Frequently Asked Questions

Half Moon Empire can host weddings of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations of up to 400 guests. Our indoor reception hall, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers plenty of space for dinner and dancing, while our outdoor ceremony arches provide a breathtaking backdrop for vows.

Yes! Half Moon Empire is a full-service Texas wedding venue that allows couples to host their entire day in one location. Exchange vows outdoors under our romantic brick arches or choose our elegant indoor ceremony option, then celebrate with a seamless reception just steps away.

Rain doesn’t have to ruin your day. At Half Moon Empire, our backup indoor ceremony space keeps the beauty of the Texas countryside with grand windows and natural light. Couples love knowing their wedding will be stunning rain or shine.

Yes. Half Moon Empire offers seven on-site cottages that sleep up to 42 guests, including a luxury honeymoon suite designed for the bride and groom. On-site lodging means you can keep the celebration going all weekend without leaving the property.

Absolutely. Our bridal loft includes a private balcony, natural light, mirrors, and plenty of space for getting ready. The groom’s lounge features a bar, pool table, and patio. 

For safety and compliance, outside alcohol is not permitted. Instead, our in-house, family-run bar team provides customizable bar packages with TABC-certified bartenders. We offer everything from signature cocktails to mocktails, making us one of the top Texas wedding venues with full bar service.

We do not provide catering in-house, but couples are welcome to bring their own licensed caterer or choose from our list of trusted preferred vendors. We also allow food trucks. 

Yes — Half Moon Empire offers an in-house coordination team as an add-on service. If you do not hire a full-service wedding planner, our in-house coordinators are required to ensure your day runs smoothly.

Our team joins you 100 days before your wedding to create detailed timelines, communicate with vendors, run your rehearsal, and oversee the wedding day. This coordination service gives couples peace of mind and helps every event at our venue flow seamlessly.

Many brides searching for Texas wedding venues with coordinators choose Half Moon Empire because they know our required coordination option provides professional support without the cost of a full planning package.

All weddings at Half Moon Empire must conclude by 11pm, with cleanup completed by midnight. This policy ensures every couple has a fresh, polished space for their big day. 

Our wedding packages begin at $8,500 and vary depending on the season, day of the week, and services selected. 

Yes. Our venue is ADA-compliant with wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, ceremony areas, and reception spaces. 

Half Moon Empire blends luxury and Texas charm across 76 acres of rolling hills and century-old oak trees. With romantic outdoor ceremony arches, a grand reception hall, private cottages, bridal and groom suites, a family-run bar, and in-house coordinators, everything is designed to give couples a stress-free wedding experience.

At Half Moon Empire, most couples book 12–18 months in advance, especially for popular spring and fall weekends. We recommend touring early so you can lock in your dream date.

 Yes! We’d love to show you around our 76-acre estate. Tours are by appointment only — book yours here.

Your date is officially secured once we receive your signed contract and deposit. We operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

We don’t hold dates without a contract, but if you’re touring soon, we’ll let you know if another couple is interested in the same date.

Your booking includes exclusive use of the venue, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, reception hall, patio, bridal suite, groom’s lounge, catering prep kitchen, tables, and chairs.

We can host up to 400 guests comfortably in our indoor reception hall, plus additional outdoor options.

Yes — many couples say they love not having to move locations. We have stunning ceremony arches outdoors and an indoor ceremony option.

Both! We offer a grand indoor reception space with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor ceremony site framed by brick arches and oak trees.

We will shift your ceremony to our floor-to-ceiling windows inside our main space with majority of guests sitting at their tables.

Yes! You’re welcome to personalize your décor. Our team will guide you on what’s allowed to keep the space safe and beautiful.

Yes — we have seven fully furnished cottages on the property that can sleep up to 42 guests. Our Empire suite is designed as the honeymoon/bridal suite.

Absolutely! Many couples love having family and friends stay all weekend so the celebration doesn’t end after the reception.

Yes — you can book them together for exclusive access.

Yes, we’re conveniently located between San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, with nearby lodging options in Shiner and surrounding towns.

Check-in is at 2pm, and check-out is at 10am. Early access may be available by request.

Yes — our upstairs bridal loft includes a private balcony, full mirrors, lounge area, and plenty of natural light. 

Yes — the groom’s lounge includes a pool table, bar, and patio access.

Yes, tables (wooden rectangular & 60 in rounds), wooden chairs, and black lawn chairs for the ceremony are included in your package. We also have bistro tables with matching high back wooden chairs for cocktail hour.

Yes — we offer a private catering prep kitchen with a separate entrance for vendor access.

Yes, and our restrooms are spacious, stylish, and selfie-worthy.

No outside alcohol is allowed. Our in-house bar is run by our licensed team and offers customizable packages.

Yes — our family-run bar team provides professional, TABC-certified service.

Yes! We love helping couples design cocktails or mocktails to reflect their story.

We do not provide catering but have a curated list of trusted local caterers we love working with.

Yes — our layout allows food trucks to set up conveniently.

Yes — our in-house coordination team is available to hire. They start full communication 100 days before your wedding to finalize timelines, floor plans, and vendor communication if you do not hire a full service team.

Yes — outside full service planners are welcome. If you do not wish to use full service, we require hiring our in-house team.

Timeline creation, rehearsal management, vendor check-ins, and full day-of execution so you can relax. Plus many unlimited contact 100 days before the wedding to help ensure you are ready to go.

Yes, our team will run your rehearsal and ensure everyone knows where to be.

Our team manages the venue setup (tables, chairs, floor plan). Décor setup/cleanup is up to you and your vendors, though we’re here to support.

All events must end by midnight, with cleanup completed the same night.

Yes — we allow outside vendors, but we also offer a preferred vendor list to make planning easier

We allow live bands and DJs — the music just needs to wrap up by midnight.

Yes, with restrictions for safety. Our team can guide you on approved options.

Yes, pets are allowed for the ceremony with prior approval.

Our wedding packages begin at $8,500 and vary depending on the season, day of the week, and services selected. Contact us for a custom quote.

Yes — we offer installment options to make budgeting easier.

Yes, we provide special rates for weekday and non-peak season weddings.

We accept credit card, check, and ACH transfer.

Deposits are non-refundable, but they are applied toward your total balance.

Yes — all main areas of Half Moon Empire are ADA accessible.

Yes — we offer ample on-site parking for guests.

Yes — buses and shuttles are welcome for guest transportation.

Yes — we welcome families and have cottages suited for groups with children.

Yes! We also host rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, corporate events, and styled photoshoots.

Yes! We also host rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, corporate events, and styled photoshoots.

Yes — couples who book with us are welcome to use the property for engagement photos.

Yes — photographers and vendors may request styled shoot access by contacting us directly.

Yes — we’ll do our best to accommodate your travel schedule for a private showing.

Half Moon Empire blends luxury with Texas charm. From our breathtaking ceremony arches to our 76-acre estate with on-site cottages, in-house coordination, and family-run bar team, everything is designed so you can actually enjoy your day stress-free.