If you are looking for a Dallas restaurant to host your wedding, start with Mirador. The Mirador restaurant is on the fourth floor of Forty Five Ten in downtown Dallas, with views most Dallas wedding venues cannot offer.
Jeemini and Dongchan got married here in September with their closest loved ones. The ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing all happened in one place. Here is what their wedding day looked like and why I think Mirador works so well for an intimate restaurant wedding.
Why a Restaurant Works for a Wedding
Mirador is a penthouse restaurant with 11-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around terrace. If you’re looking for views of downtown Dallas, this is the wedding venue for you! Pink curtains separate the ceremony and cocktail hour space from the reception dinner area. Both areas have full bars and lounge spaces, so guests can relax without bringing in additional rentals. I always preach that finding an all-in-one wedding venue is the dream because it improves the guest experience. When your ceremony and reception are in the same room, your guests stay the entire evening. You don’t have to worry about transportation to a second location, since they can literally walk across the room. This also keeps your timeline simple. No travel time between events gives you more room for portraits, family photos, and time with your guests.
Getting Ready Two Minutes Away
Jeemini and Dongchan both got ready at The Joule Hotel, a two-minute walk from Mirador. Staying this close meant the couple never had to rush. Jeemini got dressed with her mom and sisters, and her dad joined for a first look in the room. Then Jeemini and Dongchan had their first look at the hotel suite, followed by private vows. If you are planning a downtown Dallas wedding, a hotel within walking distance is one of the easiest ways to keep your day calm. Being able to walk across the street to your venue is a rare perk in Dallas and more common in places like NYC. Take the stress of finding transportation off your to-do list and opt to stay and get ready at The Joule to make your day easier.
Portraits Along the Way
After the first look, the couple walked from The Joule to Mirador. We took portraits along the route and then more at Mirador once we arrived. I loved bringing a touch of NYC to their portraits as we crossed Dallas’s busy downtown streets. Once we got to the Mirador restaurant, we took wedding party photos, followed by family portraits after the ceremony.
The Ceremony and Cocktail Hour
After the beautiful ceremony, the cocktail hour started right after, so the transition was easy for everyone. While guests settled in with drinks, we used that time for extended family photos. A good tip for easy transitions is to have your officiant announce that immediate family can stay seated for family photos. Photographing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins right after the ceremony means everyone can stay where they are, and we’ll grab a photo before they leave to join cocktail hour.
Sunset on the Balcony
Before the reception started, we planned to sneak the couple away to the balcony for portraits while their guests enjoyed cocktail hour. This is one of the biggest perks of having your reception at Mirador. The terrace is right there, so you’re only minutes from the party to capture skyline portraits at golden hour. If you choose a Mirador restaurant wedding, I highly recommend checking the sunset time for your month and building your timeline around it.
The Reception
Jeemini and Dongchan’s parents welcomed everyone with a prayer, and dinner service began soon after. If your guest experience matters to you, make food and drink a top priority. One thing I love about choosing a restaurant as a wedding venue is that they take care of all the drinks and catering. I’ve been lucky enough to eat at the Mirador outside of a wedding day, and I was so impressed with their food! I have to say, this was one of the best wedding meals I’ve seen, with multiple courses; every guest praised the food. After the toasts and cake cutting, everyone headed straight to the dance floor for their first dance, followed by dances with each of their parents. The night ended with a last dance with all their guests and a send-off on the balcony, where guests gathered as they crossed the street back to the Joule and waved to everyone.
Tips for Planning Your Mirador Restaurant Wedding
- Book a hotel close by. Getting ready within walking distance keeps your morning easy.
- Do family photos before the ceremony. Your guests can head straight to cocktail hour while you finish.
- Use the terrace for sunset. Plan a short break so you do not miss golden hour.
- Save extended family for after the ceremony. Everyone is together and ready.
- Think about your guest count. Jeemini and Dongchan hosted 99 guests, which I’d say is the maximum size wedding I’d consider for this venue.
Is a Mirador Restaurant Wedding the Right Fit for You?
If you want skyline views, a space that already looks stylish, and a wedding day that stays in one place, Mirador is worth a tour. It works especially well for couples who care about great food and a reception that feels like the best dinner party they have ever hosted. As a wedding photographer, I love shooting downtown because the city gives you so many backdrops within a short walk. Mirador gives you the best of that, all in one building. Are you planning a wedding at the Mirador restaurant? I would love to talk about your day. Reach out here and start planning your wedding photography.
Wedding Vendors:
Venue: @miradordallas | Planner: @re.finedevents | Photographer: @bethanymichaela | Content Creator: @poppyandemcollective | Cake & Macarons: @annies.sweetsntreats_frisco | DJ: @djmikevilla and @leforcedj | Florist: @catherinehuynhdesign | Hair & Makeup: @jessica.j.beauty | Photobooth: @360boothtexas
