Food service is an important part of planning a wedding, but the right venue also needs to support the catering team behind the scenes. At Old Bethany in Lorena, we work with excellent caterers and provide practical spaces that help food service teams stay organized throughout the event.
Old Bethany in Lorena, Texas, works with experienced Central Texas wedding caterers and shares a preferred vendor list after booking, though couples can choose any caterer. The venue has a prep kitchen with a commercial refrigerator, stand-up warmer, triple sink, ice maker, and stainless steel prep tables. Couples may bring their own alcohol if a licensed TABC bartender serves it. Old Bethany is about 20 minutes from Waco, between Austin and Dallas.
Our 100-acre property includes a 6,500-square-foot air-conditioned white barn, a spacious prep kitchen, indoor and outdoor spaces, and ceremony locations that allow the main parts of your wedding day to happen in one place. Located about 20 minutes from Waco and centrally located between Austin and Dallas on the I35 corridor, our venue gives couples a convenient Central Texas setting for their celebration.
Strong Caterer Relationships Help You Plan With Confidence
We have relationships with excellent caterers and provide a preferred vendor list after booking. This gives couples a helpful starting point when choosing a catering team while still allowing them to make decisions based on their own wedding plans.
Our vendor policy does not require you to select a caterer from that list. You can choose the professionals who fit your celebration while knowing we have connections with experienced catering teams familiar with wedding events at our property.
Our Prep Kitchen Gives Catering Teams Space to Work
Our spacious prep kitchen helps catering teams prepare and organize during the wedding day. The space includes a commercial refrigerator, stand-up warmer, triple sink, ice maker, and stainless steel prep tables. The kitchen is part of our 6,500-square-foot barn and provides a dedicated area for catering needs.
The nearby Grand Hall in the Barn measures 3,600 square feet and offers space for wedding receptions. Wedding bookings also include 40 tables, 350 indoor cross-back chairs, 350 outdoor white garden chairs, and table and chair setup. Linens are available as an add-on.
Indoor and Outdoor Spaces Keep Your Wedding Day Connected
Our Grand Room features 35-foot ceilings, an all-white interior, a large wall of windows, and five sets of French doors. Two sets of French doors connect the Grand Room with the covered patio and Turf Lawn, creating a natural connection between indoor and outdoor areas.
Our ceremony spaces include The Turf Lawn and The Oak Tree. The Chapel, coming fall 2026, will add a 2,400-square-foot indoor ceremony option with a simple and elegant setting. Keeping ceremony and reception spaces on the same property means guests and vendors do not need to travel between locations during the celebration.
Clear Alcohol Guidelines Help With Planning
Couples may bring their own alcohol to Old Bethany, but a licensed TABC bartender must be hired to serve it. Planning this requirement early helps couples coordinate their catering and beverage services with the right professionals.
Our flexible vendor approach, catering relationships, and preparation spaces give couples important details to consider when building their wedding team. We focus on providing a venue layout that supports the people working to bring each celebration together.
Conclusion
Catering is one part of the wedding experience where thoughtful planning matters. At Old Bethany Weddings & Events, our relationships with excellent caterers, spacious prep kitchen, and connected indoor and outdoor spaces help couples create an organized celebration.
Couples planning a Central Texas wedding can request our Pricing Guide or contact our team to check availability and ask questions. We would love to show you around Old Bethany and share how our property can support your wedding plans.
FAQs
Do couples have to use a specific caterer at Old Bethany?
No. Couples are not required to use a specific caterer. A preferred vendor list is available after booking for couples who want recommendations.
What features are available in the prep kitchen?
Our spacious prep kitchen includes a commercial refrigerator, stand-up warmer, triple sink, ice maker, and stainless steel prep tables.
Can couples bring their own alcohol?
Yes. Couples can bring their own alcohol, but a licensed TABC bartender must be hired to serve it.
What ceremony spaces are available at Old Bethany?
Our ceremony spaces include The Turf Lawn and The Oak Tree. The Chapel, coming fall 2026, will provide a 2,400-square-foot indoor ceremony option. The Grand Room in the Barn is used mainly for receptions and other parts of the celebration.