J-D Ranch was still not 100% complete the day I had the privilege to tour the Texas hill country wedding venue when I was invited on a small group tour by Lizzette, with from His garden. But, aah… the views were 100% completely breathtaking. You could literally see across Texas for miles.
J-D Ranch, Pipe Creek, Texas
Gretchen met us for our private tour of the property and we were not disappointed—even in the slightest. She visited with us for nearly two hours and discussed how the J-D Ranch came to be, told us of all the future plans for the wedding venue, and what types of couples she hoped to attract and serve.
The Dunlap Ranch has been in Mitch’s (Gretchen’s husband’s family) for over 100 years and is actually where they married ten years ago. They love the property so much, they not only live here, they wanted to work here and share the property with others. That’s how the J-D Ranch was born.
As Gretchen and David, of David Pezzat Photography, overlooked the ceremony site, Gretchen explained this is the spot where the future open-air pavilion will be built by 2022. More amenities, like a bridal suite and a groom’s room, are planned but no definitive date has been set for those improvements. Gretchen admitted that all the improvements to the wedding venue will be taken slowly and steadfastly to ensure that they are the right decisions; they are committed to only incurring expenses that their couples want and need.
I admit I should have taken way more pictures during my site tour, but Gretchen was so easy to talk to. I was having just as much fun just talking with her as I do taking pictures. Next time I visit, I’ll take way more pictures, I promise!
More to Know
Okay, so what other facts do you need to know about the J-D Ranch as it relates to your wedding planning?
- Packages for weddings only OR weddings and receptions
- Full (seasonal) pricing is available on the website but starts at $1600
- Available for weddings and events of 200 guests or less
- Amphitheater ceremony seating on limestone butter blocks
- Paved parking for 100 vehicles
- Soooo peaceful out here; Texas skies for miles!
If you’re looking for that perfect hill country wedding venue and you’d like to arrange your own tour at the J-D Ranch with Gretchen, you can reach out here:
Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!
Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.
About Ata-Girl
I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.
I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!
You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!
I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.
If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.
I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.
When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.