 N. I-35E
Seats that move, wind, and water effects in 4DX, plus ScreenX and a Grand Screen. Bowling, an arcade, pickleball, bocce, Sterling's restaurant, and party rooms under one roof.
Drive-in movie
Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theatre · 5301 N. I-45, Ennis
An old-school drive-in, open nightly from 6 p.m. Bring blankets and park the whole crew in front of the big screen.
Black-light paint and sip
Painting with a Twist · 105 E. Belt Line Rd., Cedar Hill
BYOB painting classes, some with glow paint, and private parties for your group.
Party boat on Joe Pool Lake
Lynn Creek Marina · Grand Prairie
A double-decker with a slide for 14, or a tritoon for 10. The driver must be 21+ with a valid license; no glass.
Helicopter tour over Dallas
You Take Flight, Dallas Executive Airport · Leading Edge Helicopters, Grand Prairie
Helicopter tours from south Dallas and Grand Prairie. See the skyline from above, then come back to the quiet.
Live bull riding
Billy Bob's Texas · Fort Worth Stockyards
Billed as the world's largest honky-tonk. Professional bull riding Friday and Saturday at 8 and 9 p.m.
Hot air balloon ride
Rohr Balloons · Allen
Hot air balloon flights north of Dallas. Book well ahead; flights depend on the weather and can move a day. The big Plano Balloon Festival fills the sky at Oak Point Park in Plano each year; check planoballoonfest.org for dates.
Giraffes at Fossil Rim
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center · Glen Rose
A drive-through safari where giraffes eat from your hand. Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the guided safari truck is a step up from driving yourself.
A sky full of stars
The Waxahachie Tiny Home
No city glow out here. End the night on the porch, looking up.
Wedding venues near Waxahachie, by drive time
Every venue below was active on its own website or on WeddingWire in October 2026. Drive times are from the tiny home. Prices are starting prices as the venue or WeddingWire listed them, and they change, so confirm directly.
| Venue | Drive | Style and size | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faire La Fete Manor, Waxahachie | 10 min4.3 mi | Modern home on 2.5 acres by a creek, with a pool. Up to 80 guests | $850 ($500 Jan and Feb) |
| The Graily, Waxahachie | 10 min4.5 mi | Restored 1911 schoolhouse: ballroom and courtyard. 175 seated, 250 standing guests | $5,500 off-peak |
| Greenhouse Venue at Hi-Berger Ranch, Ennis | 10 min4.9 mi | Flower farm with a covered pavilion and a dock. Up to 300 guests | $1,200 off-peak |
| Waxahachie Civic Center | 12 min6.4 mi | Convention center, over 40,000 sq ft. Capacity not posted | Not posted |
| Firefly Gardens, Midlothian | 15 min10.8 mi | White two-story barn ballroom, 8 acres with a pond. Up to 250 guests | $5,000, all-inclusive packages |
| Willow Creek Weddings and Events, Waxahachie | 15 min9.7 mi | 12-acre garden with a creek and gazebo. Up to 300 guests | $3,900 to $8,900 by day and season |
| Scarborough Wedding Garden, Waxahachie | 15 min6.7 mi | Garden gazebo at the Renaissance festival. Up to 50 guests | Packages, price on request |
| Ellis County Event Center, Waxahachie | 20 min9.1 mi | Banquet hall with all-inclusive packages. Up to 300 guests | Not posted |
| The Abbey Estate, Waxahachie | 20 min9.6 mi | 5 acres: farmhouse, party barn, pergola, gazebo. 25 to 200 guests | $3,000 off-peak |
| Arrowwood Weddings + Events, Palmer | 20 min10 mi | 10 wooded acres, boho and rustic, mostly outdoor. Up to 200 guests | $3,500 off-peak; $600 ceremony only |
| The Springs in Waxahachie | 20 min10.7 mi | Tuscan-style chapel and ballroom. Up to 300 guests | $5,000 to $9,500 full day |
| Dallas Oasis, Red Oak | 20 min12 mi | 10-acre estate: ballroom, gardens, pool, waterfall. 150 to 550 guests | $11,700 |
| Bella Woods, Midlothian | 25 min16.3 mi | Two sites, each with a chapel and a barn. Up to 300 guests | $3,900 weekdays |
| Stone Canyon Ranch, Glenn Heights | 25 min18.8 mi | Barn on 100 acres with limestone creeks. Up to 200 guests | $1,500 |
| Hera's Haven, Italy | 30 min17.4 mi | 260-acre working ranch with an open-air chapel. Up to 160 guests | $3,000 |
| The Telico Gin, Ennis | 35 min23.8 mi | 1940 cotton gin with a chapel and barn. Up to 250 guests | $500 ceremony; reception on request |
| Winding Brooks, Ennis | 35 min23.9 mi | Water gardens and a 5,000 sq ft hall. Up to 250 guests | $3,332 off-peak |
| Old Bison Ranch, Forreston | 35 min17.6 mi | 600 wooded acres, ceremony under a pecan tree. Up to 300 guests | $3,500 |
| Texas Roadrunner Ranch, Ferris | 40 min22.5 mi | Working ranch: Amish barn, pond veranda. Up to 200 guests | $5,995 Fri; $8,995 Sat |
Drive times are estimates without traffic, rounded to the nearest 5 minutes.
