Revealing views of majestic oak trees and displaying soaring limestone columns, the Ray Ellison Ballroom offers glorious ambiance typically found in a faraway Hill Country venue. Yet the ballroom, situated between the La Cantera and Stone Oak developments, is in proximity to some of San Antonio’s most prestigious resorts, hotels and shopping centers.

“Our ballroom features upscale Texas elegance in a very accessible location,” says GiGi Weck, the ballroom’s event manager. “The venue provides sophisticated, sizeable and affordable wedding function space that includes many extra amenities.”

Built-in Sophistication

The rich materials of the ballroom are evident: Ornate scrolled wrought iron embellishes the double wood and glass entrance doors, wood box beam coffered ceilings reach up to 20 feet high, and hardwood floors cover the entire venue. Bestowing a modern dynamic, the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows curve along much of the ballroom’s walls.

Another eye-catching element, the towering limestone fireplace, stretches to the ceiling and features an expansive mantel that can be decorated with candles, flowers, greenery and other accents.

Located in the Greater San Antonio Builders Association building, the 3,000-square-foot Ray Ellison Ballroom showcases exquisite craftsmanship and architectural details. However, membership in the association is not required to rent the venue.

“You don’t have to be a member to host your wedding or other special event in the ballroom,” Weck says. “We invite everyone to take a tour and see how the venue’s spacious layout and high-end features can accommodate your cocktail, ceremony and reception occasions.”

Imagining the Possibilities

The rental of the spacious ballroom, which can seat 250 for dinner and dancing, includes valuable amenities that ease the wedding planning process and reduce budget expenses.

“We give couples an entire 12 hours for their big day, so they can relax and not feel hurried,” Weck says. “They have plenty of time to set up, decorate and host their event.”

The ballroom features a tile-floored foyer for the guestbook table, a stage that can accommodate a DJ and up to a 10-piece band, a dancefloor, and a video projector and screen. In addition, the wedding package provides banquet chairs and a couple’s choice of round, rectangular and cocktail tables.

“I help couples and their planners design a floor plan that will accommodate their various functions,” Weck says. “Once they know their guest count, the options unveil. I help them visualize where to place the tables and chairs, cake display, bar, buffet, food stations and entertainment, such as a photo booth.”

Conveniently, couples are given a list of the ballroom’s approved caterers who are familiar with working in the catering kitchen and serving in the venue. Guests appreciate that the venue provides more than 130 complimentary on-site parking spaces.

Rustic Romance

Abundant natural light, pleasant views of oak trees and flowers, and impressive high ceilings make the Ray Ellison Ballroom ideal for hosting a ceremony. The venue comes with a sound system for the ceremony music and two microphones so that everyone can hear the vows and officiant. As a plus, there is no additional rental charge for ceremonies.

“The rustic limestone fireplace creates an inviting backdrop to exchange vows, or couples can say ‘I do,’ in front of the stage area which can be decorated with an arch, candles or floral arrangements for added romance,” Weck describes.

Brides and their bridal party often get dressed at a nearby hotel and then ride to the ballroom just in-time for the ceremony procession. With a variety of hotel accommodations for every budget within five miles, the couple and their out-of-town guests are often only a short ride away from the venue, according to Weck.

“At our ballroom, couples experience the flavor of the Hill Country without the long drive,” she says. “So they can spend more time enjoying their day with their family and friends.”