When we first started planning Half Moon Empire, we asked ourselves: What are the most important pieces of a wedding day that we want to get exactly right?
The bar quickly rose to the top of that list. Here’s why we chose to create an in-house bar at HME—and why our couples tell us it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made for them.
Part 1: Why an In-House Bar Matters
🌙 Consistency for Every Wedding
The bar is a huge part of the guest experience. From the first cocktail after the ceremony to the last celebratory toast, drinks are a detail that everyone notices. By keeping the bar in-house, we can ensure that every wedding at HME is top-tier, with consistent service and a polished presentation.
🌙 One Less Thing on the Bride’s To-Do List
Without an in-house bar, couples are left to figure out:
- How much alcohol to buy
- Where to purchase it
- How to transport it
- Who will set it up
- Bringing in ice/coolers and how to keep beer cold all night
- What to do with leftovers
That’s a massive burden on couples (and their families). At HME, we take all of that pressure off your shoulders, and with the addition to the bar’s walk in cooler, your drinks are always the perfect temperature. Our team handles everything—from stocking to serving to clean-up—so you can relax and enjoy your day.
🌙 Guest Safety & Experience
Because our bar is TABC licensed and professionally run, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your guests are taken care of responsibly while still having the best time.
Part 2: Meet Rachel & Kate
The heart of our in-house bar is family. Sisters Rachel and Kate own and operate the HME bar, and they take as much pride in their role as we do in running the venue.
🌙 How They Work Together
They alternate leading weddings, which means each couple has a dedicated bar lead who knows their wedding details inside and out. This allows them to focus on serving your vision, not just pouring drinks.
🌙 Personal Touches
Rachel and Kate go above and beyond to make sure your bar feels customized, down to fun touches like naming your specialty cocktails. Whether you want something timeless, trendy, or totally unique to your story, they’ll help craft drinks that guests will be talking about long after your wedding.
Part 3: Packages That Feel Personal
Every couple is different, so our bar packages are designed to give you flexibility while still being stress-free.
🌙 Custom Menus
While Rachel & Kate have pre-set package options to choose from, they also personalize each menu with you. Couples get to be hands-on in picking their drink selections, garnishes, and even naming their signature cocktails.
🌙 Real Examples
- “His & Hers” cocktails like The Ranch Water Groom and The Blushing Bride
- Seasonal favorites like Autumn Apple Sangria or Spiced Pear Mule
- Mocktail versions for kids and non-drinkers, like Shirley Temples or Virgin Mojitos
It’s fun, interactive, and ensures your wedding feels like you.
Part 4: Bar FAQs at Half Moon Empire
Here are some of the most common questions we get about our in-house bar:
🌙 What’s included in the bar packages?
All packages include licensed bartenders, garnishes, juices/mixers, cups/straws/napkins and alcohol.
🌙 Can we bring in a third-party bar service?
Yes—but the alcohol must still be purchased through the HME bar. We love partnering with fun additions like beer burros, mobile bar trailers, or champagne carts.
🌙 Do you have a margarita machine?
Absolutely—and it’s not just for margaritas! Think outside the box with frozen lemon drops, a virgin piña colada (with an optional rum topper), or a frozen peach bellini. It’s always a crowd favorite and can be customized to fit your vibe.
🌙 Can you serve mocktails?
Yes! We love creating mocktails for kids, teens, or sober guests. Everyone deserves to have something festive in their glass.
🌙 Can we customize our bar extras (like cups or napkins)?
Yes! Couples are welcome to bring in branded koozies, cocktail napkins, or even rent glassware to match their wedding style.
🌙 What about drinks in the bridal loft and groom’s lounge?
We’ve got you covered. We can set up mimosa or specialty cocktail packages for the bridal loft, and stock the groom’s lounge fridge with beer of your choice.
🌙 Can we have alcohol at the cottages?
Yes—the cottages are a separate business entity, so you’re welcome to bring your own coolers and alcohol to enjoy there. That alcohol just can’t be brought into the venue itself. If you’d like, our bar team also offers cottage bar packages to stock mini-fridges for your guests as an add-on option.
🌙 How does cocktail hour work?
Cocktail hour can be set up on our patio at the venue, giving guests a seamless transition from the ceremony into celebration while your reception space stays hidden for the big reveal. Our bar team can set up champagne walls, signature cocktail shelves, or a curated bar menu outside. If you’re hosting your rehearsal dinner at the venue, the bar can also design a special rehearsal dinner drink menu just for you.
Final Thoughts
At Half Moon Empire, we believe your wedding bar shouldn’t be stressful—it should be one of the highlights of your celebration. With Rachel & Kate leading the way, you’ll have a bar team that’s professional, fun, and 100% focused on giving your guests the best experience possible.
🌙 Want to toast at Half Moon Empire? Schedule a tour—we’d love to raise a glass with you.
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