Planning your wedding in Waco and looking for a space that feels like it walked out of a Gatsby novel—only with better cocktails and curated tilework? Let us introduce you to Hotel 1928, the Art Deco beauty with modern soul right in the heart of downtown Waco. As a wedding photography couple who’s chased golden hour across Texas, we’ve seen a lot of venues, and this one? It’s in a league of its own.

Let’s dive into what makes Hotel 1928 such a knockout for couples who want their big day to feel timeless, trendy, and totally them.

What Makes Hotel 1928 a Standout Wedding Venue

A Design Lover's Paradise

You know when you walk into a space and you immediately start mentally adding it to your wedding Pinterest board? That’s Hotel 1928. Designed by Chip and Joanna Gaines (yes, those Gaineses), this restored 1920s hotel mixes moody glam with soft, creamy neutrals and vintage charm in all the right places.

From a Waco wedding photographer’s standpoint, it’s pure magic. Every corner offers a new backdrop—the velvet furniture, the ornate tilework, the rooftop views.

A Perfectly Placed Downtown Location

Hotel 1928 sits right in downtown Waco, walking distance from The Silos, the Brazos River, and a handful of our favorite coffee shops (needed for that wedding-day caffeine boost). For guests flying in or driving down from Austin or Dallas, it’s an easy and accessible hub.

Your wedding becomes a whole weekend experience, not just a one-night event.

Ceremony + Reception in One Gorgeous Space

No venue hopping, no transportation headaches. Hotel 1928 lets you host everything—getting ready, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception—in one space. Whether you envision an intimate rooftop ceremony or a grand ballroom reception, you’ll have flexibility.

They offer:

Rooftop terrace for ceremonies or golden-hour portraits
Elegant indoor event spaces with moody lighting and historic details
Private suites for both sides of the wedding party

Hotel 1928 Wedding Packages and Venue Details

Guest Capacity & Venue Spaces

The venue offers a variety of options based on your guest count and vibe:

Rooftop Terrace: Ideal for 20–80 guests. Best for intimate ceremonies with sweeping views.
Ballroom: Fits up to 200. Classy, warm, and spacious enough for a dance floor and photo booth.
Private Suites: For getting ready, first looks, or even a cozy post-reception hang.

What’s Included?

While packages can vary, many couples love that Hotel 1928 includes:

On-site coordination options
In-house catering and bar services
Stylish tables, chairs, and rentals (that you actually want to use)

We always suggest chatting directly with the events team for up-to-date pricing and offerings, as they tailor the experience to your wedding vision.

Why Couples Are Loving Hotel 1928

Pinterest-Worthy Meets Practical

It’s one thing for a venue to look good—it’s another for it to function beautifully on a real wedding day. Hotel 1928 pulls off both.

Your Guests Will Thank You

Guests can book a room on-site (no need to Uber across town), grab cocktails at the bar downstairs, and wake up to brunch in the same building. Downtown Waco has a charm that’s hard to put into words, and Hotel 1928 amplifies that by making guests feel like they’re part of something special.

Bonus? Your out-of-towners get the full Waco experience without needing an itinerary.

A Photographer’s Perspective on Hotel 1928

Natural Light + Rich Textures = Magic

If we could bottle the light that streams into the suites mid-morning, we would. It’s soft, flattering, and perfect for getting-ready shots. And the textures? Think leather, velvet, brass, and vintage wallpaper. Your album will look like a magazine spread—without feeling stiff or posed.

Favorite Photo Spots:

The rooftop during golden hour
Inside the vintage elevator
The library stairwell (yes, we said stairwell—it’s dramatic and amazing)
Cozy corners in the lobby

Timeline Tips for This Venue

Golden Hour Alert: If you’re planning a rooftop ceremony, time it to start just before golden hour. The sunset over downtown is unforgettable.
Getting Ready: Stay on-site to maximize your timeline and minimize transportation stress.
First Look: Do it in the library or rooftop terrace for a quiet, emotional moment before the bustle begins.

Tips for Planning Your Hotel 1928 Wedding

Book Early—This Place is Popular

Word is out, and dates are booking fast. If you’ve got your heart set on a spring or fall wedding, reach out early. Even weekdays are starting to fill up as more couples choose Hotel 1928 as their destination wedding venue in Waco.

Make the Most of the Architecture

We always encourage our couples to lean into the venue’s natural beauty. The dramatic archways, exposed brick, and curated design details make the perfect backdrop. You don’t have to over-decorate—it shines on its own.

Schedule Rooftop Golden Hour Photos

We time your portraits around sunset to take full advantage of that golden Waco light. Trust us: that rooftop glow is the good stuff. Bonus points if you sneak away during dinner for a few extra shots while your guests are munching on dessert.

Make a Weekend of It

Let’s be honest: your wedding is more than one day. It’s a chance to celebrate, connect, and show your favorite people your favorite place.

Some ideas for your wedding weekend:

Host a welcome dinner or drinks night at the hotel’s bar
Create a walking guide for guests to visit the Silos, coffee shops, or the Dr Pepper Museum
Brunch send-off the next morning in the hotel restaurant

Final Thoughts: Is Hotel 1928 the Right Venue for You?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as stylish as it is soulful, we’d say yes. Hotel 1928 brings together history, elegance, and ease in a way that few venues can match.

Whether you’re planning a 30-person micro wedding or a 150-guest blowout bash, this downtown Waco venue delivers. And from our perspective behind the lens—it’s a venue that photographs like a dream while still keeping everything grounded in genuine, joyful moments.

Thinking about saying "I do" at Hotel 1928? Reach out! We’d love to chat, share galleries from past weddings, and help you plan a celebration that’s uniquely you.

Need help visualizing your Hotel 1928 wedding? Check out our blog or slide into our inbox—we're always happy to share tips, timelines, and even our favorite secret photo spots.

Let’s make some magic in downtown Waco.

– Royce & Michelle
Waco wedding photographers who never say no to a rooftop sunset or a well-poured Old Fashioned

Hotel 1928 Wedding Venue Waco TX: A Downtown Dream for Stylish Couples