Southern charm, history and timeless romance are a few descriptors of Southfork Ranch. From a family home to the set of a hit TV series to the event center it is today, Southfork is steeped in tradition and history. Create the experience of a lifetime by hosting your wedding at one of North Texas’s most beloved sites!
Photos: Courtesy of Southfork Ranch
The History of Southfork Ranch
Southfork Ranch’s history begins in 1970 when Joe Duncan built a 6,000-square-foot mansion on a 200-acre property for his family. In 1978, Lorimar Productions chose the North Texas showplace as the site for the CBS TV series Dallas. They wanted to film this new show for CBS-TV on location in North Texas, and they knew right away that Duncan’s beautiful property was the place to do it.
In becoming the Ewing Family Mansion in Dallas, exterior shots were filmed at the property while the Duncan family remained on-site during the early years. The Lorimar Production studio had built an entire mock-up of the inside of the ranch but continued to film the exterior shots at the property through 1989. By 199o, Dallas was filmed entirely in the studio. However, the reunion movies, J.R. Returns and War of the Ewings — along with the documentary Return to Southfork — came back to the ranch for filming.
As Dallas grew in popularity, the Duncan family began receiving requests to hold private parties and special events at the ranch. They made this possible by setting up a tent to host events outside while still living there. As demands increased, the family found it difficult to continue living in what was quickly becoming the leading tourist destination in the Dallas metropolitan area. In 1985, the Duncans moved away, and Southfork Ranch became solely a tourist and filming property.
Now, the property continues to host events — over 1,400 each year! From corporate events to weddings to special experiences, the team is well-versed in event planning and coordination. Take confidence in their years of experience, and read on to learn more about hosting your special day at Southfork Ranch!
Weddings at Southfork Ranch
For the southern couple who wants their wedding to personify the grand style of Texas, Southfork Ranch is the perfect pick. From the elegantly appointed Ewing Mansion to the beautifully manicured lawns, the Ranch makes for an exquisite backdrop. If you dream of a spectacular wedding with legendary style, Southfork Ranch has plenty to offer!
The property has 63,000 square feet of event space with multiple ballrooms, offering event capabilities for any-size gathering. Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony or a roaring reception, they have the space to meet your needs.
In addition to a variety of spaces, Southfork also specializes in customizing events to meet your exact needs and budget. With two full-time event professionals dedicated to coordinating and planning all aspects of wedding-related events at Southfork, you’ll be able to rest comfortably, knowing that your special day will be perfect, effortless, and memorable.
Another perk of working with Southfork is their full-service facility. Take the stress out of planning and let Southfork arrange all aspects of your wedding, including the following:
- Food and beverage service
- Florals
- Cakes
- Transportation
- Entertainment
- Specialty linens and decor
- Any other detail you might need to make your day special and memorable!
Take a trip to the ranch and see how Southfork can create a lasting memory with legendary style for you! They’d be more than happy to host you and your sweetheart on such a big day. Learn more about Southfork Ranch on their vendor profile here.