More venues in the area
- The Lodge on Red Oak Creek, Waxahachie: a 5,000 sq ft log lodge on 18 acres with ponds and a pool; up to 200 guests; listed from $2,950.
- The Hamptons Event Venue, Red Oak: a modern ballroom with a grand staircase and bridal and groom's suites; up to 440 guests; listed $3,995 site fee.
- Midlothian Conference Center: a 39,000 sq ft city conference center with get-ready rooms; up to 300 guests; listed $500 site fee.
- Whiterock Ranch, Italy: a ranch with full catering and on-site accommodations; up to 300 guests.
- The Landmark Event Center, Venus: a banquet hall with a bridal suite; up to 150 guests; listed from $1,500.
Can you get married in a Waxahachie park?
- Not at the Chautauqua Auditorium. The city says it isn't available for private events that aren't open to the public, including weddings and receptions.
- Getzendaner Park pavilions can be rented: $30 to $100 for residents and $60 to $200 for non-residents, for a half or full day. Call Waxahachie Parks at 469-309-4270.
Venues by style
The Graily
Waxahachie · about 10 min
A 1911 schoolhouse restored in 2021, with a ballroom and courtyard, a bridal suite with a private bath, and an open vendor policy. The rental runs 12 hours, with a 5-hour event.
The Telico Gin
Ennis · about 35 min
A cotton gin built in 1940 and moved from Telico, Texas. Two spaces, The Gin and The Seed Barn, plus a chapel, a bridal suite, and a kitchen.
Willow Creek Weddings and Events
Waxahachie · about 15 min
Twelve acres with a creek and a white gazebo, a bridal house with seven vanities, a groom's lounge with a pool table, BYOB and an open vendor policy, and 14 hours on site (10 a.m. to midnight). On-site lodging sleeps 11 for $550 the night of the wedding.
The Springs in Waxahachie
Waxahachie · about 20 min
A Tuscan-style indoor chapel, a ballroom, and an outdoor ceremony site, with two wedding suites. In-house catering and bar are required Friday to Sunday. $5,000 to $9,500 for a full day.
Ellis County Event Center
Waxahachie · about 20 min
A banquet hall with packages that bundle catering, cake, centerpieces, a DJ, and coordination. It books up to 18 months out.
Firefly Gardens
Midlothian · about 15 min
A white two-story barn ballroom with a wall of windows on 8 acres with a pond and pergola. All-inclusive tiered packages and two getting-ready suites.
Bella Woods
Midlothian · about 25 min
Two venues on one property: the Sky Chapel and Bella Barn, and the Chandler Chapel and Taylor Barn. Through March 31, 2027, the Woods site runs $3,900 Monday to Thursday, $5,900 Friday or Sunday, and $7,500 Saturday.
Greenhouse Venue at Hi-Berger Ranch
Ennis · about 10 min
A flower farm with a 1,600 sq ft covered pavilion and a patio with a dock. Open vendor policy; outside caterers need insurance.
Winding Brooks
Ennis · about 35 min
Eight water features and a 5,000 sq ft banquet hall, with bridal and groom's suites. You choose your caterer, and it hosts one event per day.
Arrowwood Weddings + Events
Palmer · about 20 min
Ten wooded acres that come pre-decorated, with a bridal suite, a groom's lounge, on-site lodging, and resident llamas, alpacas, and a "beer burro."
Texas Roadrunner Ranch
Ferris · about 40 min
A working horse and cattle ranch with a three-story Amish barn and a floating veranda on a pond. Bring your own alcohol; one TABC bartender is included. An off-duty officer ($250) is required with alcohol and more than 100 guests.
Hera's Haven
Italy · about 30 min
A 260-acre working ranch with an open-air chapel, The Arches, The Hall, and a bridal cabin. Booking 2026 to 2028.
Old Bison Ranch
Forreston · about 35 min
600 wooded acres with a ceremony site under a pecan tree by a pond, a 6,100 sq ft indoor space, a bridal suite, and a groom's cabin.
