For nearly a century, The Watson Building has stood as a testament to Lubbock’s architectural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. Built in 1927 by Norman Baker, this historic landmark has transformed from a furniture showroom into one of the most sought-after wedding venues Lubbock has to offer. After 25 years of careful restoration by our current owners, we’ve perfected the art of blending vintage charm with modern wedding necessities.
1. A Living Piece of Lubbock History
When you choose The Watson Building for your wedding, you’re selecting more than just a venue—you’re becoming part of Lubbock’s story. Our building survived the devastating 1970 tornado that reshaped downtown Lubbock, standing as a symbol of resilience and permanence. The original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and restored 1920s architectural details create an atmosphere that new construction simply cannot replicate. Every wedding photo taken here captures not just your special day, but nearly 100 years of Lubbock history.
2. Unmatched Downtown Location with Free Parking
Located at 1109 13th Street in the heart of downtown Lubbock, The Watson Building offers something rare among wedding venues Lubbock couples desire: convenient urban access with complimentary parking. Your guests won’t circle blocks looking for meters or worry about parking fees. This prime location puts you within walking distance of Lubbock’s best hotels, allowing out-of-town guests to easily attend your celebration without transportation concerns.
3. Spacious Open Floor Plan Perfect for Any Wedding Size
Our 6,000 square feet of event space adapts beautifully to intimate gatherings of 50 or grand celebrations of 350 guests. The open floor plan, a hallmark of 1920s commercial architecture, means no pillars obstruct sightlines during your ceremony or first dance. This flexibility has earned us recognition in Lubbock Bride Magazine, where we’re praised for our “spacious and elegant” atmosphere that photographers love for its natural flow and lighting options.
4. Industrial Kitchen That Caterers Adore
Professional caterers consistently rank our industrial kitchen among the best-equipped in Lubbock wedding venues. With commercial-grade appliances, ample prep space, and proper ventilation, your catering team can execute everything from plated dinners to elaborate buffets seamlessly. This full kitchen access is included in both our rental packages, unlike many venues that charge additional fees or limit kitchen use.
5. Two Flexible Packages Designed for Real Weddings
Through decades of hosting weddings, we’ve refined our packages to match what couples actually need. Package #1 provides 12 hours of access—perfect for ceremonies starting at 4 PM with receptions ending at midnight, while Package #2 extends access to 16 hours for morning setup, afternoon photos, evening celebration, and stress-free cleanup. Both packages include premium amenities that other venues charge thousands extra to provide: a luxurious Bridal Suite with professional make-up bar, complete tables and chairs for 275 guests (35 round tables and 3 buffet tables), full industrial kitchen access, free downtown parking for all your guests, and perhaps most valuable—dedicated concierge service throughout your event.
Your attendant arrives before your event begins and remains until closing, coordinating vendor arrivals, handling unexpected situations, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. When combined with our flexible vendor policy, our packages include amenities that other venues either don’t offer or charge separately, and this transparency in pricing—everything included upfront—explains why couples consistently choose The Watson Building over seemingly “cheaper” venues that surprise you with hidden fees.
6. Award-Winning Reputation and Glowing Reviews
Voted “Best in Lubbock” isn’t just a tagline—it reflects consistent excellence recognized by couples, wedding planners, and industry professionals. Former clients like Matt F. describe “fantastic accommodations and incredible service,” while wedding planner Elaine W. calls us “the bomb” for DIY couples who want creative control. These testimonials span decades, proving our commitment to excellence isn’t a trend but a tradition.
7. The Perfect Blend of DIY Freedom and Professional Support
Unlike restrictive wedding venues Lubbock often offers, we encourage couples to bring their creative vision to life. Want to hang market lights? Design a unique altar? Create themed zones? Our team supports your ideas while our concierge service ensures logistics run smoothly. This balance between creative freedom and professional support makes The Watson Building ideal for couples who want personalization without chaos.
8. Stunning Natural Light and Photography Opportunities
Professional photographers consistently praise our venue’s photogenic qualities. Original windows flood the space with natural light during afternoon ceremonies, while exposed brick and vintage details create textured backgrounds for portraits. The building’s multiple spaces—from the grand main hall to intimate alcoves—provide diverse photo opportunities without leaving the venue, maximizing your photography timeline.
9. Climate-Controlled Comfort Year-Round
Texas weather can be unpredictable, but your guests’ comfort shouldn’t be. Our modern HVAC system ensures pleasant temperatures whether you’re celebrating in July’s heat or December’s occasional chill. The large, beautiful bathrooms provide additional comfort, offering space for bridal party touch-ups and guest convenience rarely found in historic venues.
10. A Legacy of Love and Celebration
Since 1992, The Watson Building has witnessed thousands of couples begin their marriages within our walls. This isn’t just our business—it’s our passion. Lois Tanner and our dedicated team bring personal attention to every event, understanding that your wedding day deserves nothing less than perfection. When you choose The Watson Building, you join a family of couples whose love stories are forever intertwined with this historic Lubbock landmark.
Experience The Watson Building Difference
Among all wedding venues Lubbock offers, The Watson Building stands alone in combining genuine historical significance, modern amenities, and heartfelt service. Schedule your private tour by calling 806-765-7171 or 806-543-4863, and discover why couples consistently choose our “elegant, affordable, timeless” venue for the most important day of their lives.