The Chapel at Gruene
Tucked away in the heart of New Braunfels, The Chapel at Gruene is one of the most charming and intimate places to say “I do.” This beautifully restored white chapel, surrounded by towering trees and Texas Hill Country charm, offers couples a peaceful and timeless setting for their wedding day. As a wedding venue in New Braunfels, it’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic ceremony space with vintage character and modern convenience. With its iconic exterior and serene grounds, it’s no wonder so many couples fall in love with The Chapel at Gruene—and the photos captured here are always unforgettable.
Getting Ready
Hair and Makeup
Bridal Suite
The bridal suite at The Chapel at Gruene is as thoughtfully designed as the chapel itself—offering a cozy, stylish space for the bride and her party to get ready in comfort. The suite is split into two separate rooms, each with its own personality and purpose. One features adorable pink walls and a large, well-lit makeup counter perfect for hair and makeup prep. The other offers plush velvet couches and elegant chairs, creating the perfect lounge space to relax, sip mimosas, and take it all in before walking down the aisle.
Connecting the two rooms is a long hallway complete with a table set up for snacks, drinks, and of course—champagne. This entire space is filled with natural light and warm details, making it a favorite spot for candid getting-ready photos and quiet moments before the ceremony begins. It's a beautiful blend of functionality and charm that sets the tone for the entire day.
Highlights:
-Natural Light
-Cute Pink Walls
-Clean & Spacious
Suited Up
Groom's Suite
For the groom and his groomsmen, The Chapel at Gruene provides a relaxed and private space in Lodging Building 1, just a short walk from the chapel. This designated groom’s suite offers plenty of room to get ready, hang out, and enjoy the calm before the celebration begins. With its rustic charm and casual comfort, it’s the perfect place to suit up, share a laugh with friends, and take a few pre-ceremony photos.
The surrounding lodging cottages are available for family and friends to use as well, making it incredibly convenient for everyone to get ready on-site without needing to travel. These cozy cottages help create an intimate, all-in-one experience that keeps the focus on connection and celebration from the moment you arrive.
Highlights
-Good Natural Light
-Nearby Exit Door
-Restroom in Suite
-Large Window w/ Pond View
The venue
Natural light and smiles all around
An open air chapel full of Charm & Love
The ceremony space at The Chapel at Gruene is truly something special—intimate, romantic, and filled with charm. This all-white chapel features an open-air design with two sides fully exposed to the Texas breeze, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while still feeling tucked into a sacred space. At the heart of the chapel is a large sliding door, which creates a dramatic and emotional reveal as the bride makes her entrance.
The long aisle draws all eyes forward as the bride walks toward the groom, with natural light streaming in and loved ones seated on either side. The simplicity of the chapel’s structure allows the moment to shine—there’s nothing to distract from the emotion, the vows, and the joy of the couple standing at the altar. It’s the kind of ceremony setting that feels timeless, personal, and unforgettable. View more of our work in our wedding photography portfolio
Portraits
The Newlyweds
Couples & Wedding PArty
Golden hour at The Chapel at Gruene is nothing short of magical. As the sun begins to set over the surrounding trees and Texas Hill Country landscape, the entire property is bathed in a warm, golden glow that makes every photo feel soft, romantic, and timeless. Whether you’re standing hand-in-hand beneath the oaks, walking along the gravel paths, or sharing a quiet moment near the chapel’s white picket fence, the light during this time of day creates breathtaking portraits.
We always recommend setting aside time just before sunset for golden hour couple’s photos. It’s not only the most flattering natural light of the day—it’s also a peaceful moment for the two of you to step away from the celebration and soak in the joy of being newly married. The Chapel at Gruene offers so many natural backdrops, and during golden hour, they truly come to life.
The Reception
First Dance
The first dance at The Chapel at Gruene takes place inside the cozy reception space, where twinkle lights and warm tones create an inviting atmosphere. As the music begins and the couple shares their first dance as newlyweds, guests gather around the edges of the room, creating a circle of love and support that makes the moment feel even more special.
Whether it’s a choreographed routine or a quiet sway to a favorite song, this space offers just the right amount of room to move while still feeling close and connected. The soft lighting and simple backdrop allow the emotion of the moment to take center stage—and it always makes for some of our favorite photos of the day.
Cake Cut
At The Chapel at Gruene, the cake cutting typically takes place in the cozy corner of the reception space—a spot that feels both intimate and perfectly framed for photos. Tucked away just enough to create a natural focal point, this corner allows guests to gather around without crowding the moment. Whether the cake is simple and elegant or a showstopping design, this little nook becomes the backdrop for one of the sweetest parts of the evening.
The soft lighting and neutral tones of the space help highlight the couple and their cake, and we love capturing the joy, laughter, and frosting-filled moments that unfold here. It’s a small part of the day, but always one that brings big smiles.
Send-Off
The send-off at The Chapel at Gruene is the perfect way to end an already unforgettable day. Most couples choose to make their exit either down the chapel steps, surrounded by cheering guests and glowing sparklers, or beneath the string lights outside the reception area, creating a beautifully lit path for their grand exit. Both locations offer a stunning backdrop and plenty of space for guests to gather and celebrate one last joyful moment.
Whether you’re running through a tunnel of sparklers, waving streamers, or simply soaking in the cheers and love from your people, the send-off here always feels magical. With the charm of the chapel or the warmth of the string lights behind you, it’s the perfect closing scene to your wedding story—and one that makes for truly memorable photos.