Dallas Oasis
Red Oak · about 20 min
A 10-acre estate with a ballroom, gardens, a pool, a waterfall, and projection mapping, for 150 to 550 guests.
Faire La Fete Manor
Waxahachie · about 10 min
A modern 3,100 sq ft home on 2.5 acres by a creek, with a pool and flagstone patio. It sleeps 10 overnight and suits receptions and smaller events.
The Abbey Estate
Waxahachie · about 20 min
Five acres with a modern farmhouse, a party barn, a pergola, and a gazebo. Bridal suite in the farmhouse, a groom's loft in the barn, and vendors of your choice.
Venues with a place to sleep on site
- Willow Creek: sleeps 11, $550 for the wedding night.
- Faire La Fete Manor: sleeps 10 in three bedrooms.
- Arrowwood: on-site lodging.
- Stone Canyon Ranch: two cabins with a hot tub and kitchen.
- Old Bison Ranch: one cabin, the night before or after.
Everyone else needs a bed nearby. The tiny home sleeps seven and is 10 to 40 minutes from every venue on this page.
Medieval wedding · about 15 minutes
Get married at Scarborough Faire
The Scarborough Renaissance Festival has its own Wedding Garden with a gazebo and a Pike Arch, with morning, midday, and afternoon ceremony times.
Packages
- Royalty: up to 50 guests, with festival tickets for everyone, entertainment, the Pike Arch, flowers, a Renaissance feast, cake, drinks, goblets, a royal court toast, and commemorative mead.
- Nobility: up to 30 guests, with entertainment, flowers, a Renaissance feast, cake, and soft drinks, plus optional beer and wine.
- Gentry: up to 10 guests plus the couple, with one hour in the garden, ceremony entertainment, and festival tickets. The Pike Arch is an add-on.
Good to know
- Weddings happen only on festival days: Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday, April 10 to May 31, 2027.
- Prices aren't posted. Call the festival at 972-938-3247, ext. 17.
- Planning the rest of the day? See our Scarborough guide for tickets, parking, and food.
Getting your Texas marriage license
- Where: any Texas county clerk can issue your license. In Ellis County, that's the County Clerk's office in Waxahachie. Call ahead for hours and the current total fee.
- Wait 72 hours. The ceremony can't happen in the 72 hours after the license is issued. Exceptions: active-duty military, Department of Defense employees and contractors, a judge's written waiver, or a premarital course certificate.
- Use it within 90 days, or it expires.
- The fee: the state's base license fee is $60. Texas residents who finish an 8-hour premarital education course within the year before applying don't pay it, and they skip the 72-hour wait. The course covers conflict management, communication, and keys to a successful marriage.
- Bring ID: a driver's license or ID card from any state (current or expired no more than 2 years), a passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate, among other accepted documents.
- Who can marry you: a licensed or ordained minister or priest, a rabbi, an officer of a religious organization that authorizes them, or a current, former, or retired federal or state judge, including a justice of the peace.
- After the ceremony: your officiant fills in the license and returns it to the county clerk who issued it within 30 days.
From the Texas Family Code (sections 2.001, 2.005, 2.013, 2.201, 2.202, 2.204, and 2.206) and the Texas Local Government Code (118.011 and 118.018). Not legal advice; confirm with the county clerk.
Rehearsal dinners, showers, and the morning after
The Dove's Nest
105 W. Jefferson St. · downtown
For a private dinner, the whole restaurant can be yours for the evening, with one set menu for everyone and a minimum spend. Inquire through its website; it replies within three business days. It also does catering platters and boxed lunches.
Cork House Winery
213 E. Main St. · downtown
Waxahachie's first winery, for wine tastings, cheese, and live music. A good spot for a shower or a toast after the rehearsal. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings; call (972) 921-1069 about groups.
Atkins Seafood
400 W. Main St. · downtown
Our casual favorite for feeding a crowd: po' boys, gumbo, crab legs, and hushpuppies. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more dinner ideas, see dinners out. Every spot there clears 4.7 stars.
Desserts for the shower: Katie Cakes Desserts (1300 W. Main St.) does cakes, cupcakes, and dessert tables, and The Dessert Spot (100 N. College St.) is known for its cookies and cheesecake.
The morning after: see coffee and brunch, or cook for the whole crew in the tiny home kitchen.
Dinners out: 4.7 stars and up, within 30 minutes
We set a high bar: only restaurants with outstanding reviews and within 30 minutes of the tiny home made this list. Book ahead for groups.
