This week I had the pleasure of meeting with The George W Bush Presidential Center located in Dallas, TX. I loved getting to tour the venue, and see all the options the George W Bush Presidential Center has to offer newly engaged couples. I think it is a great venue for couples, looking for a classic & unique backdrop for their big day.

  The George W Bush Presidential Center is a nestled on a lush, 15-acre native Texas park on the campus of Southern Methodist University. It holds not only the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute but also Café 43. These three distinct venues offer a variety of spaces for each couple’s event. This allows couples to choose a space that not only fits their vision but also their overall budget.

When you first walk up to the George W Bush Presidential Center, your eye is immediately drawn to the building's colonnaded courtyard and fountain. It's surrounding landscaping perfectly accents the building's exterior and is a product of Mrs. Laura Bush’s longstanding commitment to the conservation of the Texas landscape.

The George W Bush Presidential Center - Cafe 43

Café 43 was the first venue option at The George W Bush Presidential Center I toured, and it is perfect for an event with a guest count of up to 150 guests (depending on the type of seating used). Café 43 can be used for both receptions & rehearsal dinners and offers both indoor & outdoor seating for guests. The room is surrounded by tall windows, white walls, and beautiful artwork that helps the space feel warm and open.

The George W Bush Presidential Center - The Presidential Library & Museum -Freedom Hall

The Presidential Library & Museum at the George W Bush Presidential Center was one of the most breathtaking spaces I had the pleasure of touring.  It's large interior allows for much variety in the floor plan and can hold up to 350  guests with a dance floor or 600 with cocktail style seating. Receptions are typically held in Freedom Hall. As you enter, you are immediately drawn to Freedom Hall's tall ceilings, large windows, & 360 video artwork. This video art surrounds the ceiling and is sure to impress guests as they walk in the space.

One of my favorite features of the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum is the Ceremonial Courtyard that is located just outside.  The courtyard is surrounded by impressive landscaping & bistro lighting that assures your guests will enjoy the exterior space throughout the evening.

The George W Bush Presidential Center - The Bush Institute - Hall of State

The Bush Institute is another beautiful space that is available to guests getting married at the George W Bush Presidential Center. It consists of the Hall of State room, that is perfect for events with a guest count of up to 192 guest count or 288 cocktail or reception style seating. The Hall of State's classic white interiors, red flooring, and tall windows make it an excellent space for the couple looking for a more traditional wedding venue. It even features an outdoor terrace that overlooks the George W Bush Presidential Center’s Texas landscaping, and even has a view of downtown Dallas!

The George W Bush Presidential Center-Café 34 -  Rental Inclusions

• Exiting Café bistro tables

• 60” Banquet Tables

• Café Chairs

• White Lap-Length Linen

• China

• Glassware

• Flatware

George Bush Presidential Library & Museum - Freedom Hall -  Rental Inclusions

• Freedom Hall

• Ceremonial Courtyard

• Exibit Galleries (Additional Fee)

The George W Bush Presidential Center - The Bush Institute - Rental Inclusions

• 72” Banquet Tables

• Banquet Chairs

• China

• Glassware

• Flatware

The George W Bush Presidential Center -  Interview

Shannon Rose Events: “What is something you think helps stand your venue apart from others in the area?”

The George W Bush Presidential Center: “We are a one of a kind space! Our Library and Museum is curated for our 43 president of the United States. Every presidential center is built specifically to honor that president. There is actually no other building like ours! Each space within the center has a unique quality. For example, the Museum has the only Oval Office replica in the state that allows you to come inside and take a picture at the president’s desk. This is an option to have open for your guests. A printed picture at the Oval Office desk is a great take away gift. The Bush Institute is a private space that adjoins a park filled with native Texas plants, some plucked from President Bush’s ranch, and a view of downtown. It’s like an oasis in the city! Lastly, our Café 43 has original artwork painted by President Bush, floor to ceiling windows, and stunning globe lighting. Perfect for rehearsal dinners.”

Shannon Rose Events: “What is your favorite feature of the venue?”

The George W Bush Presidential Center: “My favorite feature is that all three of our spaces have outdoor features! I know weather can get hot in Texas, but I love the option to get outside for any type of event.”

Shannon Rose Events: “Do you have an ideal client? If so what makes them ideal for the venue?”

The George W Bush Presidential Center: “If you watch the video in our Museum 360 screen you notice a portion that shows all walks of life. By that I mean it displays college students, veterans, dancers, photographers, doctors, etc. That is very important to making America such a wonderful country and that is who we like in our venue – all walks of life!”

Shannon Rose Events: “What is one of your favorite events this year? And what made it so memorable?”

The George W Bush Presidential Center: “We just had an event for a bourbon company that was created by a very special veteran group. They wanted to celebrate opening their Dallas market. What made it memorable was that they shared their story with the guests (they created a movie about it as well starring Chris Hemsworth) and what led them up to creating this bourbon. It was very inspiring!”