You’ve got the date, you’ve narrowed down your guest count, and now comes the big question: do you want your wedding inside one of our ballrooms or outside in one of our gardens? We hear this question almost every day during tours at Dallas Palms Venue, and honestly, both options have a lot going for them. The choice really comes down to what matters most to you and how you picture your celebration unfolding.
We’re going to walk you through the differences so you can make the call that feels right for your wedding. Whether you’re planning a traditional American ceremony, a vibrant Nigerian celebration, a colorful Desi family gathering, or a festive Hispanic wedding, we’ve got spaces that work beautifully for all of them.
Ballroom or Garden: What’s Your Starting Point?
The first thing we ask couples during a tour is what they’re picturing for their ceremony and reception flow. Some people walk in already knowing they want an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception. Others are open to either option and want to see the pros of each. Let’s break down what each space brings to the table so you can weigh them against what matters most for your day.
The Ballrooms Offer Climate Control and Grandeur
Our three ballrooms, Bel Air, Melrose, and Malibu, give you that polished, elegant backdrop without worrying about the weather. Bel Air is our largest space with mezzanines on both sides and can seat up to 500 guests inside. The crystal chandeliers and open floor plan make it work for everything from Indian and Pakistani wedding ceremonies to corporate galas.
Melrose seats up to 170 and has a central staircase that opens to a covered patio. That staircase becomes a natural focal point for grand entrances during Nepali weddings or sweet sixteen celebrations. Malibu is our most intimate ballroom with seating for up to 120 guests. It has two staircases and a central chandelier, so you still get that refined look even with a smaller guest list.
Inside, you’re getting modern style with timeless design. Our uplighting and ambience lighting are included with your room rental, so the space already has that warm glow before you add a single centerpiece. And if the weather turns unpredictable, you’re covered.
The Gardens Bring Natural Beauty and Golden Hour Light
Our gardens span across 6.5 acres of landscaped grounds, and they’re a completely different vibe from the ballrooms. Bel Air Garden is about 10,000 square feet and can hold up to 500 guests for a ceremony. It has an upper ceremony space with an arbor and water feature, plus a lower level with turf, a waterfall, and a lounge area. That waterfall backdrop is stunning for photos during Hispanic cultural festivals or American multicultural events.
Melrose Garden features two pergolas draped in string lights and works beautifully for ceremonies and receptions of up to 170 guests. The string lights create that romantic ceiling effect you see all over Pinterest, and during golden hour, the whole space just glows.
Malibu Garden is our most intimate outdoor option with an oasis feel. It holds up to 120 guests for a ceremony or reception and has a ceremony arch, water feature, and a string light ceiling overhead. Nigerian events and ceremonies feel especially vibrant here because the garden layout keeps everyone close and connected.
One thing worth knowing is that you can book ballrooms with gardens or keep them separate. Gardens can be added to the corresponding ballrooms. So if you want your ceremony in Melrose Garden and your reception in Melrose Ballroom, we can make that flow work smoothly.
What About Flexibility and Service?
Whether you pick a ballroom or a garden, you’re getting the same level of service from us. We provide full-service staff, day of coordination, setup, teardown, and cleaning during and after your event. Our in-house kitchen handles catering with menus across cuisines, and we accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and dietary options. You’ll also have access to our spacious bridal and groom suites, and security is provided.
Prefer to bring your own caterer? Dallas Palms has an open catering policy, so outside caterers are welcome. Clients are also welcome to furnish their own alcohol, and Dallas Palms provides the bartender and security. Please note that when clients bring their own food, cutleries and waitstaff are available for an additional charge.
Complete customization is part of how we work. We can source florals, centerpieces, sweetheart tables, and cake tables from our venue inventory or coordinate with outside décor vendors to match your mood board. If you need a screen and projector, microphones, sound system, or live streaming, we’ve got that covered too.
Making the Decision
So how do you choose? If consistent climate, built-in lighting, and a refined setting matter most, a ballroom gives you that without hesitation. If natural beauty, outdoor photo opportunities, and that golden hour glow are non-negotiable, one of our gardens is the way to go. And if you want both, we can combine them.
We’ve hosted everything from intimate Pakistani ceremonies to large-scale Vietnamese celebrations, and each couple finds the combination that works for them. You can request a pricing guide by filling out your information on our website, or you can book a tour and walk through both the ballrooms and gardens yourself. Contact us at (972) 416-1416 or email dallaspalms@gmail.com. We’re here to help you figure out which space fits your vision.
FAQs
Can I book both a ballroom and a garden for the same event?
Yes. Ballrooms can be booked with gardens or separately, and gardens can be added onto the corresponding ballrooms. Many couples use a garden for their ceremony and move into a ballroom for the reception.
Are the gardens available year-round?
Our gardens are available for booking throughout the year. Since they’re outdoor spaces, weather can be a factor, so some couples prefer to have a ballroom as a backup or choose a ballroom from the start.
What’s included with both ballroom and garden bookings?
You get full-service staff, day of coordination, setup, teardown, and cleaning during and after your event. Uplighting and ambience lighting are included with ballroom rentals. Spacious bridal and groom suites, security, in-house catering with dietary accommodations, and custom décor services are available for all bookings. Outside caterers and client-furnished alcohol are also welcome under our open vendor policy, with bartender and security provided by Dallas Palms.
How do I decide between Bel Air, Melrose, and Malibu spaces?
Guest count is usually the starting point. Bel Air works for up to 500 guests, Melrose for up to 170, and Malibu for up to 120. Each garden has a corresponding ballroom, so if you want both indoor and outdoor spaces, choosing the matching pair creates a smooth flow for your event.