Presto Continuous Italian
205 Main St., Red Oak · about 20 min
Italian served the way a Brazilian steakhouse does it: sit back while the courses keep coming. Open daily, until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Panza's Tapping Italy
107 N. Rogers St. · downtown, about 8 min
A small Italian spot just off the square, with sidewalk tables. Dinner Wednesday to Saturday from 4 p.m.
D Restaurant Latin Cuisine
500 W. Madison St. · about 10 min
Latin and Tex-Mex cooking with owners who check on every table. Open Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday.
Cajun Bros
507 N. Hwy 77 · about 10 min
Seafood boils and Cajun plates, open every day. A local favorite for a big, messy group dinner.
Cork House Winery
213 E. Main St. · downtown, about 8 min
Wine tastings and cheese boards in a cozy room downtown. Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday 3 to 11 p.m.
The Green Room
211 W. Knox St., Ennis · about 20 min
Craft cocktails and food in downtown Ennis, open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. See nightlife.
Local wedding vendors
| Need | Local options |
|---|---|
| Cake and desserts | Katie Cakes Desserts, 1300 W. Main St.: cakes, cupcakes, petit fours, and dessert tables. Fairytales & Frosting, 603 Ferris Ave.: custom cakes. |
| Dress and suits | Betty and Beau Bridal Boutique, 209 S. College St., downtown Waxahachie: custom gowns, one appointment at a time, plus custom suits for the groom. |
| Hair | CB & Co Boutique and Salon, 210 N. Monroe St.: a full-service hair salon inside a boutique. |
| Flowers | Bloom & Pour, 100 S. Rogers St.: a downtown coffee bar and florist. |
| Balloons and decor | Serious Balloons (orders online) and Luxe Curated Events Co. (balloon setups and event styling), both in Waxahachie. |
| Rentals | Lone Star Events & Tents, 1300 W. Main St. |
| Officiant | Ask your venue for names. In Texas, an ordained minister, a rabbi, or a judge, including a justice of the peace, can marry you. |
| Rides | Heaven On Wheels Limousines, Lancaster: limos, party Sprinter vans, and party buses. |
We only list vendors with strong reviews in October 2026. We haven't worked with them ourselves, so read recent reviews and confirm availability.
Wedding photo spots
- The Ellis County Courthouse on the square, Waxahachie's 1890s landmark.
- Downtown storefronts and Victorian homes. The "gingerbread" houses are private, so shoot from the sidewalk.
- Getzendaner Park and the outside of the Chautauqua Auditorium, plus Railyard Park downtown.
- Bluebonnets in April. Ennis maps 40+ miles of bluebonnet drives, about 20 minutes away. Stay on the roadside and off private land.
- The tiny home at golden hour, for guests staying with us: the porch, the farmland, and the hay bales.
Planning a professional shoot in a city park? Check with Waxahachie Parks first. We couldn't confirm the current photo permit rules.
Bachelorette weekend
Bachelorette ideas near Waxahachie
Shopping
- Downtown Waxahachie boutiques (about 8 minutes): The 1408 Boutique & Lingerie, CB & Co Boutique and Salon, Fifteen, and Copper Rose Boutique, which carries Old Gringo boots.
- Midlothian: NikNik's Boutique on Avenue F (about 20 minutes).
- Ennis (about 20 minutes): La Hacienda Boots for boots, hats, and ranch wear, and Fern in the Wild, a boutique and lounge.
- The Fort Worth Stockyards (about 1 hour): Boot Barn, Cavender's, Ariat, and Maverick Fine Western Wear.
Pampering
- Nails: GLOSS UP Nail Bar, 77 Nail Lounge, and Resort Nail Salon, all on N. Hwy 77 in Waxahachie (about 10 minutes).
- Spa: Elan Med Spa & Clinic in Waxahachie for massages, facials, and IV drips, Monday to Friday.
- Hair: CB & Co Boutique and Salon downtown.
- Workout: a group class at REM Pilates in Waxahachie.
Big fun
- Black-light paint and sip: Painting with a Twist in Cedar Hill (about 30 minutes) is BYOB and books private parties.
- Lake day: a double-decker with a slide for 14 or a tritoon for 10 from Lynn Creek Marina on Joe Pool Lake (about 40 minutes). The driver must be 21+; no glass.
- Scarborough in costume (April 10 to May 31, 2027): 16 pubs, wine and beer tastings, and mead. The festival can turn away "excessively revealing" outfits, and no outside alcohol is allowed. In the fall, Scarborough's Hollow runs Saturdays through October 31.
- More ideas in once-in-a-lifetime experiences and nightlife.
Night in
- Build a charcuterie board in the full kitchen, put a movie on the smart TV, and turn on the LED fireplace. Quiet hours start at 10.
