Western Weddings and Ranch Weddings
Your ultimate guide to planning your western wedding on the ranch or at your dream venue. As a photographer of western weddings and ranch wedding all over the U.S. for the past 8 years, I have seen so many unique ideas, worked with great companies, and have a lot of useful insight to bring you. Here is a look at what you can expect to see in this guide.
- Western wedding venues in Texas
- Western wedding venues in Oklahoma
- Western wedding venues in Colorado
- Western wedding dresses
- Western wedding guest dresses
- Western wedding ring- women’s western wedding band
- Western wedding clothes for men
- Western wedding shoes
- Western wedding decor
- Western wedding jewelry
- Western wedding photos/western wedding photographer
- Western wedding reception
Western Wedding Venues
Western Wedding Venues in Texas
Texas is known for some of the best western weddings and ranch venues in all of the country. I am going to highlight a few of my favorite western wedding venues in Texas here for you to consider if you are getting married in the Lone Star state.
- The Brooks at Weatherford blends rustic elegance with a southwestern vintage flare. With a darling open air chapel, and an stunning reception space. This venue has it all and is located just an hour west of Dallas. Take a look at a wedding I photographed at The Brooks, here!
- Diamond H3 Ranch also located in Weatherford, TX is another great white chapel western wedding venue.
Western Wedding Venues in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is my current home state. I have photographed a ton of western weddings on private ranches but I have several favorite ranch wedding venues in Oklahoma too from rustic barns to elevated ranches.
- Sparrow Beginnings has a modern barn aesthetic that creates such an elevated look for any wedding day. Take a look at a real wedding day at Sparrow, here!
- McGranahan Barn is another amazing barn venue located just outside of OKC and has the sweetest staff around! Take a look at a real wedding day at the Mcgranahan Barn, here!
- Take a look at my blog post highlighting all the best rustic wedding venues in Oklahoma, here!
Colorado Wedding Venues
- Younger Ranch is one of the best western wedding venues located just outside of Colorado Springs!
- Pikes Peak Ranch is an amazing ranch venue with lodging and stunning views. They have options for less than 25 guests and options for more as well.
Western Wedding Dresses
Shortly after getting engaged, one of the things you are most excited about is finding the perfect dress to walk down the aisle in. Keep in mind, most dress shops need 3-6 months minimum to get a dress ordered in. But don’t stress, you can often times find something off the rack and get it altered to fit. Here are a few of the best places to shop for western style wedding dresses:
- Birdie Bridal in Fort Worth, Texas is one of the best dress stores if you are looking for a dress with a western flare.
- Sparrow Bridal is also in Fort Worth and a must add stop to your list for western wedding dresses.
- Prescott Bridal is an Oklahoma favorite for wedding dresses, western and otherwise.
- BrideKC is located in Kansas and has wonderful options as well.
- Etsy is a great choice if you are have the time to wait!
Western Wedding Guest Dresses
I won’t spend too much time here, you are planning a wedding after all. But chances are if you are a western bride, you also will attend some western weddings as a guest too! Here are some great options for western wedding guest dresses and bridesmaid dresses too! I do make a small commission off some links.
- Amazon western wedding guest dress inspiration
- Amazon western wedding bridesmaid dress inspiration
- Baltic Born western wedding bridesmaid or guest dress Inspiration
Western Wedding Ring
You already have the ring, but if you are reading this post before getting engaged, this will give you a chance to look at some of my favorite western wedding ring makers. They all make great wedding bands too for both men and women.
Western Wedding Clothes for Men
You’ve seen where I recommend you go dress shopping, now it is time to choose clothes for the groom. As a photographer who has documented countless western weddings, there are a few things I would highly recommend.
- Felt hat over straw, no matter the season
- A jacket, yes even in 100 degree weather
- Don’t have to wear jeans, cowboys can wear suites too
- Tooled leather added to his jacket is a great accent
Western Wedding Shoes
When it comes to western weddings, shoes are where personality really gets to shine. Whether you lean classic or bold, the right footwear adds texture, character, and a nod to western roots—without sacrificing style or intention.
Boots
Cowboy boots are a western wedding staple for a reason. From classic leather to white, embroidered, or heirloom pairs, boots bring comfort, confidence, and a timeless western touch that feels just as at home walking down the aisle as it does on the dance floor.
Tooled shoes
For couples who want something a little different, tooled leather shoes offer a beautifully detailed alternative. The craftsmanship and intricate patterns add depth and visual interest, making them perfect if you want a subtle western influence.
Western Wedding Decor
Western wedding decor works best when it’s understated. Natural textures, well-chosen materials, and intentional details create a look that feels true to you without leaning into a theme too much. When done thoughtfully, western elements integrate naturally into a timeless wedding day.
Wedding Arch
Your wedding arch is the perfect place to introduce western elements in a refined way. Wooden structures, raw or lightly stained beams, and greenery or florals allow the setting to speak for itself while framing the moment beautifully. It’s an effortless way to tie the western influence into your ceremony without overpowering it.
Cowhide Aisle
A cowhide aisle adds texture and personality to the ceremony space, whether outdoors or at an indoor ceremony. Whether layered subtly down the aisle or used sparingly at the altar, it brings in a western touch that feels organic and intentional.
Branding Wall
A branding wall is a meaningful way to personalize your wedding day and bringing your family and friends into your day too. We have all seen the branded signs that double as a guest book but a branding wall that is pre-made can double as a statement piece and fun backdrop. You could also choose to do a branding table instead and ask your guests to bring their brand for a fun activity and keepsake for you.
Western Wedding Jewelry
Western wedding jewelry can be as simple or as meaningful as you want it to be. Whether you choose one intentional statement piece or wear an heirloom passed down through family, the focus is on pieces that carry significance. These small details often become some of the most personal elements of your day because you can rewear them and remember wearing them on your wedding day.
Jewelry Makers
Here are a few of my favorites for both custom pieces and ready made pieces.
Western Wedding Photos
Western wedding photos are all about storytelling rooted in tradition, heirloom details, and the moments that feel true to who you are. They celebrate heritage, legacy, and tell your wedding day in a way that feels honest, timeless, and deeply personal.
Western Wedding Photographer
With a lifetime of experience around livestock and horses combined with my start in rodeo photography and now my eight years in wedding photography, I know how to move calmly, read a situation, and capture moments without forcing them. Whether that’s during your ceremony or in the middle of a pasture with all your yearlings. My true-to-color editing keeps tones natural and timeless, and my ability to connect within the western world means even the most camera-shy, grumpy cowboy groom and rowdy groomsmen end up relaxed, laughing, and genuinely themselves in front of my lens. If you’d like to connect to see if I am the right fit to document your wedding day, you can contact me: here!
Reception
Your reception is where the day really opens up and everyone gets to relax and celebrate. This is the perfect place to incorporate western elements in a way that feels natural and fun. A chapping gives guests something interactive to enjoy and often becomes one of the most memorable moments of the night. Other western-inspired reception activities—like a chuck wagon dinner, having a cowhide auction in place of a dollar dance, line dancing, mechanical bull, trailer bar, live music, s’mores over an open fire, or casual outdoor games—add personality and keep the energy going. Intentional activities create an experience that feels true to you while giving your guests something they’ll be talking about long after the night ends.
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