Most Popular Inquiries

The Delightful Details

Do you allow outside vendors?

While Shirley Acres operates as an all-inclusive facility and does not offer the venue for rental alone, we understand the importance of flexibility with outside vendors. Typically, beer, wine, and catering services are required to be provided through us. However, we are happy to discuss options that can accommodate the specific needs of your event. Please feel free to reach out, and we can explore the best solutions together!

Can we bring in our own alcohol?

To ensure a great experience at Shirley Acres, all beer and wine must be purchased through us. We offer a selection of delightful house options for wine and champagne, and we can also source most brands of beer upon request. If you have a preference for a specific wine, upgrades are available. Additionally, we provide margaritas, bellinis, and a variety of other frozen drinks.

We do allow couples to bring in hard liquor, provided they hire a TABC-certified bartending service, which must be from an insured company. Shirley Acres will gladly supply all necessary setups, including mixers, juices, garnishes, ice, and glasses.

How much time is allowed for a wedding and/or reception?

At Shirley Acres, we offer a one-hour time frame for ceremonies and a four-hour period for receptions, making a standard event duration five hours from the start of the ceremony to the send-off. If you desire additional event time, it can be purchased for $600 per hour.

For couples holding their ceremony with us, we also provide five hours of access to a bridal suite before the ceremony.

Do you offer plenty of parking?

We offer ample free parking on our property, and valet service can be included in any package for your event if you wish.

Are we allowed to take engagement and bridal pictures on your property?

We warmly invite couples to capture their engagement or bridal photos on our property. To ensure that no other events are taking place, we kindly ask that you schedule an appointment with us in advance.

What if we are having a garden wedding and the weather is bad?

If your garden ceremony is scheduled to take place in the Courtyard and inclement weather arises, we are fully prepared to relocate your ceremony indoors at no additional cost. Given the unpredictable weather conditions on the Texas coast, we closely monitor forecasts and are experienced in communicating available options to couples when necessary. Rest assured, we will do our utmost to ensure that the indoor ceremony is just as beautiful as planned.

As a full service facility, what flexibility do we have with the choices and options of catering, decorations and flowers, cakes, linens, DJ, etc…?

While we are an all-inclusive venue, we believe that no two weddings should be the same. At Shirley Acres, couples have the opportunity to create a bespoke wedding experience tailored to their unique vision. You can choose from our most popular menus or collaborate with us to design a custom entrée.

You’ll have the chance to meet with the cake baker to craft your wedding cake and sit down with our in-house florist to discuss centerpiece styles and flower colors. If you choose our florist to create your personal flowers, you can design your bouquets and boutonnières as well.

You’ll also select your linens, provide details to help match with a DJ that fits your style, and work alongside your in-house coordinator to develop a floor plan and event schedule that brings your ideal wedding to life.

Do you offer off-site catering?

We are pleased to provide offsite catering services for your corporate or private parties that exude the same elegance and efficiency as events hosted at Shirley Acres. Whether you prefer a self-service buffet or a fully staffed plated event, we can accommodate your needs with appropriate linens, centerpieces, a coordinator, and bar service. Please reach out to us for an estimate tailored to your event.

How many events can you host per day?

Shirley Acres can host multiple events per day. Two events may go on during the same time frame.

However, if both events are weddings with ceremonies, they are scheduled at staggered times to ensure that guests from different events do not encounter each other. Typically, the wedding in the Pavilion is scheduled first, with at least a 2-hour gap before the wedding in the Garden Room begins.

Due to the significant distance between the Pavilion and the Garden Room, the two reception halls are well-separated, ensuring that each wedding feels private and exclusive to its guests.