Bachelor weekend
Bachelor ideas near Waxahachie
Racing at the Texas Motorplex (about 15 minutes)
- Coming up: NHRA Texas FallNationals October 14 to 18, Texas Radial Roundup October 29 to 31, Texas Truck Invasion November 7, Import Face Off November 8, GT-R Festival November 13 to 15, Street Car Showdown (street cars and bracket racing) December 5, and Subiefest Texas December 12. In 2027: World Series of Pro Mod March 5 to 7 and TX2K27 March 16 to 21.
- There are no public test-and-tune nights on the 2026 schedule. Spectators can't bring outside food, drinks, coolers, or glass. More in our Motorplex guide.
Golf
- The Golf Lounge, Waxahachie (about 15 minutes): TrackMan simulator bays, open 24 hours by reservation, with a door code sent to you ahead of time.
- The Golf House, Midlothian (about 25 minutes): simulator bays and room for a private group.
Shooting and axes
- Cosmic clay shooting at The Porch Venue (about 20 minutes): glow-in-the-dark clays under the stars. See experiences.
- Battle Axes Waxahachie (about 10 minutes): an axe-throwing bar with games, Thursday to Sunday.
On the water
- Lynn Creek Marina on Joe Pool Lake (about 40 minutes): pontoons, deck boats, a double-decker with a slide, and a center console.
- Bardwell Lake near Ennis: $5 per vehicle for day use, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with boat ramps at Little Mustang Creek and Love Park. The marina is closed, so bring your own boat.
- Cedar Hill State Park: $7 for adults, with fishing jetties, a swim beach, hiking, and mountain bike trails.
Bull riding and the Stockyards (about 1 hour)
- Billy Bob's Texas: live bull riding with professional riders Friday and Saturday at 8 and 9 p.m., $8 cash on top of admission. Bring ID.
- Fort Worth Stockyards: cattle drives daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the Stockyards Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum Friday to Sunday.
Beer
- Railport Brewing and Southern Roots Brewing in downtown Waxahachie, and Dirty Job Brewing in downtown Mansfield (about 35 minutes). See nightlife.
Night in
- Steaks in the full kitchen, the game on the smart TV, and stars from the porch. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Nightlife and live music
Downtown Waxahachie (about 8 minutes)
- Big Al's Down The Hatch, 200 S. Rogers St.: a downtown bar and kitchen with live music and karaoke, open until midnight Friday and Saturday.
- The Texas Theater, 110 W. Main St.: a restored historic theater that hosts concerts, movies, and events. Check its calendar.
- Railport Brewing, 405 W. Madison St.: live music, food trucks, and house beer. Tuesday to Thursday 2 to 9 p.m., Friday 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., Sunday 2 to 6 p.m.
- Southern Roots Brewing Co., 421 S. College St.: a brewpub with pizza, open daily and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
- Cork House Winery, 213 E. Main St.: wine and live music, Thursday to Saturday.
- Battle Axes Waxahachie, 507 N. Hwy 77: axe throwing and a bar, open until midnight Friday and Saturday.
Midlothian (about 20 minutes)
- Twisted Sisters Tap House, 138 N. 8th St.: a taphouse with pizza in old downtown.
- Bearded Ax Brewery, 301 W. Main St.: a craft brewery that also hosts events.
- It's Nacho Average Bar & Grill, 513 George Hopper Rd.
Ennis (about 20 minutes)
- The Green Room, 211 W. Knox St.: craft cocktails, open until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
- Ashleigh's Downtown Kitchen + Bar, 119 S. Dallas St.
Worth the drive
- Dirty Job Brewing, downtown Mansfield (about 35 minutes): a brewpub with beer flights and naan pizzas.
- Billy Bob's Texas, Fort Worth Stockyards (about 1 hour): a giant honky-tonk with concerts and live bull riding on Friday and Saturday nights.
Plan for late nights. Most kitchens around Waxahachie close by 9 or 10 p.m. Pick a driver or book a ride before you go out; see the party checklist. Every bar, brewery, and late-night spot is in our nightlife guide.
Coffee and brunch for the morning after
Local coffee
Bloom & Pour
100 S. Rogers St. · downtown, about 8 min
A coffee bar and florist on the square. Pick up lattes and a bouquet in one stop.
Vita Coffee House
210 N. Monroe St. · downtown, about 8 min
Known for its espresso and an iced lavender matcha regulars rave about. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fresh Market Coffee
501 S. Rogers St. · historic MKT Depot
Coffee and pastries baked in-house, in the old train depot.
Rhythm & Brew
100 N. College St. · downtown
A small coffee shop just off the courthouse square.
Moravian Coffee and Roasted Beeanery
Midlothian · about 20 to 25 min
A coffee roastery on N. 9th Street and a coffee bar on E. Main Street.
Sunshine Brews, Feef & Bean, and La 57
Downtown Ennis · about 20 min
Three local coffee shops within a few blocks. Feef & Bean is a coffee lounge that also pours drinks later in the day.
Brunch
- Eggsquisite Cafe, 1980 N. Hwy 77 (about 10 minutes): breakfast and brunch daily, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Online reservations are for 6 or fewer, so call ahead for a bigger group.
- Country Cafe, 217 US-77: a family-pick, mom-and-pop breakfast, Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m.; closed Sunday.
- Or stay in: the full kitchen fits a pancake breakfast for seven.
More coffee, brunch, and dinner picks are in our where to eat guide.
Party checklist: what you'll need
| Need | Where and when |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Texas liquor stores are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and closed all day Sunday, plus New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Buy before Saturday night. The closest we found are in Glenn Heights, about 20 minutes north on I-35E, including Liquor Depot at 1308 E. Bear Creek Rd. |
| Groceries and ice | H-E-B and Walmart, each about 8 minutes from the house. |
| Balloons and decor | Serious Balloons (order online) and Luxe Curated Events Co. for balloon setups, both in Waxahachie. |
| Nails | GLOSS UP Nail Bar, 77 Nail Lounge, and Resort Nail Salon, all on N. Hwy 77 (about 10 minutes). |
| Hair | CB & Co Boutique and Salon, 210 N. Monroe St. |
| Spa | Elan Med Spa & Clinic, 1795 N. Hwy 77: massages, facials, and IV drips, Monday to Friday. |
| Cake and treats | Katie Cakes Desserts (custom cakes, closed Sunday and Monday) and The Dessert Spot (cookies and cheesecake, open until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday). |
| Rides | Heaven On Wheels Limousines in Lancaster: limos, party Sprinter vans, and party buses. Book early for Saturday nights. |
| If someone needs care | Expedian Urgent Care, 1601 N. Hwy 77 (about 8 minutes), open weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call ahead to confirm. The nearest emergency room is Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Waxahachie, 2400 N. I-35E (about 10 minutes). In an emergency, call 911. |
Liquor hours are from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, section 105.01. Business hours change, so check before you go.
Weekend plans
Plan A: The wedding weekend
- FridayCheck in and rehearseAsk for early check-in, then a private rehearsal dinner at The Dove's Nest or a group dinner at Presto in Red Oak.
- SaturdayGet ready and goCoffee from Vita or Bloom & Pour, get ready at the house, porch photos at golden hour, and a 10 to 40 minute drive to the venue.
- SundaySlow morningBrunch at Eggsquisite Cafe, or cook for everyone in the kitchen. Ask about late checkout.
Plan B: Bachelorette weekend
- FridayBoutiques and wineShop the downtown boutiques, dinner at Panza's, then wine at Cork House.
- SaturdayNails, lake, paintNails in the morning, a party boat on Joe Pool Lake, then black-light paint and sip in Cedar Hill. Stock up on drinks before 9 p.m.; liquor stores close Sunday.
- SundayRecoverPilates at REM, lattes at Vita, and boots in Ennis on the way home.
Plan C: Bachelor weekend
- FridayAxes and beerBattle Axes, then live music at Railport Brewing.
- SaturdayGolf, then glow claysTrackMan golf at The Golf Lounge, a seafood boil at Cajun Bros, then cosmic clay shooting at The Porch Venue from 8:30 p.m.
- SundayRace dayCatch a Motorplex event if one's on, about 15 minutes away, then head home.
Tips for couples and guests
- Book early for peak months. Local venues price March to June and September to November as peak, and December to February and July and August as off-peak.
- Watch the big-event weekends. Scarborough runs weekends from April 10 to May 31, and the NHRA FallNationals take over mid-October. Rooms and roads fill up.
- Plan the ride home. Many venues sit on country roads outside town. Book a shuttle or pick designated drivers before the reception.
- Get the license on time: at least 72 hours before the ceremony and no more than 90 days before.
- Read the alcohol rules. Some venues require their bar, some let you bring your own, and some require a licensed bartender or an officer.
- Tell us the wedding date and venue when you book. We'll help with timing for check-in and checkout.
How far is everything from the tiny home?
| From the tiny home to | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Waxahachie (coffee, boutiques, nightlife) | 3.6 mi | About 8 min |
| H-E-B Waxahachie | 3.8 mi | About 8 min |
| Expedian Urgent Care | 4.7 mi | About 8 min |
| Battle Axes, Cajun Bros, and nail salons on N. Hwy 77 | About 5 mi | About 10 min |
| Closest venues (Faire La Fete, The Graily, Greenhouse Venue) | 4 to 5 mi | About 10 min |
| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Waxahachie (ER) | 5.4 mi | About 10 min |
| The Golf Lounge | 8 mi | About 15 min |
| Scarborough Renaissance Festival | 6.7 mi | About 15 min |
| Texas Motorplex | 10.3 mi | About 15 min |
| The Porch Venue (cosmic clay shooting) | 8.6 mi | About 20 min |
| B&B Theatres Red Oak (4DX) | 14.1 mi | About 20 min |
| Galaxy Drive-In, Ennis | 10.7 mi | About 20 min |
| Presto Continuous Italian, Red Oak | 11 mi | About 20 min |
| Downtown Midlothian | 14.5 mi | About 20 min |
| Downtown Ennis | 15.5 mi | About 20 min |
| Liquor Depot, Glenn Heights | 15.4 mi | About 20 min |
| Downtown Cedar Hill (paint and sip) | 22.2 mi | About 30 min |
| Mansfield (Dirty Job Brewing) | 25.8 mi | About 35 min |
| Downtown Dallas | 32 mi | About 35 min |
| You Take Flight helicopter tours, Dallas Executive Airport | 27 mi | About 40 min |
| Lynn Creek Marina, Joe Pool Lake | 31 mi | About 40 min |
| Leading Edge Helicopters, Grand Prairie | 34.9 mi | About 45 min |
| Dallas Love Field | 37 mi | About 45 min |
| Fort Worth Stockyards and Billy Bob's | 47.7 mi | About 1 hour |
| DFW International Airport | 50 mi | About 1 hour |
| Plano Balloon Festival, Oak Point Park | 54.6 mi | About 1 hr 10 min |
| Rohr Balloons, Allen | 61.2 mi | About 1 hr 15 min |
| Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose | 71.6 mi | About 1.5 hours |
Estimated drive times without traffic, October 2026. Venue drive times are in the venue table.
Questions we get
Can we have a bachelorette or bachelor party at the tiny home?
Groups of up to seven are welcome to stay. There are no parties or events at the house and no outside visitors, and quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., since we live on the property. Most groups celebrate in town and come back to a calm porch and a fireplace.
Can the wedding party get ready at the tiny home?
Yes, if your group is staying with us. Ask about early check-in or late checkout when you book, and we'll say yes when the calendar allows.
How far is the tiny home from Waxahachie wedding venues?
About 10 to 40 minutes. Faire La Fete Manor, The Graily, and the Greenhouse Venue at Hi-Berger Ranch are each about 10 minutes away. Willow Creek, Firefly Gardens, and Scarborough are about 15.
What wedding venues are in Waxahachie?
Waxahachie venues include The Graily, Willow Creek Weddings and Events, The Springs in Waxahachie, The Abbey Estate, Faire La Fete Manor, the Ellis County Event Center, The Lodge on Red Oak Creek, the Waxahachie Civic Center, and the Wedding Garden at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival.
Can you get married at the Chautauqua Auditorium in Waxahachie?
No. The city says the Chautauqua Auditorium isn't available for private events that aren't open to the public, including weddings and receptions. Getzendaner Park's pavilions can be rented, from $30 to $100 for residents and $60 to $200 for non-residents, for a half or full day.
Can you get married at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival?
Yes. The festival's Wedding Garden has a gazebo and three packages, from the Gentry (up to 10 guests plus the couple, with festival tickets) to the Royalty (up to 50 guests, with a Renaissance feast, cake, drinks, and festival tickets). Weddings happen only on festival days, April 10 to May 31, 2027.
Which wedding venues near Waxahachie have lodging on site?
Willow Creek has lodging that sleeps 11 for $550 on the wedding night. Faire La Fete Manor sleeps 10. Arrowwood in Palmer has on-site lodging, Stone Canyon Ranch has two cabins, and Old Bison Ranch rents one cabin the night before or after. For everyone else, the tiny home sleeps seven.
What are the most affordable wedding venues near Waxahachie?
Listed starting prices include Faire La Fete Manor from $850 ($500 in January and February), the Greenhouse Venue at Hi-Berger Ranch from $1,200, Stone Canyon Ranch from $1,500, and a $500 ceremony fee at The Telico Gin. Prices change, so confirm with each venue.
Which venues let you bring your own alcohol or vendors?
Willow Creek has a BYOB and open vendor policy. The Graily has an open vendor policy. Texas Roadrunner Ranch lets you bring your own alcohol and includes one TABC bartender. Bella Woods and Dallas Oasis are listed with open vendor policies. Confirm the details in your contract.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Texas?
You can apply at any Texas county clerk's office. The ceremony can't happen in the 72 hours after the license is issued, unless an exception applies, such as active military duty or a premarital course certificate. The license expires if it isn't used within 90 days.
How much is a marriage license in Texas?
The state's base license fee is $60. Texas residents who complete an 8-hour premarital education course within the year before applying don't pay that fee. Call the Ellis County Clerk for the current total.
Who can officiate a wedding in Texas?
A licensed or ordained minister or priest, a rabbi, an officer of a religious organization that authorizes them to perform weddings, or a current, former, or retired federal or state judge, including a justice of the peace.
What is there to do for a bachelorette party near Waxahachie?
Shop the downtown Waxahachie boutiques, get nails done on N. Hwy 77, book a BYOB black-light paint-and-sip in Cedar Hill, take a party boat out on Joe Pool Lake, try glow-in-the-dark clay shooting at The Porch Venue, go to Scarborough in costume in the spring, and end the night with wine at Cork House.
What is there to do for a bachelor party near Waxahachie?
Catch a race at the Texas Motorplex about 15 minutes away, play TrackMan simulator golf at The Golf Lounge, throw axes at Battle Axes, shoot glow-in-the-dark clays at The Porch Venue, rent a boat on Joe Pool Lake, and see live bull riding at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth on Friday and Saturday nights.
Is there a boat rental near Waxahachie?
Lynn Creek Marina on Joe Pool Lake, about 40 minutes away, rents tritoons and pontoons for 10 and a double-decker with a slide for 14. The driver must be 21 or older with a valid license. Bardwell Lake near Ennis has public boat ramps for $5 per vehicle.
Can a bachelorette group wear costumes to Scarborough?
Yes. Period and fantasy costumes are welcome and sold by vendors at the festival, though it doesn't rent them. The festival says it can refuse entry for excessively revealing outfits.
When is wedding season in Waxahachie?
Local venues price March through June and September through November as peak season, and December through February and July and August as off-peak. Book early for spring and fall dates.
What once-in-a-lifetime experiences are near Waxahachie?
Glow-in-the-dark clay shooting at The Porch Venue (about 20 minutes), a 4DX movie at B&B Theatres Red Oak (about 20 minutes), helicopter tours over Dallas (about 40 to 45 minutes), live bull riding at Billy Bob's Texas (about 1 hour), hot air balloon rides with Rohr Balloons in Allen (about 1 hour 15 minutes), and feeding giraffes at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (about 1.5 hours).
Is there a 4D movie theater near Waxahachie?
Yes. B&B Theatres Red Oak 12, about 20 minutes from the tiny home, has a 4DX auditorium with motion seats and effects, plus ScreenX, a Grand Screen, bowling, and an arcade.
Is there a hot air balloon festival near Waxahachie?
The big one in North Texas is the Plano Balloon Festival at Oak Point Park in Plano, about 1 hour 10 minutes from the tiny home. Check planoballoonfest.org for dates. For a ride any time of year, Rohr Balloons flies out of Allen.
What are the best restaurants near Waxahachie for a group dinner?
Within 30 minutes, our top picks with outstanding reviews are Presto Continuous Italian in Red Oak, Panza's Tapping Italy, D Restaurant Latin Cuisine, and Cajun Bros in Waxahachie, plus wine and cheese at Cork House Winery and cocktails at The Green Room in Ennis.
Where can we go out at night in Waxahachie?
Downtown has Big Al's Down The Hatch for live music and karaoke, The Texas Theater for concerts, Railport Brewing and Southern Roots Brewing, Cork House Winery, and the Battle Axes axe-throwing bar. The Green Room in Ennis stays open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where is the best coffee in Waxahachie?
Our picks downtown are Bloom & Pour, Vita Coffee House, Fresh Market Coffee in the old MKT Depot, and Rhythm & Brew. For brunch, Eggsquisite Cafe is about 10 minutes from the tiny home.
When do liquor stores close in Texas?
Texas liquor stores can sell from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. They're closed on Sundays and on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The closest ones to the tiny home are in Glenn Heights, about 20 minutes north.
Can we bring the dog or park an RV?
Yes. Pets are welcome with approval and a small pet fee, and there's plenty of room to park trucks, trailers, and RVs.
About this guide
Written by the hosts of The Waxahachie Tiny Home, a family-run rental on farmland just outside Waxahachie. We checked the details on this page against official sources and update it as things change. Hours, prices, and dates move around, so confirm before you go.
Last updated October 1, 2026
